Fruit characterization and phyllotaxy of fluted pumpkin from Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study evaluated some fruit characteristics and phyllotaxy of Telfairia occidentalis with a view to determining which attributes relate to size and the usefulness of phyllotaxy in sex determination. Data obtained from fruits were correlated with fruit size parameters. Seeds were also germinated and the phyllotaxy of the seedlings recorded against their eventual sex. Fruit length was positively and significantly correlated with all fruit size parameters measured while circumference was positively and significantly correlated with only length and area. None of the fruit or seed parameters correlated with germination percentage. All fruit size characteristics except circumference showed a weak positive and significant correlation with Total Seed Number (TSN) per fruit. No phyllotaxy was associated with any sex and therefore, phyllotaxy cannot be used in identifying plant sex for this species. Fruit length with regard to shape is a very important attribute that relates to size of Telfairia occidentalis fruits.

Keywords: Telfairia occidentalis, Fruit size, Fruit shape, Attributes