DEPARTMENT OF PLANT BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

Justicia carnea, also known as the Brazilian Plume Flower, is a tropical shrub from the Acanthaceae family, admired for its striking pinkish-red flowers and lush green foliage. Often grown as an ornamental plant, it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies while adding vibrant color to gardens. Beyond its beauty, Justicia carnea has long been used in traditional medicine for treating anemia, respiratory issues, and inflammation due to its antioxidant and immune- boosting properties. The plant thrives in warm climates with well-drained soil and partial shade, making it a resilient yet eye-catching addition to landscapes. On a cellular level, it exhibits stable meiosis and amphistomatic leaves with diacytic stomata, which help regulate gas exchange and water loss. With its combination of aesthetic appeal, ecological importance, and medicinal value, Justicia carnea remains a valuableplant for both gardeners and researchers alike.

Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) Is one of the most essential oil plant that is largely grown globally. Its domestic and industrial use hasbrought about increase in the economy of many countries. About 64 % of the world's supply of oil seed meal comes from soy, which also serves as the primary source of oil and contributes to about 28 % of output as a whole. Soybean which is a legume crop serves as food to humans and animals and other beneficial purpose. 10 different accessions of soybean were studied to check if there will be significant change in their morphological and physiological characteristics. The set of descriptors for the present morphological characterization of Soybean was produced using the Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hochst ex. A. Rich.) Harms descriptor and the seed length, seed width and seed thickness of 10 seeds from each accession number were determined using a venire caliper. Accession number TGM-942 had the least length, 0.47 cm while Accession number TGM-944 had the highest length, 0.58 cm. Accession number TGM-540 seed weighed 1.45 g, which was the highest see weight. Their testa basal colorranged from black, reddish brown, light brown, black to purple.

Soil contamination by heavy metals especially chromium (vi) oxide is a major environmental concern due to its toxicity and persistence inagricultural soils. This study investigated the effect of chromium (VI) oxide on the growth and anatomy of Sorghum bicolor to assess its tolerance and sensitivity. Sorghum seeds were subjected to five concentrations of chromium (VI) oxide (0, 30, 50, 70, and 100 ppm) in soil, under a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replicates per treatment. Growth parameters, including germination percentage, plant height, stem girth and number of leaves, were studied and recorded up to six weeks after planting (WAP). Anatomical analyses of root and stem transverse sections were performed to assess internal tissue responses. Results showed a concentration specific decline in all growth parameters, with the control plants exhibiting the highest mean values for germination percentage (20.00%), plant height (59.50cm) and stem girth (0.84cm) and the least values for germination percentage (10.75%), plant height (36.00cm) and stem girth (0.76) recorded for plants grown in 100 ppm Cr6+ treatment. Vegetative growth parameters decreased with increasing chromium concentration, indicating growth suppression. Anatomical observations revealed darkening of the epiblema and loss of cortical cells in the root of plants as well as deposition of crystal-like substance is observed in the cortex of the stem of plants exposed to higher chromium levels. These alterations indicate that chromium induces oxidative stress and structural injury, disrupting normal cell function and secondary growth. The findings support that chromium (VI) exerts significant inhibitory effects on both morphological and anatomical development of Pennisetum glaucum, emphasizing the detrimental impact of chromium contamination on crop productivity.

One of the world’s most important vegetable plants is the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). It can be consumed raw, cooked, or utilized to make items with tomato as the base. Because lycopene is one of the main sources of carotenoids, it has also been proven to be helpful in studies involving these pigments. In order to identify the tomato genotype that is most likely to be used in tomato breeding, this research was done to characterize three inbreed lines of tomato genotypes from Igbodo. The identification of genetic variability that exists within crop germplasms depends on agronomic evaluation of crop genotypes. In order to do this, the fruits of 3 tomato genotypes were assessed, using a UV spectrophotometer, the lycopene content was calculated. Fruit weight ranged from 6.222±0.660 to 13.96±1.661. RD-igb had the highest fruit weight while PY-igb had the lowest fruit weight. The lycopene content was evaluated for three genotypes; RD-igb, HD-igb and PY-igb. Genotype 2 recorded the highest fruit lycopene content with a value of 1.336±0.321 to 1.715±0.253 while genotype 1 recorded the lowest fruit lycopene content. Some attributes had a significant coefficient of variance, whilst others showed little genotype-to-genotype variation. While some genotypes, such as genotype 1, had low fruit lycopene values, genotype 2 had high fruit lycopene content. When choosing tomato plants with desirable qualities during tomato breeding, these tomato unique diversities can be used as a guide.

This study investigated the effects of different urea concentrations on the growth of Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedsemus, two freshwater microalgae species were analyzed under laboratory conditions. The experiment involved subjecting the microalgae to varying concentration of urea (Control, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%). Absorbance was measured using a 721-visible Spectrophotometer at 750nm. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and total dissolved solids were analyzed. Data was evaluated using descriptive statistics, two way analysis of variance and t-tests analysis and was conducted in Microsoft Excel 2010. Results revealed significant variation in the growth responses of both microalgae. Chlorella vulgaris exhibited optimal growth at 20% and 40% urea concentration with lowest growth occurring at higher concentrations. Scendesmus, on the other hand had the highest growth at 20% urea concentration with extremely low growth at higher levels. This infers that Chlorella vulgaris was more tolerant to higher concentrations of urea and ammonia toxicity than Scenedesmus. All physicochemical parameters and growth showed significant differences across concentrations of urea apart from Turbidity

Many regions of the world have ferruginous soils, which lack magnesium. Magnesium is a crucial component for plant growth, and a lack of it can result in lower quality and yields. Numerous potential advantages of nanoparticles for plant growth have been demonstrated, including higher nutrient uptake, improved photosynthesis, and increased resistance to pests and diseases. Magnesium nanoparticles (MgNPs) have been shown to enhance plant growth in other types of soils, but their effects on maize growth in ferruginous soils have not been studied effectively. This study investigated the potential effects of magnesium anoparticles on the growth of maize (Zea mays L.) in ferruginous soil. In this study, potted maize plants were grown in a controlled environment, with varying concentrations of magnesium nanoparticles applied to the ferruginous soil. The growth parameters assessed in this research study include: plant height, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area and stem girth. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of magnesium nanoparticles to reduce the negative effects of magnesium deficiency in ferruginous soils. The observed enhancements in maize growth were most likely caused by the nanoparticles' capacity to deliver a regulated release of magnesium ions into the soil environment.
To identify the best application rates, potential long-term impacts, and interactions of magnesium nanoparticles with other soil components, additional research is required.

Different types of mushrooms, such as Marasmiellus inoderma, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Ganoderma lucidum, from the families Marasmieceae, Pleurotaceae, and Ganodermataceae respectively, are exceedingly adaptable and may offer health advantages. Additionally, they create mushroom powder, a healthy, gluten-free substitute for traditional wheat flour that emphasizes its culinary uses and environmental benefits. The discussion then moves to a study that aims to increase dietary fiber, improve flavor and scent, and enrich bread with nutritional content of mushroom while investigating potential health advantages and encouraging culinary innovation. The ultimate goal of this study is to maximize the production of mushroom bread and determine whether it can be produced economically while still satisfying consumer demand. It also include determining how different mushroom types affect flavor and acceptability, lowering the amount of sugar in bread, finding the ideal ratios for mushroom powder, evaluating the effects of processing methods, analysing nutritional value and health benefits, and assessing shelf life and consumer perceptions. The mushroom powder which was processed by dehydration was added in different percentage and levels to bread flour which is then used to make bread. The bread is to be made delicious, in wheat bread style, reduced sugar content and have an original mushroom taste. It was done by measuring ingredients, mixing and kneading into a dough, proofing, baking and cooling off completely. The proximate was determined with content of moisture 25.10%, fibre 0.53%, fat 22.23%, ash 1.70%, dry matter 74.93%, protein 9.99% and carbohydrate 40.45%. Palatability test and mold analysis was carried out to determine consumer acceptance and determine the shelf life of the bread. This study infuses biotechnology into baking and vice versa