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Ferruginicity is a special condition when soil became rich in iron. This condition is characterized by high pH and reduced bioavailability of plant limiting nutrients. Unfortunately, this type of soil covered 30% of arable lands in Nigeria. This research aimed at using a native plant growth promoting bacteria (Bacillus cereus strain GGBSU-1, Klebsiella variicola strain AUH-KAM-9 and Proteus mirabilis strain TL14-1) with phosphate solubilizing capabilities to remediate iron toxicity and improve soil nutrients, as well as soil micro-biota colonization. Soil physico-chemical properties before rhizo-inoculation (FA), after 16 weeks of rhizoinoculation with the PGPB into the rhizoid of a growing rice seedling (FB) and after 16 weeks of natural attenuation (FC) were analyzed. Phosphate solubilizing capacity of the PGPB was investigated using a developed Pikovskaya’s growth medium. The results showed that FA is rich in iron and deficient in bioavailable phosphorus and nitrogen (200.67 mg/kg, 8.01 mg/kg and 0.20%) respectively, as against the FB soil which showed moderate iron and increased soil nutrients (51.22 mg/kg, 20.21 mg/kg and 0.33%). The presence of acidic exudates, which was indicated by a red litmus paper at the rhizosphere in FB signifies the iron chelation capacity of the PGPBs resulting in iron remediation and soil nutrient improvement. Furthermore, the significant increase in microbial population in the FB soil as against the FA and FC corresponds with the SEM results at the root epidermis. Furthermore, other nitrogen-fixing bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis were observed to be active and motile in the FB. This indicated the effectiveness of PGPB with PSB capacities in iron remediation and soil nutrient enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In treating preeclampsia-induced wistar rats, this study examined the effects of methanolic plant extracts of Jatropha curcas, Alchonnea cordifolia, and Secamone afzelii, respectively, on the evaluation of HELLP syndrome. Fifteen sets of age-matched female Wistar rats were employed, with one serving as a control group. The Adriamycin Model was used to induce preeclampsia. The rats were then administered 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of the extracts. Another group was administered methyl DOPA (at 10 mg/kg). At the end of the study, the arts were anesthetized and sacrificed humanely. Platelet counts, hemoglobin, and liver enzymes were measured following standard procedure. The study found that extracts of plant extracts did not cause any toxic effects on test animals, and there was no mortality at 5000 mg/kg. Aspartate transaminase levels increased during preeclampsia, but J. curcas and A. cordifolia extracts at low-to-moderate concentrations reduced these levels. Post-partum AST levels decreased from 60.7 U/l during preeclampsia to 25.3 - 39.2 U/l. There were no significant alterations in total protein levels (p>0.05). Preeclamptic Wistar rats treated with theextracts showed higher packed cell volume and platelet counts during preeclampsia. Upon administration of 100 mg/kg J. curcas and 200 mg/kg S. afzelii, the prognosis of preeclampsia was generally better after postpartum than during the third trimester. The study reveals that preeclampsia treatment with J. curcas, A. cordifolia, and S. afzelii extracts improves liver enzymes, total protein levels, packed cell volume, and platelet counts, suggesting potential therapeutic options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-based nanoparticles offer sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional methods, promising antibacterial properties in the face of antibiotic resistance and addressing global health concerns. Five urine and stool samples were collected from the Benin Medical Centre in Benin City, Edo State, and sent to the Wellspring University Research Laboratory for microbiological analysis. Carica papaya and Bryophyllum pinnatum were used for fresh utilization by washing, weighing, and crushing their leaves, then mixing them with distilled water and heating at 85 °C and 60 °C for 60 minutes. Silver and copper nanoparticles (AgNPs and CuNPs) were synthesized using standard procedures. The NPs were preliminary validated by visual detection of color changes and characterized using a UV-visible spectrophotometer at 300 nm and Fourier transform infrared. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of plant-mediated NPs was investigated using five isolates: S. aureus, B. alvei, H. pylori, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of plant-mediated NPs was investigated using five clinical strains displaying multiple resistance to antibiotics: S. aureus, B. alvei, H. pylori, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli. The agar-well diffusion method showed inhibition of the isolates by plant-mediated NPs but no inhibition by the plant extract alone. The study indicates that plant-mediated NPs exhibit promising antimicrobial activity, promoting sustainability and eco-friendliness, but further research is needed to assess their safety and efficacy in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raw palm oil mill effluent contains a high quantity of organic matter that confers a high amount of biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) on it. Untreated palm oil mill effluent (POME) causes pollution of the environment affecting microorganisms, plants, and humans. The study investigated the bio-treatment capabilities of Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus, Penicillium, and Aspergillus species on POME from three oil palm milling sites. These sites have been receiving POME for over a decade at Ujiogba, Edo State, Nigeria. Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. were inoculated into the bio-treatment and reduced BOD by 60.79 % and 58.65 %, respectively, whereas the consortium of both isolates reduced BOD by 72.37 %. Aspergillus sp. had a percentage reduction value of 65.75%. Penicillium sp. had 70.19% while the consortium of Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp. had a percentage reduction of 72.89%. For COD, Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. had a reduction of 70.67% and 72.80% respectively, while their consortium had a reduction of 75.31%. Aspergillus sp. recorded 50.26%, while Penicillium sp. gave a 73.79% reduction. The results showed that the selected isolates, particularly the consortium, showed improved oxygen capabilities of POME thereby increasing its biodegradation and, subsequently, leading to reduced pollution and enhanced environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal medicines are increasingly being used during pregnancy and little is known of their potential teratogenic effect. The present study is therefore designed to investigate the teratogenic effects of methanol extracts ofthree medicinal plants; Jatropha curcas, Alchornea cordifolia, and Secamone afzelii in Wistar rats. The animals were administered the extractsat doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg.Morphometry of the placenta and foetus were recorded, the weight, crownrump length, head circumference and anogenital distance were measured. Acute toxicity of the extracts was also evaluated. Embryo resorptions in some treated rats as well as foetal malformation were observed. In the acute toxicity test, at the maximum dose of 5000 mg/kg, the methanol extracts of the three plants; Jatropha curcas, Alchornea cordifolia, and Secamone afzelii showed no harmful effects on the pregnant rats. However, strong teratogenic effects were noted. At doses higher than 50mg/kg, Alchornea cordifolia extract-exposed pregnant rats produced 7 dead foetuses out of 9 implantations; the live foetuses were deformed, particularly in their limbs. Animals administered with Secamone afzelii had 11% foetal mortality at 100 and 200mg/kg dose. No dead foetus or foetal deformity wasobserved in the rats administered with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg Jatropha curcasextract. Although the methanolextracts of the plants used in this study were not acutely toxic to pregnant Wistar rats at the doses tested, they caused some teratogenic effects, especially with Alchornea cordifolia extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the possibility of using phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) with plant-growth-promoting (PGP) capabilities to improve the growth properties of rice plants under ferruginous ultisol (FU) conditions through bio-priming. The following PSB with PGP properties were used in this study: Bacillus cereus strain GGBSU-1, Proteus mirabilis strain TL14-1, and Klebsiella variicola strain AUH-KAM-9, which were previously isolated and characterized based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Biosafety analysis of the PSB isolates was conducted using blood agar. The rice seeds were then bio primed with the PSB for 3, 12, and 24 h and then sown in a composite FU soil sample. Differences in germinat ion bioassay were investigated 15 weeks after bio-priming using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), morphology, physiology, and biomass parameters. The composite FU soil used in this study had high pH, low bioavailable phosphorus, low water-holding capacity, and high iron levels, which resulted in low growth properties of rice seeds without bio-priming in the FU soil. Germination parameters were improved in seeds bio primed with the PSB, especially after 12 h of priming, compared with seeds without priming. SEM showed higher bacterial colonization in bio primed seeds. Bio-priming of rice seeds with the studied PSB under FU soil conditions significantly improved seed microbiome, rhizocolonization, and soil nutrient properties, thereby enhancing the growth properties of rice. This indicated the ability of PSB to solubilize and mineralize soil phosphate and improve phosphorus availability and soil properties for optimum plant usage in phosphate-stressed and iron toxic soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Earth has become increasingly overcrowded as a result of rapid urbanization and population growth, with strong predictions that its carrying capacity could be overstretched soon. As a result, it is important to test the possibilities of growing plants under space exploration conditions, especially gravitational balance. Since microgravity impedes plant development, it is important to evaluate the extents by which plant growth stimulators can reverse or enhance this trend. A total of 12 maize seeds were weighed and placed sideways in petri dishes and inoculated with plant growth stimulators, indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA), and ascorbate (AA). They were clinorotated at different rates (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 rpm), while the control seeds were just placed on a balanced table. Results of this research showed that under microgravity, the maize seeds had a decreased level of germination percentage with increasing clinorotation rates at 72 hrs, compared to the control group. But when stimulated with IAA, GA and AA, they improved in germination percentage, compared to the control, even under microgravity conditions. The seedling dry weight, germination time and other germination parameters also showed similar improvements. Comparatively, the three growth stimulators showed no major variations in their ability to improve germination percentage under micro-gravitational impact. However, IAA caused more improvements in seedling vigor, compared to the other growth regulators, while GA had more effects on the rate of germination. This research confirmed the possibilities of improving germinability in maize seeds under space exploration conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of calcium carbide (CaC2) to ripen Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck and other non-climacteric fruit is prevalent in parts of the Global South. However, little to no information exists about the potential effects and risks associated with such practices. Hence, it is necessary to determine if contaminants like arsenic that are associated with CaC2 accumulate significantly in orange juices after they are ripened with the chemical. Fresh mature but unripe C. sinensis were harvested from an orchard in Benin City, Nigeria, and exposed to the different concentrations (1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 g) of dry and wet CaC2 in small lidded cylindrical containers with a surface area of 1507.96 cm2. In each container, three oranges were placed while the control setup was allowed to naturally ripen. The control oranges began to ripen on the 7th day, with severe colour loss, whereas the oranges treated with 5.0 g CaC2 (dry) began to ripen on the second day. However, there were already signs of rotting by the sixth day. Even though the orange exposed to 5.0 g CaC2 (wet) began to ripen after 24 h, there were no symptoms of fruit degradation after one week. Moreover, in oranges ripened with CaC2, there was a large deposition of arsenic. The dried and wet-CaC2-exposed oranges showed no significant variations in arsenic accumulation. It was found that the oranges contain 2.15 mg/L juice and 2.06 mg/L peel material. The use of CaC2 for fruit ripening is discouraged and could contribute to reducing the incidence of cancer, skin lesions, poor cognitive development, and non-communicable diseases like diabetes caused by arsenic exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, an increase in environmental pollution has been observed due to rapid industrialization, unsafe agricultural practices, and increased human activities on energy reservoirs. The wide use of petroleum hydrocarbon products as energy sources has contaminated the soil and the environment, thereby posing serious threats to all life forms, including humans. This study aimed to investigate the role of poultry droppings and pig dung in enhancing the bioremediation of diesel-contaminated soil. Soil samples were collected, processed by air drying and sieving, weighed in experimental bowls (5000 g), and contaminated with 250 ml of diesel. Then, poultry droppings and pig dung were added to the soil samples in different ratios, namely 1 : 1, 1 : 2, and 2 : 1. The diesel-contaminated soil sample without treatment served as the control. Thirty days after exposure to the experimental treatment regimes, the total bacterial count and the hydrocarbon-utilizing bacterial count of the diesel-contaminated soil ranged from 0.4 x 104 to 2.7x104CFU/g and from 0.1x104 to 2.1x104CFU/g, respectively. The total fungal count and the hydrocarbon-utilizing fungi count ranged from 0.6 x 10³ to 2.1x10³SFU/g and from 0.2x10³ to 1.7x10³ SFU/g, respectively. Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp., and Mucor sp were found to be active degraders. A significant reduction in the total aliphatic hydrocarbon (TAH) content of the diesel-contaminated soil was reported, with remediation approaching 95% in 30 days when the poultry droppings -- pig dung mixture was added to the soil. The remediation of diesel-contaminated soils is important for the enhancement of the ecosystem. This study has shown that the use of farm waste such as the poultry droppings -- pig dung mixture can enhance the remediation of diesel-contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enormous effects of food insecurity have worsened in Nigeria and are further heightened by internal conflicts combined with ongoing climate change impacts such as drought and floods. Moreover, food availability is affected by economic challenges especially a weakening of foreign exchange and fiscal revenues, which has reduced the rate of food importation and increased local prices. Furthermore, the geometric increase in population especially in the last five decades has placed enormous pressure on the limited food resources, making it more challenging for agricultural and food systems to sustainably meet local food needs. Put together, these indices are contributing significantly to undernourishment. The huge local legume resources if properly harnessed can contribute toward addressing food insecurity. However, most of the legumes are included in the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization list of underutilized crops. Also, there is an over-reliance on food high in calorie in Nigeria, which is discouraged by nutritionists worldwide. Plant-based protein from legumes is necessary for effective metabolism and human wellbeing. This work highlights the benefits of the sustainable utilization of neglected and underutilized legume resources in Nigeria. The work discusses potential solutions for food insecurity as well as avenues for improving human nutrition and wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensive poultry farming creates the ideal environment for pathogen concentration and transmission. The presence of thousands of birds in an enclosed, warm, and dusty atmosphere is ideal for the transmission of infectious diseases from birds to humans. This study was conducted to assess the indoor and outdoor air quality of different poultry types in Edo State, Nigeria. The physicochemical conditions of the air around the poultry environments differed with location and poultry types. The concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) as well as particulate matter (PM10) were all within recommended limits established by the World Health Organization. However, significant elevations in Ammonia (NH3) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) levels were observed in substandard poultry farms across the locations. Total bacterial counts ranged from 1.38CFU/m5 - 90.35 x 105CFU/m³ irrespective of location and poultry type. Within the poultry types, bacteria count inside the poultry environment (3.11 x105CFU/m³) significantly differed from concentrations outside the poultry environment (22.58 x105CFU/m³, p<0.05). The Lowest microbial counts were obtained in the standard poultry farms. Molecular identifications revealed the presence of Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Bacillus subtilis as the bacterial isolates whereas Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Trichoderma polysporum, Aspergillus fumigatus were the fungal isolates. Staphylococcusaureus was the most predominant bacterial species (25%) while Aspergillus niger was the most predominant fungal species (30%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.) seed germination proceeds once adequate temperature and moisture content have been reached and dormancy is broken. Seed priming is a technique in which seeds are hydrated (control hydration) and dried to their original moisture content while preventing radicle emergence. The study aims to investigate the consequence of osmo-priming on the germination parameters of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis). Laboratory studies were carried out using 36 seeds of fluted pumpkin which was osmoprimed with NaCl (0.05, 0.1 and 1 millimolar), MgCl2 (0.05, 0.1 and 1 millimolar) and KCl (0.05, 0.1 and 1 millimolar). Data on germination percentage, growth parameters, and chlorophyll content showed a significant difference in germination percentages between osmoprimed seeds and control seeds. The time of germination in osmoprimed seeds was significantly reduced when compared with control. The germination rate index (64%) was different between controls and osmoprimed seeds with 0.05 millimolar KCl and 0.10 millimolar MgCl2 (). The growth parameters of seedlings 15 days after sowing showed significant increase in the number of leaves, number of root branches and chlorophyll content. Seed osmopriming may be a sustainable method to increase crop production in T.ccidentalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the Effects of methanolic leaf extracts of Jatropha curcas, Alchonnea cordifolia, Secamone afzelii in Doxorubicin-induced hypertensive nephropathy in pregnant Wistar rats. Plant samples (leaves) were washed severally with distilled water, air-dried, and crushed to powder and were filtered, then soaked in 200mL of methanol for 12 hours. The LD50 was determined to ascertain the safety of the plant extracts for use. Female Wistar rats, aged 3 days apart, used in the study, were acclimatized for one week. Doxorubicin nephropathy was induced with 3.5mg dose intravenously through the caudal vein. Urea levels were found to have increased significantly in the third trimester (9.3 mmol/L) in the hypertensive nephropathic group. Hypertensive nephropathy also caused an increase in plasma Creatinine levels (333.64 μmol/L) and (172.73 μmol/L) in the third trimester and postpartum, respectively. The administration of plant extracts resulted in a significant decrease in urine creatinine (845.45–481.82 μmol/L) and a significant increase in Protein- Creatinine Ratio (PCR, 3.0–7.3 mg/dL) in the nephropathic group, but a contrary report in the post-partum group, with significant increases in micro-protein (17.1–21.9 mg/dL). Plasma urea and plasma creatinine had a significant relationship in the third trimester (r=0.853 and 0.810, p=0.01). Plasma urea, on the other hand, had no significant association with plasma creatinine throughout the postpartum period. This study's findings suggested that Jatropha curcas, Alchonnea cordifolia, and Secamone afzelii extracts could be useful in the treatment of chronic renal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crude oil contamination is known to cause unwholesome damage to man, his environment comprising of soil, air and water bodies as well as other forms of life. This study determined the effect of crude oil polluted soils on the composition of different microorganisms and plants and the growth of Pleurotus tuberregium. Oil polluted soils in bowls were amended with sawdust from Brachystegia nigerica as substrate. Fruiting bodies and the diameter of the mushroom cap were found to increase with increasing weeks of exposure to oil as against the control which had no fruiting bodies throughout the experiment. Pepperomia pellucida was found to be the predominant weed (n = 20), followed by Asystasia gangetica (n = 11). The bacterial and fungal counts were higher at the oil polluted soil attached to sclerotia than the control. The growth of Pleurotus tuberregium in the polluted soil samples showed its ability to degrade and utilize hydrocarbon as the source of carbon and energy, thereby remediating the contaminated soil environment. This work has shown that the fungus has bioremediation and pollution control capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the possibility of growth-promoting rhizobacteria to enhance plant growth capacities of Amaranthus hybridus and A. viridis in ferruginous ultisols comparative to humus. The experimental setup was divided into two groups; the first comprised of 2 weeks old plants that were inoculated using the rhizobacteria – Pseudomonas putida, P. fluorescence and a combination of both in the ratio of 1:1, in both humus (HMS) and ferruginous red (FRS) soils. The second consisted of seeds of the test plants bioprimed with the bacteria in filtrates of HMS and FRS respectively. Germination percentage in the Pseudomonas -exposed seeds was better when seeds were primed for 24 h than for 3 h in both plant species. Further, results showed that plants sown in the ferruginous soil were short-lived compared to those sown in humus containing soil irrespective of microbial treatments. The growth parameters of plants inoculated with the Pseudomonas species were better than the uninoculated plants and plants sown in the humus soil. Qualitative assessment of phytochemicals showed the presence of saponins, phenolic, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids in both species notwithstanding inoculation. The presence of glycosides in plants inoculated with P. pseudomonas was reported, but not in the control plants. Significant reduction in total phenols upon inoculation of plants with P. putida was also reported. Following the failure of FRS-exposed plants to subsist, in-vitro growth studies were conducted to compare seed growth response. Results suggest that seeds sown in FRS-filtrates performed better than those in HMS-filtrates. Pseudomonas species improves the growth, development and stress tolerance of Amaranthus species in humus soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The differential growth responses and morphological changes exhibited by Chromolaena odorata in heavy metal-polluted soil were investigated. This was with a view to providing information on the test plant growth adaptation potential during heavy-metal exposure. Fresh- stem cuttings of C. odorata were propagated in Manganese, Cadmium, Copper, Lead and Zincpolluted soils. Heavy-metal (HMs) concentration in soil was based on the respective ecological screening value/benchmark for each metal. The ESV values for the HMs were 50, 4, 100, 50 and 50 mg/kg respectively. Heavy-metal concentrations for the study were 1, 3 and 5 times their respective ESV. The control experiment consisted of plants grown in metal-free soil. The plants were observed for eight months. There was a compensatory growth response of the test plant under heavy-metal exposure. Although growth suppression in some plant parameters occurred as a result of heavy-metal exposure, there were enhanced growth responses with regards to some other parameters. Although, plant height was reduced from 132.2 cm in the control plants to 88.21 - 111.4 cm in the heavy metal-exposed plants, there was > 25% increase in the number of leaves of heavy metal-exposed plants compared with the control plants. The plant showed compensatory growth responses necessitated by heavy metals. Generally, significant foliar chlorosis and necrosis, leaf curling and folding, leaf loss/senescence, refoliation capacity and unique patterns of display of foliar scorching were reported. Despite general growth suppression, the capacity of the plant to subsist at heavy metal concentrations five times higher than benchmark values was noted; an indication that the test plant might be tolerant to heavy metals, and can be used for phytoremediation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many fruit vendors in Nigeria adopt unhealthy practices to induce fruit ripening and increase the availability of ripe fruits in the markets. We investigated the safety of traditional induced ripening techniques on two banana species (Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana). Unripe mature banana fruits were harvested and subjected to five different local ripening procedures – exposure to sunlight, hot water priming, enclosure in sack bags and nylon bags as well as exposure to calcium carbide (CaC2) in an enclosed container. The study included a control group, which was not exposed to any of the traditional ripening methods. Results showed that banana fruits primed in hot water turned dark throughout the period under review. Although it took control fruits six days to ripen, the fruits exposed to different weights of CaC2 ripened fastest (within 48–hours) irrespective of the mode of application, whether as dried CaC2 or in solution. Increased sugar accumulation was recorded in the CaC2 – ripened fruits, with evidence of arsenic (0.026–0.164 mg/kg) in the endocarp. Arsenic is an impurity in CaC2 and also known to be a harmful heavy metal. Post-harvest spoilage of both Musa species began on the fourth day after exposure to CaC2, whereas spoilage was not reported within nine days for fruits exposed to other ripening procedures. With the accumulation of arsenic and the early post-harvest spoilage of banana fruits due to CaC2 exposure, the local use of CaC2 for fruit ripening should be discouraged. We recommend the use of nylon and sack bags as well as exposure to sunlight because of longer shelf life and minimal effects on fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of salicylic acid (SA) on the germination and early seedling growth of Pigeon pea ( Cajanus cajan L., Fabaceae). Pigeon pea were sown in soils containing 5 mg/l, 10 mg/l, 20 mg/l, 30 mg/l and 50 mg/l SA and a control (0 mg/l). The treatment was applied to the plant for 6 weeks from the day of planting. It was observed that the leaflet area increased more in plants that received SA treatment in low concentration (0 mg/l, 5 mg/l, 10 mg/l and 20 mg/l) than in those with higher concentration (30 mg/l and 50 mg/l). The same result was obtained in the total chlorophyll content of the leaves and in average height of the plant (p<0.05). It was also observed that the number of leaves formed were more in plant that had little SA concentration. However, it was also discovered that at concentration below 10 mg/l, the growth promoting effect of SA declined. The study presents supporting evidence that optimum SA concentration required for maximum seed germination and early seedling growth in C. cajan is 20 mg/l. This finding will act as guide in the application of SA treatment in growing C. cajan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus (p) is a chemical component that has a concentration in the world’s land mass of around one gram for each kilogram. 85% to 95% of cellular phosphorus is available in the vacuole, 31p-nmr examinations uncovers the inadequacy of inorganic phosphorus (pi) efflux from the vacuole to make-up for a fast reduction of the cytosolic pi focus during phosphorus starvation. Activities of phosphorus use involve biogeochemical mechanisms of phosphorus in soil, the phosphorus cycle, chelation of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and aluminium (Al) and their subsequent removal from forming insoluble phosphorus compounds, transformation of phosphorus in the soil, and fixation of phosphorus in the soil. Phosphorus utilisation occur through solubilization by microbes which could be bacteria, fungi or bio-fertilizers that produce phytohormone, siderophores and antibiotics. However, factors affecting phosphorus solubilization are pH and temperature which are key predominant players for phosphorus adsorption dynamics from the soil and rhizosphere by plants, soil phosphorus transformation, spatial availability and acquisition of soil phosphorus, root architecture, bioavailability and acquisition of soil phosphorus, phosphorus cycling and bioavailability in soil-plant systems, its chemistry as well as its final uptake and utilization by plants. Overall, the phosphorus nutrition of plants is majorly monitored by phosphorus dynamics in the soil/rhizosphere-plant continuum. Given the usefulness of phosphorus to plants and its importance as a strategic resource, a better understanding of phosphorus dynamics in the soil/rhizosphere-plant continuum is necessary to lead the establishment of integrated phosphorus-management strategies involving manipulation of soil and rhizosphere activities, development of phosphorus-efficient crops, and improving phosphorus-recycling efficiency in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study investigate the physico-chemical properties as well as nutrient content of ferruginous soils (FS) in Benin and its possible impact on plant distribution. Six FS and a control were sampled from different regions within Benin metropolis and were analyzed for physico-chemical properties following standard procedures. The FS were observed to be acidic as compared to the control which is slightly acidic. Soil organic matter, available phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, water holding capacity and total nitrogen were significantly low (p<0.05) in the FS comparative to the control soil. Iron levels were higher in the FS than the control soil. Significant differences were observed in species frequency between the ferruginous regions. Eleusine indica was observed as the most abundant in all the sampled regions. The FS obtained from Ekenwa road, Benin-City (F1) showed poorest fertility properties and low species abundance as well as high iron levels compared to other ferruginous regions. The study recommends sustainable improvement of ferruginous soils in Benin-City for improved agricultural yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was undertaken to investigate the capability of Vernonia amygdalina Delile to bioaccumulate heavy metals in a model heavy metal polluted (MHP) soil. Stems cuttings of V. amygdalina were planted in soils polluted with 15, 45, and 90 mg/kg concentrations of Cd and Pb and in combination. After 4 months, results showed a significant reduction in height of plants grown in MHP soils compared to the control (p<0.05). However, the number of primary root branches per plant significantly increased with exposure to MHP soils (31 - 49) compared to the control (29). Metal accumulation by V. amygdalina in MHP soil was significant. Phytoaccumulation efficiency of plant leaves was highest (11.47%) when metal concentration was least, compared to 2.34% efficiency of the test plant in 90 mg(Pb)/kg-polluted soil. The concentration of Cd in the leaves of V. amygdalina was 2.51 mg/kg compared to a residual soil concentration of 5.83mg/kg in the 15mg Cd-polluted soil. The amount of Cd lost in the soil was highest with higher soil metal concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Agriculturae Slovenica is the property of Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study investigated the effects of varying pH levels on the growth and development of salt-exposed rice (Oryza sativa L.) after inoculation with Bacillus subtilis. Germinated rice seedlings (var. FARO 44) were sown in garden soils amended to 100 mM NaCl, and were thereafter inoculated with Bacillus subtilis. The transplants were subsequently exposed to periodic wetting with 5 mL of pH-buffered water (pH 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11) every day, and with 5 mL of 100 mM NaCl every 4 days. The set up was monitored during a 30-day period. Results showed significant reduction in chlorophyll a and b as well as lycopene and tocopherol contents of leaves due to changes in the lipid-to-protein ratio of pigment-protein complex or increased chlorophyllase activity and drought stress. There were improved morphological characteristics such as plant height, sheath and foliar dimensions due to inoculation of B. subtilis. Increase in salinity resulted in a decrease in plant height, leaf length and sheath. Inoculation not only promoted rice growth, but also enhanced rice tolerance towards salinity owing to the fact that FARO 44 is a salinity-tolerant rice variety. A better understanding of the interaction between microbial inoculants and soil conditions is required to harness the desired benefits towards improving crop development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The present study investigated the growth and yield responses of rice (Oryza sativa) after rhizoinoculation with selected plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, PGPRs, (Bacillus subtillis, Micrococcus varians and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) in an ultisol. Viable rice (NERICA) seeds were acquired and sown in a nursery. When rice seedlings had attained the 3-leaf stage, they were removed from the nursery to be transplanted unto experimental bowls after immersing their roots in microbial culture of the PGPRs for 25 mins in a 50ml beaker (dilution factor = 10-3). Results showed no effects on chlorophyll contents. Overall plant survival was also not affected (p>0.05) by PGPR-inoculation (88.32 - 98.32%). Significant improvement in rice yield was reported in the stands inoculated with P. aeruginosa. There were 49 seeds per plant compared to 25 in the control. Per plant yield was 0.53g in P. aeruginosa-inoculated rice stands compared to 0.28g obtained in the control (p<0.05). The yield of stands inoculated with B. subtillis and M. varians were comparable with the control. There was significant (p<0.05) reduction in leaf loss as well as leaf drying compared to control plants, thus indicating the importance of PGPR in plant development under influence of environmental stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium stress are known to reduce crop productivity, increase reactive oxygen species and impair photosynthetic processes. The present study aimed to determine the physiological and biochemical characters of cowpea accessions (TVu-91, TVu-92, TVu-93, TVu-95, and TVu-96) to cadmium stress. Cowpea seeds were exposed to three concentration of CdCl2; the control (0ESV), Cd-2.5ESV and Cd-5ESV and laid out in randomized block design (RBD) for five months. Parameters were evaluated both above and below ground level at the seedling stage. The leaves were partitioned into young leaf (YP), intermediate leaf (IP) and old leaf (OP) for a concise distribution of foliar chlorosis and necrosis 84 days after sowing. The physiological characters, chlorophyll content, enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities were also determined. From the result, the shoot, root and petiole length, number of primary stem and root branches of TVu-91, TVu-92, TVu-93, TVu-95 and TVu-96 were reduced with increased cadmium concentration. Cadmium stress also resulted to a significant difference in the number of root nodule of TVu-96 as compared to TVu-95. Cadmium stress increased foliar chlorosis and necrosis with increased concentration however, the effect were more in older leaves (OP) as compared to the young leaves (YP) and intermediate leaves (IP). There was an insignificant increase in the chlorophyll-a/b content with increased concentration. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) showed the highest activities in TVu-93 while the MDA content of TVu-92 and TVu-93 were significantly increased. Generally, cadmium stress reduced the overall foliar yield, plant dry weight and root dry weight of cowpea accessions. Cadmium significantly reduced the above and below shoot parameters, resulting in increased MDA levels however, the plant responded by employing proline and catalase as a defense mechanism in combating the oxidative stress mitigated by the metal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water samples were collected from a semi urban community in Nigeria with the aim of investigating the water quality index and antibiotic profile of bacterial isolates of closed ground water and open hand dug wells. Physicochemical and microbiological analyses were carried out using standard analytical methods. pH of groundwater and hand dug well ranged from 4.16 to 5.74 and 4.83 to 5.22 respectively. The total suspended solid of water samples for hand dug well ranged from 1.2-9.2mg/l. Also iron concentrations for groundwater and hand dug well water samples ranged from 0.15-0.54 mg/l and 0.62-1.12 mg/l respectively. Microbial analysis of the water samples revealed the presence of bacteria such as S. aureus, Klebsiella sp., E. coli, B. subtilis, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas hydrophila and Enterobacter aerogenes and fungi such as Aspergillus niger, Penicillium notatum, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus stolonifer and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The total heterotrophic bacterial count of water samples for groundwater and hand dug well samples indicated that values ranged from 2.9 - 4.4 ×103 cfu/ml and 5.4 - 8.6 ×103 cfu/ml respectively. Total coliform of water samples for groundwater and hand dug well samples indicated that values ranged from 5-8 MPN/100ml and 10-20 MPN/100ml respectively. E. coli count of water samples for groundwater and hand dug well samples indicated that values ranged from 0.0 MPN/100ml and 4- 8 MPN/100ml respectively while total fungal count of groundwater and hand dug well samples indicated that values ranged from 0.0 - 6.0×102 cfu/ml and 3.5×102- 17.0×103 cfu/ml respectively. Variable antibiotic susceptibility patterns were observed in antibiotic inhibitory zone (mm) among the tested bacterial isolates. Evaluation of Water Quality Index indicated values of 34.4 for groundwater source indicating good water quality and 67.31 for open hand dug well indicating water was of poor quality. Findings from this study revealed that groundwater sources had better and acceptable quality compared to those of open hand dug wells, hence it is recommended that critical measures be put in place to ensure the safety of both sources of water in Koko community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of Chromolaena odorata propagated by stem cuttings and grown for 50 days in the soil containing five (5) different concentrations of spent lubricating oil (SLO) in soil (0, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 % SLO), was investigated. The experiments were watered daily at 70% moisture field capacity. Parameters such as number leaves per plant, shoot length, plant height as well as nitrate reductase activities were measured. Shoot length as well as leaf number were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced, compared to the control treatment. Results also showed that nitrate reductase activities increased slightly with time. However, beyond 40 days, nitrate reductase activity was not detected in 3% - 12% w/w oil-in-soil treatments, respectively. Pollution indices such as Contamination factor and Hazard Quotient, used in the present study indicated significant reduction in contamination values upon sowing of C. Odorata. Values obtained from Bioaccumulation Quotients also indicated that the plant was able to significantly bioaccumulate elements such as Fe, Cu and Ni present in the SLO-polluted soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three forms of fruit are distinguished in the Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.): Dura, Pisifera and Tenera. The most cultivated high yielding oil palm variety, the thin shell Tenera is produced from the cross between the thick shelled Dura and the shell-less Pisifera. Due to the perennial nature of the oil palm, it is impossible to determine the fruit phenotype until it is reproductively mature. Oil palm farmers are therefore faced with the challenge of uncertainty of the kind of fruits and yield output expected until production time. The recent sequencing of the shell gene in the oil palm made it possible to identify Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) mutations that are now useful in developing molecular markers for fruit form predictions. In this study, Allele Specific PCR (AS-PCR) was used to assess regions of the shell gene containing SNPs for oil palm fruit form discrimination. Three primer pairs (S1, S2 and S3) were designed as common primers while four AS-PCR primers (S20, S22, S32 and S33) were adopted as inner primers. Possible combinations of common and AS primers were investigated in Dura, Pisifera and Tenera genomes. A 300bp fragment was observed to be unique in the Tenera shell gene when S3 was combined with S20 and S32. Other inner primer combinations investigated with S3 generated similar assays in Dura, Pisifera and Tenera. The result from this study detects a marker for the Tenera fruit form of the oil palm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited supplies of freshwater are of concern worldwide. The ever growing demand for water for agricultural purposes warrants the need for alternative water sources for irrigational purposes. Soap-based grey water was used to irrigate fluted pumpkin plants (Telfairia occidentalis) at different frequencies of wetting for a period of 3 months; this was coupled with the concomitant effects of shading conditions. The results obtained showed that grey water had favourable effects on the growth and yield of Telfairia occidentalis, having little or no effect on the proximate content. With regard to yield, determined herein as number of leaflets, since the plant is majorly utilized for its leafy vegetable, was better under partial shade; no significant differences were recorded for leaf area under various shading conditions. Increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in higher plants, as reported in this study, is an indication of disturbed physiological stress condition, triggered by biotic stress condition. Thus grey water can serve as alternative source of irrigation while augmenting with fresh water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated callusing frequency of explants from leaf and stem tissues obtained from Capsicum annuum explant exposed to waste engine oil contamination. The explants obtained from 21-31 days old seedlings were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with various concentrations of BAP (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 mg/l) and NAA, IAA, 2, 4-D and IBA (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/l). Results showed that efficient callusing in leaves and stems explants (21 days old) was achieved after explants were cultured on MS semi-solid media containing 1-5 mg/l BAP and 0.5-1.5 mg/l IBA for 4 weeks; while callus formation was hindered in older tissues. An effective protocol for callogenesis of 21 day-old explants (stems) of C. annuum obtained from oil-polluted soil in a semi-solid state MS medium using BAP and IBA was thus developed. The study also documented the ability of IBA to induce callus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the possible impact of dry cell car battery dust (DCD) on production of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis). The study aims to investigate the possible implication of the application of DCD to fluted pumpkin as pest practice by some farmers in the study area. Therefore, the experiment included three different treatments: the first examined the effect of DCD on the plants after they were sown in DCD-polluted soils (DSBS); while the second was the investigation of plants on which DCD was applied after 2 weeks after sowing (DPAS). The third group was the control, wherein DCD was applied to neither plant nor soil. Results showed that plant yield, expressed in the study as the number of leaves per plant and leaf size, was better with those plant on which DCD was applied after plant establishment (32 - 48 leaves, leaf area 98.5 - 126.5 cm2) compared with the control (13 leaves, leaf area 43.1 cm2). Leaves in the control as well as the DSBS plants were characterized with brown spots, chlorosis, necrotic spots as well as evidence of insect pest attack. No visible sign of insect or pest attack was noticeable in the DPAS plant leaves. Although there was no significant change in proximate content of the leaves of both DCD-treated plant and the control, the leaves of DCD-impacted plants however accumulated significantly higher amounts of Pb (40.25 - 77.17 mg/kg) and Zn (13.35 - 45.87 mg/kg) than the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enhanced biorecovery of a model oil-polluted soil by soil wetting with solutions of typical salts found in irrigation waters was investigated. Garden soil was sampled from a selected location of predetermined weed composition for the purposes of determining soil seed bank composition. The air-dried soil was immediately polluted with spent lubricating oil (SLO) to obtain a constant 5% w/w concentration of oil in soil and emptied into wide bowls of 65 cm diameter, and 32 cm in height and set up in a screen house. Aliquots of 2.5 g of each Ca2SO4, (SCA) MgSO4, (SMG) Na2SO4 (SNA) and K2SO4 (SKA) were weighed into distilled water to obtain constant 0.025 g/l salt solution. Distilled water served as the control (CTR). The oil-polluted soils were wetted with 1500 ml of control or salt solution. The experiment lasted for three months, after which study showed that there was reduction in total poly Aromatic volatile Hydrocarbon (24111.44 ppm) at the start of the experiment to 5.54 ppm. Compared to the control experiment, reduction in the total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), reduction in TPH was highest in SNA, being 97.02% remediation efficiency, compared to 72.44% in the SNS treatment. Bacterial species identified during the study included Corynebacterium kutsceri, Streptococcus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Bacillus lichenifomis and Staphylococcus spp., whereas fungi species included Penicillium spp., Aspergillus niger, and Fusarium spp. The abundance of the weed Mariscus alterenifolios in SCA (24), SMG (13), and CTR (20) may indicate a favoured environment for growth. Regeneration efficiency (RE) of weeds in the treated and control soils 62.5% by Anelima aequinotiale in CTR, 50% in SCA, and 12.5% in SNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of 10 local lawn plant species namely Eleusine indica, Paspalum vaginatum, Stenotaphrum secundatum, Cynodon dactylon, Cymbopogon citratus, Axonopus compressus, Sporobulus pyramidalis, Cyperus rotundus, Chrysopogon aciculatus and panicum maximum in the rhizoremediation of a waste engine oil-polluted soil for a period of three months. Soil, weighing 20 kg was thoroughly mixed with waste engine oil to obtain a constant 5% w/w concentration of waste engine oil in soil. After 4 weeks, the ten lawn plant species were sown in the bowls. The plants' response to stress occasioned by the oil pollution was studied using leaf number as well as occurrence of chlorosis and necrosis; whereas rhizospheric soil samples were analyzed for poly aromatic hydrocarbon contents and microbial composition. PAH concentrations of some of the soil sown with some of the grasses were reduced indicating that remediation took place although not completely. The soil sown with Eleusine indica had the highest total remediation efficiency which was 90.61% after eight weeks of sowing. The plant-associated microbial community was examined in all the lawn plant species. The assessment of the influence of grass on the abundance and activity of microorganisms in the rhizosphere showed a buildup of microbial communities over the period and this helped in the remediation of the contaminated soil. Eleusine indica had the highest heterotrophic bacteria count of 5.6 x 105cfu/g, while the percentage of hydrocarbon degrading bacteria was highest in soil sown with Stenotaphrum secundatum. Of all the local lawn plant species used in the research, Eleusine indica was observed to be a suitable candidate for in situ rhizoremediation potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current investigation demonstrated that all the seeds taken into consideration generally had different varietal characteristics with the exception of several growth characteristics, notably the stem girth where the improved varieties outperformed the local Bambara nuts. The local Bambara nut varieties (Jan Iri) had the highest parameters measured compared to others. The huge variation in yield component recorded for this variety made the promise it displayed astounding. Due to the importance of the genotype-by-environment interaction on the expression of all the examined characters, the phenotypic coefficients of variation for each character were all more significant than the genotypic coefficients of variation. Three examined features, including number of pods per plant, number of pods per plot, and number of seeds per plot, all had high heritability estimates (84.96, 99.24, and 99.35, respectively). The quantity of seeds produced by each plant and the dried weight of each plot were moderately recorded at 32.48 and 38.63, respectively. Number of pods per plot (140.01) and number of seeds per plot (176.83) both showed strong genetic advance and with high heritability also. However, fresh weight per plot (109.12) revealed low heredity along with high genetic advance. Looking at the number of seeds per plant, the number of pods per plant, and the number of seeds per plant, a substantial positive association was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]