American Journal of Food Technology1557-45711557-458XAcademic Journals Inc.10.3923/ajft.2007.529.535Zea mays L.)]]>AgbogidiO.M. EruotorP.G. AkparobiS.O. 6200726Field trials were carried out in 2003 and 2004 cropping seasons to determine the effects of crude oil levels: 0.0 (control), 5.2, 10.4, 20.8 and 41.6 mL on the growth of seven maize varieties: Composite (suwan 1), Hybrid 3x-yx, AMATZBR w, TZBRSYN w, AMATZBR y, TZBRSYN y and Ozoro local at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Delta State University, Asaba Campus and at the Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro. Nigeria. Crude oil application to soil was carried out at three weeks after planting (3 WAP), 5 WAP and 7 WAP. Significant (p≥0.05) reductions in plant height, leaf area and stem diameter were observed in maize seedlings grown in 10.4 mL of the oil when compared with seedlings grown in 5.2 mL of oil treatment. All the maize varieties which, received oil treatment at 3 WAP died within 24 h of the application while the plants without crude oil grew normally. Maize varieties subjected to 41.6 mL of the oil died within 2 and 48 h after the treatment. On exposure to 20.8 mL, Composite (suwan 1), Hybrid 3x-yx and Ozoro local died. At 5.2 mL of oil treatment, there was growth enhancement when compared with seedlings in the other treatments including the control. This study has demonstrated that crude oil levels have significant effects on the growth of maize. The study has also established that small amounts of mineral oils or oil products in soil are not harmful but may actually be beneficial to plants.]]>Agbogidi, O.M., B.C. Okonta and D.E. Dolor,20054171176Agbogidi, O.M. and O.F. Eshegbeyi,2006Dacryodes edulis (Don. G. Lam H.J.) seeds and seedlings in a crude oil contaminated soil.]]>22113Anoliefo, G.O.,1991Citrullus vulgaris Schead.]]>1991Anoliefo, G.O. and D.E. Vwioko,1995Capsicum annum L. and Lycopersicon esculentum Miller.]]>88361364Asaba Meteorological Bulletin,2003Asuquo, F.E., I.J. Ibanga and N. Idungafa,2002Abelmoschus essculentus L.) and fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis L.) in the tropics.]]>13140Baker, J.M.,19701970pp: 88-98pp: 88-98Bamidele, J.F. and O.M. Agbogidi,20002113121College of Agriculture Meteorological Station,20032003Cunard, A.C.,197132428Cutius, P.S. and A. Lauchi,19863553565Cutler, J.M., O.W. Rains and R.S. Loomis,198740255260De Jong, E.,198022187196Evans, L.T.,1973FAO.,20022002Gill, L.S., H.G.K. Nyawuame and A.O. Ehihametelor,1992Chromolaena odorata L.]]>54650Gudin, C. and W.J. Syratt,19758107112Klingman, G.C.,1961pp: 206pp: 206Kolattukudy, P.E.,197944315317Larson, W.E. and J.J. Hanway,19761976pp: 625-669pp: 625-669Makcin, J.G.,1980Distchilis spicata (L.).]]>9213217McKee, K.L.,199582299307Nasamu, R.I.,19961996Odjegba, V.J. and A.O. Sadiq,2002Amaranthus hybridus L.]]>222328Odu, C.T.,19811981pp: 164170Ogri, O.R.,2001211121Rowell, M.J.,19771977pp: 1-33pp: 1-33Sharma, G.K., C. Chandler and C. Salami,1980Pereria lobata Willd ).]]>457780Statistical Analytical System (SAS),1996Statistics Version,Stebbings, R.E.,19701163167Udo, E.J. and C.O. Oputa,198429314Wilkins, M.B.,1985Winter, K., R.O. Daniel, J.C. Batterlon and C. Van Ballen,197636269276Russell, W.A. and A.R. Hallauer, 19801980pp: 229-312pp: 229-312