Effect of Weed Management and Cutting Frequency on the Leaf Yield and Proximate Composition of Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.).

摘要

Field and laboratory experiments were carried out from April to October 2011 at the Department of Crop Science Research Farm and Laboratory to evaluate the effect of cutting intervals and weed management options on the proximate compositions of flutedpumpkin. In the field, the experiment was laid out as a split plot with three cutting intervals as the main plot and six weed managements as the sub plot. The treatments arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Dataon yield attributes of the plant were collected. Air dried leaf samples were analyzed for proximate composition. The results showed that cutting frequency and weed management significantly (p < 0.05) affected the proximate composition of the leaves andyield of fluted pumpkin. The highest dry weight, fresh weight, length of vine cut, number of vine cut and leaf yield were obtained on plots mulched by polyethylene irrespective of the cutting intervals employed. Fluted pumpkin leaves harvested at eight weekly intervals in hoe weeded plots had significantly (p<0.05) higher ash content (20.34 %) compared to other weed management and cutting frequency options. Plots with no cutting but mulched with polyethylene produced leaves with significantly (p < 0.05)higher crude fat content (1.08 %) relative to other treatment combinations. Polyethylene mulched plots harvested at 4 weekly intervals produced higher moisture content (13.50 %) and significantly (p < 0.05) higher crude protein (42.12 %). Again the interaction of hoe weeded plots and 8 weekly cutting intervals produced higher carbohydrate content (36.19 %) compared to other treatment combinations. This findings will add to the repository of crop food value enhancement through cultural practices.