EVALUATION OF THE GROWTH AND YIELD PERFORMANCE OF DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF WATER MELON (CITRULLUS LANATUS L.) SUBJECTED TO ORGANIC MANURE AND LEVEL OF DROUGHT

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EVALUATION OF THE GROWTH AND YIELD PERFORMANCE OF DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF WATER MELON (CITRULLUS LANATUS L.) SUBJECTED TO ORGANIC MANURE AND LEVEL OF DROUGHT

Abstract:

This study evaluates the growth and yield performance of different varieties of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) under the influence of organic manure and varying levels of drought stress. Watermelon is a vital crop known for its economic significance and nutritional value. However, its productivity is often compromised by environmental stressors such as drought. In this research, conducted over the growing seasons, various watermelon varieties were subjected to different levels of organic manure application and controlled drought conditions in a randomized complete block design. The growth parameters including plant height, leaf area, and biomass accumulation were measured periodically, while fruit yield and quality attributes such as fruit weight, size, and sugar content were evaluated at harvest. Additionally, physiological traits like stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rate were assessed to understand the plants’ response to drought stress. The results revealed significant variations in growth and yield attributes among the watermelon varieties under different treatments. Organic manure application positively influenced plant growth and yield, enhancing drought tolerance in certain varieties. However, varying responses were observed among the varieties, indicating genotype-specific adaptation to environmental stress. Drought stress adversely affected growth and yield parameters, leading to reduced fruit size and yield. Nonetheless, certain varieties exhibited resilience to drought conditions, displaying higher water use efficiency and stress tolerance mechanisms. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the agronomic management practices and varietal selection strategies for improving watermelon productivity under changing environmental conditions, thereby contributing to sustainable agriculture and food security.

Chapter One: Introduction

1.1 Background

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) is a globally consumed and economically significant crop known for its succulent and refreshing fruits. As a vital source of essential nutrients, watermelon contributes significantly to human nutrition. However, its productivity is often hindered by various environmental stressors, with drought being a prominent factor. Drought stress poses a substantial threat to agricultural productivity, impacting crop growth, development, and yield.

The importance of watermelon in meeting dietary needs, coupled with the increasing challenges posed by climate change, underscores the necessity for research aimed at enhancing its resilience to environmental stressors. Organic farming practices, particularly the application of organic manure, have gained recognition for their potential in improving soil health, nutrient availability, and crop tolerance to stress conditions. Understanding the interplay between watermelon varieties, organic manure, and drought stress is crucial for developing sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.

Water melon (Citrullus lanatus) is a fruit vegetable which belong to the family Curcubitacea (Wikipedia, 2013). It is widely cultivated mainly in the warmer region of the continent which is referred to as a warm season fruit vegetable (Wikipedia, 2013). It is cultivated largely for its fruits pulp which serves as a desert or be used in salad. It is also an important crop that are rich in water which help in preventing dehydration during drought period and also aid digestion of food (Sabo et al., 2013). It is highly nutritious and contains thiamine water soluble B vitamin that helps the body cells converts carbohydrate into energy. It is also essentials for the functioning of the heart muscles and nervous system. (Wikipedia, 2013)

The major constraints to water melon production in this agro ecological zone include poor soil condition and insect pest infestation. Water melon like any other member of curcubitacea is associated with many insects pest and damage of melon by pests could be up to 75% to 95% total yield loss when the associated pest were not controlled (Shipper, 2000).The use of fertilizers on the other hand help to maintain adequate yield and also add one or more plant nutrient into the soil. Application of organic manure in sufficient quantities ensures the release of nutrients rather slowly and steadily over a long period and also improves the soil fertility status by activating the soil microbial biomass (Ayuso et al., 1996; Belay et al 2001). But the use of organic manure is limited by the huge quantities required to satisfy the nutritional needs of crops and such huge quantities are obviously not obtainable and even if they were, transportation and handling costs would still constitute a major constraint. It is therefore obvious that the use of inorganic fertilizers will help to solve the problem of organic manure .But these are not usually available and always rather expensive. In other to address the bulkiness of organic materials and high cost of inorganic fertilizers a complimentary use of organic and in organic fertilizers has been recommended for sustenance of long term cropping in the tropics (Palm et al., 1997; Ipinmoriti 2002). The combination rates of both fertilizers as well as optimal rate of application in water melon production however are still not highly investigated. Hence this study was conducted to assess the effects of different fertilizer combinations on the growth and yield of water

melon in southern guinea savanna of Nigeria

1.2Statement of the problem

Despite the significance of watermelon cultivation, there is a noticeable gap in the literature concerning the specific responses of different watermelon varieties to the combined effects of organic manure application and drought stress. This study seeks to address this gap by systematically evaluating the growth and yield performance of various watermelon varieties under controlled conditions of organic manure application and drought stress. The findings of this research will contribute valuable insights into optimizing cultivation practices and selecting resilient varieties, thereby promoting sustainable watermelon production.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The primary objectives of this research are:

To assess the growth parameters of different watermelon varieties subjected to varying levels of organic manure application.

To evaluate the yield performance, including fruit size and quality attributes, of selected watermelon varieties under drought stress conditions.

To investigate the interactive effects of organic manure and drought stress on physiological traits, such as stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rate, in different watermelon varieties.

1.4 Research Questions

How do different watermelon varieties respond to varying levels of organic manure application concerning growth parameters?

What is the impact of drought stress on the yield performance and quality attributes of selected watermelon varieties?

How do organic manure and drought stress interact to influence physiological traits in different watermelon varieties?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study holds significant implications for both academia and agriculture. The outcomes will contribute to the existing knowledge on watermelon cultivation, providing farmers, researchers, and policymakers with insights into optimizing organic farming practices and selecting drought-resistant watermelon varieties. Additionally, the findings will contribute to sustainable agricultural practices, aiding in the development of strategies to mitigate the impacts of environmental stressors on crop productivity.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on evaluating the growth and yield performance of different varieties of watermelon subjected to organic manure application and controlled drought stress. The research will be conducted under controlled conditions to isolate the specific effects of organic manure and drought stress on the selected watermelon varieties.

1.7 Organization of the Thesis

This thesis is structured into five chapters. Chapter One provides an introduction to the study, including the background, rationale, objectives, research questions, significance, and scope. Chapter Two reviews relevant literature on watermelon cultivation, organic farming, drought stress, and the interactions between these factors. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology, including experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis. Chapter Four presents the results of the study, and Chapter Five concludes the thesis with a discussion of the findings, implications, and recommendations for future research.

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