ABSTRACT

The study was conducted during the rainy season of year 2017 and 2018 in Umudike, Abia state to investigate the effect of population density and cutting frequency on Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.). Seven accessions were collected from different locations in Abia and Imo states for a population density study viz; 20,000 stands/ha, 26,000 stands/ha, 40,000 stands/ha and 80,000 stands/ha were used in the experiment, and six accessions were collected from different locations in Abia and Imo states for cutting frequency study, with three cutting frequencies; 7, 14 and 21 days. The experimental design for the plant densities and cutting frequencies were a split plot in randomized complete block design (RCBD) in three replications, with plant densities and cutting frequencies as the main plot while fluted pumpkin accessions were the subplot respectively. Growth and yield parameters such as marketable yield, leaf yield, number of leaves, number of branches, plant height, number of tendrils, stem girth were observed in both experiments, as well as the nutrient composition analyzed in the cutting frequency experiment. The nutrient content assessed were vitamins, proximate, mineral composition and also anti nutrients. Standard procedures were followed in the analyses. The result showed that significant difference (P≤ 0.05) exist between the treatment means for the different accessions, population densities and cutting frequencies, 20,000 stands/ha had higher effect on the number of leaves, stem girth, number of tendrils,  while 80,000 stands/ha had more effect on the marketable yield and leaf yield. The result also showed that 7 days cutting frequency interval performed better in terms of number of branches and moisture content, 14 days cutting frequency intervals performed better in stem girth and 21 days cutting frequency interval performed best in terms of number of leaves, leaf yield, marketable yield, plant height, all other proximate, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, except moisture content. This result indicates that 80,000 stand/ha can be used in Telfairia occidentalis production for maximum growth and yield while 21days cutting frequency is more appropriate for a better production of nutrient rich Telfairia occidentalis.