European Scientific Journal August 2015 edition vol.11, No.24 ISSN: 1857 – 7881 (Print) e - ISSN 1857- 7431 409 POTENTIALS OF WATER LETTUCE MULCH ON GERMINATION AND PRELIMINARY GROWTH OF Jatropha Curcas Offor, U. Stephen Wuradarn, M Department of Agricultural Science, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Port Harcourt Abstract The potentials of water lettuce mulch as an aquatic macrophytes in enhancing germination and preliminary growth of J. curcas was investigated at the teaching and research farm of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port- Harcourt. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with three treatments, replicated thrice. The treatments consist of 100g, 50g of water lettuce mulch and control. Data was obtained through direct observation and measurement computed through statistical means. Results from Data analysis shows that water lettuce mulch applied at the rate 100g and 50g gave significant increase in germination, plant height, number of leaves and root of J, curcas compared to control. Keywords: Aquatic macrophytes, soil improvement, Germination and Growth promotion INTRODUCTION: The act of mulching is used largely by small and large scale growers all over the world. It is a system of covering the ground with large and course, usually natural material such as Straw, leftover crop, compost manure, dry grass, leaves and other material likely to decompose. Organic mulches are preferably used by farmers because of their ability to improve soil structure and provide a more neutral environment for good root growth, maintain soil moisture, slow soil erosion and sequester carbon. It invariably can decrease water loss, protect crops in winter and prevent weeds. Water lettuce, an aquatic plant botanically known as pistia stratiates is a perennial herb, sometimes referred to as an ornamental water garden plant, native to tropical America (www.wildlifehawie.com.2010), belonging to the group of plants growing in River lakes swamps and seas etc, contributing greatly to the economic, Scientific and recreational importance