EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PLANT PROPAGULES AND MULCHING MATERIALS ON PERFORMANCE OF WATERLEAF (TALINUMTRIANGULARE) IN DELTA STATE

Abstract

Experiment was conducted at Agbor Delta State, to investigate the effect of different propagules and mulching materials on the performance of waterleaf in Delta State. The mulching materials used were Annona muricataLin, Tridaxprocumbensand elusinindica. The propagules used for propagation were the stump, main shoot and lateral shoot. The experimental design was 3 x 3 factorial layout and was replicated 3 times. The variable measured were number of sprout, length of sprouts, number of branches, length of branches, number of leaves and flowers. The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the significant means obtained were separated using Duncan multiple Range Test (DMRT). The result showed that the plants propagated with main shoot was significantly different from others in number of sprout, branch leaves and flowers waterleaf. The leaves of Annona muricataLin exhibited superiority over other mulching materials in all the perimeters measured except in length of sprout and branches. Therefore, Annona muricataLin is recommended for mulching material and main shoot as cutting for propagation of waterleaf.