Effects of Sodium Azide (NaN₃) on Germination and Yield Parameters of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum), Cabbage (Brassica oleracea), and Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1013-5731Keywords:
Sodium Azide, Capsicum annuum, Brassica oleracea, Ipomoea batatas, Germination, Yield ParametersAbstract
This research examined the impact of varying concentrations of sodium azide (NaN₃) at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mM on the germination, growth, and yield of sweet pepper, cabbage, and sweet potato. The study was carried out in a screen house utilising a completely randomised pot design with three replications, where treated seeds and vine cuttings were evaluated over a period of eight weeks. The results from ANOVA indicated highly significant differences specific to each species (p < 0.001) across all measured parameters, with the type of crop having the most substantial effect on plant height (F = 793.447), root length (F = 2045.677), and biomass. Additionally, sodium azide concentration had a significant impact on root length (F = 23.754, p < 0.001) and exhibited near-significant effects on biomass (p = 0.085–0.100), suggesting physiological responses that are dependent on the dosage. The germination rate was not significantly affected (p = 0.322), indicating that the concentrations applied were below the levels that would inhibit germination. The results illustrate that sodium azide can induce noticeable phenotypic variation with distinct species-specific responses. These findings endorse sodium azide as a potent mutagenic agent for fostering genetic diversity in crop enhancement initiatives.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Salisu Aliyu Abdullahi, Nasir Hassan Wagini, Kallimullahi Sagir, Usman Lawal Usman, Bawa Yusuf Muhammad, Sulaiman Muhammad
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