EFFECT OF LIGHT INTENSITY ON THE GROWTH, YIELD, AND PROXIMATE CONTENT OF AMARANTH (AMARANTHUS HYBRIDUS)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The study investigated the effect of light intensity on the growth, yield, and proximate composition of Amaranthus hybridus. The experiment was carried out using three light treatments: full sunlight (390 × 100 lux), blue net (273 × 100 lux), and black cloth (61 × 100 lux), representing high, moderate, and low light intensities respectively. The study aimed to determine how variations in light intensity influence the vegetative growth, yield performance, and nutritional composition of Amaranthus hybridus. A completely randomized design (CRD) was adopted with three replicates per treatment. Growth parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, and leaf area were measured at maturity, while yield parameters including fresh weight, dry weight, and stem girth were determined at harvest. The proximate composition of the harvested samples was also analyzed to determine moisture, ash, fat, protein, carbohydrate, and crude fiber contents. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 5% level of significance. The results revealed that light intensity had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on most growth, yield, and proximate parameters. Plants grown under full sunlight recorded the highest values for plant height, leaf area, and yield components, followed by those under blue net, while plants under black cloth showed the lowest performance. Light intensity also significantly influenced the proximate composition, with plants under full sunlight having higher protein, fat, and ash contents, while those under deep shade had higher carbohydrate levels. Crude fiber was not significantly affected. It was concluded that full sunlight provides the most favorable conditions for the growth, yield, and nutritional quality of Amaranthus hybridus, while excessive shading negatively affects performance. Adequate light exposure is therefore recommended for optimum productivity and improved nutritional value of the crop.
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