Effects of inorganic fertilizers rates on shoot yield, pod yield and nutritional quality of Telfairia occidentalis in Ogbomoso

Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis H.) is cultivated for its edible leaves and seeds, which are high in protein, fats, potassium and iron contents, contributing to a balanced diet of man. However, despite the importance of this crop in human diet, the production is limited by low soil fertility and paucity of information on fertilizer recommendation. Therefore, this study examined the effects of inorganic fertilizer rates on growth, shoot yield and nutritional quality of Telfairia occidentalis in Ogbomoso. The treatments consisted of three fertilizers applied at five rates each namely: N (0, 30, 45, 60 and 75 kgN/ha), P (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 kg P2O5/ha) and K (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 kg K2O/ha). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), replicated thrice. Data were collected on number of leaves, shoot yield, mineral and proximate contents. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and treatments means separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% probability level. The results showed that fertilizers significantly (P=0.05) influenced the growth parameters, shoot yield, mineral and proximate contents of Telfairia occidentalis. Plant treated with 60kg N/ha gave the highest number of leaves (118.00), while control gave the least value (85.00). It was observed that 60kg P2O5/ha recorded the highest number of leaves (83.00) while control gave the least values (76). The application of 45 kg K2O/ha gave the highest number of leaves (98.00), while control had the least (74.00). Plant fertilized with 45 kg N/ha, 60 kg P2O5 and 45 kg K2O/ha produced the highest shoot weight (683.00, 774.90, and 629.10 g/plant, respectively), while plant with no fertilizer application gave the least values. It was also observed that plant treated with 75 kg N, 60 kg P2O5, and 60 kg K2O/ha recorded the highest N (0.39, 0.42 and 0.40 mg/100g), Ca (0.41, 0.37 and 0.53 mg/100g), Mg (0.38, 0.42 and 0.48 mg/100g), CF (1.19, 1.44 and 1.35 mg/100g) and CP (3.79, 4.24 and 3.86 mg/100g) content respectively, while control gave the least values. In conclusion, the applied fertilizers enhanced the growth, shoot yield mineral, and proximate contents of Telfairia occidentalis. The optimum performance of Telfairia occidentalis was obtained at 45kg N, 60 kg P2O5 and 45 kg K2O/ha, therefore these rates are recommended for the optimum production of Telfairia occidentalis in Ogbomoso.