Growth and Development of Gomphrena celosioides Mart under Screen House Conditions in Ilorin, Southern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria

Abstract

The pattern of growth of Gomphrena celosioides Mart (Amaranthaceae), a weed in mown grass and lawn commonly used in southern Nigeria for treatment of skin infections and as abortifacient was evaluated in Ilorin (Lat. 8^o 29'N & 8^o 30'N; Long. 4^o 30'E & 4^o 32'E), southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria between 2010 and 2012. Seedlings and soil samples to a depth of 15cm were collected from different locations and enumerated for 15 weeks. G. celosioides seedling had a prolific growth rate, producing many leaves, sparsely branching and excessive flowers within a short period after emergence. The estimated seeds of G. celosioides in soil seedbank were about 885 seeds/m². The growing shoot increased in length as a function of plant age with a mean absolute growth rate of 0.13 g plant^-1 day^-1, mean RGR of 0.07 g g^-1 day^-1. This result will be valuable in aiding the prediction of G. celosioides infestations in agricultural fields and provide a valuable input in timing of its control.

KeyWords: Weed biology, plant growth, seedbank, Gomphrena celosioides Mart,