ABSTRACT

The growth performance of Raphia hookeri (Mann and Wendl.) in the nursery was investigated with a view to determining the rates of NPKMg 12:12:17:2 for optimum Raphia hookeri seedlings production in the nursery. The trial was laid out as a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated thrice. The experiment consisted of six levels of NPKMg 12:12:17:2 fertilizer at 0, 14, 28, 42, 56, and 70g / seedling applied in split equal dosage in September, November, and January respectively. NPKMg fertilizer at 14, 28 and 42g / seedling significantly {P<0.05} enhanced seedling performance better than when it was applied at the rates of 56 and 70g / seedling. Seedlings treated with 56 and 70g / seedling were not significantly different from the control seedlings. High rates of mortality were obtained in seedlings treated with 56 and 70 g / seedling of NPKMg 12:12:17:2.  Seedling growth parameters measured were influenced by the applied fertilizer except the number of palm leaves produced. The highest plant height (140.3cm), girth (15.4cm) and leaf area {173.7cm} were obtained from seedlings that received 28g of  NPKMg 12:12:17:2 / seedling, while the lowest palm height, girth, and leaf area were obtained when fertilizer was applied at 70g / palm.  It was concluded that for optimum growth, development and yield, 28g NPKMg 12:12:17:2/palm/year should be applied to R. hookeri seedlings in equal split dosage.