EFFECT OF POULTRY MANURE ON GROWTH AND LEAF CHLOROPHYLL PIGMENTS OF TELFAIRA OCCIDENTALIS H

EFFECT OF POULTRY MANURE ON GROWTH AND LEAF CHLOROPHYLL PIGMENTS OF Telfaira occidentalis H

CHAPTER ONE

• Introduction

Telfairia occidentalis is a tropical vine grown in West Africa as a leaf vegetable and for its edible seeds. Common names for the plant include fluted gourd, fluted pumpkin and “Ugu”. Telfairia occidentalis is a member of the curcurbitaceac family and is indigenous to Southern Nigerian (Akoroda, 1990). The fluted gourd grows in many nations of West Africa but is mainly cultivated in Nigeria, used primarily in soups and herbal medicines (Nwanna, 2008). Telfairial occidentalis is typically grown vertically on trestle-like structures; however, it can be allowed to spread flat on a field (Okoli and Mgbeogu, 1983). A beneficial outcome of growing the gourd flat is the suppression of weeds, especially when intercropped with a tall, upright plant such as maize. The growing period begins in April or May when seeds are planted (Emebiri et al., 1990). The first leaves and shoots can be harvested after a month and can be collected every 2 – 4 weeks thereafter (Okoli and Mgbeogu, 1983).  Seeds are  planted   directly in  the soil, typically in groups of three to increase output in a case of a failed germination (Akoroda, 1990). Fruit is typically harvested between October and December (Emebiri and Nwufo, 1990). The seeds are subsequently collected and dried; a portion of them are consumed, while the remainder are stored for the following planting season. Although dependent upon soil type, the fluted gourd is able to ration and subsequently produce many flushes of fruit over long periods (Aiyelaaybe and Kintomo,  2002). It is able to ratoon with the highest degree of success in well – drained soils (Akorode, 1990). It is propagated using the seeds. It seed is housed in another greated covering or hard shell which protects it from harm. It survives drought and can retain its life in the root even after many years. It is a creeping plant and grows well if staked with bamboo sticks. Harvesting begins about one month after emergence, and is continued at 2 – 4 week intervals when new shoots are formed depending on the cultivar, management practice, and environmental conditions. Harvesting is done by pruning with sharp knives just beneath the lowest acceptable leaf. Harvest interval has no effect on the life span of the crop, as this depends on level of irrigation. Commercial production in Nigeria is from November to July with 20 or more harvests. Fruits pods are harvested 9 weeks after fruit set (Adetunji, 1997). Generally, female plants give higher yield than males ones, their leaves are larger, and vines are stronger, also they keep growing when flowers appear, which is not the case of males. If planting is specifically for young shoots and leaves, early removal of young flower buds is advantageous (Akoroda et al., 1989). (Akoroda and Adejoro, 1990), (Akoroda, 1990b). Fresh shoot yield could be as low as 500 – 1,000 kg/ha, but with good management, it could be as high as 3 – 10 t/ha good irrigation,