Mutagenicity Effects of Sodium Hypochlorite on Morphological Parameters of Some Spiny Spinach (Amarantus spinosus) Grown in Dutse, Nigeria

Abstract

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a leafy green flowering plant native to central and Western Asia, though it has been cultivated around the world for centuries. Belonging to the Amaranthaceae family, spinach is widely known for its nutritional benefits and versatility in the kitchen. It is commonly consumed both raw in salads and sandwiches, or cooked in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to pastas and smoothies. This study investigates the effects of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as a chemical mutagen on the morphological parameters of spiny spinach (Amaranthus spinosus). Amaranthus spinach, valued for its nutritional content and resilience, is subjected to sodium hypochlorite treatment to assess its impact on various growth characteristics. Key morphological parameters such as plant height, Number of leaves, Leaves area, petiole length, leaf length, and internode number were measured in both treated and controlled laboratory conditions and field environments. The results revealed significant changes in the treated plants, including reduced leaf size, altered leaf size shape, decreased chlorophyll content, and stunted growth compared to the control group. These findings underscore the potential mutagenic effects of sodium hypochlorite on spiny spinach, highlighting the importance of evaluating and managing chemical treatments in agricultural practices to ensure crop quality and productivity. This study provides valuable insights into the interactions between chemical mutagens and morphology, contributing to the development of sustainable agricultural strategies.