Influence of Mulching Materials on the Agronomic and Yield Parameters of Pineapple (Anana comosus L. Merr. Var. Sugar Loaf) in Owode -Yewa Southwest Nigeria

A field research trial was conducted to assess the influence of mulching materials on the growth and yield of sugar loaf pineapple variety (Anana comosus L. Merr.). Slips of the pineapple were collected and nursed. At 9 months after nursing, 108 nursed pineapple plants measuring between 97-100cm were purposively selected and transplanted at 12 plants per experimental plot on beds covered with Trt1 (black polyethene sheet), Trt2 (organic matter) and Trt3 no application of mulch which served as (Control) and the whole arrangement was laid down using a Randomized Complete Block experimental Design (RCBD) replicated three times. Fifty percent (50%) of pineapple plants used per experimental plot was randomly selected for data collection. The number of leaves was counted, plant heights were measured and number of weeds growth were uprooted and counted at two (2) months interval for 14 months. At the end of the trial, the length and weight of the fruits were measured and recorded in centimetre (cm) and kilogram (kg). Both the number of days to flower initiation and fruit harvest maturity from day of transplanting were counted and recorded. Data collected were first tested for normality of distribution using Shapiro-wilk test at 0.05 level of significant. After ascertaining the normality of the data distribution, the data were then subjected to General Linear Model (GLM) Univariate Two Ways Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software package version 21. The significant means were separated using Duncans’ Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 0.05 level of significant. The result showed that significant different (P<0.05) existed in the influence of the mulching materials on the number of leaves and weed growth as well as length and weight of harvested fruits with black polyethene sheet showing the greatest influence. There was no significant different (P>0.05) in plant height, number of days to flower initiation and fruit harvesting from day of transplanting. It was concluded that black polyethene sheet (BPSH) positively influenced the growth and yield of sugar loaf pineapple variety. It is thus recommended that awareness through demonstration be created on the efficacy of plastic mulch for improved yield and reduction in risk of injury from the plant.