Effects of Seed Provenance, Sunlight Levels, and Growth Media on the Initial Growth of Afromomum melegueta in Cross River, Nigeria
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Effects of Seed Provenance, Sunlight Levels, and Growth Media on the Initial Growth of Afromomum melegueta in Cross River, Nigeria
Abstract
Aframomum melegueta (Grains of Paradise) is an indigenous spice and medicinal plant with growing economic importance in Nigeria, yet its cultivation is hampered by limited knowledge of ecological and agronomic factors affecting its establishment. This study investigated the effect of seed sources, sun intensities, and sowing media on the early growth of Aframomum melegueta in Cross River State, Nigeria. A factorial experiment was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) using seeds collected from three ecological zones (rainforest, swamp forest, and derived savanna). The seeds were subjected to three sun intensity regimes (full sun, partial shade, and deep shade) and sown in three media types (topsoil, river sand, and a topsoil–sand mixture). Growth parameters such as germination percentage, seedling height, number of leaves, leaf area, and biomass accumulation were assessed over a 12-week period. Data collected were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and significant differences were separated at the 5% probability level.
Results showed that seed source had a significant effect on germination and seedling vigor, with rainforest-sourced seeds recording the highest establishment rates. Partial shade conditions consistently enhanced seedling height, leaf development, and biomass accumulation compared to full sun exposure, which negatively impacted survival. Among the sowing media, the topsoil–sand mixture provided the most favorable growth conditions. Significant interaction effects (p < 0.05) among seed source, sun intensity, and sowing medium were also observed, indicating that optimal seedling performance requires a combination of appropriate ecological and agronomic conditions.
The study concludes that rainforest-derived seeds, sown in a topsoil–sand mixture under partial shade, provide the most suitable environment for early growth of Aframomum melegueta. These findings are valuable for farmers, agroforestry practitioners, and conservationists seeking to enhance the domestication, sustainable cultivation, and economic exploitation of this underutilized crop in southern Nigeria.
Keywords: Aframomum melegueta, seed sources, sun intensity, sowing media, early growth, Cross River
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Research Problem
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.3.1 General Objective
1.3.2 Specific Objectives
1.4 Research Hypotheses
1.5 Significance of the Study
1.6 Scope of the Study
1.7 Limitations of the Study
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.1.1 Botanical and Economic Importance of Aframomum melegueta
2.1.2 Seed Sources and Germination Ecology
2.1.3 Effect of Sunlight Intensity on Early Plant Growth
2.1.4 Influence of Sowing Media on Seedling Establishment
2.1.5 Interaction of Seed Sources, Sun Intensities, and Sowing Media
2.2 Theoretical Review
2.2.1 Plant Growth and Development Theories
2.2.2 Ecological Adaptation Theory
2.2.3 Resource Allocation Theory
2.3 Empirical Review
2.3.1 Studies on Aframomum melegueta Germination and Growth
2.3.2 Influence of Seed Source on Crop Performance
2.3.3 Sunlight Intensity and Seedling Growth Patterns
2.3.4 Role of Sowing Media in Seedling Establishment
2.3.5 Related Studies in Nigeria and Other Countries
2.4 Summary of Literature Review
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Description of the Study Area (Cross River State)
3.3 Experimental Materials and Treatments
3.3.1 Seed Sources
3.3.2 Sun Intensities
3.3.3 Sowing Media
3.4 Experimental Layout and Design (CRD)
3.5 Data Collection Procedures
3.5.1 Germination Percentage
3.5.2 Seedling Height
3.5.3 Leaf Number and Leaf Area
3.5.4 Biomass Measurement
3.6 Data Analysis Techniques (ANOVA, LSD)
3.7 Ethical Considerations
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Germination Performance Across Seed Sources
4.2 Effect of Sun Intensities on Early Growth Parameters
4.3 Influence of Sowing Media on Seedling Establishment
4.4 Interaction Effects of Seed Source, Sun Intensity, and Sowing Media
4.5 Comparative Analysis of Growth Parameters
4.6 Discussion of Findings in Relation to Literature
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary of Major Findings
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations for Farmers and Agroforestry Practice
5.4 Policy Implications
5.5 Suggestions for Further Research
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