DEPARTMENT OF PLANT BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

The study eutrophication stimulation effect on river Eruvbi phytoplankton was done to observe the growth response of the phytoplankton to different nutrient enrichment. Water samples were collected from the river site as well as phytoplankton samples. The phytoplankton was subjected to microscopic examination. The study involved natural phytoplankton population and introduced algae of (Scenedesums acutus and Chlorella vulgaris). The nutrient concentration used were 2.4mg/L nitrate, 1.2 mg/L phosphate and 2.4 mg/L nitrate + 1.2 mg/L phosphate, growth measurement was done optically using spectrometry at 750nm. The physiochemical composition of the river was also carried out, with some done in situ and others done in the laboratory. The result of the stimulated experiment showed that indigenous phytoplankton growth was best stimulated by nitrate enrichment, while introduced phytoplankton responded better phosphate enrichment. The phytoplankton composition of river Eruvbi has a low biodiversity and the algae present show the river to be oligotrophic in nature. Some physiochemical parameters such as dissolved solid, total alkalinity, total hardness and turbidity fell within the WHO guidelines for drinking water, while others like dissolved oxygen and pH were above the WHO guidelines for drinking water. It was concluded from the results that river Eruvbi which is oligotrophic as at present will under eutrophication if subjected to nitrate enrichment which will also cause a rapid bloom in the phytoplankton species of the river. Therefore extra care must be taken to prevent the eutrophication of the river.

This study investigates the cyto-morphological characteristics of two Nigerian species of the family Asteraceae, namely Aspilia africana and Spilanthes costata. Cyto-morphological studies are essential in plant taxonomy as they help in understanding the structural and chromosomal features that contribute to the classification, identification, and evolutionary relationships of plant species. The study aims to examine both the cytological and morphological attributes of these plants in order to provide useful taxonomic information. The research involves the collection of plant samples from selected locations, followed by detailed laboratory analysis. Morphological observations were carried out based on visible plant characteristics such as leaf shape, stem structure, flower arrangement, and growth pattern. Cytological studies were conducted using microscopic techniques to examine chromosome number, cell structure, and other cellular features. These analyses were used to identify similarities and differences between the two species. The results reveal variations in both morphological traits and cytological characteristics between the studied species, which provide valuable information for their classification and identification within the Asteraceae family. The findings also highlight the importance of combining cytological and morphological approaches in plant taxonomy and biodiversity studies. The study concludes that cyto-morphological analysis remains a useful tool in understanding plant diversity and improving the systematic classification of plant species. It further recommends additional molecular and genetic studies to complement cytological and morphological investigations for more accurate plant identification and evolutionary studies.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of selected tuber-based media on the vegetative growth of the fungus Volvariella volvacea (Bull. Ex Fr.) Sing. Pure culture of V. volvacea was gotten from the African Centre for Mushroom Research and Technology Innovations, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. The pure culture was expanded aseptically on potato dextrose agar and stored until utilized. This evaluation was carried out by puncturing the pure culture with already sterilized cork borer then the inoculum was collected with an already sterilized loop and inoculated at the center of the formulated culture. The culture media were subjected to different orientations. This procedure was carried out for the five replicates of each formulated medium after which they were taken to the incubation room. The growth biometry was taken after 24 hours for 6 days. Potato dextrose agar recorded the highest mycelia growth on the different plate orientations while cocoyam dextrose agar and white yam dextrose agar recorded the lowest mycelia growth on plates with an upward orientation and plates with a downward orientation respectively. From this study it has been observed that the vegetative growth of Volvariella volvacea is influenced by the plate orientation and the tuber used to prepare the culture media. This study has shown that sweet potato and water yam can be considered as viable alternatives for potato in the preparation of culture media for the fungus. Key words: Fungi, Plate orientation, Vegetative growth.

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a tree plant specie belonging to the family Moringaceae and it is widely used for various medicinal purposes. This study is aimed at determining the effect of sub- chronic administration of ethanol root extract of M. oleifera on the blood sugar level of non- diabetic Wistar rats. Eighteen adult albino Wistar rats, weiging between 157 g to 292 g were used for the study. The animals were divided into four groups, namely: Groups I, II, III and IV(Control). The extract was prepared using fresh roots of the plant collected from Obe Quarters, Benin City, Edo State. The roots of the plant were shade dried and were grinded to powder form. The extract was obtained by cold maceration of the powdered roots in 99% ethanol at room temperature for 72 hours, filtered and evaporated to dryness in a drying oven at 50°C. Groups I, II and III orally received 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg of ethanol root extract of M. oleifera respectively for a period of 21 days while the control group was administered distilled water only. The blood sugar level of each of the treated rats was measured after 24 hours of extract administration, and subsequently on Day 7, 14 and 21 by reading a strip of blood sample collected from the tail vein using a glucometer test kit. From the results obtained, it was observed that the blood sugar levels in all the treatment groups were not significantly different (p > 0.05) when compared with the control. In conclusion, ethanol root extract of M. oleifera does not have any negative impact on normal glycemic values in Wistar rats.

This study evaluated the effects of spent crude oil on the growth and development of two cocoyam species (Colocasia esculenta [L.] Schott. and Xanthosoma sagitifolim [L.] Schott.] as well as the microbiological, proximate and phytochemical compostion of soil and cocoyam species. Cocoyam corms from both species were collected from different markets in Benin City while the spent crude oil was obtained from mechanic workshop. 250kg of loamy soil was mixed with 10 litres of spent oil, the same treatment was carried out for the other respective treatment 7 litres, 3 litres and the control which was without oil. Then 25kg of the various soil treatment was transferred into the perforated bowls. After which the corm was planted into the bowl, then the plant was monitored for eight months. After eight month the plant that was given control treatment had the highest plant height (75.5 cm). The plants grown on spent oil contaminated soil had better body mass compared to those grown on soil without any contaminants. The microbiological and phytochemical analysis of the control and contaminated soil and cocoyam species was done using standard laboratory methods. The result of the fungi associated with cocoyam revealed a colony-forming unit of between 64×105 and 127×105. The group of fungi mainly associated with the different cocoyam samples obtained from the different markets in Benin City was mainly Aspergillus and Penicillum species. The Aspergillus sp. was more diverse based on their morphological description on PDA when compared to the Penicillum sp. The percentage occurrence of the Penicillium sp. was found to be higher than those of the Aspergillus sp. in all the cocoyam samples analyzed. The results of the proximate values of the Taro samples revealed the presence of carbohydrates, protein, fat, fibre and ash in varying amounts while the results of the phytochemicals revealed the presence of saponin, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids and polyphenol. Cocoyam contains food compounds that are beneficial and also of economic importance to man. However, there is the need to conserve this food substance against fungal infestation so that its full economic value can be harnessed. Most importantly, the results from the study revealed that the growth and development of cocoyam are affected by spent crude oil pollution of soil. More study is required to elucidate the potential effects and bioremediation potentials of the crops.

Nanotechnology offers a promising solution to soil degradation and environmental pollution caused by traditional agrochemical practices, enhancing crop productivity and nutrient-use efficiency at lower doses. The present study investigated the effect of nanoparticles (NPs) on the growth enhancement potential of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB). Bacteria from tomato
rhizospheric soil were isolated and characterized for growth promotion. Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized using Azadirachta indica and Moringa oleifera leaves, respectively. The nanoparticles' effect on PGPB growth was evaluated by culturing them on potato dextrose agar (PDA) supplemented with different concentrations of NPs (100, 75, 50, and 25, and 0%). The number of colonies forming units were counted after 2 days of incubation

Afforestation is habitually used as a resolution to prevent the detrimental effects of deforestation. As a result majority of plants, particularly trees must be subjected to germination and cultivation in nurseries before being transplanted in deforested areas. Scarification is a process that involves weakening or altering the seed coat to break dormancy and enhance germination of seedling growth and development. A study was carried out to investigate the effects of different scarification treatments on the germination of “Pseudospondias microcarpa and Funtumia africana seeds”. Different scarification methods, encompassing hot water, chemical, and dry heat treatment were administered to the seed, with untreated seeds serving as the control reference group. Key germination parameters, namely germination percentage, germination time, and seedling vigor, were documented and subsequently subjected to comparative analysis. Surprisingly, the outcome did not exhibit a significant effect of scarification on the germination of either species. The germination percentage, germination time, and seedling vigor demonstrated similarities between the scarified seeds and the control group. Though the hot water treated for 30 seconds of Funtumia africana grew but it took a long time to germinate and the control group grew but died. The absence of response to scarification treatment implies that the induction of seed dormancy breakage or the enhancement of germination might not require scarification within these plant species. Possible interpretations for these inconclusive findings include the natural permeability of the seed coats of Pseudospondias microcarpa and Funtumia africana which may facilitate the entry of water and gases, without the need of scarification. Moreover, alternative physiological or environmental factors on the seed germination process within these species could overshadow the effects of scarification. This research produced uncertain outcomes concerning the impact of scarification on the germination process of Pseudospondias microcarpa and Funtumia africana seeds. It is possible that scarification might not be essential for stimulating germination in these particular species

Magnesium nanoparticles have potentials on plant growth and development, Ferruginous soil is known for their high iron content and addition of maize nanoparticles may have several impacts on the maize plants. Magnesium is an essential nutrient for plants and play a crucial role in various physiological processes including photosynthesis, enzyme activation, nutrient uptake. The application of magnesium nanoparticles in ferruginous soil may also enhance the availability and uptake of magnesium by maize plants leading to improved growth, increased chlorophyll content, and enhanced photosynthetic efficiency. However, it is important to note that specific effects of magnesium nanoparticles on maize plant in ferruginous soil may depend on the following factors such as nanoparticle concentration, application method and soil conditions

The effects of leaf extract-based biosynthesized manganese nanoparticles on growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa var. Nerica) was assessed. The study was carried out in the Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, utilized leaves from four plant species: Carica papaya (Pawpaw), Azadiracta indica (Neem), and the flowers of
Hibiscus sabdarifa (red sorrel, commonly known as ‘zobo leaves’). The rice variety employed was Nerica rice, sourced from a farm in Delta state, Nigeria. Both ferruginous and nonferruginous soils were employed in the study. Nanoparticles were synthesized in the laboratory and applied within 3-4 hours post-synthesis to the rice plants, four weeks after planting. Application involved foliar spraying of each leaf species at room temperature, under sterile conditions. The nanoparticle treatments encompassed the control, ZM1 (5%), ZM2, and so forth (25%), ZM3 (50%), PM1 (5%), PM2 (25%), PM3 (50%), NM1 (5%), NM2 (25%), and NM3
(50%).

Psidium guajava L. is a tropical shrub tree and food plant that belongs to the Myrtaceae family. It is an economically important food plant with diverse medicinal properties. In traditional medicine it is used to treat and manage cough, diarrhoea, brain dysfunction, heart diseases, cancer, diabetes and so on. Ocimum gratissimum L. of the family Lamiaceae is popularly known as basil and is a shrub found in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of biherbal aqueous extract of Psidium guajava and ocimum gratissimum leaves on haematological parameters in rats. The haematological parameters include; white blood cells (WBC) and its differentials, red blood cells (RBC), Haemoglobin (HGB), Hematocrit (HCT), Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), Red cell distribution width (RCDW), White blood cells (WBC), Lymphocyte Count (LYM) Platelets (PLT), Platelet crit (PCT), Platelet density width (PDW), and Mean platelet volume (MPV) in Wistar rats. Graded doses (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) of the biherbal aqueous extract were orally administered to explore the heamatopathological effect of the plant extract. The result from this present study showed a significant increase across graded doses, precisely at 50 and 100 mg/kg in white blood cell count and its differentials (WBC= 6.10, 6.20 10 3 /µL; MID = 8.45, 6.50, 9.00 %; LYM = 6.75, 5.45, 5.30 10 3 /µL). The result obtained from the red blood cells and its component had a slight significant increase in RBC at (7.66, 7.75, 7.44 10 6 /µL; MCV = 54.70, 57.60, 58.10 µM3 ; RDWS = 36.30, 39.55, 37.37 µM3). Also, the platelet and its factors displayed a significant increase across graded doses of the extract onf the PLT (178418.00, 222510.00, 8645.00 10 3 µ/L; PDW (13.80, 12.80, 12.65 %); and PCT (1.59, 2.35, 0.98 %) compared with the control. Conclusively, the biherbal aqueous extract across the graded doses probably has a hematoprotective effect with corresponding ethnomedicinal value.