Authors : Orhue Ehi Robert and Osaigbovo Agbonsalo Ulamen
Abstract: The influence of NaCl on the early growth of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F) and some soil chemical properties was studied in a green house and field experiment at the University of Benin, Teaching and Research Farm. The levels of NaCl used in the greenhouse were 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3 g/10 kg soil organized in completely randomize design while in the field trial, the 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 kg ha-1 equivalent to those of green house trial were tested in a randomized complete block design. Result revealed that the N, P, K, Mg and Ca content and their uptake by the plant and the ionic balance (K:Na, Ca:Na, Mg:Ca) decreased significantly with increasing NaCl applications. The Na and Cl content and their uptake by the plant increased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing Nacl concentrations. The result further showed that the N, P and pH components of the soil were not consistent with increasing NaCl treatments while the K, Na, Ca, Cl, Sodium Absorption Radio (SAR), exchangeable acidity, organic carbon and effective cation exchange capacity increased significantly with increasing NaCl levels. As the NaCl concentrations increased, the plant height, stem girth, number of leaves and shoot dry matter yield significantly (p<0.05) decreased.
Orhue Ehi Robert and Osaigbovo Agbonsalo Ulamen, 2011. Response of Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F) to Sodium Chloride (NaCl) Application. Agricultural Journal, 6: 288-293.