Tolerance of <i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i> (L. Moench) to diesel oil polluted soil

Abstract

The effect of diesel oil polluted soil on the growth and yield of Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench was studied at the Department of Botany experimental garden, University of Uyo, Nigeria for sixteen weeks. The pollution levels of 40, 80 120, 160 and 200ml per 4kg of sandy loam soil were used, and 0ml (unpolluted soil) was used as control. Three (3) plants were maintained per poly bag, and each level of treatment was replicated three times using randomized complete block design. Significant (P < 0.05) reductions were obtained in plant height, leaf area, root length, fresh weight, dry weight, moisture content, fruit number and fruit weight of the crops in diesel oil polluted soil. No yield was recorded at 120
and 160ml level of diesel oil pollution, while 200ml concentration did not support any growth of the crop. All treatment levels gave significant (P<0.05) decrease in nutrient elements in leaves of A. esculentus
below that of the control, except at 40ml of diesel oil for calcium and sodium contents. Therefore, Abelmoschus esculentus is not a suitable species for cultivation where diesel oil pollution occurs.