Abstract Detail

Ecophysiology

Olukoya, Busayo [1], Sakpere, Ayobola Moninuola [1].

Effect of Water Stress on the Growth and Phytochemical Content of Clerodendrum volubile (Beauv.) at Different Growth Stages.

Clerodendrum volubile is commonly known among other leafy vegetables in some parts of Nigeria. It is also used as medicine. The effect of water stress on its growth and phytochemical constituents at different growth stages (pre and post flowering) was studied. Matured stem cuttings of C. volubile were planted. At six and fifteen weeks after planting, sprouted plants were used for the pre and post flowering experiments respectively. For each experiment, the plants were divided into 4 regimes; regime1 plants were watered everyday (control), regime 2 plants were watered on a 3-day interval, regime 3 plants were watered on 7-day interval and regime 4 plants were not watered at all throughout the experiment. Growth parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, fresh weight and dry weight of the plant were measured on a weekly basis for 5 weeks and qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening was carried out at the end of the experiments using standard methods. All parameters observed in plants subjected to stress were significantly reduced compared to control plants. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of the leaves of Clerodendrum volubile at the pre and post flowering stages after water stress shows no difference in phytochemical content between stressed and unstressed plants, however, concentration of the phytochemicals was dependent on type of phytochemical, treatment and growth stage of the plant.

1 - Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Botany, Ile-ife, Osun, 220005, Nigeria

Keywords:
Clerodendrum volubile
phytochemicals
water stress
leafy vegetable.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 3, Ecophysiology
Location: 104/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 10:45 AM
Number: 3011
Abstract ID:876
Candidate for Awards:None