Effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer on growth and yield of fluted pumpkin (telfaria occidentialis, Hook F.) In Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria

Abstract

Field trails were conducted during 2009 and 2010 farming seasons at University of Uyo Teaching and Research Farm, to asses the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of fluted pumpkin (Telfaria occidentalis). A randomized complete block design was used with three replicates. The treatments were inorganic fertilizer (N.P.K. 15:15:15) rates (0,200, 400 and 600kg/ha), poultry manure (2t/ha) and combination of 2t/ha of poultry manure with 200, 400 and 600kg/ha of inorganic fertilizer. In both years planting was done in March at 1m x 1m spacing. The following growth and yield parameters were obtained; average number of leaves per plant, leaf area, vine length, number of branches per vine, number of pod per plant and pod yield. The result showed significant difference (p≤ 0.05). Increase in fertilizer led to increase in growth and yield parameters. The application of 600kg/ha + 2t/ha of poultry manure performed best but in terms of economic and environmental consideration, application of 200kg/ha + 2t/ha of poultry manure was recommended, since the yield from 600kg/ha + 2t/ha was not significantly higher than yield from 200kg/ha + 2t/ha of poultry manure.

Key words: Fluted pumpkin, organic, inorganic