Tolerance of Abelmoschus esculentus (L. Moench) to diesel oil polluted soil

The effect of diesel oil polluted soil on the growth and yield of Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench was studied at the Department of Botany experimental garden, University of Uyo, Nigeria for sixteen weeks. The pollution levels of 40, 80 120, 160 and 200ml per 4kg of sandy loam soil were used, and 0ml (unpolluted soil) was used as control. Three (3) plants were maintained per poly bag, and each level of treatment was replicated three times using randomized complete block design. Significant (P < 0.05) reductions were obtained in plant height, leaf area, root length, fresh weight, dry weight, moisture content, fruit number and fruit weight of the crops in diesel oil polluted soil. No yield was recorded at 120and 160ml level of diesel oil pollution, while 200ml concentration did not support any growth of the crop. All treatment levels gave significant (P<0.05) decrease in nutrient elements in leaves of A. esculentusbelow that of the control, except at 40ml of diesel oil for calcium and sodium contents. Therefore, Abelmoschus esculentus is not a suitable species for cultivation where diesel oil pollution occurs

Growth Response of Explants of Irvingia Gabonensis (O'rorke, Baill) to In Vitro Treatment

Growth response of explants of Irvingia gabonensis to in vitro treatment was investigated using full, half and one quarter strength mineral components based on Murashige and Skoog medium. Plant growth regulator (kinetin-Kin) with concentration levels of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5mg/l were used for shoots initiation, while axillary formed shoots were rooted in various concentration levels of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5mg/l of indole butyric acid (IBA). One quarter strength growth medium containing 3mg/l kinetin, which supported the highest growth performance was used to study the effect of explant source and number of leaf primordia on shoot initiation of the species. Shoot length of axillary bud explant significantly (P<0.05) increased in one quarter strength medium than those of half and full strength media. Axillary bud explants with 1-2 leaf primordia gave optimum response in terms of regeneration frequency and coefficient of velocity of bud burst. High regeneration frequency and coefficient of velocity of bud burst with low percentage contamination were recorded by seedling and stump sprout explants. This study suggests that axillary bud explants of Irvingia gabonensis can respond to in vitro treatment under optimum culture conditions

Growth and development response of maize (Zea mays L.) In crude oil pollution treatment

Growth and development response of Zea mays were investigated at the University of Port Harcourt botanical garden. Crude oil pollution effects of direct spray on foliage or spill on soil on the growth changes and chlorophyll content of Z. mays were examined, alongside a control. There weresignificant (p = 0.05) reductions in chlorophyll content in treatments with crude oil sprayed on foliage or spilled on the soil in comparison with the control. Visual symptoms of crude oil contamination effects on Z. mays showed gross damage on the growth and development of the crop. This study shows that crude oil pollution has adverse effects on growth and development of Z. mays

The effects of Sawdust and Goat Dung Supplements on growth and yield of Okro (abelmoschus esculentus l. Moench) in diesel oil contaminated soil

Sawdust and goat dung supplements were studied for their effects on growth components and yield of Abelmoschus esculentus (L. Moench) in diesel oil contaminated soil. Each organic supplement was added at the rate of 3kg per 4kg of sandy-loam soil at various levels of diesel oil contamination (1.00, 2.00, 3.00, 4.00 and 5.00 %) in polythene bags alongside a control.  Mean values of physico-chemical properties of experimental soils were expressed.  Each level of treatment was replicated four (4) times and the set up maintained for 4 months. At harvest, the shoot length of the crop in the control treatment was significantly (P<0.05) higher than those at 2.00, 3.00, 4.00, 5.00 % (sawdust treatment) and 4.00 and 5.00 % (Goat dung treatment) levels of contamination, respectively. The shoot length and leaf area of the crop were comparatively higher in goat dung than in sawdust treatment. At harvest, there were significant (P<0.05) differences between the leaf area of the crop in goat dung and sawdust treatment at 1.00, 2.00, 3.00, and 5.00 % level of contamination.   The root length, fresh weight, dry weight, moisture content, fruit number, and fruit weight of the crop were comparatively higher in goat dung than in sawdust treatment. Therefore, goat dung supplement is suitable for amelioration of diesel oil contaminated soil compared with sawdust supplement. Key Words - Goat dung, sawdust, Abelmoschus esculentus, growth and yield performances, diesel oil, contaminated soi