Influence of Tithonia diversifolia and cattle manures on the growth and yield of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Authors

• Ehiokhilen Kevin Eifediyi * ¹
• Henry Emeka Ahamefule ¹
• Felix Omonkeke Ogedegbe ²
• Taiwo Michael Agbede ³
• Isiaka Kareem ¹
• Appiah Dideoluwa Ajayi ¹

1. Department of Agronomy, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
2. Department of Crop Science, Ambrose Alli University, PMB 14, Ekpoma, Nigeria
3. Department of Agronomy, Adekunle Ajasin University, PMB 002, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose Much cattle manure and Tithonia are in abundance in the Guinea savanna of Nigeria where sesame has been found to do well. The cost of inorganic fertilizer is going beyond the reach of the average sesame farmer; the need therefore arises to synthesize farming practices that incorporate the rich organic materials locally available as a substitute for inorganic fertilizer for sustainable food production.
Methods A study was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Ilorin, Nigeria during the 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons, to evaluate the performance of sesame using T. diversifolia and cattle manures.  The following treatments; T. diversifolia (control, 0.9, 1.8 and 2.7 tha^-1) and cattle manure (7.5, 15 and 22.5 tha^-1) were used. Treatments were laid out in randomized complete block design, and replicated four times. Data on soil water content, growth and morphological characters and yield were collected.
Result Results showed that T. diversifolia and cattle manures application improved soil water and nutrient contents, growth and yield attributes of sesame. Tithonia diversifolia applied at 2.7 tha^-1 and cattle manure applied at 22.5 tha^-1 gave the highest growth attributes, T. diversifolia applied at the rate of 1.8 tha^-1 gave a yield of 547.2 kgha^-1 and 527.6 kgha^-1 in the 1st and 2nd seasons respectively. Cattle manure at 15 tha^-1 gave a yield of 517.3 and 517.2 kgha^-1 in first and second season respectively.
Conclusion Farmers are advised to use T. diversifolia at the rate of 1.8tha^-1 for high yield.

Highlights

• High cost and untimely availability of inorganic fertilizer has prompted the quest for the alternative sources of soil amendment.
• Cattle and Tithonia diversifolia manures can be used as nitrogen source in the cultivation of sesame.
• The use of Tithonia diversifolia and cattle manure will improve the organic matter content and also the moisture holding capacity of the soil.

Keywords

• Yield
• Sesame
• Cattle manure
• Green manure
• Tithonia diversifolia

Main Subjects

• Agricultural waste