EFFECTS OF SPENT ENGINE OIL POLLUTION ON GERMINATION AND EARLY SEEDLING ESTABLISHMENT OF SIX PLANT SPECIES

The performance of six plant species subjected to various concentration of spent engine oil was the principal aim of this study. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with three replicates each. Germination percentage, germination vigour, germination index, radicle and plumule lengths were assessed. The plant species showed differential response to concentration of spent engine oil which was dose-dependent. Significant correlation was observed among final germination percentage, shoot and root length and shoot and root weights respectively. The correlation between FGP and GI; FGP and SVI were significantly negative (r = -0.134; -0.371 (P < 0.001) indicating that the germination index and seedling vigor index were delayed with decrease in germination percentage. Indiscriminate disposal of spent engine oil should be checked because of its adverse effects on the germination and early seedling establishment in the tropics.