Effects of inter-row spacing and weed interference on growth and yield of sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Effects of inter-row spacing and weed interference on growth and yield of sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) in Maiduguri, Nigeria

2015

E11269

An experiment was conducted in 2009 and 2010 rainy seasons at the Teaching and Research farm of the Department of Crop Production, University of Maiduguri (Sudano-Sahelian zone) of Borno State (11 degrees 50' N and 13 degrees 10'E) to determine the effects of spacing and weed interference on the growth and yield of sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.). The treatments consisted of inter-row spacing at 30, 60, and 90 cm apart and weed interferences of weed free period for 3, 6, 9 weeks after sowing (WAS) and weed free till harvest, and weed infested period for 3, 6, 9 WAS and weed infested till harvest. These treatments were laid out in a split plot design replicated 3 times. The spacing treatments were laid out in the main-plots while the weed interferences were laid out in the sub-plots. Seeds were dibbled at a constant intra-row spacing of 60 cm. Parameters measured included stand count/net plot, number of branches per plant, number of calyx per plant, fresh and dry calyx yield, seed yield and weed dry matter. Data from the experiment was subjected to Analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results show that there were significant differences among the treatment means of spacing where the stand count at 30 cm x60 cm spacing produced the highest number of plants and yield. 90 cm x60 cm produced the highest number of calyx per plant. Significant weed interference was obtained at weed infested for 3 WAS giving higher calyx yield and seed yield in order of, 84% and 95% compared with weed free till harvest. Weed dry matter was highest (358.85 kg/ha weed weight) in the weed infested treatment till harvest compared with the weed free treatment. The significant interaction between spacing and weed interference was at 90 cm x60 cm and weed free for 9 WAS which resulted in the highest number of branches and highest number of calyx. In conclusion, Sorrel is best grown for its calyx and seed yield at closest spacing of 30 cm x60 cm. furthermore, sorrel need to be kept weed free from 3-9 WAS for higher yield.

3(5):1610-1617, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE INNOVATIONS AND RESEARCH

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