GROWTH AND YIELD PERFORMANCE OF BELL PEPPER (Capsicum annum) TO LEVELS OF GOAT MANURE IN RIVERS STATE, SOUTHERN NIGERIA.

Abstract

Field experiment was carried out between June and October,2019, at the Teaching and Research farm of the Department of Agriculture, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education,Ndele campus to evaluate the growth and yield response of Bell pepper (Capsicum annum) to goat manure rates (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 ton per hectare; given at the dose of 0, 2,4,6 and 8kg per 4m2 plot) laid out in a completely randomized design, replicated three times giving 15 experimental plots. Growth and yield  parameters measured were plant height, number of leaves, leaf area number of branches, number of fruits, fruit girth and fruit weight. Results indicate all growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves number of branches and leaf area) increased significantly with increasing levels of goat manure. 15 tons per hectare rate of application recorded the highest values. Plant height and number of leaves at 15 tons per ha application rate were more than three times (3x) over those of the zero-application rate. Leaf area and number of branches were 2.4 times and 3 times respectively higher than the control plants.  The reproductive product yield also varied progressively with addition of goat with 15 kg application producing the best yield. The number of fruits of the control plants were one third less in number than fertilized at 15kg rate while fruit length were 3.5 times less. The 15kg rate of application had fruit weight 56 % heavier than the control bell pepper plants. 15kg of Goat manure per hectare is recommended to produce bell pepper (Capsicum annum) in Rivers state.