Growing Roselle plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa) as an intercrop in agroforestry

Roselle plant has several uses. It can be used as an ingredient in the preparation of sinigang mix, celestial tea, jam, jellies, and sauce. It is also a potential hedgerows, which can conserve soil and water while serving as forage for animals. Growing Roselle as an agroforestry crop in Community-based Forest Management (CBFM) areas also enhances the profitability of the cropping systems and adds to the income of upland farmers. To understand the production (growth and yield) and potential of Roselle as a livelihood project, Luna and Olan (ERDB) conducted a study from 2002 to 2004. Results of the study became the bases for the development of needed R and D for its cultivation as high-value intercrop in agroforestry and CBFM sites. The experiment was initially established at the ERDB special project site and was later transferred for testing in Pagbilao and Atimonan, Quezon as components in agroforestry. As part of the R and D, studies on seed germination, and seedling production were conducted. Seed germination, nursery production, survival, growth in plantation, flowering, fruiting, food processing, including taste test on food products, were documented. Findings of the study revealed the following: The germination media that gave the highest rate was a mixture of garden soil and sand. The whole germination period took 7 days. Germination rates ranged from 90% to 95% for seeds stored up to 6 months. Beyond that, germination declined. Seedlings were ready for potting 2 weeks after germination. The best potting media was a combination of garden soil, sand, and coir dust. Hardening was done for 2 weeks.Seedlings were outplanted during the rainy season. Survival of the seedlings outplanted in Los Baños, Laguna and in Pagbilao and Atimonan, Quezon ranged from 90-93%. Under Los Banos condition, average height growth of 5-month-old Roselle was 147.52 cm. In Pagbilao and Atimonan, average height of 63.8 cm and 70.8 cm, respectively, were recorded 2 months after planting. Roselle grown in Los Baños and San Pablo City started to bear flowers in September, with fruits maturing in mid-January. In Pagbilao and Atimonan, Quezon, flowering started in October and fruits matured until March. Roselle can be propagated using stem cuttings and can be coppiced. The applicability of Roselle as hedgerows for erosion control and soil and water conservation was tested in Pagbilao and Atimonan, Quezon, and Los Baños, Laguna. Positive feedbacks were obtained from partners in these sites. They said that they were convinced that it can be grown in newly established agroforestry farms and in open areas. A training on food processing of Roselle was conducted in Atimonan, Quezon. It created a high level of awareness as means of livelihood among the participants. Some of the products developed were sinigang mix,juice and jelly, calyx,and flowers for teas. Roselle as hedgerows for soil and water conservation in the upland areas was observed to be feasible and suited to hilly and steep slopes. This is because Roselle is fast growing, bushy and adaptable even in marginal areas. It is recommended that planting be done when there is sufficient soil moisture. Roselle can be integrated in newly established agroforestry farms and forest plantation. It does not require intensive maintenance and cultural operations. It can be simultaneously grown in combination with fruit and forest trees during the 1st up to 3rd year of operations. Beyond this phase, the shading effect will result in reduced yield of Roselle.