Impact of Simulated Acid Rain on the Growth, Yield and Plant Component of Abelmoschus caillei

This study was undertaken to observe the effects of simulated acid rain (SAR) on the growth, yield and plant component of Abelmoschus caillei. The plants were exposed to different levels of simulated acid rain acidified at pH 6.0 (control), 5.5, 4.5, 3.5 and 2.5. The results indicated that under the stress of simulated acid rain, growth parameters measured such as leaf number, shoot height, fresh and dry weight and stem girth were significantly reduced in plant subjected to SAR when compared with the control treatment. There was a gradual decline in chlorophyll content index as the level of acidity increased. Plants treated with pH 6.0 and pH 5.5 SAR had good growth and yield. Simulated acid rain (SAR) induced morphological changes such as chlorosis and necrosis in A. caillei. It was concluded that growth, yield and plant component were adversely affected when A. caillei was exposed to simulated acid rain with pH value 4.5 below.