Abstract

The experiment was conducted in an open field in front of the green house of the Faculty of Agriculture Kogi State University, Anyigba. The main objectives are to evaluate the effect of types of organic manure on the growth and yield of fluted pumpkin (Telfaria occidentalis). The experimental plots was measured at 14.5 m × 15 m. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with eight (8) treatments and three (3) replicates making a total of 24 plots and rates were Poultry Manure (20 t/ha), cow dung (20 t/ha), Goat droppings (20 t/ha) and Palm Bunch (20 t/ha), respectively The parameter measured were vine length (cm), Number of leaf, Number of branches, Stem girth (cm) and fresh weight of leaves (g). The results revealed that cow dung showed the best performance by producing the highest although the vegetative growth of fluted pumpkin (Telfaria occidentalis) longest vines with mean value of 94.00 cm, 153.00 cm and 156.50 cm. highest number of branches, with mean value of 20.50, 28.00 and 27.50, highest number of leaves with mean value of 86.00, 94.00 and 95.00, wildest stem girth with mean value of 1.03 cm 1.01 cm and 1.04 cm Cow dung exhibited the highest fresh weight of leaves with mean value of 96.15 g while Goat Manure and control plots displayed the least mean values. The results clearly demonstrate a significant variance between treatments with cow dung manure being the most productive among those investigated. Hence it is highly recommended for farmers in Anyigba.

Keywords: Vegetable, Organic, Nutrient, Sources and Soil