Effect of Slash and Bush Burning Cultivation Strategies on Fluted Pumpkin Production in Uyo Local Government

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the effect of slash and bush burning cultivation strategies on fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.) production in Uyo Local Government Area. Six specific purposes, six research questions and six hypotheses guided this study. The study adopted experimental research design with true experimental layout of Complete Block Design (CBD). The study was carried out in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The population of this study consisted of 128 fluted pumpkin seeds of Telfairia occidentalis Hook F. A sample size of 104 fluted pumpkin plant stands were selected for the study using purposive sampling technique. To facilitate the assessment of vine length measuring tape was used for measurement, and the number of leaves was carried out by counting while leaves weight was measured using Electronic Compact Scale. The experimental plot was selected, cleared, marked using measuring tape, garden line, peg and ranging pole, in preparation of planting materials (Fluted pumpkin seeds). Application of Treatment (Decomposed Slash and bush burnt materials as applicable), weeding and pest and disease control using neem leaves extract. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation for research questions, and independent t-test statistics for null hypotheses.  Findings of the study showed that slash cultivation strategy has significant effect on prominent growth parameters of fluted pumpkin particularly; the vine length, number of leaves and leaves weight when compared with bush burning cultivation strategy. Also, there was a significant effect in terms of the vine length, number of leaves and leaves weight when compared with bush burning cultivation strategy. On the basis of the findings, it was recommended among others that vegetable farmers should adopt slash cultivation strategy to obtain improved growth of fluted pumpkin in terms of number of leaves.