The performance of maize (Zea mays) in crude oil treatment was investigated at the University of Port Harcourt botanical garden. Germination and growth responses of Z. mays were examined using various crude oil pollution treatments. There was no significant difference in the germination and development of Z. mays subjected to oiling at 1-3% compared to those of the control (0%), while 4-5% oiling showed a significant difference at P=0.05. Percentage germination decreased with increase in concentration of crude oil equilibrated with water. Germination rate decreased significantly with increased time of pre-soaking in crude oil. Crude oil spilled soil immediately after planting, increased the length of lag phase preceding germination from 48 hours to 96 hours and decreased percentage germination from 100% in the control to 58% in crude oil contaminated soil. This study shows that crude oil pollution has adverse effects on germination and development of Z. mays.

Eco-physiological parameters of Colocasia esculenta Schott was examined along Elebere-Emeyal-Otuoke road in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Plant (leaf of Colocasia esculenta) and soil samples were randomly collected from the road side and remote area in the study area. Five (5) sampling units were randomly choosen along the road side (L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5) while a corresponding five (5) sampling units were randomly choosen at the remote area (P1, P2, P3, P4 and P5) in the study area. Leaf of test crop and soil samples were collected at 15m away from the express road for L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5 sampling locations, while those for remote area, P1, P2, P3, P4 and P5 sampling locations were collected at 15km from the express road. Five replicates were maintained for each treatment using randomized complete block design. The pH values of experimental soils were more acidic at the road side than the remote area sampling locations. The soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, magnesium and potassium were significantly (p < 0.05) higher at the remote area than the road side sampling locations. In addition, the heavy metal (zinc, copper, cadmium, iron and lead) contents in soils at the road side were comparatively higher than those at the remote area sampling locations. This study suggests that appropriate pollution management measures should be employed in handling and disposal of contaminated materials at construction sites around cultivated lands.

Abstract:Laboratory studies of germination and growth parameters of Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moenchwere carried out using aqueous extract from palm bunch ash of Elaeis guineensis Jacq. Various concentrations of palm bunch ash extract; 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50%, alongside a control (0%)

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Germination and early seedling growth of Zea mays L were studied in the laboratory using aqueous extract from seeds of Pennisetum glaucum. The concentration levels of the extracts used were, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%, alongside a control 0% (distilled water). The phytochemical and mineral nutrients analysis of Pennisetum glaucum seed extracts indicated the proportion of phytochemicals in their decreasing order; alkaloids, phytate, tannin, saponin, and flavonoid while mineral elements such as K,