Abstract
Green leafy vegetables play a vital role in the food culture of Nigerians and Africans as a whole. In view, of the ever-rising population, a meaningful way to diversify the food supply is to cultivate and market previously underutilized species. Sequel to the above, the efficacy and interactive effect of organic manure (seaweed compost, rabbit feaces, and biological waste) and rabbit urine on the growth and yield of three selected indigenous vegetables (Celosia argentia (L), Talinum triangulare(Jacq) and Heinsia crinite(R) in southeast Nigeria was evaluated. Rabbit urine was diluted at four levels of concentrations (100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, and a control) while 30, 15, 10, and 5 t/ha of organic manure were used. Data were collected at 15 days intervals for 75 days for- plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, and fresh and dry weights. Results showed that all parameters measured increased with plant age and significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed among the rabbit urine concentrates and organic manure. The seedlings treated with manure level of 30 t/ha had the highest means of 80.77 cm, 8195.41 cm2, 120.20, 1.25 kg, and 0.73 kg per plant for plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, fresh weight, and dry weight respectively. This was closely followed by 5 t/ha diluted rabbit urine in ratio 1:1 while 25% concentration of rabbit urine, had the least means. This study, therefore, recommends organic manure at 5 t/ha/ diluted rabbit urine in a ratio 1:1 as the second best option to replace organic manure at 30 t/ha, especially where farm yard manure is beyond reach to farmers growing the three indigenous vegetables.