ABSTRACT

This work investigated the effect of x-ray irradiation on the anatomy, proximate and anti-nutrient composition of the leaf of Capsicum frutescens. Seedlings of C. frutescens where exposed to xirradiation at 5, 10, 15 20 MGy using a therapeutic X-ray machine. While some seeds were not exposed to serve as control. Planting was done in completely randomised design (CRD) using plastic bucket. Data was collected randomly 14 weeks after planting (W AP). Analysis of variance was used to analyse the collected data. Structural observation of the anatomical sections was done using digital novel microscope (scope 9.0) after sectioning of the leaves, stems and roots. From the results, exposure of the seedlings increased the flavonoid tannin and phenol content of the leaf. Alkaloids content of the plants did not show much response at high irradiation dose of 20 MGy. In this study phytate contents did not respond to irradiation treatment. Anatomical studies of the root, stem, and leaf sections showed a clear-cut differences or change in structure. Moisture, carbohydrate contents of the studied leaves reduced with increase in irradiation dose. Protein, ash responded with positive increase as irradiation dose increased. Fat steadily increased with increase in irradiation. Crude fibre was less than the control at high irradiation dose of 20 MGy. Photomicrographs of the anatomical sections revealed that high irradiation doses of 10- 20 MGy affected the some structures in the roots, stem and leaves of the plants. Summarily, X-ray irradiation affected the studied parameters in C. frutescens especially at higher irradiation doses. Studies should be further carried out on the effect of ionizing irradiation on nutritional content of plant to ensure the biosafety of this technology.