Effect of minta effluent on the phenology, growth and yield of Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp var. Ife brown.

The composition of minta effluent and its effect on the phenology, growth and yield of seeds of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp var. Ife brown, were investigated. The effluent was highly acidic (pH 3.74) and the concentrations of Ca, Mg and SO4 were appreciable (107.07, 351.47 and 221.11 mg L(-1), respectively). Germination of seeds sown in effluent was delayed by a day, reduced by 2% and not synchronous. Phenological investigations showed that plants grown in soil watered with effluent had 4-5 days delay in staking, bud formation, flower initiation, fruiting, pod ripening and plant senescence. These plants showed significant reductions in plant height, leaf area, shoot biomass and pod biomass (p < 0.05). Furthermore, seed yield and 100 corn weight of treated plants were low. Minta effluent has low agropotential.