Physiological and biochemical responses of kola (Cola nituda) seedlings at different colours to application of plant growth substances

Abstract

Kola belongs to the family sterculiaceae. This study evaluated the effect of plant growth substances on the physiological and biochemical  components of Cola nitida seedlings. This study was carried out in Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, CRIN, Ibadan. A total of 200 fresh  nuts of different colours of C. nitida were used. Nuts were pre-germinated, thinned and sown one per polyethene bag arranged in  Randomized Complete Block Design, replicated thrice. Treated plants were sprayed every two weeks with 50 mg/L, 100 mg/L and 200 mg/ L of indo-3-acetic acid, gibberellic acid, kinetin and 20% coconut water while the control was watered with tap water. Samples were  analyzed after drying at 600 c for two days for 2hrs. White C, nitida seedlings recorded the highest value in sodium (7.45mg/100g dry  matter), calcium (7.33mg/100g dry matter), manganese (2.36 mg/100g dry matter) and zinc (5.34 mg/100g dry matter) when treated with  50mg/L GA3. Similar results were observed for pink and red colours of C. nitida seedlings with 50 mg/L GA3 recorded the highest value in  sodium and calcium respectively. 100 mg/L GA3 recorded the highest in anthraquinone and theobromine for white C. nitida seedlings.  200 mg/L GA3 recorded the highest in anthraquinone, theobromine, kolatin and poytphenol for pink C.nitida seedlings. 20% coconut  water had highest in trypsin inhibitor for pink and red C. nitida seedlings. Conclusively, application of plant growth substances enhances  mineral and phytochemical content of C. nitida seedlings of different colours compared to the control.