Effects of Salt Stress on the Growth and Nitrogen Assimilation of African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis Stenocarpa) (L)
Publication Date: 28/11/2018
Author(s): Onyebuchi Chinonyerem Oluchi, Osuagwu G. G. E, Kalu P. E..
Volume/Issue: Volume 1 , Issue 1 (2018)
Abstract:
The effect of salt stress on the growth and nitrogen assimilation of Sphenostylis stenocarpa (African yam bean) was investigated. There were five (5) treatments (0.01mol/l, 0.03mol/l, 0.07mol/l, 0.10mol/l) and distilled water without salt, served as control. Treatment started three (3) weeks after germination and was carried out once. The measurement of the plant started immediately after treatment was done for one month. The research lasted for three months. Four seeds were planted per plastic bucket and were thinned down to two. Salt stress significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected the growth and nitrogen assimilation of Sphenostylis stenocarpa (African yam bean), at higher salt (NaCl) concentration (0.07mol/l and 0.10mol/l), the length of shoot, number of branches, number of leaves, root biomass, shoot biomass, germination and the nitrogen content of the plant’s leaf and soil were significantly (p<0.05) reduced. However, at a lower concentration (0.01mol/l to 0.03mol/l) the effect of salt stress on these parameters was not significant. The reduction in growth and nitrogen assimilation of Sphenostylis stenocarpa as a result of salt stress might be due to the deleterious effect of salt stress on the cellular as well as all other aspects of plant metabolism. Germination test was also carried out and lasted for only four days. At 0.07mol/l it tends to be retarded compared to the other treatment. The results obtained were discussed in the light of current literatures.
