Abstract

This study deals with the evaluation of the effect of effective microorganisms (EM) and indigenous microorganisms (IMO) manure on Colocasia esculenta (Taro) in Bambili-Cameroon. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three treatments (EM manure, IMO manure and control) and six replications were conducted. Investigations were performed taking into account morphological and agronomical parameters as well as disease incidence, total phenol contents, peroxidase (Pox) and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activities. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the height of plants and number of leaves throughout the period of research in plants treated with EM manure. Plants treated with EM manure gave the heaviest corms and cormels (15.549 ± 2.17 tons/ha) followed by plants treated with IMO manure (12.335 ± 1.69 tons/ha) and then the control plants (10.539 ± 2.24 tons/ha). Both EM and IMO manures were ineffective in controlling taro leaf blight disease that emerged in the field. Total phenolic content as well as Pox and PPO activities increased significantly during the first 5 months of development with EM manures producing the highest quantities followed by that of IMO manure. This is due to the microbial diversity of the manures which in turn improves soil quality and enhances the growth and yield of C. esculenta. These results suggest that EM and IMO manures can be used to ameliorated taro productivity but cannot be used to combat disease.

Key words: Taro, yields, phenolic content, peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase.