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ANATOMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL INFLUENCE OF ACIDULATED RAINWATER ON LEAF TISSUES OF TOMATO (SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUML)

Abstract

The acidulation of rainwater is connected intimately with industrial development. Rainwater samples collected from industrial and automobile traffic congested Cities of Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Gombe were used in a screen-house experiment. The effect of atmospheric gases NO2, SO2 and CO2 were determined on anatomy of phylloplane and chlorophyll contents. The rainwater samples were administered to the plant for six weeks. One-way analysis of variance approach was used for the statistical analysis followed by Duncan’s multiple-range tests. The findings showed that from the month of April through July, the concentrations of atmospheric acid derivatives were significantly (p<0.05) decreased. However, the acidulated rainwater induced; alterations on the cuticle, collapsed epidermal cells, formation of lobules of scarred tissue and necrosis. Again, Chlorophyll content (F Tomato=8.4128, 2.5368, 11.411; p<0.05) were significantly decreased. The findings showed that both car emissions and heavy industrial activities contributed significantly to the acidity of rainwater. It also demonstrated that acidified rainwater significantly affects the anatomy and physiology of plants studied. It is therefore, important to plant acidophilic trees in the study areas to reduce the effect of acid rain on other vegetable crops.

ADAMU IS1*, UKAOMA AA1, DURU CM1, OKEREKE JN2, NNADOZIE AI1, AJURUCHI VC1, NWAMBA I1.

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