Sucker multiplication in plantain using chicken manure as a substrate supplement

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the response of chicken manure (CM) as a substrate supplement for sucker multiplication and its effect on varietal differences in two subgroups of plantain (Apantu, a False Horn and Apem, a French plantain), using well-developed sword suckers. The research was laid out in a 2 x 2 factorial randomized complete block design with two substrates (chicken manure/sawdust mix and sole sawdust substrate) and the two groups of plantain with three replications. Data were collected on temperature changes within the substrates, number of plantlets sprouted, physical growth of the plantlets, root formation of plantlets and their correlation with plantlet establishment in the nursery. It was observed that plantlet/substrate-types had no significant effect on number of plantlets sprouted. The corms of Apantu showed a higher positive response to all the treatments applied than those of Apem. Plantlets from CM/SD mix recorded better physical parameters but had lower survival rate as compared to the SD treatments. There was low positive correlation (26.79%) between rooted sprouts and survival rates of regenerated plantlets, which might be due to differences in environmental conditions. Generally, Apantu produced more vigorous sprouts than Apem, which may be due to differences in maturity period and varietal effect. Planting-material-type did not have any effect on plantlet acclimatization, while media-type showed greater impact on number of plantlets and acclimatization. CM/SD mix influenced higher sprouts but plantlets were poorly acclimatized to the environment. Key words: Chicken manure, sawdust, ‘Apantu’ (False horn), ‘Apem’ (French plantain), cultivar, media, plantlets.