Egusi Melon Research Articles

Potential of Trichoderma, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus species as biocontrol agents against leaf blight of Citrullus lanatus (Egusi melon)

Potential of Trichoderma, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus species as biocontrol agents against leaf blight of Citrullus lanatus (Egusi melon)

Post Manure Application Time and Rate on Soil Nutrient Changes and Seed Proximate Contents of Egusi Melon (Colocynthis citrullus L.)

ABSTRACT The efficiency of manure application is a function of quantity and time of application. Two field trials were conducted to determine the effects of time and quantity of manure application on soil nutrient dynamics and proximate contents in Abeokuta, Nigeria, by cultivating egusi melon with 0, 5, 10, and 15 t.ha−1 poultry manure (PM) applied at 2 and 4 weeks before planting (WBP). Melon was planted at 2 and 4 weeks after manure application (WAMA). The year of cultivation affected post cropping soil nutrient contents. Soil organic matter was not reduced with 10 t.ha−1 application. It also maintained soil nitrogen content and increased exchangeable potassium. Soil calcium and magnesium content increased with cropping. In 2017, planting with 5 t.ha−1 PM applied at 2 WBP gave the highest exchangeable acidity content, but from 10 t.ha−1 PM applied at 4 WBP, in 2018. Soil calcium and magnesium contents were higher with 2 years cropping. It was highest with either 10 t.ha−1 PM at 2 WBP or 5 t.ha−1 PM at 4 WBP. Soil magnesium content was highest with 10 t.ha−1 PM at 2 WBP. Cropping increased soil sand and clay particles but reduced silt particles. Seed crude protein was reduced with 2 years cropping. It was highest from 15 t.ha−1 PM applied at 2 WBP in 2017. Seed fat and carbohydrate contents were increased with 2 years cropping. For soil calcium and magnesium contents, 10 t.ha−1 PM applied at 2 WBP poultry manure is optimum.

IMPACT OF CREEPING VEGETABLE COVER CROPS ON MINERAL N AND MICROBIAL GROUP POPULATION OF A SANDY LOAM ULTISOL UNDER IMMATURE RUBBER PLANTATION IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA

The use of forage legume species as cover crops in the management of immature rubber plantation soils is not attractive to smallholder rubber farmers (owners of about 75% of the global acreage under rubber production). We sampled immature rubber plantation soils under the following respective creeping vegetable cover crops: Vegetable cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L., Walp. Ssp. Sessquipedallis.), Egusi melon (Cucumeropsis manni Naaudi) and Broadleaf pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) and a forage legume species (Centrosema pubescens) for four consecutive years at the Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, Benin. The samples were analyzed for mineral N (NO3- and NH4+) content, and microbial group populations at the onset and end of rains, as well as selected physical and chemical properties. Generally, the result showed that the creeping vegetable cover crop species had a comparative positive effect on the soil properties assessed relative to the forage legume species. The two sampled period mean values of NO3- and NH4+ (10.62 and 8.18 mgkg-1, respectively) obtained from the plantation that had vegetable cowpea were significantly (P≤ 0.05) higher than those of the Egusi melon and Broadleaf pumpkin, but slightly (not significant) lower than that of the Centrosema pubescens. The soil microbial groups (Fungi, Bacteria and Actinomycetes) populations were significantly affected by the cover crop species. At the onset and end of rains, plantations that had vegetable cowpea and Centrosema pubescense cover crops had the maximum number of bacteria (29.58 and 29.50 C.fug-1drywt.soil ×10-6, in that order), while the maximum number of fungi was found in the broadleaf pumpkin (23.66 C.fug-1drywt.soil ×10-6) and Egusi melon (22.92 C.fug-1drywt.soil ×10-6) cover crop plantations. The broadleaf pumpkin and Egusi melon had significant positive effect on the soil surface layer (0-15cm) pH, Org. C, base cations, bulk density and percentage water filled pore space. These findings suggest that the creeping vegetable cover crops could be considered as alternative to the forage legumes in the management of immature rubber plantation soils.

Antifungal activity of Phyllanthus amarus, Passiflora foetida and Costus afer against Colletotrichum species causing leaf blight on Citrullus lanatus (Egusi melon)

Antifungal activity of Phyllanthus amarus, Passiflora foetida and Costus afer against Colletotrichum species causing leaf blight on Citrullus lanatus (Egusi melon)

Time of intercropping of Egusi melon with pepper species on growth and yields

ABSTRACT The length of time a crop is exposed to competition for resources in an intercrop is a determinant to its performance. Field experiments were carried to determine effects of time of initiation of intercropping Egusi melon (Citrullus vulgaris Thunb) on growth and fruit yield of two pepper species: [Capsicum chinense (L.) and C. frutescens (L.)]. Egusi melon was planted simultaneously with pepper (SWP), and at 2 and 4 weeks after transplanting pepper (WATP), mono-cropped Egusi melon and mono-cropped pepper were used as checks. Time of initiation of intercropping melon with pepper did not affect all vegetative growth parameters of pepper. Number of branches of melon was reduced when it was monocropped. Number and duration of pepper harvests in 2017 were higher in C. frutescens than C. chinense, but were similar for both species in 2018. In both pepper species, fruit yield reduction was more when melon was intercropped SWP. Seed yield of melon was more when it was intercropped SWP. Land equivalent ratio in 2017 was greater relative to 2018. Initiation of intercropping melon at 2 or 4 WATP may improve pepper yield, while initiation of intercropping melon simultaneously with pepper may improve yield of Egusi melon.

Characterization and Stability Studies of Egusi Melon Seed Oil (Citrullus colocynthis L.)

The physical value of oil depends upon its chemical composition, even today these values play a vital role while using different oil for industrial products and also, despite the vast nutritional and medicinal significance of egusi melon, there are little details on the shell life and stability of its oil over time. Therefore, the influence of time and temperature on melon seed oil was investigated at temperatures of 0oC and 30oC at different weeks to ascertain its physicochemical value and storage stability. For week zero, at 0oC and ambient temperature (30oC), the result revealed iodine value 124.09, Acid value 3.64 mgNaOH/g, Free Fatty Acid value 1.84 mgNaOH/g, Saponification 217.35 mgKOH/g, Peroxide value 1.25 mg/g oil, pH 5.89 and thiobarbituric acid value 0.1383 respectively. In the 5th week, at 30oC, the result revealed iodine value 91.1543, acid value 12.8921 mgNaOH/g, free fatty acid value 6.4988 mgNaOH/g, Saponification 346.42 mgKOH/g, Peroxide value 9.5mg/g oil, pH 3.2 and thiobarbituric acid value 0.413 respectively. Also at 0oC in the 5th week, the results were observed as follow: Iodine value 102.53, Acid value 7.96 mgNaOH/g, Free Fatty Acid value 4.01 mgNaOH/g, saponification 287.51 mgKOH/g, Peroxide value 6.1 mg/g oil, pH 5.05, and thiobarbituric acid value 0.2658 respectively. Refrigeration (0oC) of oil reduced the rate of most of the oxidative deterioration that produces rancidity. These values are within recommended range for edible oils. These results indicate that egusi melon oil could be a good source of table oil. The statistical results show that there was a significant difference between the melon seed oil stored at 0oC and 30oC (P < 0.001).

Effects of Planting Distance and Seed Rate on the Growth and Yield of Egusi Melon (Citrullus colocynthis)

Background: Egusi melon production is declining, even though the crop plays a significant role in the well-being of farmers. Few farmers that grow the crop do not allow adequate spacing and seed rate which compels the crop to produce flourishing vegetative parts without producing many fruits. The study was therefore, aimed at determining the effect of planting distance and seed rate on the growth and yield of egusi melon. Methods: A split-plot design which was replicated thrice was adopted to carry out the study during 2018 and 2019 planting seasons. Twenty-four plots were made and were randomly assigned to eight treatment groups with each replicating thrice. The egusi melon seeds were sown in four different seed rates of one seed/hole, two seeds/hole, three seeds/hole and four seeds/hole and four different spacing of 30cm × 50cm, 45cm × 70cm, 60cm × 60cm and 60cm × 90cm respectively. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the data collected and was tested at 0.05 level of probability. Result: The number of leaves/plant, branches/plant, flowers/plant, fruits/plant and fruit weight (g) were significantly higher in egusi melon planted at 60cm × 90cm. Furthermore, the parameters measured were significantly higher in egusi melon planted at 1 seed/hole.

Incidence of leaf blight disease of Egusi melon in South-west Nigeria

Egusi melon (Citrullus lanatus (Thumb) Mansf.) is an important vegetable crop grown for edible seeds and oil in West Africa. Leaf Blight Disease (LBD) is one of the major constraints to its production, with potential to cause economic damage. The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence and distribution of leaf blight on Egusi melon in Southwestern Nigeria. A survey of LBD of Egusi melon was conducted in 2015 and 2016, in five southwestern States of Nigeria (Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States). Twenty plants each, were randomly sampled from 150 farms comprising 30 farms each, from each State. The distribution of different Egusi melon varieties planted was recorded. “Bara” cv. was the most cultivated variety (51.6%); followed by “Bojuri” (30.4%) and “Serewe” (18%). Leaf blight was observed in most farms in the five States, from 73% in Osun and Oyo states to 83% in Ondo State. Disease incidence and severity varied with locations and cultivars, and ranged from 0.0-87.5±18% and 1.0±0-4.5±0.8 in Osun State to 20.0±19 - 95.0±4.5% and 2.3±1.5 - 5.0±0 in Ondo State. Out of the twelve fungal pathogens from ten genera isolated from infected plants, only Colletotrichum truncatum, C. gloeosporioides and Lasiodiplodia theobromae caused Leaf blight on Egusi melon.
 Key words: Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum truncatum, Lasiodiplodia theobromae

A Review on Food Uses and the Prospect of Egusi Melon for Biodiesel Production

Melons belong to the Cucurbitaceae family and are grown in the tropical and temperate regions of the world. With numerous identified varieties, melons are regarded as one of the most economically important vegetable crops. ‘Egusi’ melon, one of the most popular members of the melon family with diverse species, has formed a significant part of the diet of many Africans and Asians. Egusi melon seed kernels are a good source of edible oil (31–59%), protein (19–37%), fibre (3–4%), and carbohydrate (8–20%). The objectives of this review are to highlight the food uses of egusi melon and its prospect for biodiesel production. Firstly, an introduction to egusi melon is presented, describing its origins, varieties, cultivation and yield, followed by an extensive review of the nutritional composition, oil extraction methods and analysis and food uses of egusi. Then, the engineering properties of egusi fruits, seeds and kernels and the energy utilisation of its biomass are shown. This review also covers the use of egusi seed kernel oil for biodiesel production, the rheological properties of egusi biodiesel, its engine performance, emission characteristics and the conformity of the biodiesel to standard specifications. Finally, future challenges and research directions are presented. This paper will prove to be a viable resource for the food, energy and automobile industries, as well as the scientific community.

MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERISATION OF EGUSI MELON (CITRULLUS LANATUS (THUMB) MATSUM AND NAKAI) FOUND IN DIFFERENT ECOLOGICAL ZONES IN NIGERIA

Ten accessions of egusi melon were investigated using seed morphology, percentage protein and fat content as well as their molecular characters. The morphological features of the seeds revealed, they range in size from medium to large brown or golden yellow with thin or thick edge. The results obtained for percentage seed fat content showed SMATK-KD (43.90) and MAD- NG (43.69) had the highest mean values while the least mean value for percentage seed fat content was obtained from KTGO-GMB (20.07). Results obtained for percentage seed protein content revealed that the accessions KTGO-GMB (23.50) and OKIJA-AN (17.59) had highest mean values for protein content while GUS-ZAM (13.96) and AGU-ENU (14.35) produced the least mean values. The results obtained for seed weight revealed that AGU-ENU (12.90) and KTGO-GMB (12.45) had the highest mean weight obtained for 100 seeds while OKIJA-AN (10.8) and MAS-NAS (10.90) had the least mean weight values. Total genomic DNA was extracted using Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) protocol. Genetic relatedness and variation was determined by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR analysis. Three primers were used, OPA 13, OPA 16 and OPA 18. The results of dendrogram obtained from the pooled data revealed high level of dissimilarity or diversity of 67.5% among the accessions of the melon. RAPD markers are suitable in assessing genetic diversity and can aid in the identification of desirable qualities for the introduction of new genes into breeding materials.

Extraction and GC-MS analysis of the fatty acids in commonly consumed melon seed varieties in Nigeria

Egusi melon (Colocynthis citrullus lanatus) is a vegetable oil crop commonly grown in West Africa. In this study, four species of melon seeds, Cucumis melo, Citrullus lanatus, Citrullus vulgaris and Lagenaria siceraria, were analysed for fatty acid composition using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. The lipid profile showed that linoleic acid was the most predominant fatty acid in Lagenaria siceraria having the highest value (73.31%), followed by Citrullus vulgaris (67.79%) while Cucumis melo had 20.51% and none was present in Citrullus lanatus. Lauric acid (6.44), palmitic acid (2.80%), methyl esters of stearic acid (2.14%), palmitic acid methyl ester (21.20%), vaccenic acid (16.66%) and myristic acid (49.91%), which are saturated fatty acids, were found in Citrullus lanatus but were absent in the other melon species. In conclusion, this study showed that egusi Cucumis melo, Citrullus vulgaris and Lagenaria siceraria are rich sources of linoleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid that is known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases while Citrullus lanatus contain several saturated fatty acids which can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Comparative assessment of insect pests population densities of three selected cucurbit crops

Comparative assessment of insect pests population densities of three selected cucurbit crops

Determination of Selected Moisture -Dependent Physical and Frictional Properties of Shelled Egusi Melon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.)

Physical and frictional properties were determined for shelled (i.e. hulled) seeds of egusi melon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb) at moisture content levels of 11.04, 15.7, 21.03 and 24.78 % dry basis. The physical properties investigated were true density, bulk density and the angle of repose; while the frictional properties were the coefficient of static friction and the coefficient of internal friction. Densities were determined using the volume displacement method, while the bulk porosity was calculated as a function of the true and bulk densities. The angle of repose was measured using the cylinder method. The coefficient of static friction of melon seeds on the surfaces of plywood, galvanized iron and glass was determined by sliding a cell filled with the seeds on a tilting table overlaid with the test material surfaces. The coefficient and internal angle of friction were determined by means of a shear test apparatus. Within the range of moisture investigated, the true density of shelled melon seeds decreased from 1,264 to 1,239 kg/m3 while its bulk density increased from 668 to 681 kg/m3. The porosity decreased from 47.19 to 45.36 % while the angle of repose increased from 31.0 to 34.9°. The coefficient of friction of shelled melon seeds on the surfaces of glass, galvanised iron and plywood increased from 0.329 to 0.475, 0.364 to 0.476 and 0.408 to 0.559 respectively. The coefficient and angle of internal friction increased from 0.638 to 0.668 and 32.52 to 33.74°, respectively. These findings are valuable data for efficient design of machines for processing, handling and storage of hulled seeds of egusi melon.

Evaluation of Melon Seed Oil Citrullus Colocynthis (L.) Schrad, for the Protection of Cowpea Vigna Unguiculata Seeds against Callosobruchus Maculatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad seeds generally called Egusi melon are widely eaten in Nigeria, but its uses in post-harvest crop protection have not been exploited. The effects of the edible oil of C. colocynthis seeds on Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) were assessed on adult mortality, oviposition, F1 progeny emergence, cowpea seed damage and seed germinability in the laboratory. Results indicated that the oil showed some lethal effects on treated insects at above 50% mortality and very high reduction in oviposition at increased concentrations. Seeds treated with the oil showed significant (P<0.05) reduction in the number of progeny of C. maculatus. There was no observable feeding damage on seeds treated with the highest concentration of the oil applied. In addition, the oil has no adverse effect on seed viability. The present studies indicate that the application of the oil show promise in post-harvest protection of cowpea seeds.

Impact of Cropping Ratios of Maize (Zea mays)-Egusi Melon (Colocynthis citrullus) and NPK Fertilizer on Soil Productivity Rating of an Ultisol of Edo State in Nigeria

Impact of Cropping Ratios of Maize (Zea mays)-Egusi Melon (Colocynthis citrullus) and NPK Fertilizer on Soil Productivity Rating of an Ultisol of Edo State in Nigeria

Effect of NPK Fertilizer and Cropping Ratios on Nutrient Uptake and Quality Components of Maize (Zea mays) and Egusi Melon (Colocynthis citrullus)

Effect of NPK Fertilizer and Cropping Ratios on Nutrient Uptake and Quality Components of Maize (Zea mays) and Egusi Melon (Colocynthis citrullus)

Egusi Melon-Okra Intercrop: Yield Effects as Influenced by the Interaction of Time of Introducing Okra x Cropping Systems at Makurdi, Nigeria

A field experiment was conducted from August to November, during the 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons at the Research Farm, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria, to evaluate the yield effects of egusi melon-okra intercrop as influenced by the interaction of time of introducing okra x cropping systems, and to assess the yield advantages of the intercropping system. The experiment was a 3x3 split plot arrangement of treatments, fitted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), replicated four times. The cropping systems (sole egusi melon, sole okra and egusi melon-okra mixture) constituted the main plots, while the time of introducing okra (mid August, late August and early September) into egusi melon were allocated to the subplots. Results of study showed that to obtain optimal intercrop yield of okra in an egusi melon-okra intercrop, it is appropriate planting okra at the same time with egusi melon in mid August, while introducing okra into egusi melon in late August is appropriate to obtain optimal intercrop yield of egusi melon. Intercropping egusi melon and okra significantly (P≤0.05) reduced yields of egusi melon (37.5 % and 40.5 % respectively, in years 2012 and 2013) and that of okra (9.7 % and 16.9 % respectively, in years 2012 and 2013). The highest mean land equivalent ratio value of 1.57 and highest land equivalent coefficient values of 0.53 and 0.70 were respectively recorded, in years 2012 and 2013, for okra introduced into egusi melon in early September. These recommendations are appropriate for Makurdi location, Nigeria

Optimum Plant Density of Okra and Intercropping Effects on Yields of Egusi Melon-Okra Mixture, at Makurdi, Nigeria

A field experiment was conducted from August to November, during the 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons at the Research Farm, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria, to identify the optimum plant density of okra and intercropping effects on yields of egusi melon-okra mixture and to assess the yield advantages of the intercropping system. The experiment was a 3x3 split plot arrangement of treatments, fitted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), replicated four times. The intercropping (sole egusi melon, sole okra and egusi melon-okra mixture) constituted the main plots, while the population densities of okra (33,000, 40,000 and 50,000 plants ha-1 equivalent) into egusi melon were allocated to the subplots. Results of study showed that to maximize intercrop yield of okra in an egusi melon-okra intercrop, the optimal population density of okra is 33,000 plants ha-1, while that of 40,000 plants ha-1 is optimal to maximize intercrop yield of egusi melon. Intercropping egusi melon and okra significantly (P≤0.05) reduced yields of egusi melon (37.5 % and 40.5 % respectively, in years 2012 and 2013) and that of okra (9.7 % and 16.9 % respectively, in years 2012 and 2013). The highest mean land equivalent ratio value of 1.57 and highest land equivalent coefficient values of 0.60 and 0.63 respectively, in years 2012 and 2013, were recorded for okra sown into egusi melon at the population density of 40,000 plants ha-1. It is most advantageous having both crops in intercrop when okra is sown into egusi melon at the population density of 40,000 plants ha-1. This should therefore be recommended for Makurdi location, Nigeria.

Egusi Melon-Okra Intercrop: Yield Effects as Influenced by the Interaction of Time of Introducing Okra x Cropping Systems at Makurdi, Nigeria

A field experiment was conducted from August to November, during the 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons at the Research Farm, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria, to evaluate the yield effects of egusi melon-okra intercrop as influenced by the interaction of time of introducing okra x cropping systems, and to assess the yield advantages of the intercropping system. The experiment was a 3x3 split plot arrangement of treatments, fitted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), replicated four times. The cropping systems (sole egusi melon, sole okra and egusi melon-okra mixture) constituted the main plots, while the time of introducing okra (mid August, late August and early September) into egusi melon were allocated to the subplots. Results of study showed that to obtain optimal intercrop yield of okra in an egusi melon-okra intercrop, it is appropriate planting okra at the same time with egusi melon in mid August, while introducing okra into egusi melon in late August is appropriate to obtain optimal intercrop yield of egusi melon. Intercropping egusi melon and okra significantly (P≤0.05) reduced yields of egusi melon (37.5 % and 40.5 % respectively, in years 2012 and 2013) and that of okra (9.7 % and 16.9 % respectively, in years 2012 and 2013). The highest mean land equivalent ratio value of 1.57 and highest land equivalent coefficient values of 0.53 and 0.70 were respectively recorded, in years 2012 and 2013, for okra introduced into egusi melon in early September. These recommendations are appropriate for Makurdi location, Nigeria

Optimum Plant Density of Okra and Intercropping Effects on Yields of Egusi Melon-Okra Mixture, at Makurdi, Nigeria

A field experiment was conducted from August to November, during the 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons at the Research Farm, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria, to identify the optimum plant density of okra and intercropping effects on yields of egusi melon-okra mixture and to assess the yield advantages of the intercropping system. The experiment was a 3x3 split plot arrangement of treatments, fitted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), replicated four times. The intercropping (sole egusi melon, sole okra and egusi melon-okra mixture) constituted the main plots, while the population densities of okra (33,000, 40,000 and 50,000 plants ha-1 equivalent) into egusi melon were allocated to the subplots. Results of study showed that to maximize intercrop yield of okra in an egusi melon-okra intercrop, the optimal population density of okra is 33,000 plants ha-1, while that of 40,000 plants ha-1 is optimal to maximize intercrop yield of egusi melon. Intercropping egusi melon and okra significantly (P≤0.05) reduced yields of egusi melon (37.5 % and 40.5 % respectively, in years 2012 and 2013) and that of okra (9.7 % and 16.9 % respectively, in years 2012 and 2013). The highest mean land equivalent ratio value of 1.57 and highest land equivalent coefficient values of 0.60 and 0.63 respectively, in years 2012 and 2013, were recorded for okra sown into egusi melon at the population density of 40,000 plants ha-1. It is most advantageous having both crops in intercrop when okra is sown into egusi melon at the population density of 40,000 plants ha-1. This should therefore be recommended for Makurdi location, Nigeria.