Universal Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 14(2), pp. 48 - 53
DOI: 10.13189/ujar.2026.140202
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Optimizing Growth and Rooting Performance of Cashew Seedlings: The Impact of Varied Levels of Bokashi and AM Fungi Application

Rhea Joy Flora ^*, Julius Vergara , Vivian Segobre
College of Agricultural Sciences, Guimaras State University - Baterna Campus, Philippines

ABSTRACT

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) seedling quality is influenced by nursery management practices, particularly the use of organic amendments and beneficial microorganisms. This study evaluated the effects of bokashi fertilizer and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the growth and biomass of cashew seedlings under nursery conditions. A 4 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with three replications, consisting of four levels of bokashi fertilizer (0%, 15%, 30%, and 45%) and two levels of AMF inoculation (with and without AMF). Growth parameters were measured weekly and expressed as average growth rate, while root characteristics and biomass components were determined at harvest. Data were analyzed using factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) and mean separation using the least significant difference (LSD) test at a 5% significance level. Results showed that bokashi and AMF did not significantly affect most growth, root, and biomass parameters when applied independently (p > 0.05). However, significant interaction effects were observed for plant height growth rate (p = 0.0030), stem dry matter weight (p = 0.0261), and root dry matter weight (p = 0.0280), indicating that seedling responses depended on the combined application of bokashi and AMF. Root parameters and total dry matter yield were not significantly influenced by either factor or their interaction. These findings suggest that while individual applications of bokashi and AMF may have limited short-term effects, their combined application can influence specific growth and biomass responses. Further studies are recommended to evaluate long-term effects under field conditions to optimize their use in cashew production systems.

KEYWORDS
Bokashi Fertilizer, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Cashew Seedlings, Factorial Experiment, Growth Rate, Biomass Accumulation, Interaction Effects, Nursery Production

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Rhea Joy Flora , Julius Vergara , Vivian Segobre , "Optimizing Growth and Rooting Performance of Cashew Seedlings: The Impact of Varied Levels of Bokashi and AM Fungi Application," Universal Journal of Agricultural Research, Vol. 14, No. 2, pp. 48 - 53, 2026. DOI: 10.13189/ujar.2026.140202.

(b). APA Format:
Rhea Joy Flora , Julius Vergara , Vivian Segobre (2026). Optimizing Growth and Rooting Performance of Cashew Seedlings: The Impact of Varied Levels of Bokashi and AM Fungi Application. Universal Journal of Agricultural Research, 14(2), 48 - 53. DOI: 10.13189/ujar.2026.140202.