Response of Watermelon to Five Different Rates of Poultry Manure in Asaba Area of Delta State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted in 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons in the Teaching and Research Farm of Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Nigeria to evaluate the growth and yield responses of cucumber to five different rates of poultry manure. The study was carried out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Rates of poultry manure in tons per hectare were 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20, while the parameters investigated were vine length, number of leaves per plant, fruit diameter (cm), fruit length (cm), and fruit weight of cucumber at harvest. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), and means separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results of the study showed that parameters assessed were significantly influenced by the application of poultry manure. At 4, 6 and 8 weeks after planting, plants that received highest rate of poultry manure (20 tha-1) were superior in the parameters tested with mean vine length of 116.2 cm, 144.5 cm, and 167.3 cm, respectively, mean number of leaves of 14.6, 46.3, and 56.4, respectively, mean fruit diameter of 16.7 cm, mean fruit length of 22.6 cm and mean fruit weight of 49.3 tha-1 in 2011 and 2012. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that farmers in the study area apply 20 tha-1 of poultry manure for increased growth and yield of cucumber.