Effect of Seed Rate on Stand Establishment and Yield of Scent Leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) in Taraba State

Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) is an aromatic herb widely cultivated across the North East geopolitical zone of Nigeria for culinary, medicinal, and commercial purposes. In Taraba State, scent leaf farming is a growing enterprise among smallholder women farmers, yet agronomic practices including seed rate optimization remain largely traditional and undocumented. Seed rate directly influences plant density, inter-plant competition, and ultimately yield potential per unit area. This study examines the effect of four seed rates (1, 2, 3, and 4 g/m2) on seedling emergence, stand establishment, and fresh herb yield of scent leaf in Jalingo, Taraba State. A field experiment was conducted using a completely randomized block design with three replications during the wet season. Parameters measured include percentage emergence, plant height at four and eight weeks, canopy spread, and fresh herb yield per plot. Analysis of variance was applied to assess treatment effects. Results indicate that a seed rate of 2 g/m2 produced the best balance of stand establishment and fresh yield, while higher seed rates led to overcrowding and suppressed plant growth. The study recommends a seed rate of 2 g/m2 for optimum scent leaf production under the agroecological conditions of Taraba State. Keywords: scent leaf, Ocimum gratissimum, seed rate, stand establishment, Taraba State