Dr. Ronke Justina Komolafe photograph
Google ScholarORCIDScopusResearchGate

Dr. Ronke Justina Komolafe

Senior Lecturer | Ag. Head of Department

Faculty of Life Sciences · Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology

Specialization Plant Breeding

Office: Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Federal University Oye-Ekiti

Phone: 08138106512

Email: ronke.komolafe@fuoye.edu.ng

Biography

I am a plant breeder, quantitative geneticist, and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology at Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Nigeria. I obtained my Ph.D. in Plant Breeding from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, M.Sc. in Cell Biology and Genetics from the University of Lagos and a B.Tech. (Hons.) in Biology from the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
With over twelve years of teaching, research, and academic leadership experience, I have established myself as a researcher in crop genetics, plant breeding, quantitative genetics, and climate-resilient crop improvement. My research integrates conventional plant breeding with genomics, statistical genetics, phenotyping, and analytical approaches to develop improved crop varieties capable of withstanding stresses.
I have authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in reputable national and international journals covering genetic diversity, genotype × environment interaction, molecular characterization, quantitative trait analysis, and crop improvement in okra, cowpea, amaranth, and other economically important crops. My expertise includes multivariate statistical analyses such as principal component analysis (PCA), AMMI, GGE biplot analysis, correlation and path coefficient analysis, as well as experimental design and quantitative genetics.
I currently serve as the Acting Head of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti. I am an active member of several professional organizations, including the Genetic Society of Nigeria, Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) and the Association of Underutilized Legumes.
My long-term research vision is to leverage modern breeding technologies, artificial intelligence, and precision agriculture to accelerate genetic gain, improve food security, contributing to sustainable agricultural development in Africa and beyond.

Research Interests

My research interests are in Plant Breeding and Genetics, with a focus on the genetic improvement of vegetables and legumes through germplasm characterization, genetic diversity analysis, quantitative genetics, mutation breeding, and stress-resilience breeding. My work integrates conventional breeding, biometrical genetics, and molecular approaches to develop high-yielding, nutritionally improved, and climate-resilient crop varieties that contribute to sustainable agriculture and food security.

Qualifications

Selected Publications

  1. Genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, association between fruit yield and yield components of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) accessions grown in two different years. Israel Journal of Plant Science, 23: 1-15, doi: 10.1163/22238980-b
    Authors: Komolafe, R. J., Ariyo, O. J., Alake, C. O. and Oduwaye O. A.
    Israel Journal of Plant Science (2023)
  2. Yield performance and stability analysis of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) accessions using AMMI and GGE biplots
    Authors: Komolafe, R. J., Ariyo, O. J., Alake, C. O. and Oduwaye O. A.
    Journal of Agricultural Science (Belgrade) (2022)
  3. Diversity in Phenotypic Traits and Mineral Elements of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Genotypes
    Authors: Komolafe, R. J., Ariyo, O. J., Alake, C. O. and Oduwaye O. A.
    International Journal of Agronomy (2021)
  4. Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Fruit Yield Attributes in Forty Genotypes of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench).
    Authors: Komolafe, R. J., Ariyo, O. J., Alake, C. O.
    Agricultural Research (2021)
  5. . Genetic variability studies in seven accessions of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Moench.) using nine quantitative traits and chlorophyll content of leaves
    Authors: Komolafe, R. J., Agbolade, J. O., Ajiboye, A. A., Mustapha, R.T
    Journal of Biological Research (2019)

Awards

Scholarship

Membership of Professional Bodies

Paper Presentation - Local

Paper Presentation - International

Postgraduate Ph.D Supervision

Postgraduate M.Sc Supervision

Undergraduate Project Supervision

Course Teaching

Photo Gallery / Picture Evidence

Picture evidence