Effect of mulch on the yield, nutrient concentration and weed infestation of the fluted pumpkin, Telfairia occidentalis Hook.

Abstract

An experiment was conducted at Port Harcourt, Nigeria, to evaluate the effect of five locally available mulches on the leaf yield, N, P and K contents and weed infestation of the fluted pumpkin harvested at four-weekly intervals. The results indicate that the highest yield of leaves was obtained from the fresh grass mulch and the lowest from sawdust at 16 weeks after planting (WAP). The dry matter (DM) accumulation was greater in the leaf lamina than in the vines and petioles. Dry grass mulch gave a relatively better control of weeds than other mulches; the unmulched plots were the most weed-infested; no weed effects were significant. The need for mulching the fluted pumpkin in the dry season is suggested.