Comparative effects of two nitrogen sources on the growth and yield of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) in the rainforest region: A case study of Benin-City, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

A study on the effect of two Nitrogen sources (NPK and Urea) on the growth and yield of two Roselle varieties was undertaken at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. The treatments consisted of 2 varieties (SD, 2003 and DR, 2003) NPK 15:15:15: and Urea fertilizers at 0, 100, 150 and 200 kg h-1, respectively). Factorial combinations of the treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design, with three replications. The results showed that there were no differences in the fertilizer types in some vegetative characters at 2, 4, 6 and 8 Weeks After Transplanting (WAT). Significant differences were however observed in plant height between the varieties at 10 WAT and for fruit number among the varieties at 10, 11 and 12 WAT, respectively. NPK 15:15:15: Fertilizer was observed to be better than urea while DR 2003 variety did well and so should be recommended for the rainforest zone of Nigeria as it performed better in all the parameters measured. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information.