Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Coco Fibre on the Growth Performance of Telfaira Occidentalis Hook. f. (Ugwu) and Capsicum annuum L. (Pepper): An Approach to Sustainable Waste Management
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Date
2024
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Abstract
An investigation into the potentials of coco fibre as a growth enhancer/medium was carried out on a potted experiment
with ugwu (Telfairia occidentalis) also known by many as fluted pumpkin and pepper (Capsicum annuum) as test
plants. Growth indicators such as plant height and the number of leaves per plant were used as the basis for the
comparison of coco fibre with the conventional soil (topsoil). The study was conducted at Kwara State University's
Plant and Environmental Biology Screen house in Malete, Kwara State Nigeria. A sustainable substitute such as coco
fibre was made from the husks of coconuts following standard methods. Data collected from both coco fibre cultivated
plants as well as the topsoil were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to check the main and interactive
effects of treatments using R Version 4.3.0. Post-hoc comparison of means was performed using the Eemeans package
at a 0.05 level of Significance. Results showed that coco fibre-treated ugwu plants had higher plant height and number
of leaves per plant across all the weeks at 0.05 level of Significance for the experiment while pepper grew more
luxuriant in topsoil cultivation than coco fibre. To optimize nutrient delivery and evaluate long-term effects on plant
health and yield, more research is recommended