Effect of Vermiwash Obtained from Different Sources (Neem, Rice Straw and Bagasse) and Standardised Hydroponics Solution on the Growth of Colocasia esculenta (Australian Poi) in Guyana

Abstract

The chief economic activity of Guyana is agriculture. In the agricultural industries, the use of fertilizers for crop cultivation has been in common practice and has affected the crop quality over the years. The use of fertilizers accounts for about 75% of crop cultivation and quantity has basically become the major concern rather than quality. The present research carried out during 2012-13, indicated that chemical fertilizers improve quantity but not quality while organic fertilizers maintain both quantity and good quality of crops. The physico-chemical analysis of vermiwash showed the necessary elements for plant growth are present in sufficient quantity. T8 (neem + rice straw + cattle dung) followed by T9 (neem+ rice straw+ bagasse+ cattle dung) and H (chemical treatment) were the most effective treatments in hydroponics compared to C (distilled water) and T1(cattle dung) that were minimally effective. This is substantiated by 2-factor ANOVA, LSD and composite index. Plants grown using different vermiwash in comparison to hydroponically grown showed less moisture, better shoot and root growth, number of leaves, nodes and resistance to insect damage.