Comparative morph-anatomical studies of leaf, stem, and tendril were carried out on two Adenia species to enhance the delimitation of the species. The Adenia species have alternate phyllotaxy, simple leaf, glands at the base of their... more
Comparative morph-anatomical studies of leaf, stem, and tendril were carried out on two Adenia species to enhance the delimitation of the species. The Adenia species have alternate phyllotaxy, simple leaf, glands at the base of their petioles, hypostomatic, similar stomata types, solitary crystal, similar vascular bundle type, tanniferous cells, and dorsiventral leaves. Both species have tetracytic and anomocytic stomata in addition A. lobata had paracytic, and anisocytic stomata. Mucilaginous cells or cavities occurred in the petiole, leaf lamina, midrib, stem, and the tendril of A. cissampeloides but were only observed in the tendril and upper epidermis of A. lobata. The mucilaginous and tanniferous cells were more abundant in A. cissampeloides compared to A. lobata and could account for the reason why A. cissampeloides is used as fish poison. The sclereids in A. cissampeloides are surrounded by lignified cells while the ones in A. lobata do not have such feature. Also, xylem cell...
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We investigated the effects of gibberellic acid (GA3) and kinetin on seed germination of S. sesban L. and S. rostrata L. The matured seeds used for this study were obtained from International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA)... more
We investigated the effects of gibberellic acid (GA3) and kinetin on seed germination of S. sesban L. and S. rostrata L. The matured seeds used for this study were obtained from International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan, Nigeria. The seeds were harvested in 2014 and stored dry in a glass container and kept (15°C) in the refrigerator. The viability of the seeds were determined by floating the intact seeds in water and water uptake (imbibition) was carried out. Four replicates of 20 seeds per replicate were germinated and the seeds observed daily and final count was recorded after 14 days of incubation at 30°C. Intact seeds were soaked in gibberellic acid (GA3) and kinetin for 24h and germination percentage taken. The results from the water absorption demonstrated that the seeds of S. rostrata is more permeable compared to S. sesnban as indicated by higher water absorption of seeds of S. rostrata (70%) to S. sesban (25.4%) after 24hrs of incubation. The anatomy of...
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This document focuses on the ethnobotanical uses and taxonomic composition of some Aju Mbaise (Mbaise wraps). A total of 31 plant species belonging to 24 families were identified in the wraps collected from the study area. These plants... more
This document focuses on the ethnobotanical uses and taxonomic composition of some Aju Mbaise (Mbaise wraps). A total of 31 plant species belonging to 24 families were identified in the wraps collected from the study area. These plants are used in the treatment of ailments such as hypertension, typhoid, malaria, boost fertility in females, post-partum (immediately after birth), treatment of diabetes, treatment of arthritis, and induce weight loss. Annonaceae family constituted 9.68% of the total plant family, followed by Acanthaceae, Combretaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, and Rubiaceae with 6.45% each. Among the plant species, Cnestis ferruginea (Connaraceae) occurred in five wraps. This is followed by Alternanthera bettzickiana (Amaranthaceae), Craterispermum cerinanthum (Rubiaceae), and Napoleona imparalis (Lecythidaceae) found in four wraps while Acanthus montanus (Acanthaceae), Barteria nigritana (Passifloraceae), Nephrolepis exaltata (Nephrolepidaceae), Oxytenanthera abyssinica (Po...
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Biochar is a charcoal material produced by the thermochemical pyrolysis of biomass materials. It can be used in soil amendment, for improving soil properties/quality and enhancing significant increases in crop yields, thus promoting plant... more
Biochar is a charcoal material produced by the thermochemical pyrolysis of biomass materials. It can be used in soil amendment, for improving soil properties/quality and enhancing significant increases in crop yields, thus promoting plant productivity. In this study the application of wood biochar (charcoal) from Albizia zygia to soil medium was investigated on the growth and performance of Zea mays L. Treatments ranging from 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% concentrations of wood charcoal from A. zygia tree were mixed with sandy loam soil samples to serve as the planting medium. The result indicated that 5% treatment gave the highest value in terms of plant height (127cm), number of leaves (10), leaf area (771cm), stem girth (1.8cm) and chlorophyll content (0.42) compared to other treatments and the control. However, the 20% treatment gave the highest value of root length (60.2cm) when compared to other treatments and the control. This study revealed that for optimum growth and performance of ...
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We compared the anatomy of the flower stalk (male and female) anatomy, stem, petiole, tendrils and median vein shape of three representative members of Cucurbitaceae (Citrullus lanatus, Cucumeropsis mannii and Citrullus colocynthis).... more
We compared the anatomy of the flower stalk (male and female) anatomy, stem, petiole, tendrils and median vein shape of three representative members of Cucurbitaceae (Citrullus lanatus, Cucumeropsis mannii and Citrullus colocynthis). These materials (flower stalks of the male, female, midrib, petiole and the tendril) were fixed in FAA, wax embedded, sectioned, stained and photographed with Leitz Diaplan photomicroscope fitted with Leica WILD MPS 52 camera. The midrid and lamina anatomy of these species showed clear variations in the layers of mesophyll, number and arrangement of vascular bunbles which are of taxonomic significance and are reported for the first time. These anatomical features suggest taxonomic affinity amongst the species and enhance the delimitation of the species. It also strengthens the fact that the species maintained as separate species and confirm the fact that the anatomical characteristics of the stem, petiole, flower stalks, midrib and leaf lamina are an im...
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The epidermal characters of leaves and anatomical characters of petioles and young stems of some members of the genus Chrysophyllum, viz. C. albidum, C. perpulchrum, C. cainito, and C. delevoyi were analyzed to determine their diagnostic... more
The epidermal characters of leaves and anatomical characters of petioles and young stems of some members of the genus Chrysophyllum, viz. C. albidum, C. perpulchrum, C. cainito, and C. delevoyi were analyzed to determine their diagnostic features. Paracytic stomata, crystal sand, prismatic crystals, secretory canals occurred in all the species. All the species are hypostomatic except C. perpulchrum. The midribs of all species have an open semi-circular vascular system except in C. cainito with a closed system. Midrib and petiole of C. albidum and C. cainito have non-glandular T-shaped trichomes. Accessory bundles are only seen in the petioles of C. delevoyi, and in the midribs of C. albidum and C. cainito. The midrib and petiole of C. delevoyi and C. albidum have a central bundle. Laticifers, prismatic and sand crystals occur mainly in the cortical cells, pith cells, xylem, phloem, and mesophyll. Lamina of all species studied showed uniseriate epidermis except C. cainito which has t...
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Morphological and anatomicalcharacteristics of stem, root, petiole, midrib, and lamina of Crotalaria L. found in some parts SouthEastern Nigeria were investigated using microtomy and visual observation to provide additional information to... more
Morphological and anatomicalcharacteristics of stem, root, petiole, midrib, and lamina of Crotalaria L. found in some parts SouthEastern Nigeria were investigated using microtomy and visual observation to provide additional information to delimit them. Anisocytic, paracytic, anomocytic, tetracytic, one-subsidiary cell and contiguous stomata were recorded among the species. anisocytic was the predominant stomata in the three Crotalaria species studied occurring on the adaxaial and the abaxial leaf surfaces. Tetracytic stomata were observed on the abaxial surfaces of C. goreensis and C. verrucosa but not seen on the leaf surface of C. retusa. Also, contuigous stomata were observed on the abaxial leaf surface of C. goreensis and adaxial surface of C. retusa. Furthermore, stomata in groups of 2 to 3 were recorded on the adaxial surfaces of C. retusa and C. goreensis. On the other hand, stomata with one-subsidiary cell was recorded on the abaxial surface of C. retusa and adaxial surface of C. verrucosa.The average trichome length include 36.58 µm in C. retusa, 56.62 µm in C. retusa and 61.15 µm in C. verrucosa. The hairiness or trichome density among the species varied C. verrucosa (20-23 per 100 objective fields of view), C. goreensis (40-45 OFV), and C. ratusa (76-100 OFV). A combination of morphological and anatomical of petiole, midrib, stem anatomy, and epidermal characters (stomata types, trichome size, and density) varied among the species studied and are diagnostic especially when combined the morphological data.
Research Interests: Botany and Plant Biology
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The morphological and anatomical studies of Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. from Nigeria was carried out with the view to reporting morphological and anatomical characteristics for the first time. Physical and microscopic (microtomy)... more
The morphological and anatomical studies of Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. from Nigeria was carried out with the view to reporting morphological and anatomical characteristics for the first time. Physical and microscopic (microtomy) observations were used. B. hispida is a monoecious climbing or trailing herb, stem hairy, 5-angled, with suborbicular stipuliform bract at the petiole-base; leaves simple, very hairy on both surface, alternate, blade palmately or ovate in young plant, base cordate. Flowering occurs between April and May. Female flowers solitary, male flowers solitary or in a slender-pedunculate racemes, petals-5, cream, yellow or pale yellow, ovary ellipsoid, ovules many, stigma 3-lobed and stamen 3. Fruits are large, weighs 8.5 - 9.0 kg, succulent, densely hairy when young, with a thick waxy deposit when mature, cylindrical to oblong with hairy stalk. Seeds are ovate-obovate, cream. Leaves and petals of male flower are amphistomatic with anomocytic, tetracytic and ani...
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Comparative culm anatomical and morphological descriptions of 12 taxa of Kyllinga collected from different parts of Nigeria were carried out to enhance the identification of the taxa. The number of flower-head vary from 1 – 6 while the... more
Comparative culm anatomical and morphological descriptions of 12 taxa of Kyllinga collected from different parts of Nigeria were carried out to enhance the identification of the taxa. The number of flower-head vary from 1 – 6 while the sizes vary from the flower-head in K. erecta, K. erecta var. erecta, K. erecta var. polyphylla and K. peruviana is one, K. odorata, K. nemoralis, and K. pumila 1-4, K. erecta var. africana 4, K. tenuifolia 3-4 and K. brevifolia 1-3. K. erecta var. erecta has 2-3 bracts, K. erecta 3-4, K. erecta var. polyphylla 5-6, K. odorata 3-6, K. nemoralis 4-6, K. pumila 1-5, K. bulbosa 5 and K. peruviana 3. The leaf sheaths are partly wrapped to the culm in K. nemoralis, K. odorata, and K. pumila; completely wrapped with overlap in K. erecta var. erecta and K. peruviana and completely wrapped without overlap in other species. K. pumila, K. tenuifolia, and K. erecta var. africana rhizomes are partly erect. K. nemoralis trails on the soil surface while the remainin...
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We investigated the effect of fire on understory plant species density in University of Port Harcourt Biodiversity Centre four months after fire incident. This is aimed at the knowing the ability of the forest to recover from bush fire.... more
We investigated the effect of fire on understory plant species density in University of Port Harcourt Biodiversity Centre four months after fire incident. This is aimed at the knowing the ability of the forest to recover from bush fire. Twenty four (4 m x 4 m) plots (14 burnt and 10 un-burnt or control) were mapped out. The plant seedlings in these plots were sampled, identified and enumerated. The diversity, relative abundance, relative frequency, relative diversity, species importance value, family importance value and seedling density were determined. A total of 53 plant species belonging to 35 families were identified in the area studied. The un-burnt (control) plots had 11 species with 9 plant families while the burnt (impacted) plots had 52 species and 33 families. Fabaceae and Rubiaceae families had the maximum number of species in the control plots, while Asteraceae, Poaceae and Fabaceae families had the maximum number of species in the burnt plots. Based on the habit of the plant species identified, there is difference in the number of plant species, seedling density, relative abundance, species density and importance values (dominance)
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We studied the foliar trichome types, density and distribution among the genus Combretum Loelf. in parts of West Africa. Fresh and herbarium specimens were used. These specimens were fixed, peeled, trichome types identified and... more
We studied the foliar trichome types, density and distribution among the genus Combretum Loelf. in parts of West Africa. Fresh and herbarium specimens were used. These specimens were fixed, peeled, trichome types identified and micro-photographed using a Leica WILD MPS 52 microscope camera on a Leitz Diaplan microscope. Generally, two major trichome groups were identified among these species studied. These include glandular trichomes: multicellular gland head with uniseriate stalk (MGU), cylindrical uniseriate clavate trichome (CUCT), unicellular gland with unisariate stalk (UGHU), cylindrical uniseriate trichome (CUT), paltate gland head (PGH) and combretaceous eglandular (non-glandular) conical trichome (long and short types). The eglandular trichome types were the most widely distributed trichome found in the species and could be used to distinguish the genus. They occurred in all the species studied except C. glutinosum and C. micranthum. Among the glandular trichomes, cylindric...
Research Interests: Botany and Plant Studies
A simple field protocol for induction of triploidy in Clarias gariepinus using cold shock was developed. The quantity of ice needed to bring temperature of water down to desired temperature was first calculated. Fertilized eggs were then... more
A simple field protocol for induction of triploidy in Clarias gariepinus using cold shock was developed. The quantity of ice needed to bring temperature of water down to desired temperature was first calculated. Fertilized eggs were then exposed to 5 oC or 10 oC at different times. Percentage hatchability for 5 oC fertilized cold-shocked eggs was 55.63%, 49.53% and 46.76% for 10, 20 and 35 minutes accordingly. At 10 oC cold shock hatchability was 53.23%, 46.85% and 48.24% for 10, 20 and 35 minutes accordingly while 84.28% hatchability was achieved in control. A total of 12 larvae from each treatment tested for triploidy by counting number of chromosomes in 8-hydroxyquinolin-arrested metaphase spreads from newly-hatched larvae. All individual larvae exposed to cold shock showed 3n chromosomes. No triploid was found in control group. Results revealed that 100% triploidy could be successfully induced in C. gariepinus by cold shock for 10 minutes duration. One-way Analysis of Variance showed that treatment 10 oC at 10 minutes duration produced higher mean weight gain (35.94±0.96 g), followed by treatment 5 oC at 10 minutes duration whose value was 32.41±1.35 g but there was no significant difference. However, control (51.28±4.82 g) was significantly heavier than triploids. Keywords: Triploidy, biotechnology, sterile, hatchability, Clarias garipinus
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Research Interests: Anatomy and Cucurbitaceae
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Research Interests: Botany and Plant sciences
Physalis angulata Linn. and Physalis micrantha Linn. (Solanaceae) used for different medicinal purposes in Nigeria and other parts of the world were subjected to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis to determine their... more
Physalis angulata Linn. and Physalis micrantha Linn. (Solanaceae) used for different medicinal purposes in Nigeria and other parts of the world were subjected to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis to determine their phytochemical profiles. Forty five (45) alkaloids, 36 flavonoids, 18 glycosides and 44 phenolic acids were observed in the plants. P. angulata had the highest concentrations of flavonoids, phenolic acids and alkaloids while P. micarantha had the highest concentration of glycosides. The presence and concentration of these chemicals in these studied species confirm their medicinal and ethno-botanical uses and make them potential sources of raw materials for the pharmaceutical industries.
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The leaf extracts of two wild plants, namely, Commelina diffusa Burn. f. subsp. diffusa J. K. Morton and Commelina erecta L. used for different traditional remedies and food in different parts of Nigeria was analysed to determine the... more
The leaf extracts of two wild plants, namely, Commelina diffusa Burn. f. subsp. diffusa J. K. Morton and Commelina erecta L. used for different traditional remedies and food in different parts of Nigeria was analysed to determine the phytochemical profiles using high performance liquid chromatography (water 616/626 HPLC) method. The results of our study on these plants revealed that the examined leaves contain 38 flavonoids, 38 alkaloids, 40 phenolic acids and 18 glycosides. Total percentage composition of flavonoids and alkaloids were higher in C. erecta than C. diffusa while the total percentage composition of phenolic acids and glycosides were higher in C. diffusa than C. erecta. The presence of these phytochemicals (phenolic acids, flavonoids, alkaloids and glycosides) make these species potential valuable sources of pharmaceuticals and further confirm the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of these Commelina species.
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We reported the morpho-anatomy of Ipomoea coccinea L. a new record from Nigeria for the first time. Fresh plant materials (stem, petiole, and leaf) were fixed immediately in Formalin-Acetic-Alcohol for 24h, dehydrated, embedded in... more
We reported the morpho-anatomy of Ipomoea coccinea L. a new record from Nigeria for the first time. Fresh plant materials (stem, petiole, and leaf) were fixed immediately in Formalin-Acetic-Alcohol for 24h, dehydrated, embedded in paraffin wax sectioned using rotary microtome, Sections were stained with Safranin and counterstained with Alcian blue and micro-photographed with trinocular research microscope fitted with Amscope digital camera. Ipomoea coccinea is twisting climber with reddish flowers; vine is up to 10 m long with alternate leaf arrangement. The leaf is amphistomatic and dorsiventral. The epidermal cells are irregular in shape with wavy anticlinal walls. The upper epidermis has only paracytic stomata while the lower epidermal surface has mainly paracytic stomata but rarely anisocytic measuring 4.36-8.7×3.9-6.24 µm. The stomata on the upper epidermis are few and mainly located close to the leaf veins. The vascular bundle in the petiole formed a semicircle with one rib trace. The abaxial and adaxial parenchymatous cortex comprised 7-11 layer of cells with crushed parenchymatous cells below the epidermal cells. The midrib outline is circular to U-shaped with long median projection measuring about 80-90 µm. The stem has protuberances, short glandular trichome, cortex 6-8 layers, and rays in radial multiples of Original Research Article
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We investigated the effects of gibberellic acid (GA 3) and kinetin on seed germination of S. sesban L. and S. rostrata L. The matured seeds used for this study were obtained from International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA)... more
We investigated the effects of gibberellic acid (GA 3) and kinetin on seed germination of S. sesban L. and S. rostrata L. The matured seeds used for this study were obtained from International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan, Nigeria. The seeds were harvested in 2014 and stored dry in a glass container and kept (15°C) in the refrigerator. The viability of the seeds were determined by floating the intact seeds in water and water uptake (imbibition) was carried out. Four replicates of 20 seeds per replicate were germinated and the seeds observed daily and final count was recorded after 14 days of incubation at 30°C. Intact seeds were soaked in gibberellic acid (GA 3) and kinetin for 24h and germination percentage taken. The results from the water absorption demonstrated that the seeds of S. rostrata is more permeable compared to S. sesnban as indicated by higher water absorption of seeds of S. rostrata (70%) to S. sesban (25.4%) after 24hrs of incubation. The anatomy of the seed coats indicated the presence of water and gas impermeable tissues namely cuticle, macrosclereids, osteosclereids and disintegrated parenchyma Original Research Article
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This study examined Lasianthera africana P. Beauv based on, anatomical and palynological parameters. The anatomical studies were carried out with freehand sectioning. The species is hypostomatic, the epidermal cells are are irregular,... more
This study examined Lasianthera africana P. Beauv based on, anatomical and palynological parameters. The anatomical studies were carried out with freehand sectioning. The species is hypostomatic, the epidermal cells are are irregular, with undulating anticlinal walls. The stomata types are anomocytic, and anisocytic. The midrib has bicollateral vascular bundles and the petiolar vascular bundle is arced with rib traces on both sides of the wings. Calcium oxalate and tannin occurred in the lamina, midrib, petiole and stem. The pollen grains are smooth, intectate, with thick exine, with tricolporate aperture, and with an equatorial diameter of 21.5-25.8 µm. These features are diagnostic and confirm the placement of this species in Stemonuraceae.
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Salinity affects various morphological and anatomical characters of plants thereby reducing the yield of the plant in the long run. Solanum aethiopicum L. is an economic plant that is versatile for human use ranging from food to... more
Salinity affects various morphological and anatomical characters of plants thereby reducing the yield of the plant in the long run. Solanum aethiopicum L. is an economic plant that is versatile for human use ranging from food to traditional medicine. Experiment was conducted to assay the impact of saline irrigation on some growth parameters (plant height, leaf area, fresh weight, dry weight and size of stomatal complex). Results of the experiment showed that for most parameters studied that the values obtained for the treatments are reduced compared to the control, thereby establishing that saline water harmed S. aethiopicum L. There is no significant difference in the plant from week 5 (i.e. 2 weeks after application of saline water) but at week 6 and 7 (i.e. 3 and 4 weeks after application of saline water respectively), there was significant difference in the parameters. Therefore it is advised that S. aethiopicum L. be grown on soils with low or no content of salinity to maintain optimum growth and development of the plant.
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Physalis angulata Linn. and Physalis micrantha Linn. (Solanaceae) used for different medicinal purposes in Nigeria and other parts of the world were subjected to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis to determine their... more
Physalis angulata Linn. and Physalis micrantha Linn. (Solanaceae) used for different medicinal purposes in Nigeria and other parts of the world were subjected to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis to determine their phytochemical profiles. Forty five (45) alkaloids, 36 flavonoids, 18 glycosides and 44 phenolic acids were observed in the plants. P. angulata had the highest concentrations of flavonoids, phenolic acids and alkaloids while P. micarantha had the highest concentration of glycosides. The presence and concentration of these chemicals in these studied species confirm their medicinal and ethno-botanical uses and make them potential sources of raw materials for the pharmaceutical industries.
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Comparative culm anatomical and morphological descriptions of 12 taxa of Kyllinga collected from different parts of Nigeria were carried out to enhance the identification of the taxa. The number of flower-head vary from 1-6 while the... more
Comparative culm anatomical and morphological descriptions of 12 taxa of Kyllinga collected from different parts of Nigeria were carried out to enhance the identification of the taxa. The number of flower-head vary from 1-6 while the sizes vary from the flower-head in K. erecta, K. erecta var.
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We investigated the effect of fire on understory plant species density in University of Port Harcourt Biodiversity Centre four months after fire incident. This is aimed at the knowing the ability of the forest to recover from bush fire.... more
We investigated the effect of fire on understory plant species density in University of Port Harcourt Biodiversity Centre four months after fire incident. This is aimed at the knowing the ability of the forest to recover from bush fire. Twenty four (4 m x 4 m) plots (14 burnt and 10 un-burnt or control) were mapped out. The plant seedlings in these plots were sampled, identified and enumerated. The diversity, relative abundance, relative frequency, relative diversity, species importance value, family importance value and seedling density were determined. A total of 53 plant species belonging to 35 families were identified in the area studied. The un-burnt (control) plots had 11 species with 9 plant families while the burnt (impacted) plots had 52 species and 33 families. Fabaceae and Rubiaceae families had the maximum number of species in the control plots, while Asteraceae, Poaceae and Fabaceae families had the maximum number of species in the burnt plots. Based on the habit of the plant species identified, there is difference in the number of plant species, seedling density, relative abundance, species density and importance values (dominance)
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Genotoxic effect of aqueous leaf extract of Neem (Azadirachta indica) NZI, Alomo bitters alcoholic drink (ABAD) and cosmetics (Baby-face facial cleanser, BFFC; Peau clair body lotion, PCBL and Vanilla essence roll-on, VERO) were assessed... more
Genotoxic effect of aqueous leaf extract of Neem (Azadirachta indica) NZI, Alomo bitters alcoholic drink (ABAD) and cosmetics (Baby-face facial cleanser, BFFC; Peau clair body lotion, PCBL and Vanilla essence roll-on, VERO) were assessed using Allium test. The root tips were treated with serial dilutions of the test chemicals at 20%, 40%, 60% and 100% for 3 hours along with the control, hydrolyzed in 18% HCl, squashed and stained with FLP orcein. Aberrations such as C-metaphase, precocious, stickiness (sticky metaphase), ghost cells, nuclear lesions, chromosome erosion, laggards, binucleated cells, anaphase bridges and vagrant chromosomes were observed in the root tips studied. These products are used widely by humans around the world and Nigeria in particular. Although, the products elicited varying chromosomal abnormalities, they also have beneficial effects. Also, the products showed genotoxic effects even at low concentrations on Allium cepa root Original Research Article
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This work was carried out in collaboration between both authors. Author MSI designed the study and wrote the study protocol. Author EC managed the analyses of the study and performed the statistical analysis. Both the authors participated... more
This work was carried out in collaboration between both authors. Author MSI designed the study and wrote the study protocol. Author EC managed the analyses of the study and performed the statistical analysis. Both the authors participated in laboratory analysis, the literature searches, wrote the first draft of the manuscript, read and approved the final manuscript.
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Aims: To investigate the variation in the activities of some soil enzymes and microbial respiration during phytoremediation of crude oil polluted agricultural soil. Study Design: Indigenous plants of a crude oil polluted agricultural... more
Aims: To investigate the variation in the activities of some soil enzymes and microbial respiration during phytoremediation of crude oil polluted agricultural soil. Study Design: Indigenous plants of a crude oil polluted agricultural farmland were harvested and identified. Two species (Schwenkia americana L. and Spermacoce ocymoides Burm. f.) were Original Research Article
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Aims: To remove hydrocarbons from crude oil polluted agricultural soil using two selected plant species. Study Design: Mature seeds of Schwenkia americana L. and Spermacoce ocymoides Burm. f. were propagated onto a sterile unpolluted... more
Aims: To remove hydrocarbons from crude oil polluted agricultural soil using two selected plant species. Study Design: Mature seeds of Schwenkia americana L. and Spermacoce ocymoides Burm. f. were propagated onto a sterile unpolluted agricultural soil. Seedlings were transplanted into an 8 kg potted homogenised polluted soil for remediation.
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Zehneria capillacea (Schumach.) C. Jeffrey is a wild diploid (2n = 2x = 22) andromonoecious climber that is eaten as vegetable in Nigeria. In vitro polyploidy induction was conducted using oryzalin as a microtubule inhibitor at various... more
Zehneria capillacea (Schumach.) C. Jeffrey is a wild diploid (2n = 2x = 22) andromonoecious climber that is eaten as vegetable in Nigeria. In vitro polyploidy induction was conducted using oryzalin as a microtubule inhibitor at various concentrations (10, 20 and 30 µM) and two time durations (24 and 48hrs). This research was conducted to develop a protocol for induction of polyploids through in vitro technique in order to create variability and broaden the genetic base of this species. Shoot length was significantly affected by oryzalin concentration at 24 and 48 hours treatment duration. The nodal segments immersed in 10, 20 and 30 µM oryzalin for 24 hrs had shoot lengths of 7.56 ± 0.06 cm, 7.24 ± 0.06 cm and 7.31 ± 0.07 cm respectively which were statistically similar while the shoot length of those treated for 48 hrs significantly decreased with increase in oryzalin concentration ranging from 7.02 ± 0.07 cm for 10 µM to 2.71 ± 0.11 cm for 30 µM. 10 µM oryzalin for 24 hrs and 48 hrs induced 100% 2x+4x and 2x+4x+8x cytochimera respectively. Application of 20 µM for 24 hrs induced 75% 2x+4x and 25% solid tetraploids while 20
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Studies on morphological, anatomical and proximate characteristics of Trichosanthes cucumerina L. (Cucurbitaceae) was carried out using morphological observation and microtomy in order to determine the relationship between this species... more
Studies on morphological, anatomical and proximate characteristics of Trichosanthes cucumerina L. (Cucurbitaceae) was carried out using morphological observation and microtomy in order to determine the relationship between this species and other cucurbits and complement the existing data on the taxon. T. cucumerina is a climber that grows up to 30m tall. The leaves are persistent partly ovate, trilobate to heptalobate, slightly hairy to densely hairy with glandular trichomes and non-glandular trichomes (2-5 celled, with a prominent flattened disk of two rows of cells). Tendril bifid, ovary consists of 3 syncarpous carpels and fruits 23.0-56.4 cm long. The species is hypostomatic with mainly anomocytic and tetracytic stomata and the epidermal cells appeared irregular in shape. Stem, peduncle, and tendril were angled with 5-13 bicollateral vascular bundles in open rings. The petiole and the midrib comprised 1-3 accessory vascular bundles. The sclerenchymatous cells were continuous or non-continuous. The tendril and stem have hollow pith. The similarity in morphological and anatomical features of this species and other members of cucurbits depicts taxonomic and evolutionary relationship among them, however; the type of trichomes we observed suggests that this species could be T. cucumerina var. anguina and not T. cucumerina. Further studies using electron microscope is therefore needed to affirm this finding.
