JAFE Vol. 4 (1): 59-66
Effects of Different Stem Cutting Lengths on the Growth and Yield of Physic Nut (Jatrophacurcas L.) in the Rainforest Agro-ecological Zone of Nigeria
Uwuigbe, E. U. and Akparobi, S. O.
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different lengths of stem cuttings on the growth and yield of physic nut plant (Jatrophacurcas L.). The experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, Nigeria. Three lengths of stem cuttings used were: 40cm, 50cm and 60cm. A cumulative seed weight/yield of 2,313kg/ha, 1,649kg/ha and 910kg/ha were obtained for 60cm, 50cm and 40cm stem cuttings respectively. The results of the oil extracted also showed that 12.2kg of seeds processed from 60cm stem cutting produced highest oil quantity of 350ml, followed by 8.4kg of seeds from 50cm stem cuttings producing 240ml and 3.8kg of seeds from 40cm cuttings produced 120ml of oil quantity. The results showed that the 60cm stem cutting length performed better in growth characters and yield related components when compared with the 50cm and 40cm stem cutting lengths. Significant yield differenceswere observed among the different stem cutting lengths.
KEYWORDS: Jatrophacurcas, stem cuttings, growth, yield, oil