Response of Brazilian spinach (Alternanthera sissoo) to propagation planting material and NPK fertilizer application

ABSTRACT Alternanthera sissoo is currently propagated using stem or terminal cuttings, since it does not produce fertile seeds. This research aimed to identify the most effective propagation planting material among rooted stump, stem cutting and terminal cutting, as well as their response to the application of NPK fertilizer. The results showed a better performance for stem cutting than for rooted stump or apical cutting. The canopy area was positively related to the longest diameter (R2 = 0.92) and the average of two-way cross-sectional diameter (R2 = 0.89). The number of branches, branch fresh weight, leaf fresh and dry weights did not vary among the planting materials; however, the total number of leaves, branch and root dry weights were higher for stem cutting. Stem cutting is also available in a larger quantity than the other two planting materials when collected from each mother plant. Therefore, it is recommended for optimizing leaf yield in A. sissoo. The species positively responded to NPK fertilization, as shown by the increase of the SPAD value for 6 to 12 days after the initial application. Therefore, for maximizing yield, it should be regularly fertilized with NPK every 3 weeks, coinciding with the time that the SPAD index falls back to pre-NPK application levels.