Citrulus Lanatus Research Articles

Nutritional value of Hydrothermally processed <i>Citrullus lanatus</i> seeds in the Diet of <i>Clarias gariepinus</i>

This study was designed to investigate the nutritive value of hydrothermally processed watermelon seed ( Citrulus lanatus ) meals in the diet of Clarias gariepinus . Five diets of 35% crude protein containing watermelon hydrothermally processed for 0,10,20,30 and 40 minutes were formulated and fed to the experimental fish at 5% of their body weight for 56 days. The results obtained revealed that growth increased as the time of processing prolonged, it is concluded that hydrothermal processing of Citrulus lanatus for up to 40 minutes improve digestibility of the feed in the diet of Clarias gariepinus .

Evaluation of chemical compositions of Citrulus lanatus seed and Cocos nucifera stem bark

The seed of Citrulus lanatus and Cocos nucifera stem bark were analyzed for their phytochemical, proximate, nutrient and anti-nutrient compositions. The results obtained from the analysis of both plants were compared. The result reveals that both plants contain substantial amount of saponnins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids and phenol. The concentration of alkaloids and steroids present in the C. lanatus seed were significantly (p<0.0.05) higher compared with the level observed in C. nucifera stem bark. There was generally low percentage proximate fractions of C. lanatus seeds in terms ash and fibre and low percentage fractions of protein, ash, fats and fibre were observed in the C. nucifera stem bark. Protein and fats composition of C. lanatus seed were observed to be significantly (P<0.05) higher compared with the compositions present in C. nucifera stem bark Iron was the most abundant micro element present ranging from 4.089 μg/g in C. lanatus seed to 3.66 μg/g in C. nucifera stem bark. This was followed by zinc; the values of magnesium were very traced in both plants. Results of analysis of C. lanatus seed and C. nucifera stem bark showed that the plants are rich in some vitamins such as vitamin A, E and C which were observed to be abundant while low concentration of vitamin B1, B2 and B3 were observed in both plants. The anti-nutrient analysis of C. lanatus seed and C. nucifera stem bark revealed low level of phytate, oxalate, hemaglutinin and trypsin inhibitor ranging from 0.677 mg/100g to 2.370 mg/100g, 0.082 mg/100 g to 0.97 mg/100 g, 0.549 % to 0.690% and 0.456 mg/100 g to 0.550 mg/100 g respectively. This study has shown that C. lanatus seed and C. nucifera stem bark are good source of phytochemicals that are biologically important, thus they can be potential sources of useful drugs in the management of some ailments.

Growth and yield response of “Egusi” melon (Citrulus lanatus L.) to different nutrient sources in ultisol of south-eastern Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted during 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons at the teaching and research farm of the Agricultural Department, Nwafor Orizu College of Education Nsugbe, to evaluate the effect of different nutrient sources on the growth and yield of “Egusi Melon ( Citrullus lanatus L ) in ultisol of Anambra, South-east agro ecological Zone of Nigeria. The study involved the use of Organic and inorganic fertilizers applied at different rates viz; Poultry manure at 4t ha-1, Cow dung at 4t ha-1, NPK 15-15-15 at 200kg ha-1, poultry manure (2t ha-1) combined with NPK (100kg ha -1) and Cow dung (2t ha-1) combined with NPK (100kg ha-1) and was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The statistical analysis indicated significant differences in the vine length, leaf area index, days to flowering, fruit number and fruit weight at 5% level of probability. Results showed that among the different nutrient sources applied, “Egusi” Melon responded best to the application of poultry manure (2t ha-1) in combination with N.P.K 15-15-15 fertilizer (100kg ha-1) This study has demonstrated that poultry manure in combination with NPK fertilizer is the most suitable for “Egusi” melon in Anambra, South east Nigeria. Keywords : “Egusi” melon, Poultry manure, Cow dung, NPK 15 -15-15, Growth, yield, ultisol.

Minimizing the hyperhydricity associated with in vitro growth and development of watermelon by modifying the culture conditions

Hyperhydricity or glassiness is considered as a frequent problem associated with the in vitro growth and development of watermelon ( Citrulus lanatus , cv. Giza 1). Explants were cultured on MS (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) medium containing 6-bensyladenine (BA), kinetin (Kin) or thidiazuron (N-phenyl N 1,2,4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid) (TDZ) each applied at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg L -1 ). The highest number of regenerating shoots per explants MS medium containing 0.5 mg/l TDZ proved to be the most efficient in the induction of adventitious organogenesis, while BA applied at 2 mg L -1 was the most efficient in axillary shoot proliferation. Increase in BA concentration (above 2 mg L -1 ) gave multiple shoots and led to more pronounced hyperhydricity, while the use of 1 mg L -1 facilitated single-shoot growth with relatively lower incidence of hyperhydricity. Substitution of agar (10 g L -1 ) with gelrite (4 g L -1 ) in the medium as well as improving vessel aeration reduced occurrence of hyperhydricity. Provision for aeration was relatively superior to other approaches, but it led to faster dehydration of medium and limited growth of cultures. Rooted shoots produced on half strength MS medium with aeration, and 0.5 mg L -1 indole 3-butyric acid (IBA) were transferred to pots and acclimatized in green-house with a survival rate of 80%. Keywords: Aeration, gelling agents, hyperhydricity, in vitro , rooting, plant growth regulators, ventilation, watermelon

Comparative evaluation of modified neem leaf, neem leaf and woodash extracts on soil fertility improvement, growth and yields of maize (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Zea mays&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) and watermelon (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Citrullus lanatus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) (Sole and Intercrop)

Two field experiments were carried out at Akure (7oN, 5o101E) in the rainforest zone of Nigeria in 2006 and 2007 to determine the effectiveness of neem leaf, woodash and modified neem leaf extracts as fertilizer sources in improving soil fertility, growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L) and watermelon (Citrulus lanatus) sole and intercrop. There were six treatments namely, poultry manure, neem leaf extract (sole), woodash extract, modified neem leaf (neem leaf + woodash), NPK 15-15-15 and a control (no fertilizer nor extract), replicated three times and arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCB). The extracts (neem leaf, wood ash and modified neem leaf) were applied at 1200 litres per hectare each, NPK 15-15-15 at 300 kg/ha and poultry was applied at 6t/ha. The results showed that there were significant increases (P 2O), K, Ca, Mg, Na, O.M, P and N compared to NPK 15-15-15 and neem leaf extract. For instance, modified neem leaf extract increased soil pH (H2O), K, Ca, Mg, Na, O.M, P and N by 12.4%, 32.8%, 25%, 23.7%, 19.32%, 17.24% and 20% respectively compared to neem leaf extract under intercrop plot. The high soil K/Ca, K/Mg and P/Mg ratios in the NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer treatment led to an imbalance in the supply of P, K, Ca and Mg nutrients to maize and watermelon crops. The least values for growth, yield and soil parameters were recorded under the control treatment. In these experiments, modified neem leaf extract (woodash + neem leaf extracts) applied at 1200 litres/ha was the most effective in improving soil fertility, growth and yield of maize and watermelon (sole and intercrop) and could substitute for 6 tons per hectare of poultry manure and 300kg/ha of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer.

Supplemental irrigation effects on yield of two watermelon (Citrulus lanatus) cultivars under semi-arid climate in Kenya

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of the supplemental irrigation using drip, sprinkler and furrow methods on two watermelon cultivars (Charleston grey, and Sugar baby) by studying their growth, yield and quality (Brix index) and economic feasibility under semi-arid climate in Kenya. Cultivars irrigated with drip produced significantly more fruits than those under either sprinkler or furrow. The highest total economic yield of 4.05 Mg/ha in the short rain season (SRS) and 4.95 mg/ha in the long rain season (LRS) was obtained in ‘Charleston grey’ irrigated by drip. The average fruit weight was 6.07 kg in the SRS and 7.42 kg in the LRS. The highest net benefit was US$ 493.3/ha in the SRS and 706.1/ha in the LRS. A 2 or 4-week starter irrigation, drip supplemental irrigation boosted ‘Charleston grey’ yields by 1.78-fold, if water stress occurred during the late vegetative growth. Supplemental irrigation during late vegetative growth decreased the total soluble solids in fruits. Total soluble solids concentration was 5.93°Brix in the SRS and 8.16°Brix in the LRS. The furrow irrigation supplied the most water to the crop resulting in the lowest total soluble solids of watermelons. Key words: Drought management, irrigation methods, watermelon cultivar.

Vegetables Mentioned in the Holy Qura’n and Ahadith and Their Ethnomedicinal Studies in Dera Ismail Khan, N.W.F.P., Pakistan

3 Abstract: The present research work is based on nine herbaceous plant species: Agaricus campestris L., Allium cepa L., Allium sativum L., Beta vulgaris L. Citrulus lanatus (Thunb.) Mats. & Nakai, Cucumis sativus L., Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standley, Trigonella foenum-graecum L. and Zingiber officinale Roscoe. mentioned in Holy Quran and Ahadith. These plants were collected from Dera Ismail Khan District, NWFP, Pakistan, during 2007. This is a part of check list of medicinal flora and their uses enlisted in Holy Quran, Ahadith and Islamic literature. The main aim of this study is to document the knowledge of ethnobotanical importance of vegetables in the light of Islam. In view of the importance of this study related comprehensive and detailed data was collected. Complete macro and microscopic detailed morphological features of these species were discussed. Results were systematically arranged by alphabetic order of botanical names, family followed by Quranic name, Arabic name, English name, Local/vernicular name, habit and habitat, parts used, medicinal uses and references cited from Holy Quran and Ahadith. It is concluded that herbal medicines are being widely used in the world because of better cultural acceptability, least injurious with none or much reduced side effects.

A survey for plant diseases caused by viruses and virus-like pathogens in the Solomon Islands

Surveys for virus and virus-like plant diseases were conducted on the islands of Guadalcanal, Malaita, Ndende and Temon Neo in the Solomon Islands. New plant virus records for the country were those of Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) in Citrulus lanatus (watermelon), Cucurbita maxima (pumpkin), Cucumis melo (rockmelon) and Cucumis sativas (cucumber); Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) in Brassica chinensis (Chinese cabbage); Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) in Capsicum annuum var. annuum (chilli) and Solanum lycopersicum (tomato); and Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) in S. lycopersicum, all detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Phytoplasmas belonging to the ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia’ (16SrII) group were detected by nested PCR in Celosia argentea and B. chinensis. New virus host records, detected by ELISA, were those of the cucurbit-infecting strain of Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV-W)in C. maxima and C. sativa; Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) in Vigna unguiculata ssp. unguiculata (snakebean) and Passiflora foetida; and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) in Ruellia prostrata, Synedrella nodiflora and Nicotiana tabaccum (tobacco). Other detections using ELISA were those of CMV in C. annuum var. annuum and S. lycopersicum. No evidence was found for presence of citrus huanglongbing, previously known as greening disease. Seven citrus trees indexed negative by PCR for the causal agent, ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’.

RAPD optimization for genetic studies with Citrulus lanatus and Sesamum indicum genotypes

Departamento de Producao Vegetal Faculdade de Ciencias Agrarias e Veterinarias (UNESP) Campus de Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, 14.884-900, Jaboticabal, SP

Effect of ultraviolet-C light on quality and microbial population of fresh-cut watermelon

The influence of ultraviolet (UV-C) light (1.4–13.7 kJ m −2 at 254 nm) on the quality and microbial populations of fresh-cut watermelon [ Citrulus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai] was investigated and compared to that of common sanitizing solutions used for fresh-cut produce. Dipping cubes in chlorine (40 μL L −1) and ozone (0.4 μL L −1) was not effective in reducing microbial populations and quality was lower in cubes receiving these aqueous treatments compared to UV-irradiated cubes or control. In commercial trials, exposing packaged watermelons cubes to UV-C light at 4.1 kJ m −2 produced >1 log reduction in microbial populations by the end of the product's shelf life without affecting juice leakage, color and, overall visual quality. In further experimentation, lower UV-C dose (1.4 kJ m −2) reduced microbial populations to a lower degree and only when complete surface exposure was ensured. Higher UV-C doses did not show any difference in microbial populations (6.3 kJ m −2) or result in quality deterioration (13.7 kJ m −2). Spray applications of hydrogen peroxide (2%) and chlorine (40 μL L −1), without subsequent removal of excess water, failed to further decrease microbial load of cubes exposed to UV-C light at 4.1 kJ m −2. When properly utilized, UV-C light is the only method tested in this study that could potentially be used for sanitizing fresh-cut watermelon.