14 Effects of Sowing Depths on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Custard Apple (Annona squamosa L.) B. A Kyari 1 , F. U Umar 2 , M.S Waziri 3 , B. Apagu 4 and H. Mari 5 12345 Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Maiduguri, P. M. B. 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria Corresponding email address: waibra@unimaid.edu.ng ABSTRACT The study was undertaken to determine the effect of sowing depths on the germination and seedling growth of Annona squamosa (L.). The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 treatments: 0. 3, 6, 9 and 12cm depths. Fifteen viable seeds were planted at each of the 5 different sowing depths in 5 plastic rubber containers filled with sandy loamy soil, with a total of 75 seeds planted. Seed germination was observed daily and recorded for a period of 30 days after planting (DAP), germination percentage (%) calculated for each of the sowing depths. Germination percentage was highest (80.00%) at 3 and 6cm depths and lowest (13.33%) at 0cm depth. Evaluation of early seedling growth was based on height, collar diameter and leaf number, 4 weeks after planting (WAP) and continued bi-weekly thereafter up to 14 weeks after planting. Plumule emergence was earliest observed at 10DAP from 0cm depth and latest at the 12cm depth. Highest mean seedling height and collar diameter were observed at 3cm depth while the lowest mean seedling height was observed at 12cm depth at all growth stages 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14WAP. Highest mean leaf number was observed in 3 and 6cm depths at 6 and 8WAP and in 3cm depth at 10-14WAP while lowest mean leaf number was observed in 12cm depth at 6-14WAP. Mean seedling height did not vary significantly (p>0.05) among 3, 6 and 9cm depths at all stages of growth. Collar diameter did not vary significantly (p>0.05) among 3, 6 and 9cm depths at 12 and 14WAP. Results revealed that seedling growth generally decreased with increase in sowing depth. Keywords: Sowing, Germination, Annona squamosa INTRODUCTION Custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) is a delicious and important fruit crop which is cultivated in tropical and subtropical climate, the edible fruits of genus annonaceous fruit. There are an estimated 2,200 species of annonaceaein in the world. The high nutrition value of the fruit, its varying distinct flavours, aromas and its attractive shape and colour justifies these efforts. There are three species, Annona cherimoya, Annona muricata and Annona squamosa (Mahdeem, 1994). Custard apple is typically evergreen or semi-deciduous plant. Native for the new world tropics, the root system is confined to relatively shallow layers and therefore this does not require deep soils. However, it needs well drained soil. The tree withstands high amount of time found in calcareous soil and it is the most tolerant fruit tree. Annona squamosa L.is a native of the west Indians and South America and is now widely grown throughout the tropics at low and medium altitude. Sandy loamy soil is the best for custard apple, well- structured clay loams are also suitable although the main fender roots are relatively shallow. Uniform soil moisture throughout fruit set and fruit development ensures high yields and helps in preventing fruit that is to be grown. International Journal of Innovative Agriculture & Biology Research 9(3):14-23, July-Sept., 2021 © SEAHI PUBLICATIONS, 2021 www.seahipaj.org ISSN: 2354- 2934