1

CHAPTER 1
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Tigernut ( Cyperus esculentus L.) known also as yellow nut sedge, zulu nut, earth
almond, chufa in Spanish, ofio in Yoruba, aya in Hausa and Aki Hausa among the
igbos in Nigeria, Is a species of sedge native to warm temperate to subtropical regions
of the Northern Hemisphere, often cultivated for its edible tubers (tigernuts). It is an
annual or perennial plant, growing to 90 cm tall, with solitary stems growing from a
tuber. The stems are triangular in section, and bear slender leaves 310 mm wide. The
flowers of the plant are distinctive, with a cluster of flat oval seeds surrounded by four
hanging, leaf-like bracts positioned 90 degrees from each other. The plant foliage is
very tough and fibrous, and is often mistaken for a grass. It is among the oldest
cultivated plants in Egypt. Chufa was no doubt an important food element in ancient
Egypt during dynastic times; its cultivation in ancient times seems to have remained
(totally or almost totally) an Egyptian specialty. (Zohary and Hopf , 2000).They were
used to make cakes in ancient Egypt. Presently, they are cultivated mainly, at least for
extended and common commercial purposes, in Spain, where they were introduced by
Arabs, almost exclusively in the Valencia region. Tiger nuts are also grown in Ghana,
Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Mali. Cyperus esculentus typically grows where soils are
wet (Colorado Natural Area Program, 2000), growing best in moist, fertile soils. It
tolerates many soil conditions, including periods of drought and flooding.
Yet it does not do well on soils that are extremely wet or flooded during its growing
season (Mitchell and Martin, 1986). It will tolerate a dry site once it is established. In
Northern Nigeria, the nut can be bought in the market all year round. The weight of
fresh tuber ranges from 70mg to about 900mg while the weight of dried tuber ranges
from 30mg to 350mg. A dried tuber nut can absorb up to three times its own weight of
water.
2


1.2 JUSTIFICATION OF STUDY
Almost all the tiger nut consumed in Nigeria is from the Northern states of Nigeria.
Tiger nuts have found uses in food, feed, medicine, oil and soap. It is necessary that
the yield be investigated in the soils of South-Eastern Nigeria.
1.3 OBJECTIVES
- To assess tiger nut productivity in the ultisols in Owerri, South-Eastern Nigeria
- To determine if tiger nuts can thrive in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria
- To make recommendation to any would-be tiger nut farmers

3

CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION
Cyperus esculentus is an herbaceous perennial crop of the same genus as the papyrus.
It belongs to the division magnoliophyta, class libiopsida, order cyperales and family
cyperaceae. It is among the oldest cultivated plants in Egypt. Chufa was no doubt an
important food element in ancient Egypt during dynastic times; its cultivation in
ancient times seems to have remained (totally or almost totally) an Egyptian specialty.
(Zohary and Hopf, 2000).They were used to make cakes in ancient Egypt. Presently,
they are cultivated mainly, at least for extended and common commercial purposes, in
Spain, where they were introduced by Arabs, almost exclusively in the Valencia
region. They are found extensively in California and were grown by the Paiute in
Owens Valley.
Tiger nuts are also grown in Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Mali in West Africa.
(Cobley, 1962)







4

2.2 BOTANY
Tiger nut is a tough erect fibrous-rooted perennial plant, 1 to 3 ft. high, reproducing
by seeds and by many deep, slender rhizomes, which form weak runners above the
ground, and small tubers or nutlets at the tips of underground stems. (Consejo, 2006).
This native perennial sedge is 2-5cm tall and unbranched. The central stem is erect, 3-
angled, and mostly covered by the sheaths of the leaves. The leaves tend to congregate
toward the base of the plant. The leaf blades are up to 2cm long and 1cm across; they
are light green and glabrous, spreading outward from the stem. There is a conspicuous
channel along the central vein of each leaf blade, especially the larger ones. The leaf
sheaths are whitish green, closed, and hairless; sometimes they become pale red
towards the base of the plant (Kelley, 1990). The central stem terminates in an umbel
or compound umbel of floral spikes; the size and shape of the umbel is rather variable
(on larger plants, it is usually several centimeters across). Each umbel has 1-3 sessile
spikes and 6-10 non-sessile spikes on straight branches of varying length. At the base
of each umbel or compound umbel of spikelets, there are several leafy bracts of
varying length; the largest bract is usually longer than the inflorescence. Each floral
spike is about 2-3 centimetes long, consisting of 4 ranks of spikelets along its central
stalk (or rachis). The central stalk is flattened and narrowly winged. The spikelets are
perpendicular to this stalk and about 1cm long. The spikelets are yellow to golden
brown, narrowly linear, and flattened in shape; they consist of 10-30 florets and their
scales. The overlapping scales are slightly spreading along the length of each spikelet;
each scale is 2.03.0 mm. in length. Each floret has a white tripartite style and
yellowish brown anthers; the tips of the styles are curly. The blooming period occurs
from mid-summer to early fall.
Pollination of the tiger nut plant is by wind (James et al, 1991). The florets are
replaced by small achenes that are 1.01.5 mm. long, oblongoid or oblongoid-
obovoid, and flattened. The shallow root system is fibrous, rhizomatous, and tuberous.
5

The white rhizomes have a slightly segmented appearance from the brown margins of
their outer membranes; the rhizomes are connected to small globoid tubers up to 1cm
across. Young tubers are white, while older tubers are covered by a yellow outer
membrane; they are usually found within 6 inches of the ground surface. Vegetative
colonies of plants are often produced from the tubers and their rhizomes. The nutlets
are almost smooth at maturity and unevenly globe shaped (James et al, 1991). High
temperatures and low nitrogen levels increase tuber production and an increased day
length (by lighting) will reduce tuber formation. The tuber epidermis (skin) contains
substances, which inhibit sprouting of tubers; the plant grows best in moist sandy-
loam soils but will grow in the hardest clay, tolerates high soil moisture and is
intolerant to shade (James et al, 1991; Oderinde and Tairu, 1988). The plant produces
small, oblong tubers in abundance, which is sweet and rich in fat (Aliyu and Sani,
2009).










6



2.3 IMPORTANCE OF TIGER NUT
Tiger nuts have found uses in food, feed, medicine, oil and soap (Grin, 2000; Holm et
al, 1991; Mero, 1996). Tiger nut tubers are daily ingredients of the diet of many
people in North Africa and Spain (Oladele et al, 2009). In North Africa, the tubers are
consumed in their natural form or after being soaked in water for some hours. In
Spain, the tubers are consumed mainly as a drink called locally horchata de chufa
(chufa milk). This plant was originally native to the Mediterranean region but its
cultivation has now spread to many warm countries (Mohamed et al, 2005). It is
usually sown in April and picked in November (Osagie et al, 1986). There are mainly
three varieties namely: black, brown and yellow, and only yellow and brown are
readily available in the Nigerian markets. The yellow variety is preferred to all other
varieties because of its inherent properties like its bigger size, attractive color and
fleshier body. The yellow variety also yields more milk, contains lower fat and higher
protein and less anti-nutritional factors especially polyphenols (Okafor et al, 2003).
According to Mason (Mason, 2005), tiger nuts have long been recognized for their
health benefits as they have a high content of soluble glucose and oleic acid, along
with high energy content (starch, fats, sugars and proteins), they are rich in minerals
such as phosphorous and potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron necessary for
bones, tissue repair, muscles, the blood stream and for body growth and development
and rich in vitamins E and C. Sugar-free tiger nut milk is suitable for diabetic people
and also helps in weight control (Martinez, 2003), due to its content of carbohydrates
with a base of sucrose and starch (without glucose), and its high content of Arginine,
which liberates the hormone that produces insulin (Chevallier,1996). It is
recommended for those who suffer from indigestion, flatulence and diarrhea because
7

it provides digestive enzymes like the catalase, lipase and amylase. The high content
of oleic acid has positive effect on cholesterol, thereby preventing heart attacks,
thrombosis and activates blood content of soluble glucose. Tiger nut reduces the risk
of colon cancer. It prevents constipation. Tiger nut contains a good quantity of
vitamin B1, which assists in balancing the central nervous system and helps to
encourage the body to adapt to stress (Tiger nut traders, 2005; David, 2005). The milk
supplies the body with enough quantity of Vitamin E, essential for fertility in both
men and women. Vitamin E also delays cell aging, improves elasticity of skin and
helps to clear the appearance of wrinkles, acne and other skin alterations.
In China, tiger nut milk is used as a liver tonic, heart stimulant, drank to heal serious
stomach pain, to promote normal menstruation, to heal mouth and gum ulcers, used in
Ayurvedic medicines and is a powerful aphrodisiac (sexual stimulant). The black
species of the tiger nut is an excellent medicine for breast lumps and cancer. The
tubers have a relatively high total antioxidant capacity, because they contain
considerable amounts of water-soluble flavonoid glycosides. Consumption of
antioxidants could protect the immune system of malnourished populations. The
intake of antioxidant-containing foods may delay the progression of HIV infection to
AIDS (The spectators, 2010).
For many years, the tiger nut tubers have been considered to have adequate properties
to fight respiratory infections, and some stomach illnesses. To this date, the Horchata
de chufa is considered an effective remedy for diarrhea, according to popular tradition
in Valencia, Spain. It promotes the production of urine and this is why it is a
preventive measure for cyst, prostrate, hernia, rectum deformation and prolapsed (anal
feature-small painful flesh at the tip of the anus) and to prevent endometriosis or
fibrosis as well as blockage of the tip of the fallopian tube. The oil reduces low
density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and increases high density lipoprotein-
cholesterol (HDL-C) (Belewu and Abodunrin, 2006), reduces levels of triglycerides in
blood and the risk of forming bloody clots, thereby preventing arteriosclerosis. It also
8

stimulates the absorption of calcium in bones and the production of new bony
material, due to short and medium chain fatty acids, oleic acid and essential fatty acids
(Temple et al, 1990). It is also recommended for infants and the elderly because of its
high content in Vitamin E and its antioxidant benefits in the cell membrane (David,
2005).
In the United States, the primary use of tiger nut as a crop is to attract and feed game,
particularly wild turkeys. Turkeys love tiger nut tubers; as natural scratchers, once
discovering a plot of chufa, they will return again and again, all winter long, or until
spring arrives and other food is readily available (Tiger nut Traders, 2005). Tiger nut
tubers have been planted so that pigs could be attracted to the fields to fatten and
improve the taste of pork. The tubers have been used as hog feed, pastured in the field
in states such as Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Tubers of tiger nut have also been
identified as valuable food for waterfowl and cranes. Ducks dive for them when
wetland fields are flooded. It is also used in seed mixes for wetland restoration,
mitigation, and erosion control. The caramel from malted tubers of Cyperus
esculentus may be used to add body, flavor, or color to certain baked products, non-
alcoholic malt beverages and dark beers, and in the production of condiments. The
starches obtained from tiger nut and rice showed similar properties; the solutions of
the starch exhibited a good paste stability, clarity, and adhesive strength. The starch
can be used in many starch-based foods as well as in the cosmetic industry, and for
laundry, glazing and stiffening. The waste residue after oil extraction could be further
modified to produce syrups, flours, or livestock feeds (Umerie and Enebeli, 1997; The
spectators, 2010).



9



2.4 CLIMATIC AND SOIL REQUIREMENTS
Cyperus esculentus tubers can survive areas with low air temperatures, and low soil
temperatures (Mero-Macias, 1996; Stoller, 1973 in Mulligan and Junkins, 1976),
withstanding low temperatures for long periods of time and surviving freezing winter
temperatures (Mero-Macias, 1996). 50% of Cyperus esculentus tubers were killed at
20F (-6.5C) (Stoller, 1973 in Mulligan and Junkins, 1976).
Cyperus esculentus likes water, and typically grows where soils are wet (Colorado
Natural Areas Program, 2000) growing best in moist fertile soils. Cyperus esculentus
will tolerate many soil conditions, including periods of drought and flooding
(California Department of Food and Agriculture, EncycloWeedia, 2002) yet does not
do well on sites that are extremely wet or flooded during its growing season (Merrell,
1975 in Mitchell and
Martin, 1986) In Louisiana, Cyperus esculentus has good tuber production when there
was a least a 3-month flood-free period during its growing season; prolonged flooding
during the late summer to early fall impacted the growth and survival of the plants
(Merrell, 1975 in Mitchell and Martin, 1986). It will tolerate a dry site once it is
established (University of Illinois Turf grass Program, 2000).
Cyperus esculentus likes plenty of sunlight and will not tolerate shady sites (Holm et
al, 1991; University of Illinois Turf grass Program, 2000). In plots observed for 5
years occurring in sun-exposed mudflats or under bottomland hardwood canopy,
Cyperus esculentus tuber production was approximately 8 times greater on the sunny
sites versus the shaded sites (Wills, 1970 in Mitchell and Martin, 1986).
Soil type will influence the depths from which tuber sprouts can emerge (Holm et al,
1991). During trials, emergence from tubers was observed to be satisfactory from all
10

soils at depths between 3-6 inches (8-15 cm); in sandy silt loam soil, one shoot
emerged from a tuber depth of 32 in. (80 cm) (Tumbleson and Kommedahl, 1961 in
Holm et al, 1991).On sites with compacted soils, tuber sprouting is greatly inhibited
(Mero-Macias, 1996; Bell et al, 1962 in Mulligan and Junkins, 1976). Cyperus
esculentus grows on all soil types (sand, sandy-loam, sandy-gravel, loam, muck, clay-
loam, clay, black peat), especially those wet to moist (Holm et al, 1991; Mero-Macias
1996; Mulligan and Junkins, 1976; University of Illinois Turfgrass
Program, 2000) poorly-drained, and irrigated (Mero-Macias, 1996). Cyperus
esculentus often grows on sandy, well-drained soils (California Department of Food
and Agriculture, EncycloWeedia, 2002, Mero-Macias, 1996). And it grows best on
soils having fine textures with high moisture contents (Mitchell and Martin, 1986).
Sprouts from tubers of Cyperus esculentus grown in sand emerged sooner than sprouts
in sandy silt-loam; tubers in sandy silt-loam produced more plants after 6 weeks
(Tumbleson and Kommedahl ,1961 in Mulligan and Junkins, 1976). Tubers planted in
peat produced the most shoots, at initial tallies and at final tallies
(Tumbleson and Kommedahl, 1961 in Mulligan and Junkins, 1976). Also, soil type
will influence the depths from which tuber sprouts can emerge (Holm et al, 1991). As
stated previously, Cyperus esculentus tuber sprouting is greatly inhibited in
compacted soils (Bell et al, 1962 in Mulligan and Junkins, 1976). Cyperus esculentus
grows best on sites having a pH between 5.0-7.5 (Mitchell and
Martin,1986).







11




2.5 PROPAGATION AND SPACING

Tiger nut is propagated by tubers and basal bulbs at the end of rhizomes (United
States Department of Agriculture, forest services, Iverson 2002). They can be planted
in cultivated Beds. Spacing in Cyperus esculentus is extremely variable depending on
the soil conditions, local cultural methods and the purpose for which the crop is
grown. When grown for pig feed they are usually planted in rows at 60-90cm apart
with either 30cm or 15cm between plants.
Tubers can also be planted at 10cm intervals along rows 60cm apart, with
spacing in the row 10 x 60cm a single tuber is placed in a hole and covered with 2.5-
4cm of soil, with 15 x 60cm spacing two tubers are used and at 30 x 60cm four tubers
are used. The tubers are planted 15 to 30cm in rows and 60 to 90cm apart. High
densities have been reported to have inter-specific impact on the crop performance
(Mero-Macias, 1996).





12




CHAPTER 3

MATERIALS AND METHOD
3.1 LOCATION
The experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research farm of the school of
Agriculture and Agricultural Technology Federal University of Technology Owerri
(FUTO). Owerri is located at latitude 5
0
25
I
N and longitude 7
0
2
I
E in the rainforest
zone of south eaten Nigeria. The mean annual rainfall is between 1500-2500mm
which starts from March to November. The minimum and maximum mean annual
temperature is 25.5 and 31.9
0
C respectively with relative humidity of about 82.6%.
3.2 PLANTING MATERIALS AND TREATMENTS
Dry tubers were soaked for 24 hours before planting to facilitate germination.



3.3 EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ALLOCATION OF TREATMENTS
The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD)
using four different spacing with three replicates. This gave a total of twelve
experimental plots.
13




3.4 LAND PREPARATION AND PLANTING
The land was cleared using cutlass, and hoe. The plots were mapped out
appropriately with ranging poles, tapes, lines and pegs. Each plot measures 3m x
1.5m. The distance between plot and between block is 1m.
Two seeds were planted per hole on a flat bed and later thinned to one per stand

3.5 DATA COLLECTION
Before commencing the field trial, soil samples were randomly collected from the
experimental site at a depth of 20cm for the laboratory determination of some soil
physical and chemical properties. Soil Chemicals properties determined in the
laboratory were pH, Nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphorus and other physical properties.
The parameters investigated are: plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant,
leaf area(cm
2
), Dry matter content, fresh weight, Number of tubers produced per plant
and percentage emergence.
3.5.1 Percentage Emergence
Percentage emergence was taken by physically counting the number of sprouted
cultivars in each plot. It was carried out at 4days after planting.


14

3.5.2 Plant Height
Plant height was measured using tape, starting from the base of the stem to the
tip of the longest leaves.
Measuring of plant height was carried out every two weeks. 5 samples were
selected in each experimental unit for measurement.

3.5.3 Number of Leaves
The number of leaves was taken by counting all the leaves on a plant stand every two
weeks.
3.5.4 Leaf Area
This is obtained by measuring the length and width of five plants in a plot.
3.5.5 Fresh Weight
Fresh weight was taken by harvesting three plants stands of each crop randomly from
each experimental unit and measuring the weight on electronic weighing balance. It
was carried out on maturity.
3.5.6 Number of Tubers
It was obtained randomly by counting the tubers of two plant stands from each
experimental plot.
3.5.7 Dry Matter Content
Dry matter content was determined by randomly harvesting two plants from each plot
and their tubers were collected, and oven dried for 24 hours at 60
0
C. Dry weight was
measured using an electronic weighing balance.
15


3.5.8 Data Analysis
All data collected was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) according to the
method outlined by Steel and Torrie 1980 for randomized complete block design
(RCBD). Test of means for significant difference was done using the least significant
difference (LSD) at 5% level.

16

CHAPTER 4
RESULTS
4.0 PRE-PLANTING SOIL PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
The table below shows that the soil is slightly acidic, with very low organic carbon
and low exchangeable cations. This means that the soil is low in fertility status.











17

Table 4.0: pre-planting soil physical and chemical properties
Physical/ chemical property

result
pH in H2O 4.40
pH in KCL 3.80
Organic Carbon (%) 1.55
Organic matter (%) 2.70
Percentage Nitrogen 0.92
Sodium (cmol/0.1kg soil) 0.41
Potassium (cmol/0.1kg soil) 0.07
Calcium (cmol/0.1kg soil) 0.08
Magnesium (cmol/0.1kg soil) 0.61
ECEC 5.80
Base saturation (%) 28.00
Phosphorus (ppm) 3.20
Total exchangeable base 1.46
Aluminum (cmol/0.1kg soil) 5.20
Total Exchangeable acidity 6.25
Percent sand 95.00
Percent clay 15
Percent silt 10
Textural class Sandy loam

18


4.1 PERCENTAGE EMERGENCE
The percentage emergence recorded with the various treatments 4 days after
sowing is shown on table 4.1. The highest emergence percentage was recorded on
the plant spacing of 30X90cm at 98.33%. The least emergence recorded was on
30cmX30cm at 89.17%.










19


Table 4.1: Effect of different spacing on Percentage emergence
TREATMENTS Percentage Emergence 100%
30X60cm 93.33
15X15cm 96.9
30X30cm 89.17
30X90cm 98.33










20

4.2 EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SPACING ON THE PLANT HEIGHT OF
TIGER NUT
The result indicates that there was no significant difference in the Plant
Height. However on the average, 15X15cm plots recorded the highest figures on
plant height followed by 30X30cm heights.











21


Table 4.2: Effect of different spacing on the Plant Height (cm) of Tiger nut
TREATMENTS 2 WAP 4 WAP 6 WAP
30X30cm 42.93 41.89 45.75
15X15cm 55.00 56.56 52.94
30X60cm 35.13 43.94 39.56
30X90cm 42.07 38.20 41.34
LSD
0.05
51.76 65.12 NS

Key
WAP = Week After Planting
NS = Not Significant
LSD = Least Significant Difference.



22

4.3 EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SPACING ON THE LEAF FORMATION OF
TIGER NUT.
The result indicates that there was no significant difference the spacing on leaf
formation; however the result shows that, leaf formation was rapid within the first
two weeks of germination, producing 5 to 6 leaf. After the first two weeks, the rate
of leaf formation gradually reduces until after the 6th week when it begins to
shrivel and die back. Table three below shows the different number of leaves for
the different weeks after planting.









23

Table 4.3: Effect of different spacing on the Number of Leaves of Tiger nut
TREATMENT 2 WAP 4 WAP 6 WAP
30X30cm 8.20 9.83 8.58
15X15cm 9.80 10.00 8.25
30X90cm 7.93 7.75 8.25
30X60cm 8.13 10.10 6.67
LSD
0.05
NS NS NS

Key
WAP = Week After Planting
NS = Not Significant
LSD = Least Significant Difference.



24

4.4: EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SPACING ON THE LEAF AREA OF TIGER
NUT
Result show that the leaf area was significantly affected by the different plant
spacing on all the weeks analyzed as shown in the table below.












25

Table 4.4: Effect of different spacing on the leaf area (cm
2
) of Tiger nut
TREATMENT 2 WAP 4 WAP 6 WAP
30X30cm 30.02 28.70 23.20
15X15cm 39.90 39.71 33.47
30X90cm 29.53 25.43 19.67
30X60cm 24.40 27.25 20.35
LSD
0.05
33.89 49.35 39.61








26

4.5 EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SPACING ON THE FRESH TUBER
WEIGHT OF TIGER NUT
The result from the fresh weight analysis shows that there is no significant
difference among the sources of variation at 5% level.as the weeks go by, the fresh
weight of the tiger nut tubers increase in all treatments as shown in the table 4.4
below.










27

Table 4.5: Effect of different spacing on the Fresh tuber Weight of Tiger nut
TREATMENT 6 WAP 8 WAP 10 WAP
30X60cm 6.12 14.46 22.59
30X30cm 8.67 18.92 25.93
15X15cm 10.83 18.03 22.13
30X90cm 9.12 18.74 22.25
LSD
0.05
NS NS NS

Key
WAP = Week After Planting
NS = Not Significant
LSD = Least Significant Difference.






28

4.6 EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SPACING ON THE DRY MATTER
CONTENT OF TIGER NUT TUBERS
The result showed that there was no significant difference among the treatment all
through the weeks of recorded plant Dry matter content at 5% level. The weight of
dry matter increases with maturity of the tubers.











29

Table 4.6: Effect of different spacing on Dry matter Content of tiger nut
tubers
TREATMENT 6 WAP 8 WAP 10 WAP
30X60cm 2.88 6.76 14.43
15X15cm 6.16 10.04 17.78
30X30cm 4.43 9.07 15.52
30X90cm 4.91 9.20 16.47
LSD
0.05
NS NS NS

Key
WAP = Week After Planting
NS = Not Significant
LSD = Least Significant Difference.


30

4.7: EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SPACING ON THE NUMBER OF TUBERS
From the result shown in table 4.7 below, the difference in the treatments and
blocks were not significant, however the mean weight for the 30X90cm spacing
was highest for the weeks recorded.
31

Table 4.7: Effect of different spacing on the Number of tubers of Tiger nut

TREATMENT 6 WAP 8 WAP 10 WAP
30X60cm 55.33 25.67 61.00
30X30cm 34.00 21.00 60.00
15X15cm 44.33 25.67 75.67
30X90cm 62.00 33.67 61.00
LSD
0.05
NS NS NS

Key
WAP = Week After Planting
NS = Not Significant
LSD = Least Significant Difference.



32

CHAPTER 5
5.1: DISCUSSION
From the result of the physical and chemical analysis carried out, it is obvious that
the soil fertility is very poor. However the yield of tiger nut was still appreciable
under such condition. This is in agreement with (California Department of Food
and Agriculture, EncycloWeedia, 2002) which reported that Cyperus esculentus will
tolerate many soil conditions, including periods of drought and flooding.
Plant height and leaf area showed significant differences in their height and area
respectively. Plant spacing of 15 X15 cm recorded the highest mean leaf area and
height; this tends to agree with (Mero-Mecias, 1996) that high densities have more
inter-specific impact on the crop performance.
The other parameters investigated were not significantly affected by the different
spacing the crop was subjected to.





33


5.2: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
A research was carried out to assess the performance of tiger nut in the ultisols of
Owerri, South Eastern Nigeria using different spacing. Results show that tiger nut
performed well in the Ultisols of Owerri South Eastern Nigeria and it is not
affected by the plant spacing it was subjected to.
Having observed these, I recommend that the local farmers embark on the
cultivation of tiger nut in the ultisols of Owerri South Eastern Nigeria because; it
will yield well and thus reduce dependence on the Northern States of Nigeria for
tiger nut supply.
Also I recommend a spacing of 15 X15cm since it yielded as much as other
different spacing and this means more yield per square meter.





34



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39

APPENDICES
PH 2 WAP CF = 23003.76
Source of variation d.f Ss Mss F
cal
F
tab
5%

Block (r) (r-1) 2 60.19 30.09 1.61 5.14
Treatment (t) (t-1) 3 612.92 204.31 10.96 4.76
Error (t-1) (r-1) 6 111.81 18.64
Total (rt-1) 11 784.92
LSD(0.05) = 51.76

P H 4 WAP CF = 24461.36

Source of variation d.f Ss Mss F
cal
F
tab
5%

Block 2 117.65 58.83 1.99 5.14
Treatment 3 571.84 190.61 6.46 4.76
Error 6 177.03 29.51
Total 11 866.52
LSD (0.05) = 65.12

40

PH 6 WAP CF= 24187.63

Source of variation d.f Ss Mss F
cal
F
tab
5%

Block 2 28.41 14.21 0.39 5.14
Treatment 3 319.69 106.56 2.95 4.76
Error 6 216.94 36.16
Total 11 565.04





NO OF LEAF 2 WAP CF=870.40
Source of variation d.f Ss Mss F
cal
F
tab
5%

Block 2 0.81 0.41 0.53 5.14
Treatment 3 6.71 2.24 2.87 4.76
Error 6 4.68 0.78
Total 11 12.2

41

NO OF LEAF 4 WAP CF=1065.03
Source of variation d.f Ss Mss F
cal
F
tab
5%

Block 2 3.45 1.73 1.65 5.14
Treatment 3 11.27 3.76 3.58 4.76
Error 6 6.28 1.05
Total 11 21


NO OF LEAF 6 WAP CF=748.13
Source of variation d.f Ss Mss F
cal
F
tab
5%

Block 2 3.46 1.73 2.84 5.14
Treatment 3 6.43 2.14 3.51 4.76
Error 6 3.67 0.61
Total 11 13.55





Fresh weight 6 WAP CF = 904.63
42

Source of variation d.f Ss Mss F
cal
F
tab
5%

Block 2 14.07 7.04 0.35 5.14
Treatment 3 34.15 11.38 0.56 4.76
Error 6 121.36 20.23
Total 11 169.58





FW 8 WAP CF= 3690.42
Source of variation d.f Ss Mss F
cal
F
tab
5%

Block 2 132.56 66.28 0.93 5.14
Treatment 3 39.25 13.08 0.18 4.76
Error 6 427.58 71.26
Total 11 599.39




FW 10 WAP CF = 6611.97
43

Source of variation d.f Ss Mss F
cal
F
tab
5%

Block 2 104.98 52.49 1.32 5.14
Treatment 3 26.11 8.70 0.22 4.76
Error 6 239.12 39.85
Total 11 370.21



DRY WEIGHT 6 WAP CF= 253.37
Source of variation d.f SS Mss F
cal
F
tab
5%

Block 2 3.06 1.53 0.25 5.14
Treatment 3 16.57 5.52 0.90 4.76
Error 6 36.99 6.16
Total 11 56.6




DRY WEIGHT 8WAP CF = 922.08
44

Source of Variation Df SS MS F
cal
Ftab
5%

Block 2 46.14 23.07 1.17 5.14
Treatment 3 17.79 5.93 0.29 4.76
Error 6 121.81 20.30
Total 11 185.74






DRY WEIGHT 10WAP CF = 3091.23
Source of Variation Df SS MS F
cal
F
tab

5%

Block 2 101.70 50.85 1.06 5.14
Treatment 3 18.31 6.10 0.13 4.76
Error 6 287.13 47.86
Total 11 407.14


45

NO of Tubers 6WAP CF = 8427
Source of Variation Df SS MS F
cal
F
tab

5%

Block 2 73.5 36.75 0.096 5.14
Treatment 3 24.9 8.3 0.22 4.76
Error 6 2258.52 376.42
Total 11





NO of Tubers 8WAP CF = 28714.08
Source of Variation Df SS MS F
cal
F
tab

5%

Block 2 3173.18 1586.59 1.75 5.14
Treatment 3 1367.69 455.86 0.50 4.76
Error 6 5440.16 906.69
Total 11 9980.92



46


NO of Tubers 10WAP CF = 49794.08
Source of Variation Df SS MS F
cal
F
tab

5%

Block 2 1804.42 902.21 2.11 5.14
Treatment 3 507.53 169.11 0.40 4.76
Error 6 2562.97 427.16
Total 11 4874.92




LEAF AREA TIGERNUT 2WAP CF = 11508.45
Source of Variation Df SS MS F
cal
F
tab

5%

Block 2 48.45 24.23 3.03 5.14
Treatment 3 378.20 126.07 15.78** 4.76
Error 6 47.93 7.99
Total 11 474.58
LSD (0.05) = 33.85
LEAF AREA TN 4WAP CF = 10997.70
47

Source of Variation Df SS MS F
cal
F
tab

5%

Block 2 44.60 22.30 1.32 5.14
Treatment 3 372.24 124.08 7.32* 4.76
Error 6 101.69 16.95
Total 11 518.53
LSD (0.05) = 49.35
LEAF AREA TN 6WAP CF = 7012.68
Source of Variation Df SS MS F
cal
F
tab

5%

Block 2 102.07 51.04 4.67 5.14
Treatment 3 360.45 122.15 12.22** 4.76
Error 6 65.53 10.92
Total 11 534.05
LSD (0.05) = 39.61