Journal of Applied Biosciences (J. Appl. Biosci.) [ISSN 1997 - 5902]
Volume 44: 2982 - 2986. Published August 29, 2011.
Effect of paring, mulching and fertilizer application on performance of pot-grown plantain suckers
Oso A. A 1, Ayodele O. J 1, Ademiluyi B. A.2 and Alajiki S. O1
1Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Ado- Ekiti, Nigeria.
2Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science, University of Ado- Ekiti, Nigeria.
Corresponding author email: deyom_oso@yahoo.co.uk
ABSTRACT
Objective: Yield decline in plantain orchards has been linked to problems of pests (nematodes and weevils), diseases and declining soil fertility. This study evaluated the effects of paring, mulching and fertilizer application on the establishment and growth of pot-grown plantain suckers in a sandy loam with moderate organic matter content, low total N and high available P.
Methodology and results: The mulching materials used included sawdust, tithonia and oil palm bunch refuse applied at 50 tons/ha while compound NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer was applied at a rate of 300kg/ha. The trial was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) of sixteen treatments replicated three times. Growth parameters measured at two-week intervals showed that performance was best enhanced in non-pared suckers which received tithonia mulch and fertilizer. Tithonia mulch and fertilizer had complementary effect on nutrient availability because it decomposes to release nutrients and increase organic matter which aid plantain growth.
Conclusion and application of findings: Although paring did not enhance plantain growth as much as in unpared suckers (which are more susceptible to weevil and nematodes infestation), farmers should not be reluctant in adopting the pared sucker technique which confers protection on the roots. Therefore, the longevity of orchards established with pared and unpared suckers should be adequately monitored.
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