Effect of Phosphate Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Black Nightshade varieties in Kilifi County, Kenya

Baraka Mitsanze Kitsao || David M. Mushimiyimana || John M. Muchiri

Volume: 10 Issue: 03 2024

Abstract:

Black nightshade is an essential crop that is highly valued along Kenya's Coast. The crop is high in vitamins A, C, and iron. It has a lot of dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and intestinal health. Phosphorus is a necessary nutrient for growth of Black nightshade since it is involved in photosynthesis, energy transfer, and nutrient intake. A lack of phosphorus can result in low-quality food, decreased yield, and stunted development. Recently findings have shown performance of black nightshade to fertilizers application is usually site specific and varies among the various genotypes of solanum, black nightshade leaf yield of 1-3 tons per hectare against potential yield of 30 tons per hectare and that most soils in Kenya are low in phosphorous fertilizer. Our study aimed at investigating the effect of phosphate fertilizer on growth and yield of black nightshade in Kilifi County. The present study was conducted at Msabaha, Kilifi County. For the experiment, a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates was employed. Five levels of phosphate fertilizer 0, 33, 66, 99, and 132kg/ha were entirely applied to black nightshade. The rate of plant growth was determined through the recording of height, branch count, leaf count, and leaf width especially at an interval of a week’s time. The findings indicated that the various fertilizer levels significantly differed in terms of plant height, number of leaves, leaf breadth, and leaf weight at (P≤0.05). The highest mean leaf weight was observed at 66 kg/ha phosphorus (1.540kg/plot – 6tons/ha), particularly where rainfall is always above 500mm per annum.

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