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ABSTRACT
A study was carried out in 2023/2024 at the Department of Crop Science screen house, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, Benin City to evaluate the effect of growth media, sowing depth and watering regime for the nursery production of soursop (Annona muricata) seedlings. The study involved growth media (Topsoil +Poultry Manure 1:1, Topsoil + Poultry manure 1:2 and Topsoil + Poultry manure 2:1) laid out in a complete randomized design and replicated three times. Growth parameters were taken at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after sowing (WAS). The growth parameters observed were plant height, stem girth, number of leaves and leaf area. Results of the study showed no significant difference in plant height, stem girth number of leaves at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after sowing (WAS) but significant variation was observed in leaf area at 12 WAS for potting media, sowing depth and watering regime. Plants sowed in Topsoil/Poultry manure 1:1 had the largest leaf area (111 cm2). Sowing depth of 6cm produced plants with the largest leaf area (220 cm2). However, these did not translate to higher dry matter production (Shoot dry weight, root dry weight, root length and root: shoot ratio). Based on this study, topsoil + poultry manure 2:1; sowing depth of 2 cm and watering once in 5 days are thereby suggested for seedling production of soursop
