Effects of Poultry Manure on the Growth and Yield of Basil Plant (Ocimun gratissimum) in a Tropical Utilsol Soil

Abstract

Ocimum gratissimum commonly called Basil plant or scent leaf   is one of the less known, neglected vegetable with high economic value as food, medicinal and industrial uses. Studies were therefore conducted to determine the effects of poultry manure on the growth and yield of Ocimum   gratissimum in the Teaching   and research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Cross River  University of Technology, Obubra , Cross River State, Nigeria. The experiment has nine (9) rates of poultry manure: 0, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 6.5 t/ha laid out in a randomized  complete  block design with three  replications. The application of poultry manure at 3- 4t/ha was more beneficial than higher rates. Results showed that poultry manure significantly (p>0.05) increased number of leaves, branches per plant and plant height. The highest Leaf index value plant height, leaves   and branches per plant was obtained at 16weeks after planting with 6.5 t/ha. Poultry manure.  While 4t/ha poultry manure gave the highest growth rate, Leaf fresh yield, dry matter of leaf, stem and seed yield per plant and per hectare. Farmers  are advise  to   apply 3-4t/ha of poultry manure to cultivate  Ocimum gratissimum  for optimum  growth and  seed yield  under  the utilsol  conditions .