कृषि विज्ञान और खाद्य अनुसंधान जर्नल
खुला एक्सेस

अमूर्त

Morphological and Physiological Response of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Jackfruit) Seedlings to Selected Environmental Factors

Bolanle-Ojo OT, Akinyele AO and Aduradola AM

Artocarpus heterphylus Lam, which is commonly known as Jackfruit is the largest fruit in the world and valued for its heavy yields of nutritious fruits and durable timber. In Nigeria, its cultivation has not been encouraged, though it is found in the south-coastal parts of the country where it grows wild or semi-conserved. This study investigated the morphological and physiological response of A. heterophyllus to different light intensities and watering regimes. One hundred and sixty A. heterophyllus seedlings were used for this study. The light intensities used were 100%, 75%, 50% and 25%, and the watering regimes were watering every day, once in 3 days, once in 5 days and once in 7 days. Data were collected on plant height, collar diameter, number of leaves, root length, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight, root dry weight, total dry weight, shoot to root ratio (SRR), relative turgidity (RT%) and, chlorophyll a and b. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range test. After 4 months, ANOVA revealed that there was no significant difference in the seedling height, collar diameter, leaf production, leaf, stem and total dry weight, and root length but significantly affected the root dry weight. SRR increased with the age of the seedlings. RT% of the leaves of the seedlings was above 25%. Chlorophyll a and b content of the leaves of the seedlings were significantly affected by varying light intensities and watering regimes. The result from this study has shown that A. heterophyllus can be easily raised in the nursery under different light intensities and little moisture stress. Plants subjected to drought stress and under different light intensities, make changes in some of their physiological features.