Scientific publications
Fabrice Damien Wassom
Charles Dakolé Daboy
Arouna Meshuneké
Gaston Elock Mbang
Nicolas Niemenak
World Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
The cultivation of vegetable crops faces many problems, including the lack of quality and vigorous seeds, soil fertility problems and pest attacks. In order to improve crop productivity and soil quality, some farmers have adopted the use of synthetic inputs (herbicides, fertilizers and pesticides) that are harmful to the environment and to humans, but also not affordable to the small holders farmers. The use of a biological compost could be an alternative to these numerous problems through the improvement of crop growth directly and protection indirectly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a biological compost based on <i>Tithonia diversifolia</i> on the growth of <i>Ocimum basilicum</i>. The production of the various composts was done according to the technique of heap composting. The effect of compost amendment on the growth of basil seeds was evaluated and correlated to the synthesis of total chlorophyll, total proteins, total phenols and plant defense related enzymes notably peroxidases and polyphenol oxidases. Mature composts were obtained after four (04) months based on the kinetic of temperature variations during the composting process. The compost amendment increased basil plant growth including height by 50%, stem diameter by 52%, number of leaves by 75%, leaf length by 160% and leaf width by 125% compared to controls plants. The treatment improved the accumulation of total chlorophylls, total proteins and total phenols in the leaves, as well as peroxidases and polyphenol oxidases content. These results show the positive effect of compost amendment on the growth of <i>Ocimum basilicum</i>. The soil amendment with biological composts seems to intervene directly in the stimulation of the physiological processes of the basil plants by a fertilizing action and indirectly, possibly confer a pool of defense biomarkers. This biological compost could therefore be an effective tool for promoting eco-responsible and resilient agriculture.
