Effect Of Pruning Height On The Rate Of Tillering Of Vetiver Grass, Vetiveria Zizanioides L. Nash In Umudike.

ABSTRACT

An experiment was laid out at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, to determine the effect ofpruning height on the rate of tillering of Vetiver grass (Vetiveria Zizanioides L. Nash). The experimental design was a randomized complete block with five pruning heights of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25cm replicated five times. The number oftillers produced after a period of 91 days was assessed. Tiller heights, root lengths, and total biomass were determined. Tillers pruned at 25cm had the best heights (23.79cm) and root length (19.26cm) while those pruned at 5cm and 10cm had the least height and root length respectively. Tillers pruned at 10cm produced the best biomass (20.94gm) while those pruned at 20cm had the least (15.95gm). Tillers pruned at 15cm and 25cm had the highest number of tillers (2.6). Nevertheless, statistical analysis of the data showed no significant difference (P= 0.05) in all these parameters due to treatment. For mulching and Mushroom production any pruning height can suffice since the tillers are usually slashed into smaller bits. However, if the main objective of establishment is for soil erosion and flood control, pruning at taller heights should be advocated to produce tall tillers to resist floods.