Abstract:
The increase in food production has been the major concern to developing countries. Due to high demand for certain crops especially vegetables, there is need to cultivate these crops in dry season. The aim of this research work was to determine the effects of coconut oil effluent on the growth and yield of Talinum fruticosum L. The chemical composition of the effluent was determined using standard analytical methods. Percentage germination, vegetative growth and anatomical studies were carried out on T. fruticosum. Seeds and seedlings were subjected to irrigation with 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100% and 0% (control) concentration of industrial coconut effluent (ICE). The experiment on the vegetative growth studies was carried out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Data were collected every two weeks and subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means compared by using Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) at P < 0.05. The results of chemical analysis obtained showed that ICE parameters mean values were above tap water values and FEPA standard limits except iron. Results from germination and vegetative studies showed that mean values from treatment 0% (control) were significantly higher at P < 0.0. The result from the soil minerals significantly increased from treatments 20% to 100% and significant (P < 0.05) in plant parts (leaf, stem and root) from treatments 20% to 100%, except at 2 WAT. The results from heavy metals accumulation showed that the highest concentrations of heavy metals were found in the root. The anatomical studies showed no significant difference (P < 0.05) in the number of epidermal cells, number of stomata and stomatal frequency index, while stomatal length and width were significant on both leaf surfaces from all treatments. The higher treatments (40% to 100% ICE) caused poor growth and development of T. fruticosum. Therefore, irrespective of the nature, the ICE could be well utilized for agricultural crops on adequate dilution, so as to reduce the lethality of the pollutants.
