ABSTRACT:The germination and early seedling growth of two tomato seed varieties (NHLe 158-3 and ROMA VF) were investigated using five levels (0% 0.001% 0.01% 0.1% 1%) of lead acetate, cupric carbonate and ferric chloride respectively. The experiment was conducted under 12±2h photoperiodic laboratory condition in a laboratory germinator. The results showed that the aggregate germination percentage (AGP) as well as the coefficient of germination velocity (CGV) decreased with increase in the levels of metallic compounds on the two tomato varieties. The decreases in AGP and CGV were significant ( p<0.05) when compared with that of the control. The decrease in the growth parameters tested was higher in Roma VF than in NHLe 158-3 variety. Lead acetate and copper chloride salts indicated higher inhibitory tendencies to the germination and growth of the tomato varieties than the Ferric chloride. The study shows that NHLe 158-3 variety is more tolerant to metallic compounds pollutants than the Roma VF. @JASEM

Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schum & Thonn) is a member of the Family Mimosaceae. It is a perennial, wild West African tropical forest tree (Hutchinson & Dalziel, 1973) and is extensively used in many traditional medicines. The fruit is used in Nigeria as a spice added to soup for nursing mothers from the day of delivery to about 1 month postnatally, to prevent post-partum contractions.

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