Modelling the response of the PIF plantain seedlings to Tithonia diversifolia and clam shells treatments in the nursery

The seeds availability is the main constraint for the agricultural explosion in sub-Saharan Africa countries. In the case of plantain, there is a lack of seedlings in quantity, but also in quality. The advent of the PIF method was an excellent opportunity to improve the availability of plantain seeds, although the quality is not fully guaranteed. Indeed, the PIF plants produced have posed many problems during the acclimation period indicating a need for solutions to improve their quality. Recent researches done with five treatments using Tithonia diversifolia and clam shells have highlighted the improvement of the PIF seedlings quality in terms of growth promotion (biofertilizer action) and protection against black Sigatoka disease (biofungicide action). It seemed essential to determine the best model for robust PIF seedlings. The aim of this study was to analyse the different models that have enabled the production of improved PIF seedlings and to determine the best one. We have modelized the response of PIF seedlings to the different treatments protocols. It turns out that the best treatment to apply is T5 (T. diversifolia liquid extract), followed by T4 (T. diversifolia mulch). However, depending on the expected response in the PIF seedlings, all these treatments have proven to be impactful. Tithonia diversifolia liquid extract model is the best and in combination with clams, could be useful to boost the production at low cost and without chemical inputs of large amount of improved vigorous (clean and less susceptible) planting material, impacting thus the food security and poverty alleviation.