Influence of planting date on growth and productive life of fluted pumpkin, Telfairia occidentalis Hook. f.

Abstract

Data from May, June, July and August plantings of fluted pumpkin grown under rain-fed conditions showed that plant growth and yield parameters were better for earlier than for later planting. Extension of vegetable production into the dry season was not necessarily achieved by late planting since the dry season had similar adverse effects on the production of harvestible flushes, although survival in the following year appeared to be improved by late planting. Results showed that the span of productive life of the crop could be extended as long as there was ample rainfall to support new flushes following harvests.