Evaluation of the vegetative yield performance of fluted pumpkin (<i>Telfairia occidentalis</i> Hook F.) treated with different fertilizer and cutting frequncy in Lafia, Nasarawa State

Abstract

The study was conducted during the rainy season of year 2017 in Lafia, Nasarawa state to investigate the effect of fertilizers and cutting frequency on Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.). Five (5) fertilizer types comprising of three (3) inorganic (NPK, Urea and SSP) and Two (2) organic (Poultry droppings and Cow dung), with three cutting frequencies of 1,2 and 3 weeks intervals were used. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Growth and yield parameters such as number of leaves, number of branches, vine length, leaf area, total fresh weight and total dry weight were observed. The result showed that significant difference (P≤ 0.05) exist between the treatment means for the different fertilizer types and cutting frequency, poultry dropping exerted higher effect on the number of leaves, vine length, leaf area, total fresh weight and total dry weight while NPK exerted more effect on the number of branches. The result also showed that 1-week interval cutting frequency performed better in terms of number of leaves, number of branches, leaf area and vine length. This result indicates that poultry droppings and NPK can be used as fertilizer for maximum growth and yield of Fluted Pumpkin while 1 week cutting frequency is more appropriate for a better production of fluted pumpkin.

Keywords: Yield, fertilizer, growth, cutting frequency