Abstract

An experiment was conducted at the experimental site of Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor Plantation Ibadan (IAR&T) located in South-West region of Nigeria on effects of organic amendments on reproduction and yield of Jatropa curcas. This was to evaluate the capacity to improve reproduction, seed yield and oil yield of Jatropa curcas. Poultry Manure and Cow Dung were used, each at 0, 10, 20 and 40 t/ha (M0, P10, P20, P40, C10, C20 and C40). These were evaluated on land area of 6m×6m with 20 plants/plot in Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD), replicated four times. At 28 weeks after sowing, the following parameters were assessed: number of days to first flower formation, first fruit formation and first matured fruit formation. Seed yield (g/plant) and oil yield (%) were also assessed following standard procedure. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α_0.05 Results showed no significant difference in the phenology of the plant in terms of numbers of days to first flower formation, first fruit formation and first matured fruit formation across all treatments. Seed yield and oil yield were significantly higher at P20 (58.6; 40.8), P40 (74.7; 41.6), C20 (68.6; 40.4) and C40 (69.8; 41.1) than control (27.3; 40.0) and other treatments. The dry weights showed that application of manure produced dry weights that was significantly higher than the control. Poultry manure and cow dung applied especially at 20 t/ha improved seed yield and oil yield of Jatropha curcas and may be adopted in its production.

Key Words: Crop improvement, Environmental sustainability, Reproduction and yield, Jatropa curcas