Comparative assessment of agro-morphological traits and nutrient content of Sesamum alatum in response to poultry and goat manures
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Date
2021
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Abstract
Sesamum alatum Thonn. is one of the scarcely known and highly nutritious leafy
vegetables that is still collected from the wild or as weeds among crops in South Africa.
The plant is also used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes in Africa and elsewhere.
Despite its importance and agronomic potential, the cultivation of S. alatum under
different agronomic systems for improved harvestable yield and nutrient content is still
lacking. The study aimed to determine the response of S. alatum agro-morphological
traits and nutrient content to the application of poultry and goat manures. This study
was conducted under rain-fed shade cloth conditions during the summer months of
2018 and 2019. Pots (20L) were filled with 60 kg of soil mixed with poultry and goat
manures at 0, 1, 2, and 3 t ha–1 each. The layout was a completely randomized design
(CRD) of 2 × 4 factorial combinations. Taller plants with numerous branches that
produced many and bigger leaves and heavier shoots were recorded in season two.
The application of manure resulted in taller plants with profuse branching, many, and
broader leaves as well as heavier dried shoots. However, goat manure was more
effective than poultry manure. The recommended rates for optimum plant agro morphological productivity were ≥ 2 t ha–1
for both manures except for the seed mass.
Application rates ≥ 2 t ha–1 of goat manure gave the best vegetative and reproductive
growth in S. alatum. Poultry and goat manure application led to an increase in moisture
content, Ca, Mg, K, P, and micronutrients in Sesamum alatum. Goat manure produced
the highest nutrient content of S. alatum than poultry manure, although differences
were not substantial. Therefore, both manures could be equally used to improve agro morphological traits and nutrient content of S. alatum.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the Department of Botany at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2021
Keywords
Wild leafy vegetables, Sesamum alatum, goat manure, poultry manure