Assessment of micro-morphology of the leaves of Solanum nigrum (L.), Amaranthus hybridus (L.) and Celosia argentea (L.) cultivated using kola pod extract-mediated AgNPs as biofertilizer

Abstract

Abstract In this study, assessment was made on the growth response and micro-morphology of the leaves of Amaranthus hybridus, Celosia argentea and Solanum nigrum cultivated using super grow (Golden Neo-Life Diamite-(GNLD) bio-fertilizer, kola pod extract-mediated AgNPs with super grow. AgNPs was synthesized biologically making use of pod extract of Cola nitida. A pot experiment was conducted to cultivate the three vegetables on soil from botanical gardens, LAUTECH in 5 kg soil capacity pots and super grow (biofertilizer) and mixture of AgNPs and super grow were applied at the second week after planting. Data were collected from the plant growth parameters. Random ccollection of the leaves was done at the onset of flowering and prepared for viewing with a binocular light microscope (Olympus) at 100X and 400X magnifications. Photographs were obtained digitally with Android phone using Microsoft image programme for windows. Statistical analysis of variance was done used MINITAB release 17, and means were separated with Fisher’s Least significant different at p<0.05. Leaves of plant treated with AgNPs have their micro organs (stomata and subsidiary/epidermal cells) bigger in sizes and increased in densities. This situation was observed in the leaves of the three plant species used in this study. Conclusively, Kola pod extract-mediated AgNPs strengthened the super grow and influenced the growth response as there was significant difference among the values recorded from the treatments. Also, micro-morphology of the AgNPs treated plant samples recorded significant values.