The seed germination of Capsicum frutescens L. was investigated through various methods, namely, washing and air dry storage treatments, applications of gibberelic acid (GA3), Kinetin, potassium nitrite (KNO2) and potassium nitrate (KNO3) to improve germination of seeds in view of poor germination reported. The seeds were subjected to the following treatments namely washing to remove the slimy coverings; air-drying at various time-intervals; incubated in different concentrations of GA3, Kinetin, KNO2 and KNO3. The treatments were subjected to light or dark germinations at 300C and radicle emergence scored after 15days. The various results showed that washing treatment, and light germination had a significant effect on the germination of Capsicum frutescens seeds. For air-drying treatment, germination increased from 0-48hrs and decreased after 72hrs, 48hrs air-drying duration gave the highest percentage germination. Application of GA3, kinetin, KNO2 and KNO3 in low concentrations promoted the germination of freshly harvested Capsicum frutescens seeds. Generally the KNO2 and KNO3 gave the best germination results. The findings of this study have significant implications in the commercial production of Capsicum frutescens in view of its economic and medicinal importance.Keywords: Growth regulators, Nitrogenous compounds, Capsicum frutescens
The effects of salt (CaCl 2 ) and staking on the proximate composition of fruits of tomato (Roma VF) were studied at the Department of Botany Experimental garden, University of Uyo, Nigeria. Calcium chloride salt levels of 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200g per 4Kg of loamy sandy soil were used, with and without staking. The moisture, dry matter, ash, crude fat, crude protein, carbohydrate and crude fibre contents in treatment with calcium chloride/ staking were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those of calcium chloride without staking in Roma VF. CaCl 2 and staking treatment increased the crude protein content of the crop. 100g level of CaCl 2 salt was the optimum level for enhanced proximate composition of the crop. Improved processing qualities of tomato fruit (Roma VF) can be enhanced through regulated salt and staking treatment.
Growth and biochemical performance of Manihot esculenta Crantz (TMS 0505) amended with Centrosema pubescens and NPK fertilizer were carried out. Contamination levels of 2%, 4%, and 6% were used while amelioration treatments C. pubescens and NPK 15:15:15 were carried out by adding organic supplement (decomposed Centrosema pubescens) and NPK at the rate of 0
The study examined the potentials of some organic chelates to enhance zinc availability, uptake and deposition in the edible root of cassava. The chelates used were EDTA as standard chelate, Bontera as commercial organic chelate and periwinkle effluents and Smoke solution as local organic chelates. The cultivars used were TME419 and TMS3168/UMUCASS/36 also known as YELLOW ROOT (YR). One hundred (100ml) of 100µg of zinc obtained from zinc oxide was added to 5000ml each of deionized water, 1ml/L Bontera, 1ml/L EDTA, Periwinkle effluents and Smoke solution. The treatments were applied through foliar application at 3 months after planting. The zinc concentration distribution ranged from 13.627µg/g (YR peel; control) to 85.843µg/g (YR edible root; EDTA +ZnO). In the edible root, the bioavailable zinc ranged from 18.494µg/g (YR; Boontera+ ZnO) to 85.843µg/g (YR; EDTA +ZnO). After processing to garri and fufu, the content ranged from 0.2116mg/100g (TME419; control) to 1.1645mg/100g (YR; Smoke solution + ZnO) in fufu and 1.0178mg/100g (YR, Bontera +ZnO) to 4.494mg/100g (TME419; PE +ZnO) in garri. After seven months storage, TME419 retained Zn in 30% of the treatments, while YR retained Zn in 60% of the treatments. The study revealed that organic chelates have good potentials to enhance zinc biofortification. Periwinkle effluents proved to be better because it retains the nutrient for longer period after processing to garri. YELLOW ROOT proved to be better because it can retain zinc for a longer period. The use of organic chelates should be encouraged for micronutrients sufficiency, sustainable agriculture and food security.
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