Effect of different concentrations of crude oil on germination, growth and major food reserves (carbohydrate, lipid, protein) were investigated in guinea corn (Sorghum bicolor). The concentrations of the crude oil used were 0, 5, 10 and 20% (v/v). The result showed that the radicle and shoot lengths decreased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing concentrations of crude oil. In 84 h of growth, the lengths of radicle of guinea ranged from 43.33 ± 1.37 mm at 0% to 28.33 ± 2.13 mm at 10%. The lengths of shoot ranged from 40.33 ± 1.25 mm at 0% to 24.00 ± 0.82 mm at 10%. At 20%, both the radicle and shoot growth were significantly inhibited. The result of the proximate analysis showed that carbohydrate was highest in guinea corn (73.87%), which was followed by protein (9.35%). The result showed decrease in food reserves within 84 h of growth. Meanwhile, there was increase in carbohydrate content in guinea corn (74.59 ± 0.43, 75.50 ±  0.68, 75.43 ± 0.28) in 24 h at 0, 5 and 10% crude oil, respectively. At 20%, there was significant difference (p<0.05) in protein content during germination and growth. It can be concluded from the study that high concentration of crude oil can inhibit germination and growth of guinea corn, and hence guinea corn serves as bio-indicator of crude oil polluted areas.

Key words: Germination, crude oil, guinea corn.