Authors : E.N. Nwaogu, T.N.C. Echendu and E.C. Nwauzor
Abstract: The growth and yield performances of 4 ginger varieties under oil palm plantation environment and different mulch management practices in South Eastern Nigeria were evaluated in a field study conducted in 2007 and 2008 cropping seasons in a privately owned oil palm plantation at Uratta village in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State, South Eastern Nigeria. Treatment consisted of four ginger varieties [yellow ginger (UG1), black ginger (UG2), Wynad Local (WYL) and Himachel Pradesh (HPL)] in combination with 2 mulch management practices (mulched and unmulched). The treatments were laid out in a split plot arrangement fitted into a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Results showed that although fresh rhizome yield was consistently lower under the oil palm plantation environment relative to the control, there was a delay and significant reduction in the occurence of yellow leaf spot disease in the plantation compared to the control. UG1 and wynad local varieties out-yielded Himachel Pradesh and UG2 in both plantation environment and in the control irrespective of mulch management practice.
E.N. Nwaogu, T.N.C. Echendu and E.C. Nwauzor, 2014. Potential Usefulness of Planting Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) in or Near Established Oil Palm Plantation in South Eastern Nigeria. Agricultural Journal, 9: 45-50.