Genetic estimates and trend analysis of some growth parameters of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) as influenced by nine nutrient combinations

Abstract

Good seedling establishment has a positive impact on the productive capacity of tree crops. This study investigated the optimum combination of phosphorus and organic fertilizer (OF) for the growth of cashew seedling at the pre-flowering stage. Two cashew accessions of the same nut size category from two geographical sources (Ochaja and Oro, Kogi State of Nigeria) were evaluated to assess their responses to three types of phosphate fertilizer and three levels of OF. The eighteen treatment combinations were laid out in a randomized complete block design of three replicates. Two years monitoring of the growth of the cashew accessions resulted in significant (P ≤ 0.05) genotypic variation for most of the traits at quarterly intervals of measurement. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) variation existed among the three levels of OF at different stages of plant height, stem diameter and leaf area. Broad sense heritability was not consistent across the six quarters of the three growth parameters. It ranged from 0.16% (SDQ5) to 95.6% (HTQ1). The trend of growth of the stem diameter from quarter 1 to 6 was linear for the two accessions. However, the response of the same trait to the three levels of OF was negatively quadratic. The first two initial years of cashew development on the field falls within the actively growing period of the crop. This justifies the linear behaviour of the three quantitative growth parameters investigated, application of OF at 2.5 tonnes/ha could be optimum for young cashew.

Assessment of Juvenile Growth and Yield Relationship Among Dwarf Cashew Types in Ghana

“…This observation was quite unusual as environmental conditions in Wenchi have been reported as more conducive for cashew growth compared to Bole (Adu-Gyamfi et al, 2019). Despite the initial lag in Wenchi the growth trend for all accessions across locations within the first eighteen months were relatively similar and consistent with observations by Adewale et al (2013) who reported trend analysis of cashew growth parameters and concluded that no differences exist in stem circumference expansion among cashew varieties during the juvenile growth phase.…”

A review on cashew research and production in Nigeria in the last four decades

“…Increasing demand for cashew nuts as raw materials in the confectionery and industrial trade in Europe has stimulated cashew exportation from Nigeria. As remarked in Adewale et al (2013), the less health risk from the consumption of cashew is one of the attracting reason for increasing consumption and demand. The protein in cashew is abundant (>20%) and of a high quality probably more than in meat or fish (Soman, 1997), cited in Adavi (2008).…”

“…Nigerian Sokoto rock phosphate was discovered a viable option to single super phosphate for cashew production (Ibiremo, 2010;Ibiremo et al, 2012). Recent work by Adewale et al (2013) also revealed that the trend of growth and development of cashew genotypes differed in response to varied combination of soil nutrients. On-farm evaluation of cashew accessions introduced from India, Tanzania and Mozambique led to the initial selections and subsequent release to farmers of half-sib cashew genotypes called the "G-series" in the 1980s with potential for high yield of 1000 kg nuts/ha (Akinwale and Esan, 1989;Aliyu, 2012).…”

Sowing Depths and Nut Sizes Effects on Seedling Emergence and Growth of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.)

“…The pH of the soil was adequate for cashew production. The soil is marginal in terms of nutrient compositions particularly N, P and K, but could support the growth of cashew [4,11,12].…”

“…It is well reputed for being drought resistant and sufficiently adaptable to areas with rainfalls ranging between 500 mm to 3800 mm [1,2]. Presently, cashew is grown in most agro-ecological zones of Nigeria including the savanna areas [3,4]. Adenikinju [5] reported that cashew grows in the mangrove forest areas but its productivity is limited in terms of nut yield.…”