Effectiveness of Fortified Liquid Organic Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer on the Growth, Physiological and Pesticidal Response of African Nightshade (Solanum scabrum)

Abstract

Aims: To assess the effectiveness of fortified liquid organic manure, zero fertilizer applications and urea on the growth, physiological and pesticidal response of Solanum scabrum. Study Design: Complete randomized block experimental design. Place and Duration of Study: The green house facility and agricultural research farm at the Pan African Institute for Development – West Africa (PAID-WA), Buea, Cameroon, from August to November 2017. Methodology: Four experimental units with 4 treatments including: two fortified liquid organic manure (T1 and T2,) control (T3) and urea (T4), were established using 96 planting pots. The quantity and application rates for the liquid manure and urea were 4000 L/ha, once and twice a week, and 200 kg/ha, respectively. Leaf colour, leaf size, number of leaves per plant, plant height, stem collar diameter and growth rate were measured. Two plots with three soil beds each, was also established to record pesticide treatment response by counting the number of leaves eaten by insects Results: T2 had darker green leaves, tallest plants (27.57±11.87 cm), highest number of leaves (27.65±25.46 units), largest leaf size (38.56±21.96 cm2), biggest stem collar diameter (1.54±0.41 cm) and highest growth rates (2.54±1.02, 5.18±3.40, and 0.11±0.03 cm/week for height, number of leaves and stem collar diameter, respectively). T2 effects differed significantly (P = 0.00) from T3 and T4. T2 and T1 also reduced pest attacks on leaves significantly (P = 0.00) compare to T3. Conclusion: Liquid extracts concoctions of biomass and pesticidal botanicals prove useful towards the development of effective bio-repellent organic fertilizers. These can contribute to reducing the use of synthetic agro-chemicals, hence decreasing residual environmental and human health hazards.