Identification of a suitable substrate for the growth and development of Hibiscus sabdariffa L.

Abstract

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. sabdariffa is a plant prized in many tropical countries for its leaves and calyxes. Consequently, H. sabdariffa plays an important socio-economic role for many communities. Our study aimed to assess the effect of different substrates on the growth and development of H. sabdariffa. Three combinations were created by mixing black soil with potting soil, resulting in three substrates or treatments in addition to the control treatment (black soil). Each seeded substrate had eight replicates, resulting in 32 experimental units, arranged in a completely randomised design. The treatments were composed as follows: T0 (100% black soil, 0% potting soil), T1 (75% black soil, 25% potting soil), T2 (50% black soil, 50% potting soil) and T3 (25% black soil, 75% potting soil). The parameters measured were as follows: plant height, plant diameter, number of leaves per plant, leaf area of the plants and fresh above-ground biomass of the plants. The results showed that treatment T0 resulted in better growth and development of H. sabdariffa.