Abstract

Fruit yields of egusi melon (Citrullus lanatus Thumb.) can be enhanced by the application of inorganic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers. The effects of N and P fertilizers on the growth and fruit yields of ‛egusi’ melon (Citrullus lanatus Thumb) were determined during the 2011, 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Crop Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna. The treatments were N at 0, 40, 60 and 80kg /ha, and P at 0, 10, 20 and 30 kg/ha that were factorially combined and fitted into randomized complete block design with three replicates (RCBD). Data were collected on growth and fruit yield parameters. Results shows that vine length and number of lateral branches were significantly affected by N and P application. Male and female flower bud’s appearance and male and female flowers opening were significantly delayed by the application of high levels of N and P fertilizers. Fruits harvested from plants with high N and P were significantly longer compared to those from low N and P. Application of 80 kg N and 30 kg P/ha produced the highest fruit yields. The interaction effects of N and P were not significant.

Authors and Affiliations