Effect of Apical Cutting on Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Production in Niger

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) plays a critical socioeconomic role in Sahelian populations (Niger, Burkina, Mali, Senegal...). During the 2017 rainy season, a field experiment was carried out in Tara/Gaya and Tarna/Maradi to study the effect of apex cutting on Roselle production. The experiment used a split-plot in randomized blocks of four (4) replications with ecotypes as the main plot factor and apex cuts as subplots. Three (3) levels of apex cut were used viz. C1 (20 days after sowing), C2 (30 days after sowing), and C3 (40 days after sowing). The results revealed that apex cutting increased leaf, calyx, and seed yields significantly (P<0.001) in both study sites. This increase in yield (leaf, calyx, and seed) was roughly 15% and 10% in Tarna and Tara, respectively. The most beneficial cutting stage was between 20 and 30 days after sowing (DAS). This study, however, should be expanded to more agroclimatic zones to further assess the effect of apex cutting on Roselle productivity in Niger.