Effects of biofertilizers based on Tithonia diversifolia and Thevetia neriifolia on lettuce production in Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

The search for a reliable and effective alternative to chemical fertilizers is important for sustainable agriculture. This study was carried out to evaluate the biofertilizing effect of Tithonia diversifolia and Thevetia neriifolia on the production of lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Three leaf treatments of Tithonia diversifolia (liquid and fresh) and Thevetia neriifolia (liquid) were applied to lettuce plants in a completely randomized block of four treatments and four replicates, in addition to a Control treatment without any fertilizer input. Inputs based on liquid T. diversifolia and fresh T. diversifolia recorded high yields of 19.6 and 18.8 t/ha respectively of fresh lettuce biomass compared to Thevetia leaves (18.5 t/ha) and to the control (13.9 t/ha). Tithonia diversifolia could be used for the development of an effective biofertilizer in vegetable production.

Keywords: Biofertilizer, Tithonia diversifolia, Thevetia neriifolia, Lettuce, Sustainable agriculture