Effect of nutrient sources and light intensities on the seedling vigour of African Star apple (<I>Chrysophyllum albidum G. Don</I>)

Abstract

2x2 factorial experiment was laid down in Completely Randomized Design with three replications to assess the effect of nutrient sources [NPK (30 g)  and Poultry manure (30 g)] and light intensities (25 and 50%)  n seedling vigour of Chrysophyllum albidum. Data collected on seedling growth experiment was subjected to One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Significant means were separated using Duncans Multiple Range Test. Sources of nutrients and light intensities significantly (P<0.05) enhanced the seedling growth. Taller plant (12.32 cm)., higher number of leaves (2.93)., wider leaf area (4.2 cm²)., wider stem girth (1.01 cm)., higher leaf dry weight (0.27 g)., higher shoot dry weight (0.13 g) and higher total dry weight (0.52 g) were recorded from seedlings planted in soil influenced with poultry manure. Seedlings planted under 50 % light intensity gave higher value of leaf area (2.71 cm²), root dry weight (0.13 g), leaf dry weight (0.25 g), total dry weight (0.53 g) and relative turgidity (74.82 %) compared to those  subjected to 25 % light intensity. Widest leaf area (4.96 cm²)., highest leaf dry weight (0.30 g)., highest shoot dry weight (0.16 g) and highest total dry weight (0.59 g) were recorded for seedlings planted in poultry manure soil and subjected to 50 % light intensity. Planting of C. albidum seedlings  in poultry manure soil under 50 % light intensity enhanced its seedling growth for agro-forestry systems. The research therefore recommends planting of C. albidum seedlings in poultry manure soil under the 50 % light intensity.

Key words: Biodiversity conservation, Seedling growth, Nutrient sources, Light intensity, Afforestation