RESPONSE OF LIVINGSTONE POTATO (PLECTRANTHUS ESCULENTUS) TO DIFFERENT NPK 15:15:15 FERTILIZER RATES

This study examined the response of Livingstone Potato ( Plectranthus esculentus) to different rates of NPK15:15:15 Fertilizer. The work was done during 2005 and 2006 cropping seasons. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with three replications. Plant spacing of 100 cm x 50 cm was used. Four different NPK15:15:15 fertilizer rates were used in the study at 0,200,400,600kgha -1 respectively. Total harvest was calculated from each unit plot and converted to per hectare yield. The highest average yield (6.41 t/ha) was obtained from 200 kgha -1 which was closely followed by 0 kgha -1 (6.06t/ha). Average yield (5.88t/ha) was recorded from 400 kgha -1   fertilizer rate. The lowest average yield (5.46t/ha) was recorded from 600 kgha -1  fertilizer rate. It is therefore suggested that NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer application rate at 200 kgha -1 is economically suitable for Livingstone Potato production in Umudike.