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Effect of Manure On Melon
Effect of Manure On Melon
INTRODUCTION
It has been referred to in some texts as Citrullus vulgaris (Okoli, 2014) and
saharan African countries. It is grown for its seed, which is used in preparing
assorted foods, especially soup and stew. The seed is also roasted and eaten as
snacks. The seed is rich in oil and protein and contains good quantities of most of
the essential amino acids (Oyolu and Macfarlene, 2012; Oyenuga and Fetuga,
native of Africa where it has been in cultivation for many centuries (Cobley, 2017).
It is grown for the seed which is used in preparing various dishes. The egusi soup
is the most popular among these dishes. The seed is an excellent source of dietary
oil (53.1%), high in protein (33.8%), containing higher levels of most amino acids
In southeastern Nigeria, melon is usually grown mixed with other crops like yam,
cassava, maize, etc. in the typical mixed cropping system practiced by farmers in
West Africa (Barden, et al., 2019). In such crop combination, the egusi melon is
regarded as a minor crop receiving lesser attention of the farmer. In some cases, it
cost of inorganic fertilizers make them not only undesirable but also uneconomical
and beyond the reach of peasant farmers, who still dominate the Nigerian
agricultural sector. The addition of compost improves the structure, texture, and
tilth of the soil. A good soil should have an organic matter content of more than
waste disposal and reduces the quantity of water and fertilizer applied to crops
(Ojeniyi, 2010). Poultry manure is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, which can
promote a good growth of plants (Agboola and Omueti, 2012). Dileep (2015) has
earlier reported the use of organic materials such as rice hull, wood shavings, and
kola husks as soil amendment in maize. The use of organic manures has been
(Denton and Swarup, 2010). Many traditional farmers who cannot afford
The quantity of soil organic matter in the soil has been found to depend on the
quantity of the organic material which can be introduced into the soil either by
the form of organic manure. The use of poultry manure to improve crop production
cultivation of the land as demand for food production. The nutrient requirement of
crops depend upon soil texture, types of previous vegetation cover, soil moisture
and cropping intensity (Denton and Swarup, 2010). Poultry manure contains 3.6%
a significant increase in plant height and number of fruit per plant of chill on
especially with the present high cost of inorganic fertilizer. Literature available
showed that more studies are still required on the effect of different fertilizers on
“egusi” melon. This study will therefore examine the effect of compost manure on
resources due to increase in cultivation of crops to meet the ever growing food
demand. Increase in pressure on the soil from intensive tillage coupled with
losses by returning nutrients to the soil via crop residues, manures and mineral
fertilizers. Depletion in soil fertility results in low production of food which could
be a threat to the food security of the nation and a drawback to the attainment of
According to MoFA (2018) soils in Nigeria are inherently low in fertility and
require external inputs to improve their fertility. The use of mineral fertilizer is the
most effective and convenient way to improve soil fertility (MoFA, 2018).
which poses a great threat to sustainable soil management for increase in growth
2014).
To achieve sustained soil productivity and subsequent increase in crop growth and
yield calls for the exploitation of varied alternative sources of soil fertility
improvement and management strategies. Soil fertility replenishing strategies that
are conventionally employed are the application of nutrients in the form of either
Over decades since the practice of agriculture, many African farming systems have
been employing the application of crop residues as source of nutrients and soil
pesticides to help improve crop yields. These plant nutrients can be provided by
Farmers are now showing interest in organic farming because they are more aware
about the residual effect of chemical substances used in the crop field and their
fertilizer also causes hazard to public health. But the application of composite
manure, can increase the yield as well as keep the environment sound (MoFA,
2018).
Not much research has been conducted on the extent to which composite manure
affects the growth and yield of melon (Colocynthis citrullus L), hence the need for
this study.
1.3 Aim and Objectives
The main objective of the study was to assess the effect of composite manure on
Specific objectives
manure.
2. To assess the quality of melon (egusi) harvested from soils of the different
amendments.
manure?
2. What is the seed quality of melon (egusi) harvested from soils of different
treatments?
3. What are the effects of composite manure on the growth and yield of melon
(egusi)?
1.5 Significance of Study
manure on the growth, yield and quality of melon. Also the level at which organic
imbalance. This would equip them with the requisite knowledge to help increase
their production levels to meet the food demand of the nation hence ensuring food
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
Colocynthis citrullus (L.) is another type of melon seed which is commonly called
Egusi in West Africa. It is a member of the family Curcubitaceae and has 119
genera with about 925 species. It is one of the most important vegetable crops in
the tropical, subtropical and Mediterranean zones of the world (Schippers, 2010). It
is a native of Africa, which has perhaps been introduced to Asia, Iran and Ukraine
(Schippers, 2010). Its common names include Egusi in Yoruba, agushi in Hausa,
epingi or paragi in Nupe and eashi in Gwari. Melon seeds have been classified into
different types according to the thickness of the seed coat and the flatness of the
edges. They have also been divided into three groups based on oil extraction
characteristics (Oyolu, 2017a). The seeds usually are white or cream color and can
be of different sizes (Oyolu, 2017b). In Nigeria the seeds are boiled in salted water,
or the roasted seed are ground and added to meal. The vegetable oil extracted from
the seeds is expensive and nutritious; this oil is used for cooking and cosmetics
The residue from the oil extraction is made into balls that are fried to produce local
snack in Nigeria, or is used as cattle feed Schipper (2012). In many parts of Africa,
where farmers lack access to meat or dairy, the high oil and protein content can
make an excellent dietary supplement (Jacob, Etong and Tijjani, 2015). Egusi is a
very good alternative to baby food, it used to avert malnutrition. Mixing of the
powdered seeds with honey gives a milky substance that is used as substitute to
breast milk.
In West Africa, the name Egusi is applied to members of the gourd family having
seeds of high oil content. The Egusi Melons described here (Nigerian Ibara) are a
subspecies of the watermelon species. Both Egusi Ibara and the watermelon are of
C. colocynthis is a desert viney plant that grows in sandy, arid soils. It resembles
the watermelon, which is in the same genus. It is native to the Mediterranean Basin
and Asia, and is distributed among the west coast of northern Africa, eastward
through the Sahara, Egypt until India, and reaches also the north coast of the
Mediterranean and the Caspian Seas. It grows also in southern European countries
cultivated on a small scale; it has been an income source since the 14th century and
under extreme xeric conditions (Karanja, Mugendi and Khanis, 2013). In fact, it
14.8 to 27.8 °C. It grows from sea level up to 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) above sea
level on sandy loam, subdesert soils, and sandy sea coasts with a pH range between
2.3 Cultivation
Egusi Melon plants closely resemble watermelon plants; both have a non climbing
creeping habit and deeply cut lobed leaves. The pulp of the watermelon fruit,
however, is sweet and edible while the Egusi Melon has bitter and inedible fruit
pulp. Egusi Melon seeds are larger than watermelon seeds, and they are light
colored. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, 1.5-2 cm (0.5-0.75 in) deep, in holes 1 m (3 ft)
occurs in 4-7 days. Four weeks after planting, flowering occurs and vines form a
nearly complete ground cover, suppressing weed growth. Effective ground cover
using Egusi Melon for crop interplanting may be achieved with 20,000 Egusi
Melon plants per hectare. Weedings in primary crops like maize have been reduced
from 2-3 weedings, to one, when interplanted with Egusi Melon. Yields are best on
fertile humus rich loose soil. Egusi Melon tolerates dry to wet growing conditions
but fruits mature only in dry conditions 4-5 months after sowing (Ardabili,
means. However, seed germination is poor due to the extreme xeric conditions, so
vegetative propagation is more common and successful in nature. In the Indian arid
zone, growth takes place between January and October, but the most favorable
period for the vegetative growth is during summer, which coincides with the rainy
season. Growth declines as soon as the rains and the temperature decrease and
almost stops during the cold and dry months of December and January. Colocynth
prefers sandy soils and is a good example of good water management which may
be useful also on research to better understand how desert plants react to water
(intercropping) in Nigeria.
mosaic virus, melon mosaic virus, Fusarium wilt, etc. as any other crop. To
improve it, a relatively new protocol for regeneration has been developed with the
aim of incorporating disease and stress resistance to increase yield potential and
2017).
2.4 Properties of Egusi Seed Proteins
Egusi seed flours: Egusi seed flours had good quantities of sulfur, calcium,
potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese. The mineral content was
values of 13.24 (a = 7.2, b = 8.4) and 13.93 (a = 1.4, b = 8.1) were obtained from
the hull-free and 10% hull flours, respectively. Unsaturated fatty acids accounted
for most of egusi seed oil with oleic and linoleic acids representing 15.9 and
62.81%, respectively. The saturated fatty acids were essentially palmitic (10.43%)
and stearic (9.84%) acids. Higher carbon number fatty acids were not detected.
(Girgis and Said, 2018). The essential amino acid that compare favorably with
those of other oilseeds, especially sunflower and safflower meals (Sosulski and
Sarwar, 2013). Unlike most oilseeds, egusi seed contains higher amounts of
in 0.015 N NaOH (pH approximately at 10.5) readily ruptured the membrane and
released all of the proteins. More different types of proteins in the alkaline soluble
extracts are precipitated at pH 6.0 than 8.0. More water-soluble proteins are
precipitated at pH 4.5 than 5.5. These results paralleled those of cottonseed water-
and 10% hull-containing flours was 0.7 mL g-1. The level of hull present in the
flour had no influence on its water-holding capacity. The oil-holding capacity for
the hull-free flour was 2.6 mL g-1 and that of the low-hull flour was slightly higher
formed two types of emulsions with in the pH range 2.5-10.5. Thin (salad dressing
type) emulsions were formed at pH 2.5 and 5.0 (the latter was very thin). As the
emulsions were formed. At pH 5.0, which was around the isoelectric point of the
proteins, very thin emulsions were formed with just 80 mL of oil. Thick emulsions
formed at the point of high protein solubility (pH 10.5) and required 201 mL of oil.
The viscosity of the foam was highest at pH 5.0 (Akobundu et al., 2012).
flour formed very thin foams between pH 5.0 and 6.7. Foams at other pH levels
varied from thin at pH 2.5 to thick at 10.5. Foam volume increase was low between
pH 5.0 and 6.7 but increased as more protein became soluble in the acid and
alkaline pH ranges. Consequently, large amounts of foam were formed at pH’s 2.5,
8.0 and 10.5. Although foam increase in pH 5.0 was the lowest, its stability was
highest. In the alkaline pH region where more storage proteins were soluble, both
flour makes it a good vegetable protein ingredient. The fiber in the 10% hull flour
egusi flour supplemented traditional West African diets either alone or with other
plant proteins (Sanchez et al., 2012). Feeding studies were not performed in this
study but an investigation conducted elsewhere indicated that the biological indices
of protein quality for egusi were lower than values obtained for soybean (Oyenuga
and Fetuga, 2015). The first and second limiting amino acids in the flour are
lysine and threonine, respectively. This partly supports the results of Oyenuga and
Fetuga (2015) who noted that lysine and methionine were the first and second
Scrimshaw, 2018) and the possibility that histidine is equally essential for a normal
adult has also been suggested (Kopple and Swendseid, 2014). Thus the low content
of histidine in egusi seed should be considered in the use of this product in food
formulations, especially if the foods are intended for infants. Egusi seed flour
significantly to the diet. The potential for egusi seed flour as sources of calcium
and niacin is encouraging to the low milk-consuming regions of lower West Africa
where egusi cultivation thrives. These results further support the contention that
ingredients of egusi seeds have the potential of being used in a number of food
formulations.
Characteristics of crude oil: The freshly extracted oil was dark yellow in color
with a greenish tint and had a mild odor and flavor. No extremely bitter taste in the
oil was detected as was reported by Meena and Patni (2018) on the oil of Citrullus
seeds was found to be 24.86 and 26.1% on fresh and dry weight basis respectively.
This is comparable to other oil seeds such as sunflower and safflower and in some
what higher than that of cotton seeds and soybean (Desai, 2015). However, the
yield of oil obtained here was much less than that obtained by Jayaraman and
that ranged between 30.12-35.66% with a mean of 34.38%. The oil had a relatively
high iodine value thus reflecting a high degree of unsaturation, a fair acid value
consumed vegetable oils (Desai, 2015). TLC analysis of the crude oil showed that
the major constituents were mainly the triglycerides (Rf = 0.74), free fatty acids
(Rf = 0.37), phospholipids (Rf = 0.22) and sterols (Rf = 0.16) were also detected in
methyl esters in conjunction with GLC-MS showed that the degree of unsaturation
was over 75%. Linoleic acid was found to be the dominant fatty acid, 50.6%
followed by oleic 25%, palmitic, 13.5%, stearic 10.5% and myristic acid 0.4%
(Sawaya et al., 2013). The linoleic acid content was higher than that of cotton seed
and close to that of sunflower, soybean and corn (Anonymous, 2011). There fore
the Citrullus oil, like some other cucurbit seed oils might have a god potential use
as a cooking oil in spite of the fact that the degree of unsaturation as well as its
linoleic acid content are less than those of other known cucurbits seed oil such
unsaturation and 61-63% linoleic acid content (Bemis et al., 2015; Khoury et al.,
2012). The absence of linolenic acid from the Citrullus oil might contribute
Oxidative rancidity: Both the temperature and light had an adverse effect on the
stability of the oil in terms of the formation of oxidative rancidity as evident from
the higher peroxide values. Oil samples stored at a temperature of 32°C under both
dark and indoor light conditions showed high peroxide values (5.5 and 7.6 meg kg -
1
, respectively) than those stored at the lower temperature of 25°C (4.4 and 6.6 meg
kg-1), with the lowest values obtained for the oil samples stored at 7°C (1.0 meg kg-
1
). However, at the end of the 5 months period of storage, no increase in the
peroxide values was observed at 25°C for both samples stored in the dark and
under indoor light conditions. Since, most consumable vegetable oil are stored
containers, then the peroxide values obtained here for both groups, whether they
were stored under indoor light conditions or in the dark, are still below the
edible vegetable oils and hence can be relatively stable upon storage for at least
several months.
Diverse materials can serve as sources of plant nutrients. These can be natural,
biological. Supply of mineral and organic nutrient sources is present in soils, but
these often have to be supplemented with external applications for better plant
soils chemistry in the garden, noted that plants need water, carbon dioxide and a
range of trace minerals known as 'nutrients' to grow. They obtain these nutrients,
and most of their water, from the soil. The nutrients available in a given soil
ultimately depend on the rock from which the soil was made. If the plants grown
from this soil die and decay where they have grown then their nutrients are
Sainju et al. (2013) argued that melon (egusi) requires at least twelve nutrients,
also called “essential elements”, for normal growth and reproduction. According to
them without these nutrients, melon (egusi) cannot grow properly or bear fruits.
These are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium
(Mg), sulfur (S), boron (B), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn),
and molybdenum (Mo). They contended that because the soil cannot supply
(egusi), these nutrients are added as amendments in the form of manures and
fertilizers to the soil. Nutrients, such as Ca and Mg, are applied when liming is
done in acidic soils. Some soils contain abundant amount of Ca and Mg. Sulfur is
by the soil unless deficiency in plant occurs. In the greenhouse melon (egusi)
production where soil is not generally used for growing melon (egusi), the growth
medium, however, needs to be fortified with all of these nutrients (Sainju et al.,
2013).
2.6 Factors that affect growth, yield and shelf life of melon (egusi)
The growth, yield and shelf life and/or quality of melon (egusi) are affected by
physical, environmental and cultural factors. These include but not limited to soil,
water, nutrition, climatic factors. Adekiya and Ojeniyi (2012) observed that
among the factors that contribute to low melon (egusi) yield in Nigeria is low soil
Low soil fertility and physical limitations affect melon (egusi) production
supra optimal temperature and nutrient deficiency (Akanni and Ojeniyi, 2017).
Major causes of post-harvest losses are decay of fruits, external injury during
factors such as soil type, temperature, frost and rainy weather during harvest can
cause severe effect on storage life and quality of melon (egusi). Field management
practices also affect post-harvest quality. Melon (egusi) that has been stressed due
to more or less irrigation application can cause high rate of nitrogen and
mechanical injury in the form of scrapes, bruises and abrasion and is particularly
2.7 Effect of Organic Manure and Inorganic Manure on Growth, Yield and
Shelf Life
yield. Fertilization is one of the ways by which nutrient status of soils can be
improved to meet crop needs and in so doing maintaining the fertility of the soil
and increasing its productivity. Fertilization could have both negative and positive
impacts on the state of the soil and its ability to provide the sound environmental
conditions necessary that influence growth, yield and quality of vegetables. The
amount and type of nutrients supplied to melon (egusi) can influence not only its
yield but also its nutrient content, taste, and post-harvest storage quality (Sainju et
al., 2013).
Dupriez and De Leener (2019) in their publication on Africa Gardens and Orchards
reported that chemical fertilizers lower plant resistance to pest and disease attack
and also reduce the quality of taste and shelf life of vegetable crops. Split
nutrient supply to melon (egusi) for optimum growth and yield (Jones, 2019).
2.7.1 Growth
Frequently, the term growth is expressed as the amount of biomass in the plant or
Ammonium nitrate can cause toxicity in water melon and muskmelon and as a
John et al. (2014) indicated that extensive use of inorganic fertilizer had a
fruits, delayed and reduced fruit setting leading to delayed ripening. It also leads to
heavy vegetative growth due to its supply of nitrogen. They also reported that
growth and a dark green colour of the leaves. According to the findings of a study
conducted by Hector et al. (2013), they observed that low nitrogen restricts growth,
modifies the length-to-diameter ratio of fruit, reduces fruit set and colour
development.
2.7.2 Yield
partitioning and fruit dry matter content. According to Sainju et al. (2013) mineral
nutrition of melon (egusi) from application of fertilizers and manures has proven to
increase melon (egusi) yield and nutrient uptake by several folds compared with no
cucumbers on peat in Brunei reported that cucumber can be grown on almost any
soil but for good yields in the tropics, the crop requires a deep soil with higher
organic manure. Quansah et al. (2018) reported a significant increase in crop yields
when a combination of organic and mineral fertilizers was applied compared with
fertilized with organic (animal manure) and/or chemical fertilizers to produce high
Sendur et al. (2018) observed superior performance with respect to growth and
Shelf life is a period of time which starts from harvesting and extends up to the
start of rotting of fruits (Mondal, 2010). High quality melon (egusi) fruits have a
firm, uniform and shiny colour, good appearance, without signs of mechanical
injuries, shriveling and bruises (Shahnawaz et al., 2011). Magkos et al. (2016)
reported that consumers have much preference for foods produced with organic
substrates compared to foods conventionally produced by application of synthetic
fertilizers because they perceive organic foods as healthier and safer. Cucumber
al. (2013) found out that cucumber fields which received high NPK (15-15-15)
fruits to develop light green colour and thus reduced quality of fruits.
Tindall (2010) noted that it is an established fact that use of inorganic fertilizer for
crops is not so good for health because of residual effect but in the case of organic
fertilizer such problem does not arise and on the other hand it increases the
productivity of the soil as well as crop quality and yield. The reduction in melon
(egusi) fruit shelf life is influenced by the percentage fruit calcium by fertilizer
application at transplanting. Brady (2017) reported that high nutrient Nitrogen and
Munson (2015) found that with proper potassium nutrition the fruit is generally
higher in total soluble solids, carotenoids, sugars and acids and has a longer shelf
life. Tucker et al. (2014) stated that supply of potassium nutrition resulted in thin
skinned fruit promoting fruit spoilage, even though extra potassium is not always
correlated with thick skinned fruit with increased shelf life; there should be
The experiment was conducted in 2017 at the Research Farm Complex of Federal
College of Agriculture, Ishiagu. The area lies within latitude 05° 56´ N and
longitude 07° 41´ E in the Derived Savannah Zone of southeastern Nigeria. The
mean annual rainfall for the area is 1350 mm, spread from April to October with
average air temperature being 29°C. The underlying geological material is Shale
formation with sand intrusions locally classified as the ‘Asu River’ group. The soil
is hydromorphic and belongs to the order Ultisol. It has been classified as Typic
3.2 Methodology
design (RCBD) with four replications. Three rates of compost manure, 0, 5 and
10t/ha, were combined with five planting dates of April 2, 16, 30 and May 14 and
28, to give 15 treatment combinations. Each block was divided into 15 plots,
measuring 6m x 3m. Soil samples to the depth of 15cm were collected from the
plots before treatment application. These were bulked together and a sub-sample
taken to the laboratory for chemical and physical analysis. The treatments were
randomly assigned to the plots in each block. Seed was planted at 1.0 x 1.0 metre
3.2.2 Sowing
The Egusi melon seeds were sown during the 2021 planting season at a plant
Weed control was done twice manually. The first was done three weeks after
seedling emergence by hoeing. The second was done at the 5 th week after seedling
Plant growth and development records taken included; days to 50% seedling
emergence, days to 50% flowering, vine length at 30days after emergence (DAE),
number of branches 30DAE. The yield records included; number of fruits/ha, fruit
yield (t/ha), average fruit weight (kg), 1000–seed weight (g), seed to fruit ratio,
determine the differences in growth and for the various treatments. Least
Significant Difference (LSD) was carried out using SPSS Version 20 to determine
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