Effects of different levels of decomposed poultry manure on yield of muskmelon at Anse Boileau, Seychelles

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted from May to July, 2005 and 2006 at the Vegetable Evaluation and Research Station, Anse Boileau, Mahe, Seychelles to assess the effects of different levels of decomposed poultry manure to determine the optimal rate that would maximize muskmelon yield under Seychelles conditions. The experiment consisted of five treatments; an untreated control and four levels of decomposed poultry manure (DPM) at 10, 20, 30 and 40 t/ha. It was replicated four times in a randomized complete block design. Results of the study showed that all DPM treatments significantly improved number of fruits, fruit length, fruit weight and yield but only with 30 t/ha DPM was yield significantly improved by 39.4% compared to the 0 t/ha DPM treatment. The application of 30 t/ha DPM was therefore preferred.