Application of Inorganic and Organic Manure Fertilizers as Means of Conserving <i> Plectranthus esculentus </i> N.E.Br in Mid-Altitude Zone of Rwanda

Abstract

Plectranthus esculentus N.E.Br, locally known as “Impombo” is an important indigenous food crop in Rwanda which is currently endangered. One major factor that causes disappearance of this species, is the lower agronomic recommendations developed for growers and lack of information about nutrients contents leading to loss of interest in its cultivation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of living stone potato to inorganic manure fertilizers as an attempt to conserve and evaluate the potential of the crop food security crop, source of income, and its adaptation in the mid-altitude zone of Rwanda. The performance of the crop was evaluated under application of NPK (17:17:17) and farm yard manure fertilisers. These fertilizers were evaluated using a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Analyse of variance showed that significant at ( p < 0.01) was recorded in stem height, number of leaves but not high in stem diameter. The results indicated that vegetative growth and yield of plants in control plots were lower than what was obtained in treated plots. Production of living stone potato on large under application NPK (17.17.17) and organic fertlizer will ensure the conservation of genetic resources, food security, agricultural development and financial benefit to local farmers.