Effect of seed positions within the pod on some growth indices of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook. F.)

Abstract

The research on the effect of seed positions within the pod on some growth indices of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.) was conducted at the Western Farm of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture during 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons. It was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times. The treatments comprised the seed positions of distal position, middle position and proximal position. Results of the research showed that fluted pumpkin stands with the longest vines of 4.72 and 5.89 cm; highest number of leaves of 48.77 and 44.29 as well as highest germination percentage of 35.25 and 35.00% in 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons were recorded by seeds located within the distal position of the pod. Similarly, days to 50% flowering of 75.50% and 76.00% in both cropping seasons revealed that seeds within the proximal position produced stands that gave early flowers over distal and middle positions which recorded late flowering. From the results therefore, seeds within the distal positions of fluted pumpkin pod gave stands with improved growth indices and are therefore recommended for the cultivation of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook. F.).