A liquid extract (PBAE) commonly used for domestic purposes in most part of Southern Nigeria was produced from palm bunch ash of Elaeis guineensis Jacq. The effect of this extract on early seedling growth and development of Zea mays L. was evaluated in the laboratory using the concentration levels of 25, 50, 75, and 100% , alongside a control (0%- distilled water).The palm bunch ash extract revealed the presence of potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, copper, iron, zinc, and total nitrogen in a decreasing order as mineral elements. Germination studies indicated that the germination percentage was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced with increase in concentration of the palm bunch ash extract, except at low level (25%) where there was an increase above the control. Growth parameters such as shoot length, root length, fresh weight, dry weight and moisture content were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced with increase in concentration of the extract, except at (25 and 50%) for shoot length and root length, and 25% for fresh weight and dry weight where there were slight increases above the control. The chlorophyll contents were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced with increase in concentration of the extract, except at low levels (25 and 50%) where there were increases above the control. This study suggests that palm bunch ash extract at lower concentration could be utilized as organic fertilizer, however at higher concentration may inhibit germination and early seedling growth of Zea mays L.
