B.O. Edegbai

This study investigated the effect of different concentrations of selenium (Se) on the germination and early growth of Arachis hypogaea (groundnut). Selenium, an essential micronutrient for humans and animals, is known to enhance antioxidant activity and stress tolerance in plants at optimal levels, but becomes toxic when applied excessively. This study was conducted in the Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Benin, using five treatments: 0g/L (control), 1.5 g/L, 2.5 g/L, 5 g/L, and 10 g/L sodium selenite solutions, with seed priming durations of 3, 6, and 9 hours. Parameters measured included germination rate, radicle length, stem girth, shoot length, and number of leaves. Results showed that moderate Se concentrations(1.5 g/L and 2.5 g/L) improved germination and growth relative to the control, while higher concentrations (5 g/L and 10 g/L) significantly reduced these parameters, indicating toxicity at elevated levels. The findings suggest that selenium at low concentrations can enhance seed germination and early seedling vigour in groundnut, but excessive application inhibits growth. This study underscores the importance of optimizing selenium use in groundnut cultivation to enhance yield.

This study was carried out to examine the effect of salt stress on germination and seedling growth of Jute’s mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) between two landraces (Ondo & NIHORT Research Institute). Several parameters were measured, including germination percentage, shoot length, number of branches, leaf area, number of leaves, stem girth, internode length and leaf loss for eight days to day fifty-six. The experimental treatments included various concentrations of Nacl; 10g/L(Z), 5g/L(Y), 2g/L(X), 0.2g/L(W) and the control (V). Germination was observed on the eight day for V,W,X with W having the highest germination percentage (86.6±1.15%), followed by V(70.00±1.00%). Treatment X recorded moderate germination (40.00±1.00% ), while treatment Y and Z had no germination. Low concentrations of salt (V,W and X) stimulated germination in Corchorus olitorius L.. Shoot length and number of branches were significantly higher in W (6.50±1.00, 2.00±3.46) by day 21, performing better than other treatments. The number of leaves and stem girth were also higher in W(1.67±2.89, 6.33±0.57), while X, Y and Z had no number of leaves and stem girth. W recorded the highest leaf area (9.06±15.68, 30.25±2.36). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that there was no significant difference between W, control and other treatments for all parameters. The results suggest that W (with moderate salinity) enhanced germination and growth, whereas higher salinity (Y and Z) inhibited germination and growth, indicating an adverse effect of salinity stress on Corchorus olitorius L. physiology