No abstract

Production of non-functional pollen by plant reduces effectiveness of pollination. A study was carried out at Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan to determine the influence of rainfall and temperature on flowering intensity of selected clones of Upper Amazon cocoa (Theobroma cacao), as well as its pollen fertility. Eight clones of T. cacao used were T17/11, T7/12, T12/5, T86/45, C23, C64, C77 and Pa 24. The number of flowers at varying locations was recorded. The anthers were squashed in acetocarmine, and examined under the microscope to determine pollen fertility of each clone. The result showed that flowering intensity was regulated by rainfall and temperature and varied among the eight clones studied. The number of flowers produced by the various clones ranged from 128 for clone C23, to 415 for clone T86/45 in both January and May. The number of flowers produced on the ventral surface (V) of the clones was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that from the dorsal region. More pods per cushion would be produced if more of the flowers produced at the dorsal (lower or abaxial) region were pollinated by pollinators in the seed garden. Clone T86/45 had the highest pollen viability (92.11%), while clone T12/5 recorded the lowest pollen viability ( 81.06%).Key Words: Cocoa flowering, Theobroma cacao, Upper Amazon RÉSUMÉ La production de grains de pollen non fonctionnels par les plantes réduit l'efficience de la pollinisation. Une étude avait été réalisée à l'Institut de Recherche sur le Cocoa au Nigéria, Ibadan afin de déterminer l'influence des précipitations et de la température sur l'intensité de la floraison des clones sélectionnés de haute-Amazonie cacao (Theobroma cacao), ainsi que la fertilité de son pollen. Huit clones de T. cacao utilisés avaient été T17/11, T7/12, T12/5, T86/45, C23, C64, de C77, ainsi que Pa 24. Le nombre de fleurs à divers endroits avait été compté. Les anthères avaient été écrasés dans l'acetocarmine et examinés au microscope afin de déterminer la fertilité du pollen pour chaque clone. Le résultat a montré que l'intensité la floraison avait été réglementée par les précipitations et la température dans T. cacao, et elle variait parmi les huit clones étudiés. Le nombre de fleurs produites par les divers clones allant de 128 pour le clone C23, à 415 pour T86/45 clone aussi bien en janvier qu'en mai. Le nombre de fleurs produites sur la surface ventrale (V) de clones était significativement plus élevé (p < 0.05) que celle de la partie dorsale, par conséquent, plus de gousses par tampon auraient été produites si la plupart de fleurs produites sur la partie dorsale (inférieure ou abaxial) sont pollinisés par les pollinisateurs dans le jardin semencier. Le clone T86/45 avaient la viabilité du pollen plus élevée (92,11 %). Le clone T12/5 a enregistré la viabilité du pollen le plus bas (81.06 %).Mots Clés: Floraison du cocoa, Theobroma cacao, Haute-Amazonie S. S. OMOLAJA et al. 42

ABSTRACT:The growth response of castor oil plant, Ricinus communis, in spent lubricating oil (SLO) was investigated using 1-6% w/w SLO and a control. The result showed that highest percent germination of approximately 92, was obtained in control and the least in 5% w/w. The early germination obtained in this study was significant when considered in the light of reported delay and depression of germination by spent lubricating oil in Capsicum annum, Lycopersicon esculentum, Solanum melongena and S. incanum. For parameters like plant height, stem girth, leaf area, fresh and dry weights, and root length, the mean values obtained were higher for 1% w/w than control. There was stimulation of growth at 1% w/w spent lubricating oil in soil. Plants in higher concentration (2 -6% w/w) exhibited depression in growth. Plants grown in 1% w/w spent lubricating oil in soil flowered earlier than those grown in control. A difference of eight (8) days was observed. @JASEM

ABSTRACT:Castor oil plant seeds (Ricinus communis L.) were grown in spent lubricating oil (SLO) contaminated soil at concentrations of 1-6% (w/w, oil/soil). Plant height and stem girth were depressed by spent lubricating oil at concentrations of 2% (w/w) and above. One percent (1%) spent lubricating oil in soil promoted growth of plants when compared with control. Fresh and dry weights of R. communis plants grown in 1% oil treatment were significantly more than that of control. Spent lubricating oil in soil depressed pH. From the values obtained for metal concentrations in leaves, stems and roots, the concentrations of manganese and nickel were highest in the leaves. At 2% SLO and above, lead concentration was highest in the leaves too. Accumulation of the metals by plant parts were not concentration dependent. Specifically metal accumulation in R. communis, in the present study showed that Mn , Ni and Pb were mostly accumulated in the leaves; while V was highest in roots.