Influence of Gliricidia Extract on Cowpea Seed Germination and Seedling Growth Performance under Greenhouse Conditions

Abstract

Gliricidia sepium is highly regarded as a good soil improver as green manure. A Greenhouse experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design using sand medium for three weeks with the aim to determine the effect of Gliricidia extract from leaves at different concentrations (0, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) for irrigation purposes on Vigna unguiculate (cowpea) seed germination and seedling performance. The study showed significant (P 15%). Similarly, all seedling development indicators, including seedling vigor index (SVI) and percentage phytotoxicity (PP), decreased considerably (P 15) compared to lower concentrations (<10%). It was clear that Gliricidia extract had a negative and inhibiting influence on percentage seed germination and seedling growth parameters at higher concentration whilst it has positive and stimulatory impact on seed germination and growth parameter at lower concentrations.