International Archives of Multidisciplinary Study (IAMS), Website: https://cintarch.com/iams-home/
September to October 2019 Vol 1(1): pp.1-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33515/iams/2019.022/21
Copyright © 2019 C-International Archives
Original Article
Effect of spacing on growth and yield of fluted pumpkin, Telfaria occidentalis (Hook f.) in Okigwe, Nigeria
Onyekachi A. Uwalaka*, Chukwudi E. Uwanaka, Hyginus N. Ibekwe, Blessing C. Usifo
National Horticultural Research Institute, P.M.B. 1076, Okigwe, Imo State, Nigeria
*Corresponding Author’s Email: uwalaka.onyekashi@nihort.gov.ng
Published November 23, 2019
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted during the cropping season of 2017 to determine the most suitable plant spacing for optimum growth and yield of fluted pumpkin, T. occidentalis in Okigwe, Nigeria. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The experimental treatments consisted of 40 cm × 40 cm (T1), 50 cm × 50 cm (T2), 60 cm × 60 cm (T3), and the standard spacing of 100 cm × 100 cm (T4) which served as control treatment. Data were collected on some growth and yield parameters at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after planting (WAP). Analysis of variance was conducted on the data collected and significant means were separated using Fischer’s Least Significant Difference (F-LSD) at 5 % significance level. The results revealed that plant spacing had no significant effect (P>0.05) on number of leaves, branches and vine length. Leaf area and the number of nodes per plant were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by plant spacing. Standard spacing of 100 cm × 100 cm (T4) and spacing of 60 cm × 60 cm (T3) ranked first and second with 10.86 and 9.70 nodes per plant, and 33.40 cm2 and 33.03 cm2 for leaf area respectively. Fresh and dry matter yields performed in the order T4>T3>T2>T1.
