ABSTRACT
This study investigated the impact of cadmium pollution on the growth and physiological parameters of Telfairia occidentalis, a commonly cultivated vegetable crop. Cadmium concentrations ranging from 0 mg/kg to 75 mg/kg were applied to soil, and various growth parameters including germination, plant height, leaf number, stem girth, leaf area, chlorophyll content, internodes, nodes, number of tendrils, leaf loss, primary branching and necrosis were monitored over five weeks. The results revealed significant adverse effects of cadmium on plant growth and development, with higher concentrations correlating with reduced germination rates, inhibited vertical growth, decreased leaf production, impaired stem development, diminished leaf area, and disrupted chlorophyll synthesis. For example the effect of cadmiumontheheightof T. occidentalis reported that data for control and the various treatments decreased along the concentration gradient. Control had the highest mean value of 61.83±2.35cm followed by 56.40±6.75cm for 25mg/kg treatment. At that time, 75mg/kg was 38.33±6.35cm. There was no significant difference at 5% level of probability between control and the treated plants in the present study. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring and mitigating heavy metal contamination in agricultural ecosystems to ensure food security and environmental health.
