Effects nursery media on Irvingia gabonensis and Dacryodes edulis seedlings and weed dynamics of the media

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of different nursery media on performances of Bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis) and African pear (Dacryodes edulis) seedlings. Five nursery media were formulated from topsoil, poultry manure and river sand in the following ratios; 0:3:3, 1:2:3, 1:3:2, 2:3:1 and 3:2:1. The media formulated were analyzed for the physico-chemical properties and seeds of the test crops were sown in each filled polythene bags with the formulated media. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD). The results obtained show significant (P≤0.05) media effects on days to first and 50% seedling emergence and percentage total emergence in Bush mango but non-significant in African pear. Number of days to last seedling emergence was significantly (P≤0.05) influenced by media in African pear leaf number and plant height for 10 weeks were responsive to differences in media in both crops. Media influenced total dry weight only in Bush mango while dry matter distribution pattern varied significantly in African pear. In both crops, percentage total seedling emergence and seedling vigour were better in medium 1:2:3. Therefore, from the results, the differential influence of media on seedling growth as evidence in the study suggested the need for broader evaluation of media for different tropical tree species to identify the most appropriate medium for each species that will ensure better vigorous seedling production for plantation and/or orchard establishment. Also, the results showed significant variation in weed flora composition, comprised of 35 species made up of 14 families. The families of Asteraceae, Gramineae, Amaranthaceae and Acanthaceae were predominant. Annual weed species and broadleaf were predominant.