Effect of rice-husk incorporation rates on the growth and yield of tomato (<i>Lycopersicum esculentum</i>) in Mubi, Adamawa State

Abstract

A study was carried out to determine the effect of rice-husk incorporation rates on the growth and yield of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) during the rainy season of 2013 in Mubi, Adamawa state. An experimental area (9.5 m × 9.5 m) was marked out into 4 blocks with 4 plots each measuring 2 m × 2 m and separated by an alley of 0.5 m between blocks and rows. The plots were treated with 3 rates (10, 20 and 30 kg equivalent to 25, 50 and 75 tons/ha) of rice-husk and a control (0 kg) that were replicated 4 times in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Data collected on the plant growth parameters was analyzed using the generalized linear model of Statistix 9.1 for the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that there were no significant (P>0.05) differences among the treatments at 2 weeks after transplanting (WAT). However, significant (P<0.05) differences were recorded at 4, 6, and 8-WAT, except for the plant heights at 8-WAT. The tomato yield also differed significantly (P<0.05) among the treatments across the 4 harvesting intervals. It was recommended that application of 75 tons/ha should be observed for efficient growth and yield of tomato in Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria.

Keywords: Tomato, Rice-husk, Incorporation-rate, Growth, Yield, Mubi, Adamawa State.