ABSTRACT

This research work was aimed at evaluating the effect of X-irradiation doses on the growth component and proximate composition of two varieties of okra (Abelmoschus escidentus L. Moench). The varieties used are Clemson spineless and V35. The okra seeds were grouped into five (5). Group one served as the control whereas group 2-5 received different levels ofX-ray (5, 10, 15 and 20 MGy). The seeds were packed in a paper envelope containing 50 seeds each. The seeds were irradiated at Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, Abia state at the radiographical unit. The treated seeds were sown 24 hours after irradiation directly to the soil. The experiment was designed in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Growth components were measured at 3, 6 and 9 WAP. Data generated were subjected to statistical analysis using FLSD. The results obtained on the two okra varieties on the growth components investigated revealed that doses of 5, 10 and 15 MGy had better promoting effect when compared with the control. Also, the result ofthe proximate composition revealed an increase in the carbohydrate, protein and fat contents of the okra varieties. There was a gradual reduction on the ash, fibre and moisture contents ofthe plants. From the results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that irradiating okra seeds with X-ray are effective in improving the growth variables. Consequently, the results of the proximate composition observed in this work were promising. It is therefore recommended that more research should be conducted on the yield, vitamins and mineral composition ofthe plant as a result ofX-ray bombardment.