Effect of propagation method, spacing and pruning on plant establishment of physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.)

The effect of propagation method, spacing and pruning of Jatropha curcas L. was studied between 2014 and 2015 at the Fruits and Vegetable Teaching and Research Farm Faculty of Agriculture Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto. The treatments were a factorial combination of three methods of propagation (stem cutting, seed seedling and direct seeding), three spacings (1.0×1.0, 1.5×1.5, 2.0×2.0 m) and pruning (pruning and no pruning). They were laid out in a split plot design with three replications. Spacing was the main plot while propagation methods and pruning were the sub-plots. Data were recorded on percentage plant establishment and percentage plant survival after pruning. Significant means were separated using Duncan’s new multiple range test (DNMRT). Propagation method and plant spacing significantly (P<0.05) influenced percentage plant establishment. The highest establishment were obtained from direct seeding and seedling (66.14 and 64.37%), respectively. The highest establishment (78.38%) occurred in 2.0×2.0 m spacing and least (47.46%) in 1.0×1.0 m spacing. Significantly higher plant survival was recorded by direct seeding and pre-cultivated seedlings (56.18 and 47.42%, respectively) than stem cutting (32.37%). Un-pruned plants recorded significant higher plant survival (53.03%) than in the pruned treatment (37.63%). Consequently, direct seeding or seedlings, spaced at 2.0×2.0 m and without pruning are recommended for Jatropha cultivation in the semi-arid zone of Nigeria.