Growth performance of rooted cuttings of Annona muricata linn. in different potting mixtures

Abstract

Poor seedling propagation rates can be attributed to inadequate knowledge of their requirements including appropriate growth media that can  enhance their growth at the nursery. The objective of the study was to assess the effects of different growing media on the growth of rooted  seedlings of Annona muricata. The experiment was laid out using Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments and ten replicates. The treatments were combinations of green manure (Moringa oleifera leaf powder), gravel and top soil. The results showed that 63.6% Topsoil, 27.3% Gravel, and 9.1% Moringa oleifera leaf powder did well across the study, this media was also found to be the best media for the growth of  Annona muricata seedlings as it gave the highest parameters in terms of seedlings height for the double and single node cuttings: T1 (10.96cm and 4.8cm) respectively while T3 and T4 gave the least seedling height in double and single node cuttings: (2.2cm and 0cm) respectively. For leaf number double and single node cuttings, T1 and T3 the mean number of leaves were 8.7 and 5.2 respectively and stem girth in double and single T1 and T2 (4.5 and 3.6mm) respectively. Biomass accumulation was also influenced by the potting mixture. However, the higher the quantity of moringa leaf  constituent in the potting mixture, the lower the biomass accumulation. In terms of the number of nodes it was observed that seedlings from two  node cuttings grew better in terms of height, collar diameter, and number of leaves. Number of nodes also had a significant influence on biomass accumulation with seedlings from two nodes cuttings having higher biomass compared  to seedlings from one node. This treatment also  significantly indicated that potting mixtures and nodal number enhanced the growth and biomass accumulation of Annona muricata.for healthy  seedlings production.

Keywords: Annona muricata, seedling growth, green manure, adaptability percentage.