DEPARTMENT OF PLANT BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

Background: Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) is a vital legume crop in arid and semi-arid regions, valued for its high protein content and adaptability. However, soil salinity is a major environmental constraint that severely limits its early establishment, growth, and overall yield.Objective: This study evaluated the effects of varying levels of salt stress on the germination and early seedling growth of cowpea to determine its tolerance thresholds during the critical initial growth phase.Methodology: A controlled laboratory experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Cowpea seeds were subjected to different concentrations of sodium chloride ($\text{NaCl}$) solutions, typically ranging from a control ($0\text{ mM}$ or $0\text{ dS m}^{-1}$) to severe salinity levels ($50\text{ mM}$, $100\text{ mM}$, $150\text{ mM}$, and $200\text{ mM}$). Germination parameters, including germination percentage (GP), germination velocity index (GVI), mean germination time (MGT), and early seedling growth traits (radicle and plumule lengths, fresh and dry biomass), were measured over a standard period of 7 to 10 days.Results: The results revealed that salt stress significantly ($P \le 0.05$) inhibited all measured parameters.Germination Rate: High salinity levels ($\ge 150\text{ mM}$) caused a drastic reduction in germination percentage and delayed the onset of germination, as evidenced by a significant increase in MGT.Seedling Vigour: Radicle and plumule lengths were highly sensitive to salinity, showing a progressive decline with increasing $\text{NaCl}$ concentrations. This suppression of early seedling growth is primarily attributed to osmotic stress and the toxic accumulation of $\text{Na}^+$ and $\text{Cl}^-$ ions, which restrict water uptake and disrupt metabolic processes.Conclusion: While cowpea exhibits moderate tolerance to low salinity levels ($\le 50\text{ mM}$), high salt concentrations severely hinder seed germination and early seedling establishment. These findings underscore the importance of screening for salt-tolerant cowpea genotypes and implementing strategic soil management practices in salinity-prone agricultural zones.

The above study explores the impact zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) play in cadmium (Cd) clean-up as well as their ability to affect Vigna unguiculata growth. Cowpea, often referred to as black-eyed pea or Vigna unguiculata, is a significant legume crop that is extensively grown due to its high nutritional content and resistance to environmental stresses like heavy metals. The hazardous heavy metal cadmium seriously endangers both human health and agriculture. Owing to their distinctive physicochemical characteristics, such as their high reactivity and large surface area, zinc oxide nanoparticles are considered to be excellent candidates for a range of agricultural applications. The purpose of this study is to evaluate ZnO NPs’ impacts on Vigna unguiculata growth metrics and their capacity to reduce Cd toxicity. The experimental setup consisted of control and four treatments (25mg/kg) for the heavy metal and ( 10, 30 and 50mg/kg) for the Nanoparticles in three replicates. Data for growth (germination, plant height, stem girth, leaf loss and number of leaves) were collected weekly during the course of the experiment. Preliminary results show that the application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) xii positively impacts the developmental processes of Vigna unguiculata. The plants exposed to a lower dosage of ZnO NP and Cd exhibit improved growth characteristics compared to the plants exposed to higher concentration of Zinc Oxide, suggesting a stimulatory effect on the plant’s overall development. This study adds to the knowledge of the potential advantages and applications of zinc oxide nanoparticles in agriculture, specifically their ability to mitigate Cadmium toxicity and their positive influence on the growth of Vigna unguiculata. These results have implications for sustainable farming practices and the development of eco-friendly strategies to combat heavy metal pollution in Agricultural system.

Home gardens, whether in rural or urban areas, are structurally complex and multifunctional, providing numerous benefits to ecosystems and local communities. This study was carried out to investigate the diversity, ethnobotanical significance, and socio-economic impact of home gardens in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. The research focused on three communities Ekosodin, Oluku and Ekiadolor, selected for their active gardening practices and
plant diversity. A total of fifteen (15) home gardens, five from each community, were purposively chosen based on species richness and community involvement. Data collection involved field observations, oral interviews, and structured questionnaires administered to gardeners and community elders. Focus group discussions were conducted to gather insights on plant types, gardening practices, and socio-economic benefits. A total of thirty-five (35) plant species were
identified across the communities, with Ekiadolor exhibiting the highest diversity (33 species), followed by Oluku (27 species) and Ekosodin (22 species). Key plant species such as Vernonia amygdalina, Dioscorea spp., Talinum triangulare, Ocimum gratissimum, Solanum lycopersicum and Capsicum annuum were prevalent, indicating the significance of home gardens for food security and traditional medicine. The study revealed that home gardens play a critical role in providing medicinal plants used to treat common ailments, enhancing household nutrition, and
serving as a source of income. Challenges such as pest infestations, poor soil fertility, and water scarcity were highlighted, with recommendations for integrated pest management. This study underscores the importance of home gardens in conserving biodiversity, promoting traditional health practices, and supporting sustainable livelihoods

Acute diarhoea is one of the major illness that cause death in children, despite clinical intervention and the use of oral rehydration therapy. Thus, there is need to discover other effective, affordable and accessible treatments for this disease. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the effects of citrus sisnensis peel on castor oil-induced diarhoea in mice

The mushroom Pleurotus tuber-regium formed tea formulation with some local herbs such as Moringa, Bitter leaf and Scent leaf. P. tuber-regium formed three (3) different combinations with each of the three (3) herbs. That is, the tea formulations were of nine (9) different ratio combinations, which are: MU/MO 5:45, MU/MO 10:40, MU/MO 20:30; MU/SL 5:45, MU/SL 10:40, MU/SL 10:40; MU/BL 5:45, MU/BL 10:40, MU/BL 20:30. The combinations were each made into infusions by adding water into a cup with the tea mixture. The infusions were given to fifty (50) participants to consume at different time and location. After consuming the tea, the participants then gave their responses based on two (2) categories, taste and acceptability. Generally, the responses from the participants were positive and encouraging, and a few not so, which can be tackled by organizing programs/seminars for creating public awareness about the health benefits of mushrooms, through individual and government involvement in mushroom commercialization, through the development of adaptable mushroom cultivation, among others. It is worthy of note that none of the participants had complaints of a significant side effects like stomach upset, dizziness and allergies. This shows that this tea formulation is safe for consumption and that it fits the description of an ideal component of a healthy dietary habit that can be used to promote health.

Germination is the process through which a seed begins to grow and develop into a new plant, driven by the embryo’s ability to restart its metabolic activities within the seed. Tetrapleura tetraptera, commonly known as Aridan fruit, is a medicinal plant found mainly in the lowland forests of tropical Africa, while Entandrophragma cylindricum, known as the Sapele tree, is a prized timber species that grows widely across the same region. Both trees serve many purposes as they are valuable sources of medicine for treating various ailments and are also used for firewood, charcoal, and timber production. This study investigated how different pre-treatment methods affect the germination of T. tetraptera and E. cylindricum seeds to find effective ways of overcoming seed dormancy and improving seedling production for reforestation and conservation. Seeds from both species were exposed to various scarification methods, including acid treatment with hydrochloric acid, dry heat, hot water, and mechanical rubbing with sandpaper, while untreated seeds served as a control. The treated seeds were planted in bags and observed for several days. However, none of the seeds germinated, suggesting that they are highly dormant and resistant to the applied treatments. The results from this study highlight the need for more advanced dormancy-breaking techniques to improve the propagation success and ensure the conservation of these forest trees, which are gradually declining due to deforestation and overexploitation.

Aspergillus flavus is a fungus known for posing significant health risks in humans and animals. This study investigates the epistatic effect of double mutations induced by sodium azide and potassium chlorate in A. flavus. The mutants were generated were generated in culture media containing the mutagens and their epistatic interactions were observed along with their nutrient
utilization and growth rates. The results of mutation resulted in significant changes in the growth rate and morphology of the mutants, compared to the wild type. The epistatic interactions between the mutations revealed both synergistic and antagonistic effects on various traits. These findings provide insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying aflatoxin production and
fungal development in A. flavus, with implications for developing novel strategies to control aflatoxin contamination.

A study on the effect of ampicillin on microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and Euglena viridis was carried out. The experiment was carried out for 14 days using concentration at 0mg/l (control), 10mg/l, 20mg/l, 40mg/l, 60mg/l, 80mg/l, 100mg/l of ampicillin, affected the growth of Chlorella vulgaris and Euglena viridis. Samples were analysed throughout the experiment for physiochemical parameters using standard methods. The result showed that the different concentration of ampicillin affect the growth of Chlorella vulgaris and Euglena viridis and was inhibited at 10mg/l, 20mg/l, and 40mg/l treatment. The pH value at the beginning of all the experiment for all the treatment were unstable and around 8.16 and 6.68 but increased gradually at the end of experiment across all treatment. There was significant difference in the growth of the microalgae to the ampicillin concentration

Light intensity is a critical environmental factor that profoundly influences plant architecture and development, often by modulating internal phytohormone levels. Specifically, the regulation of auxin biosynthesis and signaling is central to understanding how plants adapt their growth in varying light conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of key auxin biosynthesis-related genes in Trichosanthes cucumerina plants cultivated under contrasting open field and shaded field conditions within a lowland rainforest environment. This research utilized three distinct data types, morphological, anatomical, and molecular. Morphological data, including vine length, number of leaves, stem circumference, were collected through direct field measurements throughout the growth period. Anatomical data were generated by preparing and microscopically examining cross-sections of stem and root tissues to assess cellular integrity and vascular bundle differentiation. Molecular data were generated via Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) analysis, which provided relative gene expression levels for auxin biosynthesis genes (e.g., YUCCA and TAA1) from extracted plant RNA. Morphological and molecular data were subjected to appropriate statistical analysis (e.g., t-tests or 2⁻ΔΔCₜ) method, to determine significant differences between the two growth environments

Ecological study of seasonal distribution of weeds in oil palm plantation at Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, was carried out during therainyand dry seasons of 2020. Quadrats measuring 10 m2 were laid at random and informationontheweed species were gathered and used to generate diversity indices as well as other ecological statistics. During the dry season the taxa ranged from 27 - 50, individual abundance (376–2821), Dominance_D (0.1819 – 0.4248), Simpson index (0.5752 – 0.962), Shannon Wiener idex(1.469 – 3.468), Evenness index (0.132 - 0.7635), Brillouin (1.437 – 3.268), Menhinickindex(0.7073 – 2.116), Margalef index (3.569 – 6.914), Equitability (0.4301 – 0.9278), Fisher_alpha(4.705 – 8.632), Berger-Parker (0.07979 – 0.6424) and Chao-1 was (27.38 – 50.5). In termsofmost abundant species, density, relative density and importance index value in dry seasonindecreasing order were Poaceae > Selaginellaceae > Arecaceae > Melastomataceae>Bromeliaceae > Asteraceae. Diverse families in decreasing order were Poaceae > Asteraceae>Fabaceae = Rubiaceae = Malvaceae > Amaranthaceae = Connaraceae > Acanthaceae=Cyperaceae = Euphorbiaceae = Polypodiaceae = Tiliaceae = Gentianaceae with 7, 6, 5, 5, 5, 3, 3, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 and 2 species respectively. While in the rainy season taxa ranged from32- 57, individuals (312 – 2178), Dominance, Simpson, Shannon Weiner, Evenness, Brillouin, Menhinick, Margalef and Equitability indices were (0.04491 – 0.4904; 0.5096 – 0.9551; 1.488–3.454; 0.10390 – 586; 1.426 – 3.284; 0.7037 – 2.887; 4.061 – 8.706) respectively. Equitability(0.4182 – 0.866), Fisher_alpha (5.373 – 17.31), Berger-Parker (0.1197 – 0.6944) and Chao-1were(32 – 62.08) respectively. In terms of most abundant species, density, relative densityandabstractimportance value index in rainy season, six weed families namely Poaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Rubiaceae and Connaraceae were predominant. Similarly, the most diverse families in decreasing order were Poaceae > Asteraceae, = Fabaceae, > Rubiaceae, =Malvacee, > Connaraceae = Amaranthaceae, > Acanthaceae = Cyperaceae = Euphorbiaceae=Gentianaceae = Polypodiaceae = Tiliaceae with 7, 6, 6, 5, 5, 3, 3, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 and 2speciesrespectively.The knowledge of weed flora will enable us to know the appropriate methodtoeliminate them from our agricultural farms to reduce competition with our valuable crops