Effect of Plant Spacing and Harvest Interval on the Growth Parameters of Moringa oleifera Lam (Periyakulam-1) in Sokoto (Semi-Arid Environment)

Abstract

Abdullahi S, Maishanu HM and Mukhtar RB

Moringa is a typical representative of multi-purpose tropical tree crop due to the high nutritional value, it is an important source for food to many communities and provides raw materials for animal feed industries. This study investigates the influence of plant densities (15 x 15 cm, 15 x 20 cm, 20 x 20 cm, and 20 x 30 cm) and four (4) harvesting intervals (HI) of 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks was laid out using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. Data on silvicultural practices were collected and six (6) plants were randomly selected for harvest from each plot which were subsequently separated into leaves, stems and twigs. Fresh and air-dried weights were recorded for analysis. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used for data analysis Duncan’s Multiple Range Test was used to separate the means. Results of the present study show non-significant effects of plant density (p>0.05) between treatments. However, greater number of branches, leaves, height and biomass accumulation was recorded at 8 weeks harvesting interval. A significant interaction effects were recorded between spacing and HI.

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