EXPLORING THE EFFECTS OF CRUDE OIL ON THE GERMINATION AND EMERGENCE OF SENNA SIAMEA

Аннотация

INTRODUCTION Crude oil pollution poses a significant threat to The germination and emergence of seeds are terrestrial ecosystems, particularly in regions critical stages in a plant's life cycle, directly where oil extraction and transportation activities influencing population dynamics and ecosystem are prevalent. The release of crude oil into the stability. Various studies have documented the environment can lead to soil contamination, toxic effects of crude oil on seed germination and adversely affecting plant growth and biodiversity. seedling establishment across different species; As one of the first organisms to interact with however, research specifically focusing on Senna contaminated soils, plants play a crucial role in siamea is limited. Factors such as the presence of ecosystem health and recovery. Among the various hydrocarbons in crude oil can lead to reduced seed plant species affected by crude oil, Senna siamea viability, inhibited root and shoot development, has garnered attention due to its ecological and and impaired physiological functions. These effects economic importance. Known for its rapid growth, can cascade throughout the ecosystem, resulting in nitrogen-fixing capabilities, and use in agroforestry decreased plant diversity, altered soil structure, and reforestation projects, Senna siamea serves as and compromised habitat for various organisms. a potential candidate for phytoremediation, Understanding the effects of crude oil on the making it essential to understand its response to oil germination and emergence of Senna siamea is contamination. https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajhfr 1 THE USA JOURNALS THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND FLORICULTURE RESEARCH (ISSN – 2689-0976) VOLUME 06 ISSUE11 vital not only for assessing the ecological risks Experimental Setup associated with oil spills but also for developing The experiment was conducted in a controlled effective strategies for soil remediation and greenhouse environment to maintain consistent restoration. This study aims to fill the gap in temperature, humidity, and light conditions. Fresh existing literature by investigating how varying seeds of Senna siamea were sourced from a concentrations of crude oil influence the reputable supplier and subjected to a pre- germination rates and seedling emergence of germination treatment, including surface Senna siamea. Through controlled experiments, sterilization with 70% ethanol followed by rinsing this research seeks to provide insights into the with distilled water to minimize microbial plant's tolerance to crude oil contamination and its contamination. The seeds were then tested for potential role in bioremediation efforts. The viability using a standard germination test, findings will contribute to a better understanding ensuring that only healthy seeds were used in the of the ecological impacts of crude oil pollution and experiment. inform future restoration initiatives in affected areas. Crude Oil Preparation METHODOLOGY Crude oil samples were obtained from a local oil refinery, and different concentrations were This study employed a controlled experimental prepared to assess their impact on seed design to investigate the effects of crude oil germination and emergence. The concentrations contamination on the germination and emergence included control (0% crude oil), low (2% crude oil), of Senna siamea seeds. The methodology was medium (5% crude oil), and high (10% crude oil) structured to ensure reliable data collection and levels. Each concentration was mixed with analysis, focusing on the impact of varying sterilized soil to create distinct treatment groups concentrations of crude oil on seed viability and for the experiment. growth. Germination and Emergence Trials https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajhfr 2 THE USA JOURNALS THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND FLORICULTURE RESEARCH (ISSN – 2689-0976) VOLUME 06 ISSUE11 Data collection commenced after planting, with For each treatment group, five replicates were observations recorded daily for a period of four established, each consisting of 10 seeds planted in weeks. Germination was defined as the visible plastic pots filled with 1.5 kg of the prepared soil emergence of the seedling from the soil surface. mixture. The pots were arranged in a randomized The number of germinated seeds was documented, complete block design to minimize the effects of and the percentage of germination was calculated environmental variations. The seeds were watered for each treatment group. with distilled water as needed to maintain moisture levels conducive to germination. Seedling Emergence Assessment Data Analysis In addition to germination rates, seedling The data collected on germination rates, seedling emergence was assessed by measuring the height height, survival rates, and biomass were subjected of seedlings weekly. Height measurements were to statistical analysis. One-way analysis of variance taken from the