EFFECT OF BIO-STIMULATORS ON PRODUCTION OF COWPEA SEED FOR FOOD SECURITY AND WEALTH CREATION IN JUJA, KENYA

Authors

  • Judith Oyoo Ilukol Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25081/jes.2016.v7.2960

Abstract

A study was done to evaluate the effect of bio-stimulators on seed production of cowpea crop in Juja, Kenya during short rains season 2014-15. Bio-stimulators are plant and animal derived substances that trigger plant processes when applied to the plants at very low concentrations. They contain amino acids, low molecular weight polypeptides, vitamins, enzymes, hormones, sugars, betaines and antioxidants. Drought causes slow rate of the majority of plant growth and development processes leading to discontinuation of cell growth, stomatal closures, increased abscisic acid and proline, drop in cytokinins levels, reduced protein synthesis and reduced activity of nitrate reductase leading to retarded growth and plant senescence. In reducing the impact of the water stress therefore, cytokinins in bio-stimulators promote growth and slow down plant senescence. Parameters investigated were germination rate, days to flowering and pod formation, number of seeds per pod, length of pods, total number of pods and weight of seeds. Results on the effect of bio-stimulators on cowpea seed production are discussed.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biography

Judith Oyoo Ilukol, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization

Horticulture, Outreach & Partnerships

References

STARCK, Z. (2005). Growing assistant. Application of growth regulators and bio-stimulators in modern plant cultivation (in Polish). Rolnik Dzierawca 2:74-76

THIRUMARAN, G., ARUMUGAM, M., ARUMUGAM, R., AND ANANTHARAMAN, P. (2009). Effect of seaweed liquid fertilizer on growth and pigment concentration of Abelmoschus esculentus (L) medikus. American-Eurasian Journal of Agronomy 2:57-62. IDOSI Publications

GAWRONSKA, H. (2008)(ed) General aspects. Bio-stimulators in modern Agriculture. Publisher

PRABA, M.L., CAIRNS, J.E., BABU, R.C., LAFITTE, H.R. (2009). Identification of Physiological traits underlying cultivar differences in drought tolerance in rice and wheat. J. Agron. Crop. Sci. 195: 30–46

MASINDE, I. A. (2006). Managing biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems: Local management of agricultural biodiversity by communities in Kenya. Intermediate Technology Development Group Eastern Africa (ITDGEA), Nairobi, Kenya.

AYIEKO, M., & D. TSCHIRLEY. (2006). Enhancing Access and Utilization of Improved Seed for Food Security in Kenya. Working paper No. 27/2006, Tegemeo Institute of agricultural policy and development, Egerton University.

ABDEL-MAWGOUD, A. M. R., A. S. TANTAWY, MAGDA M . HAFEZ AND HODA A. M. HABIB .(2010). Seaweed extract improves growth, yield and quality of different watermelon hybrids. Research Journal of Agriculture and Biological Sciences 6: 161–186.

KHAN, W., RAYIRATH, U.P., SUBRAMANIAN, S., JITESH, M.N., RAYORATH, P., PRITHIVIRAJ, B. (2009). Seaweed extracts as bio-stimulants of Plant growth and development. Review. Journal of Plant growth and Regul. 28:386–399.

CRAIGIE, J.S. (2011). Seaweed Extract Stimuli in Plant Science and Agriculture. Journal of Applied Phycology 23: 371-393.

KARI TIGONI (2005). Annual Report. National Potato Research Centre, Tigoni. Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI).

GENSTAT, (2012). GenStat for Windows. Lawes Agricultural Trust, Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, UK

ZODAPE, S.T., V. J. KAWARKHE., J. S. PATOLIA & A.D. WARADE. (2008). Effect of liquid seaweed fertilizer on yield and quality of okra ( Abelmoschus esulentus L.) Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research 67, 1115 – 1117.

ZODAPE S.T., S. MUKHOPADHYAY., K. ESWARAN., M.P. REDDY., & J. CHIKARA. (2010). Enhanced yield and nutritional in green gram ( Phaseolus radiata L ) treated with seaweed( Kappaphycus alvarezii) extract. Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research 69, 468 -471.

ARTHUR G. D., STIRK, W. A. & VAN STADEN J. (2003). Effect of seaweed concentrates On the growth and yield of three varieties of Capsium annuum , South. Afr. J Bot, 69, 207 -211.

Published

15-04-2016

How to Cite

Ilukol, J. O. “EFFECT OF BIO-STIMULATORS ON PRODUCTION OF COWPEA SEED FOR FOOD SECURITY AND WEALTH CREATION IN JUJA, KENYA”. Journal of Experimental Sciences, vol. 7, Apr. 2016, pp. 7-10, doi:10.25081/jes.2016.v7.2960.

Issue

Section

Articles