Morphological response of Telfairia occidentalis Hook F to salt -induced stress and foliar nitrogen supply

Abstract

Salinity is one of the stress factors creating agricultural disturbance, nearly 20% of the world’s cultivated land is lost to it. Therefore, there is a need to investigate various nitrogen forms for their ability to suppress salt-stress to a minimal level. This study aimed at investigating Telfairia occidentalis Hook F for its response to salt stress and foliar nitrogen supply. A greenhouse pot experiment in a completely randomized design was conducted at Olabisi Onabanjo University. Growth parameters were studied over a period of 4 weeks and plants were subjected to 5 days of stress in the following combinations: Category 1 (C1) which served as the control received 500mls of daily watering, category 2 (C2) received 500mls of 0.1M NaCl, category 3 (C3) received 500mls of 0.1M NaCl and 100mls of 0.025M NH4NO3, category 4 (C4) received 500mls of water and 100mls of 0.025M NH4NO3. Water or NaCl was given to C2 to C4 every 5 days except NH4NO3 which was sprayed weekly. There was significant difference between the control and other treatment categories. The physiological response shows that 0.1M NaCl is a lethal dose because it led to reduction in growth parameters and eventual death of all the plants. However, only a plant survived in C2, while NH4NO3 suppressed salt effect in C3, C4 performed better with increased growth features close to the control. Further research should be carried out on the specific concentration of NH4NO3 required including its mechanism of action