Evaluating the Effects of Fertilizers and Bio-stimulants on Field Performance of Amaranthus dubius

Aims: The continuous increase in human population warrants more food production. Amaranthus spp. is one of the most consumed leafy vegetables globally. A field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekit Nigeria to assess the effects of fertilizers and bio-stimulants on the growth and performance of Amaranthus dubius.

Methodology: The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The Amaranthus dubius seeds were sown under open field conditions and the treatments included aqueous moringa leaf extract (AMLE), NPK 15:15:15, poultry manure, grand humus, and super gro which were applied at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after sowing WAS. Data were collected 7 days after each application on on leaf area (cm3), plant height (cm), stem girth (cm), and total fresh biomass (g). The collected data were analysed using IRRI STAR 2.0.

Results: The result revealed that all the treatments were significantly different (P>0.05) for all the parameters studied. AMLE recorded the highest value for all the parameters studied while control had the lowest values. For the total fresh biomass, AMLE recorded the highest mean value (1981.33) followed by NPK 15:15:15 (1535.00) and poultry manure (140.67) respectively while control had the least mean value (640.33).

Conclusion: Amaranthus dubius was a short live plant response to AMLE and NPK 15:15:15 than the other treatment applied. It is therefore recommended that AMLE should be applied to boost the performance of Amaranthus dubius.