Growth Of Cocoa Seedlings Research Articles

Growth of cocoa seedlings (Theobroma cacao L.) in application of cow manure compost and density of Bacillus subtilis bacteria

Cocoa rejuvenation is important to maintain high productivity. The rejuvenation mainly uses seedlings; thus providing high-quality seedlings is important. This research aimed to determine the effect of various doses of cow manure compost and the density of Bacillus subtilis bacteria on the growth of cocoa seedlings. The research was implemented at the Teaching Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, Makassar City, from 2021 to 2022. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot design with three replications. The main plot was the dose of cow manure (without compost, 1.25 kg per polybag, and 2.5 kg per polybag). The subplot was the density of Bacillus subtilis (without bacteria, 104 CFU.mL-1, 108 CFU.mL-1, and 1012 CFU.mL-1). The results showed an interaction between the dose of cow manure 2.5 kg per polybag and the bacterial density 1012 CFU.mL-1 on chlorophyll a (347.91 mol.m-2), chlorophyll b (158.33 mol.m-2), total chlorophyll (444.57 mol.m-2), and leaf area of cocoa seedlings (813.96 cm2). A compost dose of 2.5 kg per polybag showed the best results for plant height (8.98 cm). Keywords: bacteria density; bivariate correlation; chlorophyll content; manure dose; organic fertilizer

Best Combination of Liquid Organic Fertilizer with NPK Fertilizer for Cocoa Seedling Growth (Theobroma cacao L.)

One strategy for achieving sustainable agriculture is the reduction of inorganic fertilizers. Inorganic fertilizers are reduced by substituting them with organic fertilizers. This study aimed to identify the optimal combination of LOF with NPK fertilizers to promote the growth of cocoa seedlings in polybags. The study used completely randomize design. The treatment design, namely the combination of LOF with NPK fertilizers, consisted of five distinct combinations: control, 100% LOF, 100% NPK, 75% LOF +25% NPK, 50% LOF + 50% NPK, and 25% LOF + 75% NPK. The parameters observed were plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, total leaf area, plant dry weight, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, soil physical properties, soil water content, soil analysis, and seedling quality index. The results showed that treatment 25% LOF + 75% NPK increased the percentage of plant height by 73.47%, stem diameter by 42.13%, number of leaves by 67.36%, total leaf area by 75.30%, plant dry weight by 45.70%, shoot dry weight by 24.81%, root dry weight by 95.54%, and seedling quality index by 90.65%. LOF can reduce the use of NPK fertilizer by 25% in cocoa seedling

Growth Response of Cocoa Seedlings (Theobroma cacao L.) in several Combinations of Planting Media and Trichoderma sp. as Biological Fertilizer

Indonesia is the third largest cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) producing country in the world. In 2019 cocoa production in Lampung was 58,852 tons with a plantation area of 79,356 ha, in 2020 it was 58,623 tons with an area of 79,469 ha and in 2021 58,414 tons with an area of 77,174 ha. One of the reasons for this decline in production is plant pest organisms (OPT), namely fruit rot disease caused by the pathogen Pytophthora palmivora. Use of Trichoderma sp. can increase plant resistance and growth and act as a biological controller outside and inside the soil. The research was carried out on the grounds of the Lampung State Polytechnic from August to November 2023. This research aims to determine the effect of planting media and administration of Trichoderma sp. on the growth of cocoa seedlings. The method used was a Randomized Block Design (RAK) with 4 treatments and 4 replications so that there were 16 experimental units. Treatment P0 consisted of: Top Soil (Control), P1 Top Soil + Compost Fertilizer (2:1), P2 Top Soil + Trichoderma sp. (50:1), P3 Top Soil + Compost + Trichoderma sp. (50:25:1). The results of the research on treatments P3, P2 and P1 affected plant height, number of leaves and stem diameter. The P3 treatment showed the best results for the variables plant height 39.50 cm, number of leaves 21.58 and leaf area 37.79 cm2. Treatment P2 showed the best results for the stem diameter variable of 0.66 cm.

Cocoa seedlings growth on marginal soil as affected by application of dry walnut leaf compost and arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is a plantation commodity that is widely cultivated in Indonesia, this commodity is very important in Indonesia because it has played a role in the Indonesian economy since 1930. The problem faced in cocoa cultivation is the lack of nutrient availability due to chemicals that cause residue in the soil, resulting in the growth of cocoa seedlings are not optimal, to optimize the growth of cocoa seedlings, provide a mixture of organic fertilizer in the planting medium and provide mycorrhiza. This research used the basic pattern of a factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 2 factors and repeated 3 times. The first factor is the dose of dry leaf compost (K) which consists of 3 levels, namely: Without dry leaf compost treatment/control (K₀), dry leaf compost 60 g/polybag (K₁), Dry leaf compost dose 120 g/polybag (K₂) and the second factor is the arbuscular mycorrhizal dose (M) which consists of 3 levels, namely: Without arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus treatment/control (M₀), arbuscular mycorrhizal dose of 15 g/polybag (M₁), and arbuscular mycorrhizal dose of 30 g/polybag (M₂) So there are 27 experimental units. The results of the study showed that (1) there was a real interaction between the treatment of compost dose (K) and mycorrhizal dose (M) in safety. The combination of compost dose (K) 120 g/plant and mycorrhiza dose (M) 30 g/plant (K2M2) was the best treatment combination. (2) The treatment of giving a compost dose (K) had a significant effect on the variables of plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, and plant dry weight. The best treatment was a compost dose of 120g/plant (K2). (3) The mycorrhizal dose (M) treatment had a very significant effect on the variables of plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, and plant dry weight. The best treatment was a mycorrhizal dose of 30g/plant (M2).

Growth of cocoa seedlings affected by application of zeolite-cocopeat-manure mixture as soil conditioner enriched by Trichoderma sp.

The objective of this research was to study the effect of soil conditioner in different dosage levels enriched by Trichoderma sp. on cocoa seedling growth and biomass. This research was conducted in glass house Kaliwining,Experimental Station of Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute (ICCRI), Jember, East Java, with rainfall type of D (Schmidt & Ferguson) with relatively flat topography at altitude 45 m above sea level. Complete Randomized Design using four treatments, i. e. no application of soil conditioner (control), the application of 200 grams, 400 grams, and 600 grams/polybags of soil conditioner, with 5 replications and 5 subsamples was engaged for this research. Trichoderma sp. as endophytic fungus has been detected highest in the soil conditioner that enriched with Trichoderma sp. The result of the research was the application of soil conditioner alone or combined with Trichoderma sp. could increase plant growth and plant biomass. This research finding was the addition of Trichoderma sp. with soil conditioner increased the plant growth doubled than soil conditioner alone.

Maximizing cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) seedling growth through liquid coconut shell smoke in Ultisols soil

The crucial aspect of cocoa cultivation is ensuring the availability of seedlings with robust growth. Ultisols, a type of soil with potential for cocoa plant propagation, necessitate materials to enhance fertility when used as a growing medium. This includes the application of liquid smoke derived from coconut shells. To further study on this aspect this research aimed to determine the role of liquid coconut shell smoke on the growth of cocoa seedlings in Ultisols soil. The research was conducted in the laboratory and greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Panca Bhakti University, Pontianak, for 90 days from July to October 2023. The research used a complete randomized block design (CRBD) with four replications. The treatment concentrations of liquid coconut shell smoke (%) consisted of six levels: 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, and 1.25%. Each replication consisted of three cocoa plant seedling samples, resulting in a total of 72 plants for the entire research unit. The observed parameters included plant height increase (cm), the increase in the number of leaves (leaves), and the increase in stem diameter (mm). The research results found a very significant influence on all observed parameters. The treatment of liquid coconut shell smoke at a concentration of 0.75% yielded the highest results in terms of seedling height increase (29.09 cm), the number of leaves (14.08 leaves), and stem diameter (9.87 mm) compared to the control. This research finding shows that a concentration of 0.75% liquid coconut shell smoke can maximize the growth of cocoa seedlings in Ultisols soil through soil fertility improvement.

Effectiveness Test of Local Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Cocoa Waste Compost on the Growth of Cocoa Seedlings (Theobroma cacao. L) in Former Mining Sites

Effectiveness Test of Local Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Cocoa Waste Compost on the Growth of Cocoa Seedlings (Theobroma cacao. L) in Former Mining Sites

Application technique and concentration of biofertilizer from rhizosphere of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) given biosurfactant dietanolamide oil palm on the growth of cocoa seedlings

This research aimed to know the influence of application technique and biofertilizer that given concentration of biosurfactant diethanolamide (DEA) for the growth of cocoa seedlings and also to know the interaction between application technique and concentration level of biofertilizer given DEA growth of cacao seedling (Theobroma cacao L.). This research was conducted in UPTD SITANDU, Banten and the Soil Agroclimate Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa from December 2020 until March 2021, by using randomize complete block design with two factors. The first factor is technique application T1 at soil, T2 at leaf, and T3 with combination soil and leaf fertilization), and the second factor is concentration level of biofertilizer given DEA P1 10 ml and 5%, P2 10 ml and 10%, P3 20 ml and 5%, P4 20 ml and 10%. As a result, there were twelve possible treatment combinations, and each was applied three times. Parameters total chlorophyll (unit), root length (cm), stem diameter (mm), seedlings dry weight (g) and root shoot rasio (g). The results there was no interaction effect between the two treatments, namely application technique and concentration level of biofertilizer with DEA biosurfactant, on all observed parameters of cocoa seedlings.

Aplikasi Ekstrak Jagung dan Air Kelapa Muda sebagai Zat Pengatur Tumbuh pada Pertumbuhan Bibit Kakao

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of the dosage of natural plant growth regulators (PGR), corn extract, and coconut water on the early growth of cocoa seedlings. This research was conducted from May to July 2023 in Hombel Ruteng, Langke Rembong District, Manggarai Regency. This study used a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 4 treatment replicates, which consisted of 6 treatments: no treatment (P0), 40 mL/Polibag (P1), 60 mL/Polibag (P2), 100 mL/Polibag (P3), 150 mL/Polibag (P4), and 200 mL/Polibag (P5). There were 24 experimental units, so this research had 24 polibags as planting media. The parameters observed were plant height, leaf count, stem diameter, leaf length, and wet weight. The results showed that treatment (P5) provided the best results with 7.00 leaves, 9.05 cm leaf length, 0.20 mm stem diameter, and 4.00 g

Effect of Dose and Type of Liquid Organic Fertilizer on Early Growth of Cocoa Seedlings (Theobroma Cacao L.)

Effect of Dose and Type of Liquid Organic Fertilizer on Early Growth of Cocoa Seedlings (Theobroma Cacao L.)

Farmers’ adaptation strategies to mitigate climate impacts on cocoa production: experience from Osun State, Nigeria

The study assessed cocoa farmers’ adaptation strategies for mitigating impacts of climate change on cocoa production in Osun State, Nigeria. It profiled socio-demographic features of cocoa farmers, examined impacts of climate change; determined utilisation of adaptation strategies and examined the barriers to their usage. Data were drawn from 120 cocoa farmers across the state using interview schedule. Appropriate statistical tools were employed to analyse the primary data collected. The findings showed that most of the cocoa farmers (87.5%) were male with a mean age of 54.1± 10.8years. All (100%) cocoa farmers indicated high awareness of climate change. The findings showed that climate change retarded growth of cocoa seedlings and reduced cocoa yield. Key adaptation strategies utilized were planting of shade trees and frequent spraying of cocoa with pesticides. Majority of the cocoa farmers indicated high level of usage of different climate change adaptation strategies. High cost of inputs and unpredictable weather were the major barriers limiting the usage of adaptation strategies. Age (r=-0.501) and years of engagement in farming (r=0.551) were significantly related to the utilization of adaptation strategies. The research concluded that cocoa farmers utilized multiple adaptation strategies at high level to mitigate impacts of climate change to enhance sustainable and optimum cocoa production in Nigeria.

Soil Acidification in Cocoa (Theobrama cocoa) Agrosystems in Côte d’Ivoire (I): Effect of Carbonate Based Mineral Amendments on Soil Chemical Properties and Growth of Cocoa Seedlings (Theobrama cocoa)

Soil Acidification in Cocoa (Theobrama cocoa) Agrosystems in Côte d’Ivoire (I): Effect of Carbonate Based Mineral Amendments on Soil Chemical Properties and Growth of Cocoa Seedlings (Theobrama cocoa)

Karakteristik Tanah Ultisol Pasca Pemberian Pupuk Kascing dan Pertumbuhan Bibit Kakao

Abstract--Ultisol soil has low organic matter content, high levels of leaching and evaporation, high Al saturation, and low nutrient availability. To overcome several ultisol soil problems, it is necessary to apply vermicompost fertilizer. Vermicompost is compost from soil used to raise worms, which affects soil structure and contains N, P, K, CA, Mg, S, and Fe. The research aimed to determine the characteristics of ultisol soil after applying vermicompost fertilizer and the growth of cocoa seedlings. Implementation of Research at the Pijoan Experimental Garden, Batanghari Regency. The experiment used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Observation data were analyzed using analysis of variance and the Duncan New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) at the 5% level. The treatment tried was vermisol fertilizer with four dose levels, K0: 100% ultisol soil, K1: 85% ultisol soil + 15% vermisol fertilizer, K2: 75% ultisol soil + 25% vermisol fertilizer, K3: 65% ultisol soil + 35 % vermicompost per polybag. Providing vermicompost fertilizer with K2 and K3 treatment can increase N-total, P-Bray 1, and C-organic soil, increasing the pH of ultisol soil. Fertilizing vermicompost on ultisol soil had a significant effect on shoot dry weight and cocoa plant quality index. However, it had no significant effect on plant height, stem diameter and root dry weight.

Agronomic assessment of corn utilization as cocoa intercrop under coconut stands

Cocoa is known as shade-loving plants, i.e. plants that suitably grow with shaded conditions. Therefore, particular cultivation techniques are needed, such as planting shade trees to cover cocoa trees from direct sunlight exposure. The utilization of shade-loving plants from annual and seasonal crops, such as coconut and corn, can provide several benefits for farmers, including optimal early growth of cocoa seedlings, and the byproduct of shade-loving plants can provide short-term economic benefits for farmers. Corn plants in sustainable cocoa farm management are grouped as pioneer plants that can provide temporary shade so that cocoa plants can be protected from direct sunlight because cocoa is known as a shade-loving plant. One of the efforts to get short-term income for farmers is to utilize corn as an intercrop while allowing for the generative phase of cocoa plants. This research aimed to find the growth and production of several corn varieties and their effect on cocoa growth under shade. It was conducted in a farmer’s field in Bualo Village, Paguyaman subdistrict, Boalemo District, Gorontalo Province from June to November 2022. This research employed a Randomized Group Design consisting of four treatments of corn varieties, namely: BISI 18 (V1), BISI 99 (V2), NASA 29 (V3); and NK 6172, repeated 4 times with 16 experimental units. The results explained that all varieties of corn were able to adapt and tolerate conditions under coconut trees as shades, while the BISI 18 variety showed the highest production yield. Furthermore, there is a positive correlation between the use of corn as an intercrop with the vegetative growth of cocoa plants.

Pertumbuhan Bibit Kakao (Theobroma Cacao L) pada Media Tanah Ultisol yang diberi Perlakuan Pupuk Kompos Kotoran Sapi

The purpose of this study was to determine the growth of cocoa seedlings on Ultisol soil treated with cow dung compost. This research was conducted in the piyo garden, Batanghar University, Jambi Campus II. The environmental design used was a completely randomized design (CRD) and the treatment design was cow dung compost which consisted of 4 treatments: K0 = no treatment (control), K1 = 100 gr/polybag of cow dung, K2 = 150 gr/polybag of cow dung, K3 = 200 gr/poly bag of cow dung. Observational data were analyzed using analysis of variance, if there was a significant effect it was followed up with Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) at the 5% level. The results showed that the application of cow dung compost at different doses had a significant effect on plant height and stem diameter and had no significant effect on plant dry weight and root dry weight. Cocoa plant height increased by 36.64% and stem diameter by 18.26% with K3 treatment compared to the amount without treatmentKeywords: cow dung compost, Ultisol and cocoa

Effects of biostimulants on the morphological growth of cocoa seedlings at the nursery stage

Biostimulants help cocoa plants to improve vegetative development and nutrient uptake, therefore, the objective was to evaluate the effects of biostimulants on morphological growth in cocoa seedlings in nursery stage, through a completely randomized experimental design with four treatments (T1: control, T2: humic acids + fulvic acids, T3: silicon oxide + monosilicic acid; and T4: marine algae + humic and fulvic acids) and four replicates. The results showed no significant differences in variables such as plant height (T4: 29.63 cm), number of leaves (T2: 25.19) and root length (T2: 37.23 cm). Significant differences were found in stem diameter (T3: 7.08 cm) and root dry mass (T4: 8.67 g). The biostimulants showed positive results in nutritional elements at foliar level, improving the values of N, P, K, Zn, Mn, Mg, Ca and Fe. Likewise, there was a decrease in Cu and Na values. These results support the hypothesis that biostimulants help cocoa plants to improve vegetative development and nutrient uptake, reducing plant losses and improving plant nutrition at the nursery stage.

Growth Response of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Seedlings on Various Planting Media Administration

Growth response of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) seedlings on various planting media administration. This research aimed to determine the growth response of cocoa seedling plants with the application of various compost media. The purpose of this research was to provide information regarding the type of compost combination that was suitable for the growth of cocoa seedlings. This research was conducted in Sugihwaras Village, Wonomulyo Subdistrict, Polewali Mandar Regency, West Sulawesi, Indonesia from October 2020 to January 2021. The analytical method used in this research was the Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 8 treatments: 1) 1:1:1 (Soil + Cow Manure + Sand), 2) 2:1:1 (Soil + Cow Manure + Sand), 3) 1:1:1 ( Soil + Tofu Dregs + Sand ), 4) 2:1:1 (Soil + Tofu Dregs + Sand), 5) 1:1:1 (Soil + Vermicompost + Sand), 6) 1:1:1 (Vermicompost + Cow Manure + Tofu Dregs), 7) 2:1:1 (Soil + Vermicompost + Cow Manure), 8) 2:1:1 (Soil + Cow Manure + Tofu Dregs). Each treatment was repeated three times, so that the number of samples was 72 plants. This study indicated that the treatment of Soil + Cow Manure + Sand media with a ratio of 2:1:1 gave the best effect on the plant height, plant weight, and root length of cocoa seedlings.

Pengaruh Komposisi Media Tanam dan Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Terhadap Pertumbuhan Bibit Kakao

To obtain quality cocoa seedlings, maintenance efforts are required during the nursery stage, including meeting the nutritional needs of the planting medium which can be in the form of organic fertilizer from goat manure and husk charcoal. In addition, efforts to improve growing media in nurseries can be used with biological fertilizers, including plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Goat manure for plant nutrients, as well as a source of nutrients for PGPR. The research objective was to determine the effect of media composition and PGPR on the growth of cocoa seedlings. Research with the experimental method of factorial design consisting of two factors was arranged using a completely randomized design. The first factor was soil planting medium: goat manure: husk charcoal (v/v) consisting of 3 levels: M0 = 1:0:0 (control), M1 = 1:1:0 and M2 = 1:1:1. Factor II, namely the dose of PGPR consists of 3 levels: K1 = 10 ml/seedling, K2 = 20 ml/seedling, and K3 = 30 ml/seedling. With three repetitions. Observational data were analyzed with variance at the 5% level. To find out the differences between treatments, the Duncan's Multiple Range Test was continued at 5% level. The results showed that there was no significant interaction between media composition and PGPR dosage on the growth of cocoa seedlings. The composition of the soil medium : goat manure : husk charcoal 1:0:0 and 1:1:0 gave good growth of cocoa seedlings. PGPR doses provide the same growth of cocoa seedlings.

Response of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Seedling Growth on Various Growing Media and Organic Plant Supplements

Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao L.) as a plantation crop which success is determined by healthy and quality seedlings. The use of planting media with a mixture of manure and plant organic supplements may result in healthy soil because it contains soil microorganisms that are beneficial and may support the growth of cocoa seedlings. Purpose of this study was to determine the initial growth response of cocoa seedlings on various growing media and dosages of an organic plant supplement as liquid organic fertilizer. The research was conducted in February–September 2022 in a nursery located in Kradenan, Purwoharjo, Banyuwangi Regency and in Agricultural Laboratory of University of Jember, Bondowoso Campus, Bondowoso Regency. Study was carried out in a 4 x 4 factorial using a randomized block design with three replications. The first factor was planting media which consisted of four levels of treatment, namely soil + chicken manure, soil + goat manure, soil + cow manure, and soil + rabbit manure. The second factor was dose of organic plant supplement which consisted of 4 levels, namely the control treatment of 0, 50, 100, and 150 mL polybag-1. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and follow-up tests using Duncan’s multiple range test at 5% level. Variables observed included seedling height, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf length, leaf width, number of roots, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight of seedlings. The results showed that there was an interaction effect on all parameters except seedling height, number of leaves, and number of roots. The conclusion of the study showed that there was an effect of interaction treatment with the best treatment combination planting media using cow manure and organic plant supplement dose of 50 mL polybag-1.

Growth Performances of Cocoa (<em>Theobroma Cacao</em>) Varieties under Mature Oil Palm with Palm Oil Mill Effluent as Growing Media

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is a leading edible oil-producing plant established in tropical countries which cause many negative impacts. Poor productivity of monoculture plantations and land and aquatic pollution caused by haphazard release of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) are critical concerns. As a remedy, oil palm can be intercropped with cocoa by using POME as a potting media. In this study, we evaluated the growth of two different cocoa varieties with POME as the potting media under 20 years old oil palm shade. Two cocoa varieties (SCA6 x ICS6, and NA32 x ICS1) and three potting media (topsoil only, 40% topsoil with 60% POME, and 60% topsoil with 40% POME) were factorially combined in a randomized complete block design with three replicates under 40% shade, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna. Growth parameters of the cocoa seedlings such as plant height, number of leaves, chlorophyll value, stem girth, root and shoot dry weights, root length, number of lateral roots per plant were measured using destructive and non-destructive sampling methods. The potting media consist of 40% topsoil with 60% POME showed significantly the highest plant height, number of leaves, chlorophyll value, stem girth, fresh and dry weight of shoot and roots and length of roots. Hence, potting media with 40% topsoil with 60% POME was recognized as the best potting media for the growth and development of cocoa seedlings of both varieties. Growth of cocoa seedling was well compatible under oil palm shade at full light condition with the use of POME as the potting media.