EFFECT OF STEM DIAMETER ON SPROUTING POTENTIAL OF GLIRICIDIA (Gliricidia sepium) IN SUB-HUMID NIGERIA

Abstract

In order to evaluate the effect of stem cutting diameters on vegetative propagation of Gliricidia sepium, a trial was carried out during the dry season of year 2023. Four different cutting diameters of G. sepium designated as treatments: T1: 3.6 – 4.5 cm; T2: 4.6 - 5.5 cm; T3: 5.6 - 6.5 cm and              T4: 6.6 - 7.5 cm, with average lengths of 60 cm were planted into polyethene bags at the depth of              18 cm. The treatments were laid out in a complete randomized design (CRD). The data collected were subjected to one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed a significant effect (P<0.05) of the stem cutting diameters on establishment of G. sepium. Higher values of sprouts growth and survival percentages were found in T3 (5.6 - 6.5 cm) and T4 (6.6 - 7.5 cm). It was concluded that for successful establishment of G. sepium, cuttings with diameters between 5.6 and 7.5 cm should be used in order to get vigorous growth and early establishment of G. sepium plantation.