Authors: E. D. Vwioko and M. U. Longe
BIOSCIENCE RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
Abstract
The consumption of seeds of bottle gourd as a substitute for melon seeds by Akoko-Edo people of Edo State (Nigeria) necessitated this investigation. Nutrient concentration in seeds and effects of GA3 and IAA on growth of Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl. were investigated. Parameters recorded were seed germination, vine length and girth, and fruit size at harvest.
Proximate analysis, ascorbic acid, Ca, Mg, K, P, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn contents of kernels of seeds were determined. Concentrations of IAA applied were 0, 100, 200, 400, and 500 mg/L; and GA3 concentrations applied were 0, 50, 100, 200, and 250 mg/L. The applications of GA3 and IAA treatments were directly on plant tips after 2 weeks of growth in the field. Fourteen days after planting (14 DAP), the germination record showed several pots with 100% germination of seeds. The proximate composition assay of seeds indicated high lipid and protein content and low carbohydrate and crude fibre. Mineral element contents showed Fe and Zn were high compared to Cu and Mn. Vine lengths recorded following application of GA3 or IAA at different concentrations indicated differences that were significant (α=0.05). GA3 and IAA applications at 50 mg/L and 100 mg/L respectively promoted vine length extension most when compared to control after 6 weeks of growth. Girth values were insignificant. Growth promotion by IAA evidently gave rise to increased fruit size except at the highest concentration. Plants treated with GA3 did not sustain fruit production to harvestable size. The increase in gourd size physiologically, is important, where size of the gourd is a constraint to its industrial use. The seeds of L. siceraria serve as a good substitute for melon seeds nutritionally.
Keywords: Auxin, Gibberellin, Nutrient, Akoko-Edo, Lagenaria siceraria