Effects of Four Different Levels of Goat Manure on Growth and Yield of Christmas Melon (Laganaria breviflorus) in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

The present study was carried out at the Experimental Farm of Delta State University, Abraka in 2022 and repeated in the 2023 planting season to assess the effects of four different levels of goat manure on the growth and yield of Christmas melon (L. breviflorus) in Abraka area of Delta State, Nigeria. It was a randomized complete block experiment with three replicates. Rates of goat manure applied in tons per hectare were 0, 5, 10 and 15, while the parameters investigated were initial soil physicochemical properties, vine length, number of leaves/plant, number of branches/plant and weight of fruits of Christmas melon obtained after maturity. The study results showed that the parameters assessed were significantly influenced by the application of goat manure, except for the number of branches/plants. At 5, 10 and 15 weeks after planting, plants with a manure application rate of 15that^-1 were superior to other treatments. Based on the study's findings, it is recommended that farmers in the study area apply 15that^-1 of goat manure for increased growth and yield of Christmas melon.