Growth and Development Response of Telfairia occidentalis Hook. f. to Aluminium Sulphate Treated Water
P. O. Eremrena *
Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B.5323, Choba Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
L. A. Akonye
Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B.5323, Choba Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study was conducted to examine the response of Telfairia occidentalis to aluminium sulphate treated water. The growth parameters (shoot length, root length, fresh weight, dry weight and moisture content) and mineral elements (Ca, Mg, Na, P, K, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Pb) were determined using the recommended method of analysis. The result of this study showed that the shoot length, root length and moisture content of the crop significantly (P=0.05) decreased with increase in the concentration of aluminium sulphate treatment. The calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, manganese and lead content of the crop decreased with increase in the concentration of alum treatment. While the phosphorous, potassium, zinc and copper increased with increase in the concentration of aluminium sulphate treatment. Therefore this study suggests that higher concentration of aluminium sulphate in water can pose toxic effect to Telfairia occidentalis.
Keywords: Aluminium sulphate, growth, mineral element, Telfairia occidentalis