Page 1 of 5
European Journal of Applied Sciences – Vol. 11, No. 2
Publication Date: April 25, 2023
DOI:10.14738/aivp.112.10365.
Eremrena, P. O., & Agogbua, J. U. (2023). Morphological and Developmental Responses of Macro Cuttings of Vernonia Amygdalina
Del. to Synthetic Growth Hormones. European Journal of Applied Sciences, Vol - 11(2). 450-454.
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
Morphological and Developmental Responses of Macro Cuttings
of Vernonia Amygdalina Del. to Synthetic Growth Hormones
P.O. Eremrena
Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology,
Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt,
P.M.B.5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
J. U. Agogbua
Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology,
Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt,
P.M.B.5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The morphological and developmental responses of Vernonia amygdalina macro
shoot cutting to plant growth hormonal solution of 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP)
and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) were investigated in the laboratory. The
concentration levels of 2.5, 5.0; 7.5 and 10.0mg/l were used alongside a control
treatment (0mg/i). The growth parameters examined were shoot length, root
length and leaf number. The protein and carbohydrate contents of the plants were
also assessed. The result of this study showed that the root length and leaf number
of the species were significantly (P=0.05) increased with increase in the
concentration of plant growth regulators. Similarly, the carbohydrate and protein
contents in treatment with plant growth regulators were comparatively higher than
those of the control. This study suggests that plants growth regulators can be
utilized to enhance growth and development activities in Vernonia amygdalina Del.
and that plant growth regulators such as benzyl amino purine and naphthalene
acetic acid aided to maintain an appropriate shoot to root ratio and could be used
to induce rooting in stem cuttings.
Keywords: Vernonia amygdalina, macro cuttings, benzyl amino purine and naphthalene
acetic acid
INTRODUCTION
Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) is a green shrub with petiole leaf of about 6 mm diameter.
The leaf has a characteristic odour and bitter taste. Vernonia amygdalina grows under a range
of ecological zones in Africa being drought tolerant and produces large fodder biomass for both
human and animal nutrition [4]; [3]; and [5]. Vernonia amygdalina plant commonly found
around homes in Southern Nigeria as a green vegetable or spice especially in the popular
“bitter-leaf soup” [8] also widely used for both therapeutic and nutritional purposes.
The growth regulators influence plant growth and development at very low concentrations
while they inhibit at high concentrations [11]. Monthly foliar spraying of geranium
(Pelergonium graveolens) resulted in increased plant height and herb production [13]. Spraying
of datura plant, Datura innoxia planted in different salinity concentrations with chlormequat,
Page 2 of 5
451
Eremrena, P. O., & Agogbua, J. U. (2023). Morphological and Developmental Responses of Macro Cuttings of Vernonia Amygdalina Del. to Synthetic
Growth Hormones. European Journal of Applied Sciences, Vol - 11(2). 450-454.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.112.10365.
ethephon or kinetin was found to enhance plant growth, alkaloidal and soluble sugar contents
of leaves and reduce the harmful effect of salinity on the plant [1]. Application of gibberellic
acid, 4-chloroindole and 6-benzyl amino purine on to the standard petal and calyx of Vicia faba
var. was found to significantly enhance pod set [15].
In view of the physiological and morphological effects of plant growth regulators on plant, this
study was carried out to examine the effects of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 6-benzyl
amino purine (BAP) on the growth and development of Vernonia amygdalina.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Plant growth regulators used for this study were sourced from a phytochemical laboratory in
India. Stem cuttings of Vernonia amygdalina were sourced from Agricultural Development
Programme, Rumuodomaya, Rivers State. Appropriate quantities of plant growth regulators
Benzyl amino purine (BAP) and Naphthalene acetic acid. (NAA) were dissolved in 1000 cl
distilled water. The concentration levels of 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10mg/I of hormonal solutions
were prepared through series of dilutions. Cuttings (basal region) of Vernonia amygdalina were
pre-soaked in hormonal solutions on each treatment 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10mg/l for ten minutes.
The stem cuttings (3 pieces) were transferred to perforated poly bags containing 2kg of sandy
loam soil. The following growth and biochemical parameters were analyzed: shoot length (cm),
root length (cm), Leaf number, carbohydrate and protein content.
The shoot lengths were measured with a metre tape in centimetres from the soil surface to the
plant apex. Leaf carbohydrate content were analysed by extracting 1.0gof dry leaf sample and
digested with Perchloric acid and the sugar was determined colorimetrically by the Anthrone
method. The protein content was analysed by weighing 1 gram of each sample and 3 grams of
digestion catalyst and 20ml sulphuric acid were added. The solution put through the process of
digestion which involved the heating of the sample on a regulated heat source until the sample
was melted and turned green. The solution was allowed to cool and made up to 100ml with
distilled water. This was titrated and weighed with the calorimeter.
All data collected were subjected to statistical analysis such as Analysis of variance (ANOVA)
and standard error means. New Duncan Multiple range test (NDMRT) was employed to
separate means at 5% level of significance.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The shoot length of Vernonia amygdalina increased from 8.46cm at 2.5mg/l to 9.27cm at
10.mg/l treatment. These values did not show any statistical (P=0.05) Significant difference.
The root lengths of the plant increased from 4.43cm at 2.5mg/l to 27.66cm at 10.0mg/l
treatment. These values were comparatively higher than the control (9.00cm). (Figure1).
Leaf number of Vernonia amygdalina increased from 10.00cm at 25.mg/l to 13.00cm at
10.0mg/l treatment these values showed statistical (P=0.05) significance (Figure 1). There
were marked differences in the shoot length, root length and leaf number of Vernonia
amygdalina in treatment with stem cuttings presoaked in hormonal solutions of NAA and BAP
than those in the control (without plant growth hormones). This result agrees with the work of
[10] that auxins are morphogenic substances which stimulate cell division, elongation, and
Page 3 of 5
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom 452
European Journal of Applied Sciences (EJAS) Vol. 11, Issue 2, April-2023
differentiation, lateral root development and mediate tropic response. Similarly, this enhanced
growth performance can be attributed to the positive roles played by cytokinin in stimulating
cell division, morphogenesis, lateral bud formation, lateral shoot formation and nutrient
movement in plant [12][13].
The carbohydrate contents of Vernonia amygdalina significantly (P=0.05) from 16.02% at
2.5mg/l to 22.94% at 10.00mg/l. These values were comparatively higher than that of the
control (14.58%). (Figure 2). The protein contents of Vernonia amygdalina increased
significantly (P=0.05) from 3.30% at 2.5mg/l to 11.09% at 10.00mg/l treatment. (Figure 2).
The carbohydrate and protein contents of Vernonia amygdalina were positively affected in
treatments with plant growth hormonal solutions than those in the control (without plant
growth hormones). In general, plant growth hormones have been identified as substances that
enhance plant growth and developmental processes [12]. Similarly, complex molecules such as
carbohydrate and protein arc critical substances in the physiology of plants [7].
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
0 2.5 5 7.5 10
Growth Parameters
Levels of treatments (mg/l)
Fig.1: Mean Shoot length (cm), Root length (cm) and Leaf number of Vernonia
amygdalina as affected by Plant Hormonal solutions of BAP and NAA
shoot length
root length
leaf number
Page 4 of 5
453
Eremrena, P. O., & Agogbua, J. U. (2023). Morphological and Developmental Responses of Macro Cuttings of Vernonia Amygdalina Del. to Synthetic
Growth Hormones. European Journal of Applied Sciences, Vol - 11(2). 450-454.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.112.10365.
CONCLUSION
Vernonia amygdalina is one of the important leafy vegetables mostly used in preparation of
dishes by the local population. Therefore, the use of plant growth regulator to manipulate the
growth and development process will increase the nutrient status as well as enhance the
vegetative growth of the species for the teaming population.
References
[1] Abdul-Rahman, E.A. and Abdel-Aziz, A. K. (1983). Growth regulators affecting the salt tolerance in Dutara
plants. Acta Hort., 132: 273 - 283.
[2] Akah, P.A. and C.L. Okafor, 1992. Blood sugar lowering effect of Vernonia amygdalina Del, in an
experimental rabbit model. Phytother. Res., 6: 171-173.
[3] Aregheore, E.M., (1998). Chemical composition, nutritive value and preference of goats for bitter leaf
(Vernonia amygdalina) as a browse plant. Sci. Agric. Bohemica, 29: 213-221
[4] Bonsi, M.L.K., P.O. Osuji, A.K. Tuah and N.N. Umunna, (1995). Vernonia amygdalina as a supplement to teff
straw (Eragrostis tef) fed to ethiopian menz sheep. Agrofor. Syst., 31: 229-241.
[5] Daodu, M.O. and O.J. Babayemi, (2009). Utilization of some edge-row plants as forage in Nigeria. Pak. J.
Nutr., 8: 1269-1274.
[6] Edema, A.O., 1987. Production of Some Common Vegetables. Hortcultural Reseasrch Institute, Ibadan,
Nigeria, pp: 1-5.
[7] Esenowo, J. (2004): Developmental Biology Plant Physiology. Abcan Publishing Company Nigeria. Pp:23-l68
[8] Igile GO, Pleszck W, Jurzysta M, Aquino R, dc Tommasi N, Pizza C (1995). Vernoniosides D and E, two novel
saponins from Vernonia amygdalina. J. Nat. Prod., 58: 1438-1443.
[9] Ijeh II, Ejike CECC (2011). "Current perspectives on the medicinal potential of Vernonia amygdalina Del". J
Med Plant Res 5 (7): 1051–1061.
[10] Jain, S.M. 2001. In vitro approach for natural and induced biodiversity conservation of forest trees.
EFTREN News 34(1): 8-10
0
5
10
15
20
25
0 2.5 5 7.5 10
CHO Content (%) and Protein Content
(%)
Level of treatments (mg/l)
Fig 2 : Mean Carbohydrate contents (%) and Protein contents (%) of Vernonia
amygdalina as affected by Plant Hormonal solutions of BAP and NAA
Carbohydrate content (%)
Protein content (%)
Page 5 of 5
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom 454
European Journal of Applied Sciences (EJAS) Vol. 11, Issue 2, April-2023
[11] Jules, J., W.S. Robert, W.N. Frank, and W.R. Varnon, 1981. Plant science: An introduction to world crops.
W.H. Freeman & Co. New York p. 55- 64, 162 - 192.
[12] Kowalski, B. and Van Staden, J. (2001): Micro-Propagation of Podoccrpus Ilcnkcli and P. Elongwto South
Africa Journal of Botany. 67:326-366.
[13] Mohammed, B.R., El-Sayed, R.A. and Fawzi, A.F.A. (1983). Effect of gibberellic acid and chloromequat on
yield and oil of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens). Acta Hort., 132: 265 - 271.
[14] Ohigashi, H., M. Jisaka, T. Takagaki, H. Nozaki and T. Tada et al., (1991). Bitter principle and a related
steroid glucoside from Vernonia amygdalina, a possible medicinal plant for wild chimpanzees. Agric. Biol.
Chem., 55: 1201-1203.
[15] Rylott, P.D. and Smith, M. L. (1990). Effects of plant growth substances on pod set in broad beans (Vicia
faba var. major) J. Agric. Sci., 114: 41 - 47.
[16] Thorpcr, T. A. and Marry, I. S. (2000): Micro-Propagation of Canadian Spice in C. Kubota and C. Chun (Eds.)
Transplant Production in the 2 Is1 Century (32-57). Dordrecht: Kluvcr Academic Publishers.
[17] Quirin, M. (200.3): Micro-Propagation of Acacia Species in S. M. Jain and K. Ishii (Eds.). Micro
Propagation of woody Tree and Fruits (107-122). Dordrecht: Kluver Academic Publisher.