Authors : S.O. Omotoso , O. JAyodele and C.O. Akinrinsola
Abstract: This study evaluated the effect of potassium fertilizer on the yield and nutrient composition of egusi (melon: citrullus lanatus) in southwestern Nigeria. Two soil medium classified as Iwo series (Oxic Paleustalf and Egbeda series (Oxic Paleustalf were used. The fertilizer materials were applied at 0,20,40,60 kgK.ha-1, as muriate of potash (MOP, 60% K2O) and were replicated four times in a randomized complete block design. Egusi (melon: Citrullus lanatus) fruit and seed yield increased significantly with rates of potassium (K) applied. Low soil exchangeable K could explain the significant responses in two years whereas the increase was slight in 2003 when the site contained higher exchangeable K and organic matter. The 20 kgK.ha-1 rate is optimum for egusi seed yield, in relation to the significant increase in fruit yield components: fruit number plant-1 and average fruit size (weight). Leaf N, P, K and S; seed P, K, S, oil and protein content increased significantly while leaf Ca decreased and seed Ca was not affected. The increases in seed and oil yield were substantial to justify the inclusion of 20 kgK. ha-1 in the fertilizer recommendation for sole Egusi production systems.
S.O. Omotoso , O. JAyodele and C.O. Akinrinsola , 2006. Effects of Potassium Fertilizer on Yield Components and Nutrient Composition of Egusi (Citrullus lanatus). Agricultural Journal, 1: 303-306.