Germination and Early Seedling Growth Studies of Zea mays L. Grown in Pennisetum glaucum Seed Extract Treated Medium

Mbosowo M. Etukudo, Ifeoma J. Okereke, Joseph Udo
2016 Greener Journal of Biological Sciences  
Germination and early seedling growth of Zea mays L were studied in the laboratory using aqueous extract from seeds of Pennisetum glaucum. The concentration levels of the extracts used were, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%, alongside a control 0% (distilled water). The phytochemical and mineral nutrients analysis of Pennisetum glaucum seed extracts indicated the proportion of phytochemicals in their decreasing order; alkaloids, phytate, tannin, saponin, and flavonoid while mineral elements such as K,
more » ... a, Mg, Ca, P, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, N and Pb were found in their decreasing order of contents. The coefficient of velocity of germination of Zea mays was relatively higher than that of the control at 40, 60, 80, and 100 % levels of concentration of seed extract of P. glaucum. The germination percentage increased with increase in concentration of seed extract of P. glaucum with the highest value recorded at 100% level of concentration relative to the control. The shoot length and root length of the crop recorded higher values at 80 and 100%, and 100% levels of concentration of seed extract of P. glaucum, respectively, comparable with the control treatment. The fresh weight and dry weight of Z. mays increased with increase in the concentration of seed extract of P. glaucum with values relatively higher than the control treatment at 80 and 100% levels of concentration for fresh weight and at 100% level of concentration for dry weight Therefore, this study suggests that the extracts from this plant can be utilized as nutrients supplements for improved growth and development of Zea mays L.
doi:10.15580/gjbs.2016.5.103116195 fatcat:folehyt7fjhpbm7fbp2b72y3ru