Fertilizing by using chicken manure as an organic amendment is a complementary to improve chemical fertilizer efficiency. This study was conducted in Glasshouse & Nursery Complex of IIUM with the objectives of evaluating different rates of chicken manure application on soil properties, leaf nutrients and the growth response of fig trees for early growth effects. The soils were amended with 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 50% of chicken manure on three months old saplings of cultivar BTM6 in five replications were used to observe the effects. The experiment was observed for three months. The nutrient content in T1 and treated soil showed a significant difference at p < 0.05. The T5 had the highest content of nutrients compared to other treatments. However, the leaf nutrient contents did not show any significant difference among all treatments. Survivability of the trees were 100% with T2 showed a superlative growth response with the high number of branches, leaves and fruits thus provide high yield production as compared to other treatments (p<0.05). The results clarified that application of chicken manure improved soil properties and promote growth response of fig trees in tropical environment.
Allah S.W.T swears by the fig tree (Sura’ 95, al-Tin) in the holy Quran, for its values and practices. Recently, the fig tree (Ficus carica L.) has been introduced in Malaysia’s tropical weather as it grows well with maximum activity. Its root favors a well-drained type of soil, and since BRIS (Beach Ridges Interspersed with Swales) are dominated by sandy texture with proper water percolation, it has a high potential for fig planting. However, BRIS is known to have low nutrient holding capacity but can be improved with organic amendments. This study was carried out to determine the effects of various rates of chicken manure as amendments in improving the BRIS soil health for the growth of fig trees. The BRIS soil was amended with different rates of 10% (T2), 20% (T3), 30% (T4), and 50% (T5) of chicken manure and 0% (T1) as control. Three months old saplings were propagated through hardwood cuttings of variety BTM6 with five replications in each treatment. The growth response and nutrients quality of the fig trees were observed biweekly for three months after the transplant, and the nutrient contents of amended and non-amended showed significant differences at p<0.05. The survivability of the trees was 100%, and a significant difference was found between the treatments. BRIS soil with 40% chicken manure amendments (T4) showed superlative growth response with the highest number of branches, leaves, and fruits, thus provide higher yield production as compared to other treatments. From this study, BRIS soil that is known to be problematic can be improved with correct rates of organic amendments and can be used for fig cultivation.
Comparative leaf anatomy study were conducted in three taxa of Acanthaceae from peninsular Malaysia. Three chosen taxa were Acanthus ebracreatus (Vahl), Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees and Chroesthes longifolia (Wight) B. Hansen which is commonly used as traditional medicine especially in peninsular Malaysia. The main objective is to identify the leaf anatomical characteristics that can be used in plant identification and also for supportive data in plant classification. The procedures involved such as cross section using sliding microtome on the petiole, lamina, midribs and marginal, leaf clearing and observation under light microscope. Results have shown the similarities and variations in leaf anatomical characteristics. The anatomical characteristics observed include petiole and midrib outlines, patterns of petiole and midrib vascular bundles, presence of cystolith cells, presence of hypodermis layers in lamina and presence and types of trichomes. In conclusion, results showed that anatomical characteristics have taxonomic significance that can be used in classification especially at species level.
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