EFFECTS OF STAKING AND PALM BUNCH ASH ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF TELFAIRIA OCCIDENTALIS IN OBIO AKPA, AKWA IBOM STATE
Abstract
Field study was carried out at Teaching and Research Farm of Ak\va Ibom State University, Ohio Akpa Campus to evaluate the effects of staking length and palm bunch ash rates on growth and yield of fluted pumpkin. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design, replicated three times in a 3x4 factorial arrangement. Factor A treatments were staking length (2m staking height, 4m slaking height and no staking) while factor B treatment was organic fertilizer (empty oil palm bunch) rates (0, 2, 4, and 6t/ha). Data were collected and analyzed, Significant means were compared using least significant difference at 5% probability level. Staking with 4m height produced significant pod yield (20.44t/ha) while 2m staking height produced 19.83t/ha) while no staking produced (10.15t/ha) pod yield. Also, staking of 4m height produced significant foliage yield 12.0 It/ha, followed by 10.6It/ha recorded in 2m height staking. No staking produced 6.33t/ha of foliage yield. Comparing the effect of the fertilizer rates on fluted pumpkin yield, 6t/ha treatment produced significant foliage yield of 17.14t/ha with pod yield of 20.9 It/ha. The 4t/ha organic fertilizer produced (18.42t/ha) foliage and (22.40t/ha) pod yield. The least foliage yield (5.03//ha) and pod yield, (10.85t/ha) was recorded in control. The application of oil palm bunch ash at the rate of 4t/ha and 4m height slaking is recommended to farmers in Oibo Akpa and its environment for a more profitable production of fluted pumpkin.
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