Evaluation of two okra species [Abelmoschusesculentus (L.) Moench and Abelmoschuscaillei (A. Chev.) Stevels] exposed to crude oil contaminated soil in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Six accessions of cultivated okra [Abelmoschus caillei (A. Chev.) Stevels and Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] were evaluated for growth parameters in crude oil contaminated soil. Morpho-agronomic characters such as numbers of days from sowing to germination, dry and fresh weight of the accessions in both soil samples was determined. Others were copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) concentration in plant parts (leaves and fruits). The growth responses of the different accession varied considerably. Soil chemical analysis revealed decreased levels of pH, phosphorus and potassium in the contaminated soil. The chemical analysis of plants grown in these soils showed that heavy metals like Cu, Zn, Mn, Cd and Pb were present in all the organs of the accession.

Keywords: Crude oil, soil, growth parameters, Abelmoschus esculentus, Abelmoschus caillei, heavy metals

African Journal of Biotechnology, Vol. 13(9), pp. 1009-1018, 26 February, 2014