Abstract

The effect of crude oil on microorganisms and dry matter of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) was investigated. The soil was treated with different levels of crude oil: 0% (control), 1, 3 and 6% v/w. There was no significant different in bacteria count after 35 days in all the treatments. The mean fungi count of 4.5±0.4 x10⁴ and 3.3±0.5x10⁴cfu/g in the 3% and 6% pollutions, respectively. Pumpkin seeds had 100% emergence/germination in both the control and 1% oil treated soils while the 3 and 6% treatments recorded 85 and 33% respectively. The 3% and the 6% crude oil treated soils significantly (P>0.05) reduced the dry matter of leaf, stem and root of T. occidentalis. The pollution levels of 3% and above was noted to be harmful to the germination and growth of the plant.

Key words: Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis), crude oil, microorganism, emergence, germination.