Cytomorphological and antifungal analysis of Acalypha wilkesiana, Moringa oleifera extracts and sodi
Authors:
Oyekale Kehinde
Publication Type: Journal article
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Abstract
uThe effects of 1%, 2% and 3% concentrations of Acalypha wilkesiana and Moringa oleifera methanolic extracts, and sodium hypochlorite on the germinability, radicle extension, cytology of meristematic cells and inhibition of seed mycoflora of two okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) accessions (BAB 002 and BAB 003) were determined. Data obtained for the examined parameters were compared with those from seeds treated in sterile distilled water (control). Acalypha and Moringa extracts improved germination, radicle length and mitotic index better than sodium hypochlorite in the two accessions of okra seeds although significant (p<0.05) differences among the pre-treatments were not high. Acalypha, however, gave a more consistent data for all tested parameters at all concentration levels while Moringa performed best when overall effect was considered. Notwithstanding the enhanced germination and mitotic index of seeds pre-treated with Acalypha and Moringa, chromosomal aberrations were observed but at lower levels than in sodium hypochlorite treated seeds. Acalypha extracts had the best inhibitory activity towards seed-borne fungi, inhibiting all moulds at 2% and 3% pre-treatment concentrations. This study has therefore shown that Acalypha and Moringa may be alternatives for post-harvest storage of okra seeds as compared to the widely used chemical preservatives.