Abstract Detail

Crops and Wild Relatives

Iwuagwu, Mary [1], Ogbonnaya, Chuks I. [2], Onwuchekwa, Ojimgba [3].

Productivity and mineral composition of cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta var. Nce 0001 Schott) as influenced by integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers.

Food security concerns are currently escalating in Nigeria. In order to overcome this, there is need for alternative food sources other than the common staples, which can be gotten from underutilized and neglected crops such as cocoyam. This study therefore was carried out to evaluate the productivity and mineral content of cocoyam grown in soil amended with rice husk and different rates of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers. Rice husk (RH) was applied at 0 and 15 t/ha and the inorganic fertilizers at 0, 50 and 100 kg/ha each. The experiment was a 2x3x3 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Yield and yield attributes of the cocoyam were determined at maturity. Thereafter, five cormels were selected from the representative plots and analyzed for their nutrient compositions. Data were analyzed statistically with SPSS 16 at P≤0.05. Tuber yield of cocoyam was enhanced by applications of RH, 100 kg/ha N and also combined applications of RH plus the inorganic fertilizers. Average percentage yield enhancements were 61%, 14%, 35%, 33%, 67%, 84% and 97%, in RH, K, N, N+K, RH+K, and RH+N, respectively. The highest yield enhancement was recorded at combined application of RH+N+K at 15:100:50. Sole application of nitrogen fertilizer at the highest rate of 100 kg/ha significantly increased crude protein (CP), K and Ca contents of the cocoyam cormels in relation to the control. In contrast, sole applications of rice husk and 100 kg/ha potassium caused significant decrease in CP, K, Mg and Zn contents relative to the control. For the combinations, RH+50 kgN/ha increased significantly K and Ca contents compared to sole application and the control. Conversely, combined application of RH + 50 kgK/ha decreased significantly CP, Mg and Zn contents relative to sole applications and the control while higher combination recorded values that were either at par with the control or higher in the case of K content. More so, combined use of N and K fertilizers at 100:50 kg/ha enhanced significantly K and Ca contents while the reverse combination enhanced CP content. Similarly, integrated use of RH+N+K at 15:100:50 improved Ca content. In many instances, combination of N and K fertilizers (with or without RH) at the same rate gave lower values compared to varying rates and is therefore not recommended in cocoyam production.

Related Links:
pubmed/20150447
JABS/2011/48

1 - Abia State University, Plant Science And Biotechnology, Uturu, Uturu, AB, +234, Nigeria
2 - Abia State University, Plant Science and Biotechnology, Uturu, AB, +234, Nigeria
3 - Abia State University, Soil Science, Uturu, AB, +234, Nigeria

Keywords:
cocoyam
fertilizer
mineral concentration
rice husk
tuber yield.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: CWR1, Crops and Wild Relatives
Location: Tucson D/Starr Pass
Date: Wednesday, July 31st, 2019
Time: 11:15 AM
Number: CWR1013
Abstract ID:116
Candidate for Awards:None