ABSTRACT

This work investigated the effect of x-ray irradiation on the anatomy, proximate and anti-nutrient composition of the leaf of Capsicum frutescens. Seedlings of C. frutescens where exposed to x-irradiation at 5, 10, 15 20 MGy using a therapeutic X-ray machine. While some seeds were not exposed to serve as control. Planting was done in completely randomised design (CRD) using plastic bucket. Data was collected randomly 14 weeks after planting (WAP). Analysis of variance was used to analyse the collected data. Structural observation of the anatomical sections was done using digital novel microscope (scope 9.0) after sectioning of the leaves, stems and roots. From the results, exposure of the seedlings increased the flavonoid tannin and phenol content of the leaf. Alkaloids content of the plants did not show much response at high irradiation dose of 20 MGy.  In this study phytate contents did not respond to irradiation treatment. Anatomical studies of the root, stem, and leaf sections showed a clear-cut differences or change in structure. Moisture, carbohydrate contents of the studied leaves reduced with increase in irradiation dose. Protein, ash responded with positive increase as irradiation dose increased. Fat steadily increased with increase in irradiation. Crude fibre was less than the control at high irradiation dose of 20 MGy. Photomicrographs of the anatomical sections revealed that high irradiation doses of 10 – 20 MGy affected the some structures in the roots, stem and leaves of the plants. Summarily, X-ray irradiation affected the studied parameters in C. frutescens especially at higher irradiation doses. Studies should be further carried out on the effect of ionizing irradiation on nutritional content of plant to ensure the biosafety of this technology.  

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page i

Declaration ii

Certification iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgement v

Table of Content vi

List of Tables viii

Abstract ix

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Justification 4

1.3 Aims and objectives 4

CHAPTER TWO

2.1 Botany of the plant 5

2.2 Propagation and planting 5 

2.3 Pest and diseases of pepper (C. frutenscens) 6

2.4 Effect of irradiation on plant gene, growth and development 7

2.5 Effect of irradiation on some chemical contents of plants 8

2.6 Effect of irradiation on plant anatomy 9

2.7 Economic importance of pepper 10

CHAPTER THREE

Materials and Methods 11

3.1 Collection of sample 11

3.2 Treatment of sample 11

3.3 Planting/Experimental design 11

3.4 Epidermal studies 12

3.5 Anatomical studies 12

3.6 Photomicrography 12

3.7 Quantitative phytochemical analysis 13

3.7.1 Determination of alkaloids 13

3.7.2 Determination of phenols 13

3.7.3 Determination of flavonoids 14

3.7.4 Determination of tannins 14

3.8 Proximate composition analysis 14

3.8.1 Moisture content determination 15

3.8.2 Crude protein determination 15

3.8.3 Crude ash determination 16

3.8.4 Crude fat determination 16

3.8.5 Crude fibre determination 17

3.8.6 Carbohydrate determination 18

3.9 Statistical analysis 18

CHAPTER FOUR

Results and Discussion 19

4.1 Results 19

4.1.1 Effect of x-irradiated on anti-nutrient composition

C. frutescens leaves 19

4.1.2 Effect of x-irradiated on proximate composition

C. frutescens leaves 21

4.1.3 Effect of x-irradiation on the anatomy of the studied plants 23

4.2 Discussion 31

CHAPTER FIVE

Conclusion and Recommendation 35

5.1 Conclusion 35

5.2 Recommendation 35

REFERENCES 36