Improving Worowo [Senecio biafrae (Oliv. & Hiern.) S. Moore] Production with Cattle Dung/Sawdust Compost Enriched with Neam Leaf Meal

Abstract

Background and Objective: Worowo is medicinal and nutritious, though identified as a semi-wild vegetable. Its domestication and improved production have been hindered due to little or no information available on its fertilizer requirements. This study therefore assessed the responses of worowo (Senecio biafrae) vegetables to various rates/levels of organically-enriched compost (CDSNM). Materials and Methods:The N-enriched compost at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 t/ha, compared with 400 kg/ha of NPK 15-15-15, was utilized in four replicates, for worowo production, with a total of twenty four beds. Artificial shades and staking were provided and weeding was done at 30, 90 and 150 DAP. Data obtained on vine length, leave area index, number of leaves, number of branches, vine girth and edible shoot yield (ESY) were analysed with ANOVA at α 0.05 . Results: The CDSNM applied at 40 t/ha gave the highest values in all the parameters measured, particularly yield. At (180 DAP), the yield values (t/ha) obtained were in the order: Control (3.00)<NPK (3.41)<CDSNM at 10 t/ha (4.04)<CDSNM at 20 t/ha (5.53)<CDSNM at 30 t/ha (6.30)<CDSNM at 40 t/ha (8.66). The CDSNM at 40 t/ha had the highest ESY (8.66±1.24) which significantly differed from other treatments except for CDSNM at 30 (6.30±0.90) and 20 (5.53±0.79) t/ha while control gave lowest (3.00±0.43). Conclusion: Cattle dung-sawdust compost enriched with neem leaf meal, to 60 g N/kg (CDSNM), applied at 40 or 30 t/ha (depending on availability of compost materials) could therefore be adopted for domestication and improved production of worowo.