Egusi Melon Research Articles

Profit efficiency ofEgusimelon (Colocynthis citrullusvar.lanatus) production in Bida local government area of Niger State, Nigeria

The study applied a stochastic frontier profit function to measure profit efficiency of Egusi melon farmers’ in Bida LGA of Niger State, Nigeria, there by examining the opportunities available to the farmers in the LGA. A multistage sampling technique was used to select a total of 125 Egusi melon farmers’ from Bida LGA. The average profit efficiency of 87 percent indicates that an estimated 13 percent of the profit was lost owing to a mixture of both technical and allocative inefficiencies in Egusi melon production. In other words, profit efficiency among the sample farmers can be increased by 13 percent through improved use of existing production resources, given the current state of technology. From the inefficiency model, it was found that education, farm experience, access to credit, membership of cooperative, soil management techniques and extension contact were positively significant factors influencing profit efficiency. Consequently, investments in farmers’ education through effective extension delivery programmes and provision of credit will help farmers’ to increase their profit efficiency.

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.

Characteristic symptoms of melon diseases caused by fungi in south western Nigeria

In a survey of farmers’ fields across four states of south western Nigeria, major diseases of egusi melon were evaluated and symptoms described. Pathogenicity tests of foliage and fruits were conducted in the laboratory and causal pathogens identified. Powdery mildew (Erysiphe cucurbitarum) appeared as round whitish spots on the lower surface which increased in size and later appeared as whitish talcum on the upper surface. Downy mildew (Peronospora cucurbitarum) appeared on the upper surface as small and pale green to yellow angular spot which became chlorotic and shriveled. Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria cucumerina) appeared as small circular water soaked areas which turned dark brown to black; and Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora citrullina) appeared as circular spot with white to tan centers having dark margins. Foliar spots which began as small yellowish water- soaked areas on the veins that later turned circular, dried up, broke and became shattered were symptoms observed for the Anthracnose disease (Colletotrichum lagenarium). Fruit anthracnose started as small, circular, black, sunken canker with raised margin. Leaf blight, stem blight and fruit rot (Didymella bryoaniae) disease symptoms were observed on leaves, stems and fruits respectively. Leaf symptoms began as light brown, irregular spots surrounded by yellow borders that developed from the tip of the leaves and gradually progressed backwards. Brown lesions were observed on the stem which split open and turned dark. Lesions observed on fruits appeared as small, almost circular water- soaked areas which enlarged, resulting in dark, firm and leathery depressed areas. Symptoms of vine wilt were observed as elongated brown lesions which developed on stems near the crown and extended as long, narrow, brown streaks causing stem to completely wilt. Wet rot of flower and fruit (Choanephora cucurbitarum) appeared as characteristic fungus growth resembling numerous pins stuck in a pin-cushion on the infected surface. The study will help to bridge the gap of information on the characteristic symptoms and causal pathogens of melon diseases in south western Nigeria Key words: “Egusi” melon, south western, field diseases, symptoms.

English

  A research was carried out in the experimental farm of the Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka to study some aspects of floral, fruit and seed yield characteristic of accessions of “Egusi” melon (Colocynthis citrullus L.). It was observed that male flower anthesis occurred earlier than female flower anthesis. Male flowers opened between 30 to 32 days after seedling emergence while female flowers opened at 32 to 34 days after seedling emergence. Number of male flowers at first female flower anthesis was in the range of 27 to 32. First male flower bud was produced in the fourth node on the main vine while the first female flower bud was produced in the ninth node on the main vine in all the accessions. The male flowers were also produced in a higher proportion than the female flowers. The ratio of male to female flowers produced/plant was in the range of 4:1 and 7:1. Number of fruits/plant, fruit yield/plant (kg) and average fruit weight (kg) ranged between 3.42 and 4.54, 3.08 and 3.72 and 0.78, and 0.90, respectively. Number of seeds/fruit, number of seeds/plant, seed yield/fruit (g) and seed yield/plant (g) ranged between 162.82 and 190.88, 652.81 and 815.25, 18.8 and 23.02, and 76.52 and 101.74, respectively.   Key words: Egusi melon, accessions, flower, fruit. &nbsp

Melon pod fermentation and its effects on physio-chemical characteristics of melon seeds

Studies were carried out to determine the effects of melon pod fermentation on the proximate and mineral composition of the melon seeds. Two varieties of melon commonly found in Nigeria were analyzed for similarities in this study. Proximate and mineral compositions of the seeds (Citrullus vulgaris, Egusi melon) were determined using standard analytical procedures. Comparative analysis of the seeds from the fermented pod and those from the unfermented pods showed that there were negligible differences in the seeds composition reported to dry weight. Results shows that the moisture content for the fermented samples was between 5.3±0.1% and 5.8±0.3%, while in the unfermented seeds it was 5.3±0.1% and 5.6±0.3% for the Bara and Sewere respectively. Ash content was 3.3±0.1% and 3.8±0.1% in the fermented while it was 3.5±0.1% and 3.6±0.1% in the unfermentedBara and Sewere respectively. Ether extract was between 31±0.1% and 33±0.1%, crude protein (18.25±0.1% and 19.30±0.2%), crude fiber (14.92±0.1% and 15.8±0.1%) and total carbohydrate (22±0.2% and 23±0.2%). The acid value for the unfermented melon seeds of all the varieties used was in the range of 1.65±0.1% and 1.68±0.1% while the Iodine values obtained was in the range of 21.4±0.1% and 21.6±0.1%. The results showed that fermentation does not affect the mineral compositions of the melon seed and had no significant effect on the quality of the seed at the 5% significant level using the Duncan Multiple Range Test. Key words: Fermentation, melon pod, seed.

Economies of Scale and Cost Efficiency in Small Scale Egusi Melon Production in Bida Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria

This study shows empirical findings of economies of scale and cost efficiency of small scale egusi melon production in Niger State, Nigeria, using multi-stage random sampling techniques to elicit data from 125 respondents in the study area. Findings indicates that there is relative presence of economies of scale among the respondents; an average farm in the study area produce at a minimum cost considering the size of the farm which is an indication that they operates in stage II of production surface which is an efficient stage of resource utilization. Findings were further collaborated by mean cost efficiency of 1.165 which shows that an average farm in the study area is about 17% above the frontier cost, indicating that they are relatively efficient in allocating their scarce resources. The significance of the estimated gamma coefficient (0.65) indicate the presence of cost inefficiency effects in egusi melon production

Determination of Selected Physical Properties of Egusi Melon (Citrullus colocynthis lanatus) Seeds

Physical properties of seeds are determined for the purpose of developing a processing system. The aim of this research is to determine those properties that will guide the design of seed dehulling machine. In most West African countries, Egusi is grown as a food and cash crop. However, one of the most important problems is its manual dehulling, which is strenuous and time consuming. At moisture level 7.11 % dry basis, average length, thickness and width of Egusi melon seed were 13.199, 1.853 and 7.924 mm respectively. In moisture range of 7.11 to 38.70 % dry basis, studies revealed that 1000 seed mass increased from 0.0949 to 0.1299 kg and surface area from 25.394 to 27.827 mm2. Sphericity and Porosity of seed decreased from 0.215 to 0.196 and 0.541 to 0.444 respectively, while angle of repose increased from 23.66 to 33.63o. Bulk density rose from 414.006 to 456.339 kg/m3 while true density decreased from 901.515 to 821.668 kg/m3. Coefficient of friction on plywood (0.3388 – 0.3598), metal (0.2767 – 0.3198), aluminium (0.2736 – 0.3172) and PVC (0.2999 – 0.3782) were recorded.

Effect of Long Term Administration of Citrullus Lanatus on Fertility Hormones of Male sand Female Albino Rats.

This study was done to highlight the diverse benefits of Citrullus lanatus (egusi melon) seeds with the principal focus on its highly nutritive and calorific values. This makes Citrullus lanatus necessary in diet and in the fight against malnutrition. It also indicated the effect of Citrullus lanatus on Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Testosterone which are responsible for ensuring preparation for and maintaining of reproductive fertility. A total number of forty wistar rats, 30 males and 10 females were used for the study. They were fully acclimatized for two weeks and grouped into the control group (group I) and the test group (group II) which was further subdivided into three: starved, normal feed and egusi supplement administered groups. Test animals were sacrificed and blood samples collected for hormone analysis. The result showed that malnourishment induced through starvation increased FSH and LH levels and lowered testosterone concentration in both male and female wistar rats. The egusi supplement had more effect on FSH and LH levels for the female rats while it had more effect on testosterone levels for the male rats. This is because FSH and LH are primarily female fertility hormones while testosterone plays a greater role in males. Steady effects were observed for FSH and testosterone levels for the male and female wistar rats respectively while that of LH had alternating effect. Based on the result, further work is therefore recommended be done to shed more light in the details of mechanism of action of egusi supplement on male and female fertility hormones. KeyWords: Citrullus lanatus,Follicle

Variability of yield and yield components in “egusi” melon

Egusi melon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Mansf.) is an important food crop in Nigeria and other African countries. In a study carried out to estimate the components of variation in ‘egusi’ melon populations indicated high proportion of genetic variation in the yield attributes measured. Estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variation ranged between 3.6-52%, while genotypic coefficient of variation ranged between 3.21-51% for seed yield plant-1, number of fruits plant-1 and fruit yield plant-1. Heritability estimate was high in the yield attributes. On seed yield plant-1, heritability ranged between 83-98%. Estimate of expected genetic advance in seed yield plant-1 ranged between 25.90-48.40%. Improvement could be made in seed yield through selection.

Efficiency of seed extraction methods in the control of loss and low seed quality in egusi melon (Colocynthis citrullus L.)

This study determines the effect of methods of seed extraction on seed loss and viability on Egusi melon (Colocynthis citrullus L). Three methods of fruit breaking; vertical cut with knife, horizontal cut with knife and hitting with wooden club were tested to determine their effect on seed damage. Three covering materials; grass straw, black polyethylene sheet and no cover were also tested to determine their effect on the number of days to fruit fermentation and seed germination. The result showed that percentage seed loss resulting from vertical cutting with knife was 16% and was significantly higher than 3.4% seed loss arising from horizontal cut with knife and 0% from hitting with wooden club. It was also discovered that fruits covered with grass straw took 8.67 days to complete fruit fermentation while under black polyethylene cover it occurred at 12 days. Fruits that were left uncovered fermented at 9.33 days. Seed germination was also significantly affected by covering materials. Seed germination of 85.3, 80.0 and 30.0 were recorded on seeds obtained from fruits that were fermented with no cover, grass straw and black polyethylene cover respectively. Key words: Seed extraction, germination, seed loss.

Palm and Egusi melon oils lower serum and liver lipid profile and improve antioxidant activity in rats fed a high fat diet

Many studies have suggested that oils high in saturated fatty acids are responsible for the cholesterol-raising effect of saturated fat. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of palm oil (rich in saturated fatty acid) and egusi melon oil (rich in unsaturated fatty acids) on serum and liver lipids and their antioxidant status. Lipid profiles, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione reductase (GSSG-Rx) were determined in serum and liver of rats fed a high cholesterol diet for six weeks. Palm oil- and egusi melon-fed rats exhibited improved serum and liver lipid profiles and had a more significant reduction in serum and liver MDA levels as compared to control rats. Similarly, GSH-Px and GSSG-Rx activities were significantly higher in rats fed palm and egusi melon oils compared to the control. It could thus be concluded based on these findings, that palm oil and egusi melon improve serum and liver lipid profile in rats fed a high fat diet and their consumption could thus offer protection against lipid-related disorders. Key words: Palm oil, egusi melon oil, saturated fatty acids, antioxidant.

A SURVEY OF FUNGAL PATHOGENS ASSOCIATED WITH EGUSI MELON (Citrullus lanatus) IN SOUTH WESTERN NIGERIA

In a survey of farmers’ fields across four states of South western Nigeria, major diseases of egusi melon were evaluated and symptoms described. Pathogenicity tests of foliage and fruits were conducted in the laboratory and causal pathogens identified. Powdery mildew (Erysiphe cucurbitarum) appeared as round whitish spots on the lower surface which increased in size and later appeared as whitish talcum on the upper surface. Downy mildew (Peronospora cucurbitarum) appeared on the upper surface as small and pale green to yellow angular spot which became chlorotic and shriveled. Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria cucumerina) appeared as small circular water soaked areas which turned dark brown to black and Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora citrullina) appeared as circular spot with white to tan centres having dark margins. Foliar spots which began as small yellowish water- soaked areas on the veins that later turned circular, dried up, broke and became shattered were symptoms observed for the Anthracnose disease (Colletotrichum lagenarium). Fruit anthracnose started as small, circular, black, sunken canker with raised margin. Leaf blight, stem blight and fruit rot (Didymella bryoaniae) disease symptoms were observed on leaves, stems and fruits respectively. Leaf symptoms began as light brown, irregular spots surrounded by yellow borders that developed from the tip of the leaves and gradually progressed backwards. Brown lesions were observed on the stem which split open and turned dark. Lesions observed on fruits appeared as small, almost circular water- soaked areas, which enlarged, resulting in dark, firm and leathery depressed areas. Symptoms of vine wilt were observed as elongated brown lesions which developed on stems near the crown which extended as long, narrow, brown streaks causing stem to completely wilt. Wet rot of flower and fruit (Choanephora cucurbitarum) appeared as characteristic fungus growth resembling numerous pins stuck in a pin-cushion on the infected surface. The study will help to bridge the gap of information on the characteristic symptoms and causal pathogens of melon diseases in South Western NigeriaÂ

Effect of Component Population on the Growth and Yield of Maize and "Egusi" Melon in Intercrop

Field experiment to determine the optimum component populations of maize (Zea mays L.) and egusi melon Colocynthis citrullus L. Schrad) component crops in intercrop were conducted in 2004 and 2005 cropping seasons. There were three maize populations (17,780; 26,670 and 53,330 plants/ha), three egusi melon population (8,890; 13,330 and 26,670 plants/ha) resulting in nine possible intercrop population combinations. Sole crops of the three planting densities each of maize and egusi melon were included to ease the calculation of land equivalent ratio (LER). Length of egusi melon vine decreased with increase in maize planting density and increased with increasing egusi melon density. Intercropping reduced the yields of maize and egusi melon relative to their sole crops. The presence of egusi melon reduced the grain yield of maize and the seed yield of egusi melon. The grain yield of maize, however, increased as the population of maize in the intercrop increased, while the seed yield of egusi melon continued to decrease with increase in maize population in the intercrop. The LER ranged from 1.40 to 1.84 in 2004 and from 1.48 to 1.68 in 2005 depicting yield advantages of 40 to 84% and 48 to 68% in 2004 and 2005, respectively with the highest yield advantage accruing from intercropping 17, 780 maize and 13,330 egusi melon plants/ha in 2004 and 53,330 maize and 26,670 egusi melon plants/ha in 2005. In both years, the highest monetary returns were obtained with intercropping 53,330 maize and 8,890 egusi melon plants/ha with contribution from maize more than that from egusi melon.Key words: Component density, Egusi melon, Maize, Intercropping.

Palm Oil and Egusi Melon Oil Lower Serum and Liver Lipid Profile and Improve Antioxidant Activity in Rats Fed a High Fat Diet

Palm Oil and Egusi Melon Oil Lower Serum and Liver Lipid Profile and Improve Antioxidant Activity in Rats Fed a High Fat Diet

Investigating “Egusi” (Citrullus Colocynthis L.) Seed Oil as Potential Biodiesel Feedstock

Biodiesel’s acceptance as a substitute for fossil-derived diesel has grown the world over. However, the food-fuel debate over conventional vegetable oils has rekindled research interest in exploring lesser known and minor oil crops. In this work, egusi melon seed oil was studied for the first time as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production. Crude egusi melon seed oil was transesterified using sodium methoxide as the catalyst at 60 °C and an oil/methanol ratio of 1:6 to produce its corresponding methyl esters. Egusi melon oil methyl ester (EMOME) yield was 82%. Gas chromatographic analysis of EMOME showed that it was composed mainly of palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic esters, which is similar to the profile of sunflower, soybean and safflower oil. All the measured fuel properties of EMOME satisfied both the ASTM D6751 and the EN 14214 biodiesel standards. Fuel properties of EMOME were essentially identical with those of soybean, safflower and sunflower biodiesel. Remarkably, the kinematic viscosity of EMOME was measured to be 3.83 mm2/s, a value lower than most biodiesel fuels reported in the literature. The potential of egusi melon seed oil as a biodiesel feedstock is clearly presented in this study.

Effect of egusi melon oil on lecithin: Cholesterol acyltransferase activity in rats fed a cholesterol diet

The effect of feeding egusi melon oil as a supplement to a cholesterol-based diet on serum lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase activity of rats was evaluated. The rats were divided into two groups designated: control and test respectively. Rats in the test group were fed 5% cholesterol diet supplemented with 5% egusi melon oil while the control rats received 5% cholesterol diet without egusi melon oil. After 6 weeks of diet feeding, the enzyme activity was decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the egusi melon oil-fed rats compared with the control. The test group also showed relative significant decreases in the serum levels cholesteryl ester and lysolecithin (p < 0.05) and increase levels of lecithin (p < 0.05). Significant decreases (p < 0.05) were also observed in serum total and free cholesterol in the egusi melon oil treated group compared to the control group. The implications of these results are discussed with respect to hypercholesterolemia. Key words: Egusi melon oil, cholesterol diet, cholesteryl ester, LCAT, supplementation.

Impact of creeping vegetable cover crops on weed flora composition during the early growth of &lt;i&gt;Hevea&lt;/i&gt; (Natural rubber) saplings in a tropical rain forest zone

Weed management is amongst the most expensive agronomic practice in immature rubber plantation. Field experiment was conducted during the rainy seasons of 2004 and 2005 at the Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria. The purpose was to assess the impact of some creeping economic vegetable crops (vegetable cowpea – Vigna unguiculata L. Walp. ssp sesquipedallis, Egusi melon – Cucumeropsis manni Naaud., Fluted pumpkin – Telfairia occidentalis Hook. F and Pumpkin – Cucumbita pepo) compared to the conventional cover crop (Centrosema pubescens) on weed flora composition when grown with rubber saplings. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Weed flora comprising of 33 species under 17 plant families was observed across the field. Panicum maximum, Elusine indica, Brachiaria lata and other grass and sedge species dominated in the conventional cover crop plots. While ephemeral weed species like Talinum triangulare, Peporomia pellucida, Acalypha cillata and other broad leave weeds dominated in creeping vegetable crop plots, except the Telfairia plot which had weed flora closely similar to those of the conventional cover crop plots. The weed spectrum, density and dry matter weight were significantly lower in the Curcubita pepo and Cowpea plots compared to the conventional cover crop plots. The effect of the cover crops on the plant height and stem girth did not differ significantly within the first 12 months. Thus, it could be said that with the exception of the Telfairia occidentalis, the creeping vegetable crops could be of importance for the control of noxious weed flora in immature rubber.

Occurrence of aflatoxin B1 in food products derivable from ‘egusi’ melon seeds consumed in southwestern Nigeria

Aflatoxin, the toxic secondary metabolite of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus has been considered as one of the most serious food safety problems in sub Saharan Africa. Egusi melon seeds is susceptible to these fungal infection during postharvest. Therefore, the content of aflatoxin B1 in three food products derivable from ‘egusi’ melon seeds ogiri’ (fermented melon seed condiment), ‘robo’ (melon ball snacks) and egusi soup destined for human consumption in Nigeria in 2005 and 2006 were determined. Aflatoxin B1 was analysed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) with fluorescent detection. The percentage of samples positive for aflatoxin B1 were for 25% robo, 31.8% for ogiri, and 19.5% for ‘egusi’ soup. Aflatoxin B1 ranged from 2.3 to 15.4 ppb in all samples. The overall mean levels of aflatoxin B1 were for 8.9 ppb for ogiri, 9.7 ppb for ‘robo’ and 7.2 ppb for ‘egusi soup’. All positive melon seeds derived food products analysed in this study contained aflatoxin B1 at concentrations much lower than the 20 ppb permissible limit recommended in Nigerian food and suggests that melon seed derived foods present less risk by human exposure to aflatoxin through their consumption. However, it is important to consider these levels in terms of their contribution to overall daily exposure to aflatoxin levels in food. This is the first report of aflatoxin determination in melon seed food products.

Chemical Properties of Some Cucurbitaceae Oils from Cameroon

4 Abstract: This work presents some chemical properties of Cucurbitaceae seed oils from different areas in Cameroon. These seeds are Cucumeropsis mannii (egusi melon), Cucurbita maxima (pumpkin or squash gourd), Cucurbita moschata (musk melon), Lagenaria siceraria (bottle gourd or calabash) and Cucumis sativus (Iboegusi). The results show that the saponification, iodine and peroxide indices are influenced by the areas while the acid index and percentage of impurity do not depend on the area of cultivation but on the specie, except Lagenaria siceraria. The values for the indices are within recommended levels for edible oils. These oils have 4 main fatty acids: Linoleic acid, C18:2 (49-69%); oleic acid, C18:1 (9-25%); stearic acid, C18:O (7-11%) and palmitic acid, C16:O (10-19%). Their chemical properties are similar to those of corn, cottonseed, sesame and sunflower seed oils, suggesting their potential use as good table and cooking oils which can increase HDL and reduce serum cholesterol and LDL levels, hence could help prevent cardiovascular illnesses. They could also be used for making mayonnaise and soap.

Glycaemic Index and Glycaemic Load of Pounded yam in Diabetic and Healthy Subjects

Background: We aim to determine the glycaemic index and load of pounded yam with egusi (melon) soup in the diabetic and control subjects. Study design: metabolic study of 10 type-2 diabetic and 6 healthy volunteer subjects were carried out on two non- consecutive days after an overnight fast. Fifty grams of glucose was used as reference food while 50grams of available carbohydrate of pounded yam and egusi melon vegetable soup meal was used as test meal. Incremental area under the blood glucose curve (IAUC) was used to determine the glycaemic index. Glycaemic load was determined using the percentage of available carbohydrate in the meal multiplied by the glycaemic index. Result: The glycaemic index of pounded yam was 61 and 59 in the diabetic type-2 and healthy subjects respectively while the glycaemic load was 30.5 and 29.5 in type-2 diabetics and healthy subjects respectively. Conclusion: The glycaemic index of pounded yam is moderate. KEY WORDS: Glycaemic index, Glycaemic load, Pounded yam, egusi melon soup, Type-2 diabetic, glucose