EFFECT OF DIFFERENT GROWTH MEDIA ON THE GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF TOMATOES (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill)

Field study was carried out at the students main orchard farm of the Department of Agricultural Technology Federal Polytechnic Mubi, during the 2012 rainy season on the effect of different growth media (Wood sawdust, cotton lint, rice husk, and soil medium) on the germination and seedling growth of Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill). The experiment was set out on completely randomized design (CRD), which was replicated three times. The result showed that the different growth media significantly affect plant height, number of leaves, emergence count, stem diameter, and root length of tomatoes. Cotton lint was better in both germination and growth of Tomato seedlings. Cotton lint was a better growth medium in the screen house experiment and is recommended for laboratory experiments in tomatoes.