Effects of Planting Distance and Seed Rate on the Growth and Yield of Egusi Melon (Citrullus colocynthis)

Abstract

Background: Egusi melon production is declining, even though the crop plays a significant role in the well-being of farmers. Few farmers that grow the crop do not allow adequate spacing and seed rate which compels the crop to produce flourishing vegetative parts without producing many fruits. The study was therefore, aimed at determining the effect of planting distance and seed rate on the growth and yield of egusi melon. Methods: A split-plot design which was replicated thrice was adopted to carry out the study during 2018 and 2019 planting seasons. Twenty-four plots were made and were randomly assigned to eight treatment groups with each replicating thrice. The egusi melon seeds were sown in four different seed rates of one seed/hole, two seeds/hole, three seeds/hole and four seeds/hole and four different spacing of 30cm × 50cm, 45cm × 70cm, 60cm × 60cm and 60cm × 90cm respectively. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the data collected and was tested at 0.05 level of probability. Result: The number of leaves/plant, branches/plant, flowers/plant, fruits/plant and fruit weight (g) were significantly higher in egusi melon planted at 60cm × 90cm. Furthermore, the parameters measured were significantly higher in egusi melon planted at 1 seed/hole.

Effect of Row Spacing and Seed Rate on Ascochyta Blight Severity and Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Tunisia

“…Beech and Leach, (1989) showed that the number of plants per unit area influences plant size, yield components and eventually the seed yield in chickpea. Furthermore, plant spacing in the field is also very important Effect of Row Spacing and Seed Rate on Ascochyta Blight Severity and Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Tunisia to facilitate aeration and light penetration into plant canopy for optimizing rate of photosynthesis as confirmed by Ugwuoke et al, (2021). Optimum spacing can ensure proper growth of the aerial and underground parts of the plant through efficient utilization of solar radiation, nutrients, water, land as well as air spaces and thereforecontribute to the increase of chickpea yield as confirmed by Malik and Singh, (1996).…”

Effect of Some Agronomic Practices on Ascochyta Blight Severity and Yield of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) in Tunisia

“…The development of integrated disease management options (application of fungicides, crop rotation, use of resistant varieties, sowing date, row spacing and seeding rate) considerably reduces Ascochyta blight infection and are crucial for it's successful control (Ahmed et al, 2016). Furthermore, plant spacing in the field facilitate aeration and light penetration into plant canopy and optimize rate of photosynthesis as confirmed by Ugwuoke et al (2021). Optimum spacing can ensure proper growth of the aerial and underground parts of the plant through efficient utilization of solar radiation, nutrients, water, land as well as air spaces and therefore contribute to the increased yield as confirmed by Malik and Singh, (1996).…”

Selection of Lentil (Lens culunaris L.) Lines Grown at Different Sowing Dates for Their Precocity and Their Agronomic Performance under Semi-arid Climate of Tunisia

“…In addition to varietal selection, research should be directed more towards the development of appropriate cultivation techniques for increasing lentil Selection of Lentil (Lens culunaris L.) Lines Grown at Different Sowing Dates for Their Precocity and Their Agronomic... yields, especially the date and density of sowing. Results of Sen et al (2016) and Ugwuoke et al (2021) showed that cultural practices in particular the sowing date and dose and planting distance and seed rate are among the parameters that affect the growth and yield of plants. Matthews and Caffery (2011), show that an optimum sowing date can maximize yield potential and minimize disease levels.…”