Stage-specific Cocoa Seedling Responses to Mycorrhiza and Npk Fertilization
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Cocoa seedling quality depends on efficient nursery nutrition, but the benefits of biological and mineral inputs may vary across early growth stages. This study evaluated stage-specific growth responses of cocoa seedlings (Theobroma cacao L.) to mycorrhiza and NPK fertilizer. A 3 x 3 factorial randomized block design with three replications was used, combining mycorrhiza at 0, 40, and 50 g/polybag with NPK 16:16:16 at 4, 6, and 10 g/polybag. Plant height, leaf number, leaf length, and stem diameter were measured at 2-12 weeks after planting (WAP), while root volume was assessed at 12 WAP. Analysis of variance was followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test at 5% when significant. Mycorrhiza did not significantly affect any measured trait, and no mycorrhiza x NPK interaction was detected. In contrast, NPK significantly affected leaf number from 4 to 12 WAP and leaf length at 4, 6, and 8 WAP. At 12 WAP, 10 g NPK produced 9.96 leaves, while at 8 WAP it produced the greatest leaf length (6.93 cm); plant height, stem diameter, and root volume remained statistically unchanged. These results reveal a stage- and organ-specific nutrient response: NPK first enhanced leaf development without producing parallel short-term gains in structural or root traits. Under the tested nursery conditions, increasing mineral nutrition was more immediately effective than mycorrhizal inoculation, while longer-term studies should verify root colonization and nutrient status.
DOI: 10.58432/v9xxgg38
Institution: Universitas Tjut Nyak Dhien
Language: English
Subfield: Horticulture
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7225263773
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