Authors : Olatunde A. Olaposi and M.I. Adarabioyo
Abstract: Flowering, pod formation and abscission and seed yield following application of NPK (20-10-10) fertilizer at the rate of 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha-1, respectively were studied in variety of African Yam Bean (AYB), Benue Brown (BB) in a field trial at the research farm, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. AYB cultivars produce 100-300 flower buds per plant of which 40-60% form pods. About 40-55% more of the immature pods are shed leaving only 20-30% forming mature pods. The excessive rate of flower and fruit abscission limits grain yield of AYB. Agronomic practices such as the application of fertilizers has been found to improve flower production, pod formation and seed yield in most grain legumes. Application of fertilizer to AYB may therefore, constitute a way of reducing flower abscission, enhanced fruit production and increased seed yield in the legume.
Olatunde A. Olaposi and M.I. Adarabioyo, 2010. Flowering, Pod Formation and Abscission and Seed Yield of African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) Under Varied NPK Application. Agricultural Journal, 5: 273-276.