Two field experiments were conducted at the Multipurpose Crop Nursery of the University of Education Winneba, Mampong Ashanti campus during from September, 2017 to December, 2018. The study was aimed at determining the organic and inorganic fertilizer effects on the incidence of weevil (Cylas spp.), on the sequential harvesting and vertical distribution of tubers and the, growth and yield of sweet potatoes in the forest-savannah transitional zone of Ghana. Severe weevil infestation was more prevalent on Ogyatanaa than Ogyefo in the minor season; there was a more severe weevil infestation at the second harvest than at the first harvest in the minor season, In the major season there was more severe weevil infestation on tubers at the first harvest than at the second harvest. Ogyatanaa grown at 5 t/ha Chicken Manure produced the highest number of weevil (Cylas spp.), infested tubers at the first harvest. Ogyatanaa grown at 300 kg/ha N.P.K. produced the lowest number of weevils (Cylas spp.), infestations at the first and second harvests. Ogyatanaa grown at 300 kg/ha N.P.K at a depth of 5cm recorded the highest number of (8) weevils infested tubers at the minor season. At a depth of 10 cm, six (6) tubers were found to be infested, while at a depth of 15 cm and 20 cm the number of infested tubers was found to be four (4) and two (2), respectively at the minor and major seasons. Ogyefo grown with 150 kg/ha N.P.K. + and 2.5 t/ha Chicken Manure produced the lowest level of weevil infestation at a depth of 5 cm, only two weevils and at a 10 cm depth, only one weevil was found at the minor and major seasons. At 15cm and 20cm depths no weevils were found. In the minor and major seasons Ogyefo and Ogyatanaa should be grown with 150 kg/ha N.P.K. and 2.5 t/ha Chicken manure and ridging should be done to bury the tubers deep in the soil, to get longer vertical distribution to produce the lowest level of weevil infestation.
Author(s) Details:
Ibrahim Adams
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Education, Faculty of Agriculture Education, Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), P.O. Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana.
Margaret Esi Essilfie
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Education, Faculty of Agriculture Education, Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), P.O. Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana.
Elizer. B. Borketey-La
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Education, Faculty of Agriculture Education, Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), P.O. Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana.
Recent Global Research Developments in Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Sweet Potatoes
Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Sweet Potato Production:
A study published in the African Journal of Plant Science compared the performance of sweet potato varieties using organic and inorganic fertilizers. The results showed that both types of fertilizers significantly improved yield and other morphological characteristics [1] .
Effects of Different Organic Fertilizers on Sweet Potato Growth and Rhizosphere Soil Properties:
Research published in Agronomy investigated the impact of various organic fertilizers on sweet potato growth and soil properties in newly reclaimed land. The study found that organic fertilizers significantly increased soil organic matter content and improved sweet potato biomass [2] .
Impact of Biochar and Organic Fertilizers on Sweet Potato Yield:
A study in Environmental Science and Pollution Research examined the effects of biochar combined with organic fertilizers on sweet potato yield. The findings indicated that this combination significantly enhanced crop yield and soil health [3] .
Comparative Study of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Sweet Potato Growth:
Research published in the Journal of Plant Nutrition compared the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on sweet potato growth. The study concluded that organic fertilizers had a more positive impact on soil microbial activity and overall plant health [4] .
Long-Term Effects of Organic Fertilizer Incorporation on Sweet Potato Production:
A study in Frontiers in Environmental Science explored the long-term effects of organic fertilizer incorporation. The results showed significant improvements in soil organic carbon and total nitrogen content, leading to better sweet potato yields [2] .
References
- Esan, V. I., Omilani, O. O., & Okedigba, I. (2021). Effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on sweet potato production in Iwo, Nigeria. African Journal of Plant Science, 15(5), 131-137.
- Li X, Li D, Lu Q, Wang D, Ren X, Lv L, Ahmed T, Yan J, Li B. Effects of Different Organic Fertilizers on Sweet Potato Growth and Rhizosphere Soil Properties in Newly Reclaimed Land. Agronomy. 2022; 12(7):1649. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12071649
- Antonious, G. F. (2024). Impact of biochar and organic fertilizers on sweet potato yield, quality, ascorbic acid, β-carotene, sugars, and phenols contents. International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 1-12.
- Abdissa, T., Gutu, K., Zeleke, T., & Bekele, B. (2024). Evaluation of different fungicides against wheat rusts in West and Southwest Shewa zones, Ethiopia.
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