Abstract
The performance of maize (Zea mays) in crude oil treatment was investigated at the University of Port Harcourt botanical garden. Germination and growth responses of Z. mays were examined using various crude oil pollution treatments. There was no significant difference in the germination and development of Z. mays subjected to oiling at 1-3% compared to those of the control (0%), while 4-5% oiling showed a significant difference at P=0.05. Percentage germination decreased with increase in concentration of crude oil equilibrated with water. Germination rate decreased significantly with increased time of pre-soaking in crude oil. Crude oil spilled soil immediately after planting, increased the length of lag phase preceding germination from 48 hours to 96 hours and decreased percentage germination from 100% in the control to 58% in crude oil contaminated soil. This study shows that crude oil pollution has adverse effects on germination and development of Z. maysKEY WORDS: Performance, crude oil treatment, germination and development, maize (Zea mays)
Highlights
Zea mays L. of the family Poaeceae has a fibrous root system and produces bisexual flowers
Effect of varying concentrations of crude oil equilibrated with water on percentage germination of Zea mays: The percentage germination decreased with higher concentrations of crude oil equilibrated with water
Effect of pre-soaking in crude oil on percentage germination of Zea mays: The effect of presoaking seeds for 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 hours on the percentage germination of Z. mays shows that the highest percentage occurred in the control (0 hour)
Summary
Zea mays L. of the family Poaeceae has a fibrous root system and produces bisexual flowers. The leaves are about 50-70cm in length and 8-9cm wide. Oil pollution has been reported to physically act by absorbing light wavelengths essential for photosynthesis (Baker, 1970; Odjegba and Sadiq, 2002). Destruction of chloroplast membranes, in turn reduces photosynthesis, which will bring about reduction in growth and development and changes in metabolic processes may lead to growth inhibition and plant death or even physical smothering (Baker, 1970). The grain yield of Zea mays significantly reduced following crude- oil pollution (Edeme, 2001). The objective of this study was to determine the germination and growth of Zea mays in crude oil treatment
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