Effect of time of planting and poultry manure application on growth and yield of Egusi melong (colocynthis citrullus L.) in a derived savannah agro-ecology

Abstract

A study was carried out to identify the effects of time of planting and poultry manure application on the growth and yield of Egusi melon. Five planting dates were chosen in 1995, viz April 2, 16 and 30 and May 14 and 28 in factorial combination with three poultry manure rates of 0, 5 and 10t/ha. In 1996, the planting dates of March 5 and 19, and April 2 were evaluated. The 1995 experiment was laid out in a 5x 3 factorial experiment in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) to test the two factors together while the 1996 experiment was laid out in RCBD. Nsukka local Egusi cultivar was used in both years. The result showed that early planting by April 2 depressed early plant development. However the fruit and seed yields were increased as planting was done early in the season. Seed yield/ha decreased by 350% and 1117% as planting was delayed from April 2 to April 16 and to April 30, respectively. No seed yield was obtained in May 14 and 28 plantings. In 1996, seed yield increased by 2.4% and decreased by 23.2% as planting was delayed from March 5 to March 19 and to April 2, respectively. Poultry manure application enhanced growth and development of egusi melon. Seed yield/ha increased by 58.7% and 62% as poultry manure was increased from 0 t/ha to 5t/ha and to 10t/ha, respectively. Response to poultry manure application was higher at the late planting dates.



Agro-Science Vol. 6 (2) 2007: pp. 33-38