DEPARTMENT OF PLANT BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

This study investigated the influence of soil pH variation on weed development originating from soil seed banks. Soil samples were subjected to distinct pH concentrations of 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. The objective was to ascertain the effects of varying pH levels on weed species' development and diversity, thereby shedding light on potential implications for crop productivity. The study's significance lies in its exploration of the relationship between pH concentrations and weed diversity, with implications for crop management. If weeds, which possess adaptable traits, are compromised by pH fluctuations, the security of agricultural crops faces a similar threat. The experiment entailed exposing soil samples to diverse pH concentrations, with two sets of replicates and a control group. Initially, the samples were
irrigated with a 300 ml solution, followed by subsequent applications of 200 ml every alternate day. Emergent weed counts were documented at four-day intervals over an 8-week period. The findings revealed noteworthy trends. At pH extremes of 3 and 11, reduced diversity was observed due to growth suppression, indicating the susceptibility of weed species to extreme pH conditions

Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentale Hook. F.) is a tropical plant belongingtotheCucurbitaceae family and holds significant economic value in Nigeria. Despite its highnutritional benefits and importance, there is a lack of information on how salinity impacts thisplant. This study aims to evaluate the effects of salinity on the growth of T. occidentalis. Theresearch was conducted over a four-week period. Seedlings of Telfairia occidentalis were placedin plastic bowls (30 cm in diameter) with drainage holes at the bottom to allowfor free waterdrainage. Two weeks after planting, the seedlings exhibited uniform growth and were movedtothe screen house of the Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology. The plants wereirrigated with saline water at varying concentrations: 0 (control), 70, 140, and 280 mMNaCl, with three replicates for each treatment. The results indicated that high salinity negativelyaffectsT. occidentalis. The highest leaf length (19.67±1.53 cm) was observed in the 70 mMNaCl treatment, while the lowest leaf count (4.67±8.08) was recorded in week 4 for plants subjectedtothe highest salt concentration (280 mM NaCl). Additionally, the study found that salt stressadversely impacted the content of photosynthetic pigments, leading to a decrease inthechlorophyll content index and overall biomass yield. The findings suggest that T. occidentaliscan thrive in low to moderate salinity levels (70-140 mM NaCl), but its growth is significantlyhindered at high salinity levels

This study investigated the effects of Acanthus montanus leaf extract on kidney function in an experimental animal model. The research also aimed to scientifically validate the ethnomedicinal use of the plant in managing renal disorders. Fresh leaves of Acanthus montanus were collected, authenticated, air-dried, and extracted using distilled water. The animals (Male Wistar rats) were divided into control and treatment groups, respectively. The extract was administered at graded doses, and serum biochemical parameters, including Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, urea, and creatinine, were measured. Results indicated significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent reductions in elevated serum enzyme levels and improved renal function markers among treated groups compared to the control. The study provides scientific support for the traditional use of Acanthus montanus in managing kidney disorders. The results highlight its potential as a natural source of therapeutic agents for oxidative stress-related organ damage.

A field experiment was conducted on the effect of the mixture of compost and cow dung manure on the growth of Vigna unguiculata for a period of 5 weeks. Each treatment had 3 replicates making it a total of 15 bags. Five (5) seeds were planted in each bag and
germination reading was taken for 7 days after which readings for plant height, number of leaves, number of branches and girth were taken weekly for 4 weeks. At the end of germination study, control, A, B, C and D recorded 86.67%, 86.67%, 60.00%, 86.67% and
46.67% respectively. At the end of the experiment (31DAP), height values calculated for control, A, B, C and D were 14.33 ± 1.67, 24.67 ± 0.44, 29.00 ± 1.53, 30.25 ± 1.25 and 34.00 ± 3.00 cm respectively and at the same time, the number of leaves values recorded for control, A, B, C and D were 7.00 ± 1.73, 23.33 ± 3.48, 28.00 ± 2.00, 30.50 ± 0.50 and 22.50 ± 3.50 respectively. The results gathered for girth and number of branches were inconsistent. From data gathered, it will appear that the optimum concentration of the manure mixture for growth of Vigna unguiculata lies within the range of treatment C

In this study, screening and selection of Cryptococcus neoformans was conducted using Urease test. Pigeon dropping is known to be a source of this infectious organism. A total of twelve (12) samples from pigeon droppings were collected from three markets in Benin City. All samples were cultured on SDB (Sabouraud Dextrose Broth) and incubated for 24hrs at 37°C. After 24hrs, the isolates were sub-cultured on fresh SDB and incubated for 24hrs. After growth was observed, the isolates were plated on SDA (Sabouraud Dextrose Agar) for identification of the organism. Isolates of the organism obtained from this samples that was sub- cultured were subjected to urease test. Clinical samples collected from UBTH were also subjected to urease test. The results showed that the isolates that were positive for urease tests with highest growth rate at 37°C were recorded for samples x obtained from Oliha market. This experiment shows the possibility of isolating and selecting C. neoformans on urease test

Cryptococcus neoformans is a capsular fungal pathogen that causes life-threatening opportunistic infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. This research involved isolating, screening, and growing C. neoformans from samples collected from pigeon droppings in Uselu, Egor, and New Benin markets, Benin City, Edo State. One gram of pigeon droppings was added to Yeast Peptone Dextrose Broth (YPD) for preliminary culturing and incubated at 25°C for 24 hours. The mixture was then plated onto Yeast Peptone Dextrose Agar (YPDA) plates, incubated for five days, and sub-cultured to obtain contamination-free single colonies. Identification of the organism involved a urease test followed by a Niger seed agar test. The Niger seed agar test detected melanin-producing strains through pigmentation, while the urease test confirmed its presence through a yellow-to-pink color change. Out of 75 samples, 63 tested positive for C. neoformans, signifying its environmental prevalence, 21 from this 63 tested positive for melanin production. Growth pattern analysis showed optimum growth at 37°C, aligning with its pathogenicity in humans, and normal growth at 25°C. Under starvation conditions, colony formation was visibly inhibited, indicating its dependence on environmental nutrients for establishment. Susceptibility tests with fluconazole showed inhibited growth, confirming its efficacy as an antifungal agent. This study provides information on the environmental distribution, melanin production, and adaptability of C. neoformans in variable growth environments. The results suggest the organism's ecological ubiquity, the role of melanin as a virulence factor, and its ability to thrive in environments with high nutrient availability and favorable temperatures. These findings are significant in understanding fungal survival and the management of cryptococcal infections.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is one of the major staple food crops in Africa, overtime the constraints caused by Plant ravaging pathogen such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and other abiotic factors has led to decline in the yield of cassava produced per annum. In this study the effect of incubation period on the antifungal activities of zinc oxide and magnesium chloride nanoparticles against pathogens isolated from diseases cassava plants (Manihot esculenta) were determined. Zinc oxide (ZnO) and magnesium chloride (Mgcl) nanoparticles were synthesized using Moringa oleifera leaf extract and characterization of the nanoparticles was done using UV-Vis spectrometer; the peak of the absorbance was recorded at 350nm. Zinc Oxide nanoparticles showed a high anti-fungal potency on the test organism at shorter incubation period (24-72 hours). From this study it was observed that as incubation period increases the anti-fungal properties decreases

his study examined the effect of different levels of Greenwayodendron suaveolens seed powder and wheat bran supplementation on the growth and yield performance of Pleurotus tuberregium. Pleurotus tuberregium, commonly known as the king tuber oyster mushroom, is a tropical species valued for its nutritional, medicinal, and economic importance. Unlike plants, mushrooms lack chlorophyll and depend on decomposing organic matter for nourishment, making them suitable for cultivation on agricultural wastes such as sawdust, rice husk, and maize
cobs. The experiment was done using sawdust as substrate. The substrate was prepared and supplemented with wheat bran and Greenwayodendron suaveolens seed powder at 0,2,4,6,8 and 10% levels respectively. Supplemented substrate were inoculated with spawn of Pleurotus
tuberregium and then incubated incubated for growth and fruiting. The results showed that supplementation with wheat bran and Greenwayodendron suaveolens seed powder improved the growth and yield of Pleurotus tuberregium compared to the 0% control. Substrates supplemented with Greenwayodendron suaveolens seed powder reached 50% mycelial colonization as early as 12 days and full colonization by about 18 to 20 days, while those with wheat bran reached 50% between 12 and 14 days. Fruiting bodies appeared between 22 and 30 days in both supplements, but only sclerotia formed in the 0% control. The highest yield was recorded at 10% Greenwayodendron suaveolens seed powder with 790 g fresh weight, 50.43 g dry weight

Coconut is one of the most nutritionally and economically valuable foods known to humankind. Its various edible products further enhance its significance, making the coconut palm a highly valued tree, especially in tropical regions where it is widely cultivated. Due to the increasing resistance of microorganisms to commonly used antibiotics, there is a growing need for alternative antimicrobial agents. This study investigated the antibacterial activity of coconut water obtained from both young and mature coconut fruits against selected gastrointestinal bacteria. Gastrointestinal bacteria are known to cause infections that primarily affect the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. For this study, coconuts were sourced from three locations in Benin: Oluku Market, NIFOR, and Iguosa Market. Coconut water contains lauric acid, a bioactive compound with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, which helps strengthen the immune system. Additionally, coconut water plays a role in improving digestion and nutrient absorption while offering a low-calorie alternative to other beverages. Given its natural antimicrobial potential, coconut water could serve as a functional food with therapeutic benefits, particularly in managing gastrointestinal infections. Further research into its mechanisms of action and potential applications in clinical settings could provide new insights into its role as a natural remedy for bacterial infections Coconut is one of the most nutritionally and economically valuable foods known to humankind. Its various edible products further enhance its significance, making the coconut palm a highly valued tree, especially in tropical regions where it is widely cultivated. Due to the increasing resistance of microorganisms to commonly used antibiotics, there is a growing need for alternative antimicrobial agents. This study investigated the antibacterial activity of coconut water obtained from both young and mature coconut fruits against selected gastrointestinal bacteria. Gastrointestinal bacteria are known to cause infections that primarily affect the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. For this study, coconuts were sourced from three locations in Benin: Oluku Market, NIFOR, and Iguosa Market. Coconut water contains lauric acid, a bioactive compound with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, which helps strengthen the immune system. Additionally, coconut water plays a role in improving digestion and nutrient absorption while offering a low-calorie alternative to other beverages. Given its natural antimicrobial potential, coconut water could serve as a functional food with therapeutic benefits, particularly in managing gastrointestinal infections. Further research into its mechanisms of action and potential applications in clinical settings could provide new insights into its role as a natural remedy for bacterial infectionsCoconut is one of the most nutritionally and economically valuable foods known to humankind. Its various edible products further enhance its significance, making the coconut palm a highly valued tree, especially in tropical regions where it is widely cultivated. Due to the increasing resistance of microorganisms to commonly used antibiotics, there is a growing need for alternative antimicrobial agents. This study investigated the antibacterial activity of coconut water obtained from both young and mature coconut fruits against selected gastrointestinal bacteria. Gastrointestinal bacteria are known to cause infections that primarily affect the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. For this study, coconuts were sourced from three locations in Benin: Oluku Market, NIFOR, and Iguosa Market. Coconut water contains lauric acid, a bioactive compound with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, which helps strengthen the immune system. Additionally, coconut water plays a role in improving digestion and nutrient absorption while offering a low-calorie alternative to other beverages. Given its natural antimicrobial potential, coconut water could serve as a functional food with therapeutic benefits, particularly in managing gastrointestinal infections. Further research into its mechanisms of action and potential applications in clinical settings could provide new insights into its role as a natural remedy for bacterial infections

Seed dormancy and slow germination rates are common challenges in the propagation of Citrus tangerina, limiting its agricultural productivity and commercial cultivation. This study examines the effects of soaking seeds in different mediums—distilled water, nitric acid (HNO₃), and salt solution (NaCl)—with varying exposure times (6, 12, and 24 hours) to determine their influence on germination performance and early seedling growth. The objective is to identify an effective pre-treatment method to enhance germination, improve seedling vigor, and assess salinity tolerance. A completely randomized design (CRD) was employed, where treated seeds were monitored for germination percentage, mean germination time, seedling vigor index, root-shoot length, and overall seedling health. The results indicated that HNO₃ significantly improved germination rates and seedling vigor, likely due to its ability to soften the seed coat and break dormancy. Seeds soaked in distilled water exhibited moderate germination improvement, supporting its role in hydrating and activating metabolic processes. In contrast, NaCl treatment negatively impacted germination and seedling growth, with prolonged exposure (24 hours) leading to reduced vigor, suggesting that Citrus tangerina may be sensitive to saline conditions. These findings provide valuable insights into optimal seed pre-treatment methods for Citrus tangerina, benefiting citrus nurseries and large-scale plantations by improving propagation success. Additionally, the study contributes to understanding seed dormancy mechanisms, stress tolerance, and germination enhancement techniques. Future research should explore the biochemical and physiological responses of seeds to these treatments to further optimize germination protocols and assess long-term seedling development.