Optimizing planting density for cut Helianthus annuus and Zinnia elegans

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Muhammad Modassar Sharif ◽  
Irslan Ali ◽  
Iftikhar Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Helianthus Annuus ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Zinnia Elegans ◽  
Stem Diameter ◽  
Vase Life ◽  
Plant Canopy ◽  
Plant Spacing ◽  
Fresh Weight ◽  
Number Of Leaves ◽  
Flower Quality

A study was conducted to optimize plant spacing for cut Helianthus annuus cv. Pro Cut Orange and Zinnia elegans cv. Double Super Yoga. Seedlings were raised in 128-celled plastic plug trays containing coco coir, compost and silt (1:1:1; v/v/v) as substrate. At 2-4 true leaf stage, seedlings were transplanted outdoors in thoroughly tilled and leveled flat beds at plant and row spacing of 15.0 × 15.0, 15.0 × 22.5, 22.5 × 22.5, 22.5 × 30.0, or 30.0 × 30.0 cm with plant populations of 40, 26, 17, 13 or 10 plants per m2, respectively. Experiments were laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications individually for each species. Findings revealed that for Helianthus annuus, plants grown at 15.0 × 15.0 cm spacing produced tallest plants with greatest plant canopy diameter. While leaf area, stem diameter and vase life were highest for plants spaced at 30.0 × 30.0 cm. Plant spacing had no effect on number of leaves per plant, fresh weight of stem, flower quality and internodal distance. Similar results were recorded when this experiment was repeated on Helianthus annuus during next year for confirmation of results. In case of Zinnia elegans, plants spaced at 30.0 × 30.0 cm exhibited highest plant canopy diameter, number of leaves per plant and number of flowers per plant, while plants spaced at 15.0 × 15.0 cm had highest plant height and leaf area. Flower diameter, stem diameter, flower quality, internodal distance, fresh weight of a stem and vase life were similar irrespective of plant spacing. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that quality cut Helianthus annuus production was greatly improved when plants were spaced at 15.0 × 15.0 cm, while 30.0 × 30.0 cm spacing was optimal for cut Zinnia elegans production and may be used for commercial cultivation of Helianthus and Zinnia in Punjab.

scholarly journals Gibberellic Acid Application and Plant Spacing Effects on Growth and Yield of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Taslima Akter ◽  
Md. Nazrul Islam ◽  
Md. Jahedur Rahman ◽  
Rebaka Sultana ◽  
Chaity Dey Puja ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gibberellic Acid ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Cost Ratio ◽  
Plant Spacing ◽  
Fresh Weight ◽  
Optimum Spacing ◽  
Number Of Leaves

Aims: This study aimed to optimize the levels of gibberellic acid (GA3) and plant spacing on growth and yield of lettuce. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: Horticulture farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, from November 2013 to January 2014. Methodology: The experiment consisted of two factors. Factor A- two levels of gibberellic acid (GA3,) application, viz. G1= 25 ppm and G2= 50 ppm in relation to a control G0 and factor B- four plant spacing viz. S1=15cm x 15cm, S2=20 cm x 20 cm, S3=25 cm x 25 cm and S4=30 cm x 30 cm. GA3 was applied twice as a foliar application by hand sprayer at 20 and 30 days after sowing. First, second and final harvesting was done at 25, 35 and 45 days after sowing respectively. Results: The growth and yield characters of lettuce showed significant variation for different levels of GA3 and plant spacing. Among GA3 levels, 25 ppm GA3 produced the maximum number of leaves (15.6), leaf area (283.9 cm2), fresh weight (91.6 g plant-1), dry weight (11.8 g plant-1), fresh yield (1794 g plot-1) and gross yield (12 t ha-1) at final harvesting compared to control where GA3 was not used. Under plant spacing, highest plant height (17.5 cm), leaf area (281.1 cm2), fresh weight (99.1 g plant-1) and dry weight (12.1 g plant-1) was revealed from wider spacing 30 cm x 30 cm followed by optimum spacing 25cm x 25cm. Meanwhile, closure spacing 15 cm x 15 cm showed maximum fresh yield (1710 g plant-1) and gross yield (15.5 t ha-1) due to higher plant density at final harvesting. Besides, lower chlorophyll content (0.43%) and the highest number of leaves (16.2) was found from 25 cm x 25 cm at final harvesting. So, optimum spacing 25 cm x 25 cm would be more suitable considering different points of view. Moreover, the treatment combinations 25 ppm GA3 with 25 cm x 25 cm exhibited highest benefit-cost ratio (2.04) than other treatments. Conclusions: It is concluded that the combinations 25 ppm GA3 application with 25cm x 25cm spacing would be optimum for better growth and yield of lettuce

scholarly journals IRRIGAÇÃO COM ÁGUA SALINA NA CULTURA DO GIRASSOL (Helianthus Annuus L.) EM SOLO COM BIOFERTILIZANTE BOVINO

Irriga ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 680-693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krishna Ribeiro Gomes ◽  
Geocleber Gomes de Sousa ◽  
Francisco Aldiel Lima ◽  
Thales Vinicius de Araújo Viana ◽  
Benito Moreira de Azevedo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Salt Stress ◽  
Helianthus Annuus ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Stem Diameter ◽  
Initial Growth ◽  
Helianthus Annuus L ◽  
La Mancha ◽  
Number Of Leaves ◽  
E Mail

IRRIGAÇÃO COM ÁGUA SALINA NA CULTURA DO GIRASSOL (Helianthus Annuus L.) EM SOLO COM BIOFERTILIZANTE BOVINO  KRISHNA RIBEIRO GOMES1; GEOCLEBER GOMES DE SOUSA2; FRANCISCO ALDIEL LIMA3; THALES VINICIUS DE ARAÚJO VIANA4; BENITO MOREIRA DE AZEVEDO4 E GIOVANA LOPES DA SILVA6 1 Engenheira Agrônoma, Doutoranda, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos y de Montes, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Ctra. de las Peñas, km 3,2, [email protected] Engenheiro Agrônomo, Doutor em Engenharia Agrícola, Professor Adjunto I, Instituto de Desenvolvimento Rural, Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro-Brasileira, Redenção, CE, e-mail:[email protected] Engenheiro Agrônomo, Doutorando, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos y de Montes, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, e-mail: [email protected] Engenheiro Agrônomo, Prof. Titular, Departamento de Engenharia Agrícola, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Ceará, e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] Engenheira Agrônoma, Profa. do curso de Engenharia Ambiental e Sanitária, FANOR, Campus das Dunas, Fortaleza, CE, e-mial: [email protected]  1 RESUMO Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o crescimento inicial e as trocas gasosas da cultura do girassol (Helianthus annuus L.) irrigada com diferentes níveis de salinidade em solo com e sem biofertilizante bovino. O experimento foi conduzido na área experimental da Estação Agrometeorológica, UFC, Fortaleza-CE, no período de setembro a novembro de 2012. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente aleatorizado, em esquema fatorial 5 x 2, com cinco repetições, referente aos valores de cinco condutividades elétricas da água de irrigação: 0,8; 1,5; 3,0; 4,5 e 6,0 dS m-1, em solo sem e com biofertilizante bovino, aplicado de uma única vez, ao nível de 10% do volume do substrato, três dias antes da semeadura. Foram avaliadas as seguintes variáveis: número de folhas, altura de plantas, diâmetro do caule, área foliar, fotossíntese, condutância estomática, temperatura da folha, concentração interna de CO2, transpiração das plantas, matéria seca da parte aérea, da raiz e total. O estresse salino afetou o diâmetro do caule, a área foliar e o número de folhas de plantas do girassol, sendo em menor intensidade no solo com o biofertilizante bovino. O biofertilizante bovino diminuiu os efeitos negativos das concentrações crescentes de sais na água de irrigação na matéria seca da parte aérea, matéria seca da raiz e matéria seca total de plantas de girassol.  Palavras-chave: estresse salino, índices fisiológicos, insumo orgânico  GOMES, K. R., SOUSA, G. G., LIMA, F. A., VIANA, T. V. A., AZEVEDO, B. M., SILVA, G. L.SALINE IRRIGATION OF  SUNFLOWER  (Helianthus Annuus L.) IN SOIL WITH BOVINE BIOFERTILIZER   2 ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate  initial growth and gas exchanges of sunflower plants (Helianthus annuus L.) irrigated with different salt concentrations in soil treated with and without bovine biofertilizer.  The experiment was conducted at the experimental area in the  Agrometeorological station, UFC, Fortaleza-CE, from September to November 2012. Treatments were arranged   in a completely  randomized 5 x 2 factorial design, with five replicates referring to  five electrical conductivity values of  irrigated water.:  0.8;1.5;3.0;4.5 and 6.0 dS m-1, in soil with and without bovine biofertilizer. The latter was applied only once, at 10% substrate volume, three days before sowing.  The following parameters were evaluated: number of leaves, plant height, stem diameter , leaf area, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, leaf temperature, internal CO2 concentration, plant transpiration, shoot,  root and total dry matter. Salt stress affected stem diameter, leaf area and number of leaves of sunflower plants, and in a  lesser degree,  in the  soil with bovine biofertilizer. Bovine biofertilizer also reduced the negative effects of increasing salt concentrations in the irrigation water observed in shoot, root and total dry matter of sunflower plants.   Keywords: salt stress, physiological indices, organic fertilizer. 

scholarly journals Optimal planting density for cut Lilium and tuberose production

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-148
Author(s):  
Iftikhar Ahmad ◽  
Waqas Hassain Naeem ◽  
Bilal Abdullah
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Spike Length ◽  
Planting Density ◽  
Vase Life ◽  
Market Demand ◽  
Plant Spacing ◽  
Fresh Weight

Lilium and tuberose are promising geophytic flowers, which have high market demand in global floral markets. A study was conducted to optimize planting densities for cut lilium and tuberose production. Bulbs of Asiatic lily ‘Brunello’ and tuberose ‘Single’ were planted on 7.5 cm, 15.0 cm and 22.5 cm between bulbs while ridge were spaced at 60 cm apart. Lilium bulbs planted at 22.5 cm took 185 d, while tuberose took 101 d to produce flowers as compared to 7.5 cm spacing (173 d and 93 d, respectively). Bulbs of lilium and tuberose planted at 22.5 cm resulted in tallest plants with highest leaf area for both tested species, 69.1 cm and 11.4 cm2 for lilium and 110.6 cm and 30.2 cm2 for tuberose, respectively. Both species had highest number of florets with longer stem/ spike length and stem/spike diameter when planted 22.5 cm apart, while close planting further decrease number of buds/florets and stem/spike length. Similar results were recorded for fresh weight of a stem, while vase life and dry weight of a stem were relatively less affected by plant spacing. However, lilium and tuberose bulbs when planted at 22.5 cm plant spacing produced higher number of best quality stems for market as compared to other planting densities.

scholarly journals The Effect of Beans Position of the Fruit and Liquid Organic Fertilizer on the Cocoa Seedlings

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 162-173
Author(s):  
Billy Yudha Syahputra ◽  
Razali Razali ◽  
Yunida Berliana ◽  
Ahmad Nadhira
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Organic Fertilizer ◽  
Stem Diameter ◽  
Fresh Weight ◽  
Insignificant Effect ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Number Of Leaves ◽  
Cocoa Seedlings ◽  
Radicle Length

Introduction: This study was aimed to examine the effect of beans positions of the fruit and Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF) on the growth of the cocoa seedlings (Theobroma cacao ) in early nurseries. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at the agricultural experiment land, Universitas Tjut Nyak Dhien, Medan Helvetia District, Medan City from April to June 2020. This study used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) within two factors. The first factor was beans position of the fruit (B0= peduncular, B1= median, B2= apical). The second factor was LOF application (D0= un-treated, D1= 3 ml.l-1, D2= 5 ml.l-1). The variables including radicle length, seedlings height, number of leaves, leaf area, stem diameter, and root fresh weight were then processed using ANOVA and BNT at the rate of 5%. Results: The beans position of the cocoa fruit was an insignificant effect on all parameters of seedlings. LOF application was significant on seedlings height at 4, 6, and 8 weeks after planting (WAP) and also the number of leaves at 8 WAP, but it had an insignificant effect on radicle length, leaf area, stem diameter, and root fresh weight. The interaction of beans position of the fruit and LOF application on the vegetative growth of cocoa seedlings in the early nursery also did insignificant in all parameters of this study.

scholarly journals Growth of hydroponic lettuce with optimized mineral and organomineral nutrient solutions

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 191-196
Author(s):  
Antonio F. Monteiro Filho ◽  
Márcia R. Q. A. Azevedo ◽  
Carlos A. V. de Azevedo ◽  
Josely D. Fernandes ◽  
Carisa R. da Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Root Length ◽  
Stem Diameter ◽  
Crown Diameter ◽  
Mineral Solution ◽  
Nutrient Film Technique ◽  
Hydroponic Cultivation ◽  
Number Of Leaves ◽  
Nutrient Solutions

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth of crisp lettuce in hydroponic cultivation, following the nutrient film technique (NFT), using optimized mineral and organomineral nutrient solutions. The experiment was set in 8 x 3 factorial scheme, with treatments distributed in randomized blocks and split plots, with three replicates. The plots corresponded to eight nutrient solutions, of which four were mineral solutions with chemical composition suggested by Bernardes, Furlani, Castellane & Araújo and Ueda, and four were organomineral solutions, suggested by this research with chemical composition similar to those of the previously mentioned mineral solutions. The subplots corresponded to three varieties of crisp lettuce: Thaís, Vanda and Verônica. At 25 days after transplanting, the following parameters were evaluated: stem and crown diameter, root length, leaf area and number of leaves. For stem and crown diameters and number of leaves, the mineral solutions promoted the highest means. The mineral solution of Furlani and the organomineral solutions, except the modified solution of Castellane & Araújo, promoted the greatest root lengths. The smallest leaf area was obtained in the organomineral solution of Ueda. The cultivar Verônica had the highest root length and stem diameter.

scholarly journals Pengaruh penambahan auxin terhadap pertunasan dan perakaran kopi arabika perbanyakan Somatic Embryogenesis (The effects of shooting and rooting of arabica coffee propagation through Embryogenesis Somatic auxin uses).

2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-90
Author(s):  
Rina Arimarsetiowati ◽  
Fitria Ardiyani
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Root Length ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Stem Diameter ◽  
Arabica Coffee ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Half Strength ◽  
The Media ◽  
Number Of Leaves ◽  
High Level

Plantlet that has developed shoots and roots will have a high level adaptation in the field. The objective of this experiment was to improve the ability of planlet in shooting and rooting so that it is ready for acclimatization in the field. The increase ability in shooting and rooting of the planlet were conducted by adding various types of auxin in the media. The arabica coffee embryo of clone AS 2K which has entered the phase of the cotyledons was transfered into the treatment media containing half-strength of MS (Murashige & Skoog) macro and micro nutrient, vitamin B5, 30 g/L glucose, 100 ml/L coconut water, 50 mg/L AgNO3 added with the combination of IAA, IBA and NAA. The research was conducted by using completely randomized design with seven combined treatment i.e. 0.1 mg/L IBA, 0.1 mg/L NAA, 0.1 mg/L IAA; 0 , 1 mg/L IBA + 0.1 mg/L NAA, 0.1 mg/L IBA + 0.1 mg/L IAA, 0.1 mg/L NAA + 0.1 mg/L IAA; without auxin. There were 12 replications in every treatment and each replication consisted of five cotyledonary embryos. The parameters of observation were the root length, leaf number, leaf area, stem diameter, and height of plantlets. The observations were conducted in eighth weeks after cotyledonary embryo had shoots. The results showed that in the number of leaves and height of planlet parameters, the treatment without auxin was the best result compared to planlet with auxin addition. The addition of auxin varians and their combination did not significantly influent leaf area, root length and stem diameter parameters. The medium tested was optimum for the growth of shoots and roots of AS 2K arabica coffee.

scholarly journals Pengaruh Pemberian Pupuk Organik Cair Nasa Dan Pupuk Kompos Terhadap Pertumbuhan Tanaman Kenaf ( Hibiscus cannabinus L)

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
Hairin Juanda ◽  
Tutik Nugrahini ◽  
Mahdalena Mahdalena
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Plant Height ◽  
Analysis Of Variance ◽  
Organic Fertilizer ◽  
Hibiscus Cannabinus ◽  
Stem Diameter ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Number Of Leaves ◽  
Completely Randomized Design

Effect of NASA Liquid Organic Fertilizer and Compost Fertilizer on Kenaf Plant Growth (Hibiscus cannabinus L). This study aims to determine the effect of NASA POC, compost fertilizer and the interaction of NASA POC and compost fertilizer on kenaf plants. This research was carried out at East Borneo Samarinda Indonesia. with a time of ± 4 months, starting from June to September 2016. The design of the study uses factorial completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 2 treatments and 4 replications. The treatment consists of 2 factors. The first factor is the administration of NASA POC consisting of 4 levels, namely: j0: Control (without treatment), j1: POC with a concentration of 10 ml / liter of water, j2: POC with a concentration of 15 ml / liter of water, j3: POC with a concentration of 20 ml / liter of water. The second factor is Compost fertilizer consisting of 4 levels, namely: k0: Without the provision of Compost Fertilizer, k1: Composting 500 gram / polybag, k2: Composting Fertilizer 700 grams / polybag, k3: Composting 800 grams / polybag. From the analysis of variance showed that the effect of giving NASA POC (J), compost (K) and the interaction of NASA POC and compost (JK) did not affect the parameters of plant height 30 DAP, 60 DAP and 90 DAP, stem diameter 30 DAP, 60 DAP and 90 DAP, number of leaves 30 DAP, 60 DAP and 90 DAP, leaf area 30 DAP, 60 DAP and 90 DAP. 

scholarly journals Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Plant Spacing on Vegetative Growth of Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris)

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-13
Author(s):  
Baha Eldin. M. Idris ◽  
Wael. A. Marajan ◽  
Abubaker Haroun Mohamed Adam
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Beet ◽  
Leaf Area Index ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilizer ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Root Diameter ◽  
Plant Spacing ◽  
Fresh Weight ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Leaf Dry Weight

Despite the existing several Sugar manufacturing companies in Sudan, there is an acute shortage in sugar supply, therefore the government imports Sugar to bridge the gap. One of the strategies to be followed is the introduction of Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) crop, mainly for sugar production. This crop has several advantages over Sugarcane such as short duration, less water requirement, in addition to other uses like animal feed. Therefore it became necessary to have good understanding of agricultural operations, cultural practices and adaptation. However, the main objective of this study was to assess the effect of Nitrogen fertilizer and plant spacing on vegetative growth of Sugar beet. This study was conducted at the farm of the College of Agriculture, University of Bahri, Alkadro, Khartoum State-Sudan; during the season 2016/2017. The experiment was arranged in Split plot in Randomized Complete Block Design with six treatments and four replications. Two plant spacing (15 and 20 cm.) were used as main plot, referred as (S1, S2) along with three levels of Nitrogen fertilizer (40, 80 and 120 kg/ha.), as subplot; referred as (N1, N2 and N3) and the control (0). Data regarding leaf number, leaf area index (LAI), leaf dry weight (g) (LDW), root diameter (mm.) and root fresh weight were recorded and statistically analyzed. The results showed S2 (20 cm) increased all the studied plant characters, namely the leaf number (29.139), leaf area index by (7.54), leaf dry weight (g) to (89.870), root diameter (mm) (94,992), root fresh weight (g) (695.80) compared to S1(1015 cm). On the other hand; the application of N3 (120 kg/ha.) increased the lead number (30.956), leaf Area Index (8.841), Leaf dry weight (102.47), root diameter (97.955) and root fresh weight (851.77) compared to S2 and S1 as presented in (table 4, table 5 and table 6).

scholarly journals Effect of ascorbic and salicylic acids on growth and flowering of Gazania cv. Frosty Kiss Mixed

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 537-544
Author(s):  
Abdul Kareem A.J. Mohammad Saeed
Keyword(s):  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Foliar Spray ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Fresh Weight ◽  
Flowering Duration ◽  
Flowering Date ◽  
Flower Diameter ◽  
Number Of Leaves

Abstract An experiment was conducted during the season 2018-2019 in the lath house to study the effect of foliar spray with Ascorbic Acid (AsA) and Salicylic Acid (SA) on vegetative and flowering growth traits of Gazania (Gazania rigens L.) cv. Frosty Kiss Mixed. The experiment was designed as a factorial experiment (3×3) in Randomized Complete Blocks Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Plants were sprayed with concentrations of 0, 100, and 200 mg L-1 of AsA, and 0, 150 and 300 mg L-1 of SA. Foliar spray with 200 mg L-1 of AsA was superior on increasing number of leaves (40.00), number of suckers (9.22), leaf area (2174.09 cm2), leaves dry weight (6.36 g), number of flowers (5.64), early of flowering date (97.22 days), flower fresh and dry weight (4.78 g) (0.51 g) respectively, while spray with a concentration of 100 mg L-1 led to increase flower diameter (6.37 cm) and flowering duration (10.85 days). Foliar spray with SA improved all vegetative and flowering traits. Treatment of 300 mg L-1 was the most significant effect in increasing number of leaves (39.56), leaf area (2182.06 cm2), leaves fresh weight (43.93 g), number of flowers (5.83), flower diameter (6.31 cm), early of flowering date (98.07 days), and flower dry weight (0.50 g). The interaction effect between the studied factors was significant in all studied traits. Treatment of AsA200×SA150 was the most effective and gave the best results in terms of number of suckers (9.11), dry weight of leaves (6.49 g), number of flowers (5.87), flower diameter (6.44 cm), flowering date (96.98 days), flowering duration (10.89 days).

scholarly journals Comparative Evaluation of the Influence of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth Performance of Tetrapleura tetraptera

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
U. L. Edem ◽  
E. E. Ekerette
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Seedling Growth ◽  
Seedling Emergence ◽  
Leaf Length ◽  
Internode Length ◽  
Stem Diameter ◽  
Cross River ◽  
Tetrapleura Tetraptera ◽  
Chicken Litter ◽  
Number Of Leaves

The continuous destruction of our rainforest has threatened the existence of many useful and multipurpose plant species such as Tetrapleura tetraptera. To revert this situation, efforts must be made towards its sustainable use by encouraging reforestation which entails raising of seedlings for mass propagation of this crop. This study was aimed at comparing the effects of organic (chicken litter) and inorganic (NPK 15:15:15) fertilizers on seedling growth in four accessions of Tetrapleura tetraptera and hence determining fertilizer preference for this forest species. The Complete Randomized Design (CRD) was used in a factorial arrangement with four accessions and three fertilizer types in eight replicates. One month after transplanting, the fertilizers (organic and inorganic) were uniformly applied at the rate of 45 kg/hectare according to the experimental design. Data were collected monthly for a period of three months on plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, leaf length, member of branches, number of leaves, primary and secondary internode length per plant. Data on seedling emergence were also taken. Data collected were subjected to a two-way analysis of variance. Least significant difference (LSD) was used to separate significant means at p = 0.05. Result obtained revealed that the soil was rich in calcium, phosphorus and organic matter but low in nitrogen and potassium which were adequately complemented in mean days to seedling emergence in four accessions studied. Our findings also revealed that the organic (chicken litter) fertilizer did better (P<0.05) in all accessions than inorganic (NPK 15:15:15) fertilizer for all morphological traits studied. The performance of Cross River accession was outstanding as illustrated by the significant interaction obtained in most parameters. With chicken, litter fertilizer, Cross River accession produced the tallest plant (27.38 cm), largest leaf area (1.99 cm2), highest number of branches (20.13), highest number of leaves (66.75), longest stem diameter (0.93 cm), longest leaf length (1.94 cm), lowest primary (0.80) and lowest secondary (0.83) internode length. The use of organic fertilizers is therefore recommended for improved seedling growth of Tetrapleura tetraptera.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document