Suitability of Latex-Producing Plant Species as Bio-security for some Landed Properties in Jos South, Jos, Plateau State

Abstract

This study was carried out to ascertain the suitability of using latex-producing plants as bio-security for some landed properties, Jos South LGA of Plateau state with it’s headquarters located in Bukuru town at latitude 9°48′00″N and longitude 8°52′00″E.  A total of 10 households and 5 farmlands were sampled. At each land/field, sampling was conducted with a 50 x 100 m (5000 m²) area of a quadrate. The  first graph showed 437 of the plants collected as non latex-producing plants, 4.58% of the plants were used for the fencing (Bougainvillea) of houses characterized by thorns and spines as features of xerophytes, the remaining 95.42% of plants grow in open places affected by anthropogenic activities  and were not used for the demarcation of houses or properties. The second graph showed 607 plants as latex producing plant species in the surveyed areas. 4.46% showed the plants were used as horticultural plants (Euphorbia hirta) and herbivores do not eat them because of the harmful latex exuded by the plants when injured. 1.49% was regarded as farm crop (Ipomoea batata) while 92.89% of the plants were used for fencing and demarcation of houses and properties.  Most of the plants used as hedges are offensive in nature i.e. having thorns, spines and exude latex etc. they can serve as fence dissuade intruders and herbivores. Most of these plants like Euphorbia species are easy to propagate by stemming and do not require any special care such as watering once they are planted. Inhabitants are encouraged to use this plants to protect their landed properties and as horticultural plants because of their suitability.