ABSTRACT

This research work was aimed at evaluating the effect of X-irradiation doses on the growth component and proximate composition of two varieties of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench). The varieties used are Clemson spineless and V35. The okra seeds were grouped into five (5). Group one served as the control whereas group 2-5 received different levels of X-ray (5, 10, 15 and 20 MGy). The seeds were packed in a paper envelope containing 50 seeds each. The seeds were irradiated at Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, Abia state at the radiographical unit. The treated seeds were sown 24 hours after irradiation directly to the soil. The experiment was designed in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Growth components were measured at 3, 6 and 9 WAP. Data generated were subjected to statistical analysis using FLSD. The results obtained on the two okra varieties on the growth components investigated revealed that doses of 5, 10 and 15 MGy had better promoting effect when compared with the control. Also, the result of the proximate composition revealed an increase in the carbohydrate, protein and fat contents of the okra varieties. There was a gradual reduction on the ash, fibre and moisture contents of the plants. From the results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that irradiating okra seeds with X-ray are effective in improving the growth variables. Consequently, the results of the proximate composition observed in this work were promising. It is therefore recommended that more research should be conducted on the yield, vitamins and mineral composition of the plant as a result of X-ray bombardment. 

TABLE OF CONTENT

Cover page i

Title page ii

Declaration iii

Certification iv

Dedication v

Acknowledgment vi

Table of content vii

List of Figures ix

Abstract x

CHAPTER 1

1.0 Introduction 1

1.2 Justification 3

1.3 Objectives of the study 3

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Botany of the plant 4

2.2 Origin and Distribution of Okra 4

2.3 Soil and Climatic Requirements 5

2.4 Cultivation of Okra 6

2.5 Uses of Okra 6

2.6 Economic Importance of Mutation Breeding 7

2.7 Types of Mutagens 7

2.7.1 Physical Mutagens 8

2.7.2 Chemical Mutagens 9

2.8 Mutagenesis as a Means of Crop Improvement 9

CHAPTER 3

3.1 Source of Planting Materials 11

3.2 Study Area 11

3.3 Irradiation of Planting Materials 11

3.4 Experimental Design 11

3.5 Data Collection 12

3.6.0 Proximate Composition Analysis 12

3.6.1 Moisture Content Determination 12

3.6.2 Crude Protein Determination 13

3.6.3 Crude Ash Determination 13

3.6.4 Crude Fat Determination 14

3.6.5 Crude Fibre Determination 14

3.6.6 Carbohydrate Determination 15

CHAPTER 4

4.1 Effect of X-ray doses on the plant height (cm) 16

4.2 Effect of X-ray doses on the Number of Leaves 17

4.3 Effect of X-ray doses on the Number of Branches 19

4.4 Effect of X-ray doses on the Leaf Area (cm2) 20

4.5 Proximate composition of two okra varieties seed 

irradiated with X-ray. 22

4.6: Effect of X-ray doses on the biomass 26

CHAPTER 5

5.1 Discussion 27

5.1.1 Discussion of the effect of X-ray doses on 

the growth components 27

5.1.2 Effect of X-ray dose on the proximate composition 28

5.2 Conclusion 29

5.3 Recommendation 30

REFERENCES 31

APPENDIX 36