| Popis: |
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni L) is one of the potential alternative commodities for non-caloric sugar producers, so it is safe for health. However, until today, information on stevia cultivation technology has not been widely reported. This research aimed to determine the effect of clones and plant spacing on stevia growth. It was carried out in the Experimental Garden (EG) of Cobanrondo, Balai Penelitian Tanaman Pemanis and Serat (Balittas) , at an altitude of 1450 m above sea level, from September to November 2012. The research was arranged in a factorial using a randomized block design with three replications. The first factor was the stevia clones from Bogor, consisting of 2 types of clones: wide-leaf clones and narrow-leaf clones. The second factor is the plant spacing composed of 2 levels: a narrow plant spacing (25 cm x 25 cm) and a wide plant spacing (40 cm x 40 cm). The plot size was 2 m x 2 m. Observations were made on plants aged 14 days after planting (DAP), 28 DAP, and 46 DAP on plant height, canopy width, number of leaves, dry weight of leaves, and dry weight of leafless stover. The research results showed that plant spacing affected plant height at 46 DAP and canopy width at 28 and 46 DAP. Narrow spacing produces taller plants than wide plant spacing, whereas clones affected plant height at 28 DAP and 46 DAP and the number of leaves at 46 DAP. Plant spacing, varieties, and interactions did not affect dry leaf weight and leafless stover weight at 46 DAP. Thus, stevia clones, both narrow and wide-leaf, are recommended at a narrow plant spacing. |
