Pages: (152-161 )
Abstract
African oil palm is a tropical plant. Plant hormones, plant growth regulators and phytohormones are chemicals that regulate plant growth. The objective of the study is to determine the effects of growth hormones: Auxin, Gibberellin and Cytokinin on the performance of African oil palm seedling. 2 rates of cytokinin used, 0.00 g and 0.4 g and 4 rates of NPK fertilizer at treatment levels of 0,150, 200, and 250 g. The hormones were applied 4 weeks after planting. 2 rates were applied. Data was subjected to Analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS (2003). Means were separated using least significant differences (LSD) at 5% probability level. The numbers of leaves were obtained from Auxin ( 12.60) followed by Cytokinin (12.30) while Gibberellins had least leaves (11.00) in sole applications and the combination of Auxin and Gibberellin (A+G) recorded lowest number of leaves (1.50). Highest root length was obtained from Auxin (32.17) closely followed by the Gibberellin ( 31.57) while Cytokinin recorded the least value (31.00). combine application of A+G significantly improved root length. Highest fresh and dry weight was obtained from Auxin followed Gibberellin while Cytokinin had least value. It is recommended that auxin or its combination with gibberellins should be used in order to influence an increase in the production of oil palm seedlings.
Keywords: Auxin, Gibberelin, Cytokinin, Oil Palm, Growth,