Evaluation of Different Growing Media on the Propagation of Avocado (Persea americana) in Ekiti State, South West Nigeria

Avocado (Persea americana) is a high-value fruit crop gaining increasing commercial attention in South West Nigeria due to rising consumer demand for nutritious fruits and the crop's suitability to the humid tropical climate of Ekiti State. Efficient propagation is a prerequisite for establishing productive avocado orchards, and the choice of growing medium significantly influences seedling quality and establishment success. This study evaluates five growing media, topsoil alone, topsoil and river sand (1:1), topsoil and sawdust (2:1), compost and topsoil (1:1), and coco peat, on the germination and seedling growth of avocado in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. Seeds were sown in nursery bags containing each medium and monitored for 12 weeks. Parameters measured include germination rate, seedling height, number of leaves, stem girth, and root length at transplanting age. A completely randomized design with five replications was used. Results indicate that the compost and topsoil mixture (1:1) produced the tallest seedlings with the most robust root systems, while coco peat showed the highest germination percentage. Topsoil alone performed poorly across all parameters. The study recommends compost and topsoil mix (1:1) as an optimal and cost-effective growing medium for avocado nursery production in Ekiti State. Keywords: avocado, Persea americana, growing media, propagation, Ekiti State