Effect of Crude Oil-Contaminated Soil on Germination and Growth Performance of Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench—A Widely Cultivated Vegetable Crop in Nigeria

A. A. Oyedeji, A. O. Adebiyi, M. A. Omotoyinbo, C. O. Ogunkunle

Department of Biological Sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Nigeria.
Department of Plant Biology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
Department of Plant Science, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.

DOI: 10.4236/ajps.2012.310174                

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of crude oil-contaminated soil on the germination and growth performance of Abelmoschus esculentus, a widely cultivated vegetable crop in Nigeria. The experiment was conducted in the Screen House, under controlled environmental conditions. The seedling emergence percentage, heights and girths were studied to determine the growth performance of the crop in crude oil-contaminated soil. The result of the investigation revealed that the crude oil-contaminated soil affects the growth performance of Abelmoschus esculentus L. as hindered germination, reduced heights and girths were observed in the crop planted in treated soil and this adversely and severely affects the crop agronomic growth and development and probably its yield. Therefore, contamination of agricultural soils with crude oil should be avoided and public awareness should be created on the detrimental effects of crude oil pollution in our terrestrial ecosystem. Innovative and environmental-friendly remediation strategies should be carried out on our agricultural soils that have been grossly polluted by crude oil exploitation and exploration.

Keywords

Soil; Contamination; Crude Oil; Growth Performance; Abelmoschus esculentus

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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