Tropicultura (Jan 2015)
Effect of Substrates on Germination and Seedling Emergence of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) at the Yongka Western Highlands Research/Garden Park, Bamenda-Cameroon
Abstract
A study was carried out at the Yongka Western Highlands Research Garden Park, NkwenBamenda in Cameroon to evaluate the effect of substrates on the germination and seedling emergence of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Seeds of African Giant variety were used with six substrate media (sawdust, sand, soil, sawdustsand, sawdustsoil and sandsoil). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design in three replications. Germinated seeds were counted daily for a 15 days period. To estimate seedling emergence from two Weeks After Sowing (WAS) up to four WAS, data on seedling height and number of leaves were recorded. The results showed that germination started 8 days after sowing for all substrates. Germination rate was significantly affected by the substrates but the rates were less than 80%. The highest germination rate was recorded on the soil substrate (75%) while the lowest rate (25%) was recorded on the sawdust substrate. Seedlings on the sawdust substrate were also less vigorous and had less leaves (12.67 cm height and 4.7 leaves) than those on other substrates at four WAS (50–63 cm and 12.6–15.3 leaves). Based on the results, it is recommendable to use the soil substrate to nurse African Giant seeds.
