Effect of spent oil on the germination and seedling growth of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) and fluted pumpkin (Telferia occidentalism :- Njoku Lizzy A

ABSTRACT

The effect of spent oil on the germination and growth of fluted pumpkin (Telferia occidentalis) and pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) vies investigated. The study focused on the germination percentage, days of germination and rate of germination, number ofleaves, plant height, fresh weight and dry weight of fluted pumpkin (Telferia occidentalis) and pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) A total ofthirty plastic containers (5 Litres) were filled with sandy-loam soil which were mixed with various concentrations of spent engine oil. There were four different concentrations spent engine oil graded from 50, 100, 150 and 200ml of which each treatment has three replicates. The results show that spent oil had significant effect on the germination percentage, days of germination and rate of germination, of T. occidentalis and C.pepo. From the findings of the study the different levels spent oil soil pollution had a significant effect on the growth parameters studied (number of leaves and plant height) and biomass of T. occidentalis and C.pepo. Leaf yellowing, leaf folding and shedding of leaves were observed. Therefore, spent oil in soil has highly significant effect on growth of plants.