Production of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdarjffa L.) as Influenced by density and fertilizer rate in Kano State, Nigeria

Field experiment was conducted during 2019 rainy season at Research Farm of the Center for Dry-land Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria (Latitude 110 58’N and Longitude 80 26’) and Teaching and Research Farm of Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil located at Gaya. The experiment was aimed at evaluating the response of Roselle to four levels of NPK Fertilizer (0, 80, 100 and 120kg/ha) and three stand densities (2, 3 and 4 plants/hill). The treatments, were laid out in a randomized completely block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GenStat 17th Edition and means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT).The highest stand density of 4 plant/stand significantly produced the tallest plants, number of leaves, branches, total dry matter, relative growth rate, number of flowers, number of fruits and number of seeds/fruit. Two plants/stand produced lowest fruits yield/plant, fruit yield/hectare, seed yield/plant, calyx yield/plant and calyx yield/hectare in both locations. The result also showed that application of NPK fertilizer 120kg/ha rates had significant (P<0.05) effect on plant height, number of leaves and leaf area of Roselle across the two experimental sites. The highest value of plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, number of pod per plant, calyx/plant and total calyx yield/hectare were influenced by the application of 120kg/ha of NPK across the two experimental sites. The control plots consistently produced the lowest value for all the characters studied. Based on these findings, the use of 4 plant/stand and application of 120 kg/ha NPK fertilizers were recommended for a better Roselle growth and yield at the two experimental locations within Sudan Savanna ecological Zone of Nigeria.