Abstract

Effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract and Sodium hypochlorite seed pre-treatment on the seed germination, seedling growth rate and fungal activities in two accessions of Abelmoschus esculentus was examined in the Crop laboratory of Babcock University. Seed viability and seedling vigour were assessed according to ISTA, 1985; while the blotter paper method was used to determine the seed microflora. Mycological analysis was carried out by isolating and identifying fungal flora on potato dextrose agar plates. Okra seeds of CCN2005/2 and Clemson spineless varieties were pre-treated with 2.5%, 5% and 10% of Moringa leaf extract; while Sodium hypochlorite, NaOCl, was administered at 4%, 5% and 6%. A control with no seed pre-treatment was also included. Ten viable seeds, randomly selected from the seed lots of each accession, were dipped into treatment solutions for five minutes, after which it was withdrawn and prepared for further tests. Germination tests were carried out on 85mm diameter petri dishes, lined with moistened Whattman filter paper; with three replications for each treatment in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The two okra accessions reacted differently to different concentrations of NaOCl and Moringa leaf extract. The accessions were not significantly different for the seed viability and seedling vigour variables evaluated. Results further reveal that 4% and 6% of NaOCl inhibited the population of fungal growth; while Moringa extract reduced fungal growth and population on both accessions. Fusarium had the highest (67.5%) occurrence on seed fungal population. Penicillium however had the lowest (3.5%). This study explained the fact that pre-treatment of seeds before storage with Moringa reduces the possibility of fungal infection and also maintains the viability and vigour of the seed for a particular time period, depending on the seed type.