ABSTRACT
Field experiments were conducted in 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons in the Teaching and Research Farm of Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Nigeria to evaluate some growth and yield indices of tomato as influenced by five different rates of poultry manure. The experiments were carried out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Rates of poultry manure applied in tons/ha to tomato hybrid variety UC82B obtained from an Agro-Allied Company, Ibadan, Nigeria were 0, 8, 16, 24 and 32. Parameters assessed to achieve the objective of the study were plant height and number of leaves / plant at 4 , 6 and 8 weeks after planting , number of flowers, number of fruits/plant and weight of fruits of tomato at maturity. The results of the 2-year evaluation indicated that plants which received 24 tons/ha of poultry manure were superior with mean number of flowers of 37, mean number of fruits/plant of 27 and mean weight of fruit of 36.3 tons/ha, though the mean height was 63cm and mean number of leaves was 37 at 8 weeks after planting. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that farmers in the study area apply poultry manure at the rate of 24 tons/ha for increased growth and yield of tomato. |
