Effect of <i>Macrophomina phaseolina</i>, organic manure and spent engine oil on <i>Luffa aegyptica</i> (Mill)

Abstract

There is an increasing environmental concern over improper disposal of spent engine oil (SEO) from serviced engines. These concerns are the results of increasing pollution of the environment by SEO with its negative consequences on plants and other forms of life. The present study assessed the effect of Macrophomina phaseolina and nutritional amendment on Luffa aegyptiaca grown on spent engine oil polluted soil in a screen house. The effect of SEO and nutritional amendment on L. aegyptiaca was assessed on germination, plant height, leaf area, stem girt and number of leaves. Two concentrations of SEO (100 and 200ml) in four kilogram of soil were used in four replications each. Results show that SEO adversely affected the germination and growth of L aegyptiaca as delayed germination, reduction in heights, leaf area and number of leaves were observed in the crop planted in SEO polluted soil. Germination (emergence) of L. aegyptiaca seeds planted in SEO polluted soil began after four days compared to two days for plants in untreated soil. Germination efficiency for seeds planted in unpolluted soil was up to 100% but reduced to 20% when the soil was polluted with SEO. However, nutritional amendment and M. phaseolina increased seed germination in SEO polluted soil from 20% to 60%. Nutritional amendment and M. phaseolina were thus shown to enhance the germination and growth of L. aegyptiaca in SEO polluted soil.

Keywords: Macrophomina phaseolina, Luffa aegyptiaca, Germination, Effect, Spent engine oil