Growth and yield of cucumber as influenced by 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 ‘Marketmore’variety of cucumber. 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) showed greatest performances. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that farmers in the study area can apply 20 tha-1 of poultry manure to increase growth and yield of cucumber.