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Effect of spent engine oil on germination and growth parameters of fluted pumpkin (<i>Telfairia occidentalis</i> Hook F.) in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria


K.C. Onwusiri
C.U. Aguoru
G.F. Akomolafe

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of spent engine oil on the germination and growth parameters of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis). Fluted pumpkin was grown on soils contaminated with 20ml, 40ml, 60ml, 80ml and 100ml of spent engine oil to obtain 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% contaminations respectively and monitored for eight (8) weeks after planting. The number of leaves, leaf area and plant height were determined weekly while the dry matter content was evaluated at the end of eighth week. Results showed that the mean leaf number, leaf area and plant heights of fluted pumpkin decreased with increasing level of contamination with spent engine oil. The highest mean leaf number which is 15.41 was recorded for the control. Plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and dry matter of T. occidentalis in the control plots (0%) differed significantly (P≤ 0.05) from those planted in 4 and 5% levels of the spent oil contaminated soils. The reductions in these growth characteristics measured were spent engine oil concentration dependent. Besides these quantitative parameters, growth retardation and yellowish leaf coloration were observed among the plants grown in the spent oil contaminated soils. Spent engine oil therefore had pronounced effects on the germination and growth of fluted pumpkin as revealed by this study. Therefore, fluted pumpkin should not be grown near or on soil contaminated with spent engine oil.

Keywords: Fluted pumpkin, Germination, Growth, Spent engine oil


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