Effect of Planting Date on the Yield and Proximate Composition of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo Linn.) Fruit

This work was aimed at determining the effects of planting date on the yield and proximate composition of pumpkin fruits. The experiment was a randomized complete block design. In the study was used four planting dates (1- 1st of April; 2- 15th of April; 3- 1st of May; 4- 15th of May). The experiment was replicated thrice. Standard analytical methods were used to analyze the fruits for the proximate content. The data collected, were subjected to analysis of variance. Means, where significantly different, were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability. Studies were carried out in year 2007 and 2008 at the Teaching and Research Farm, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state, Nigeria, with 4 planting dates each. The yields of the crops planted on the 1st and 15th of April were not significantly different but significantly out-yielded (53.56 and 49.93 tons ha-1 respectively) every other crop planted subsequently. The 1st planting date produced significantly highest protein (17.98 g 100g-1), crude fibre (1.90 g 100g-1) and ash (3.9 g 100g-1), compared to other planting dates. Lesser rainfall, moderately higher temperature and higher sunshine hour were observed to be responsible for the results.
In conclusion, early planting (April) or planting at the onset of rainfall will bring about optimal yield and food value of pumpkin at the location where this experiment was conducted (rainforest tropical region).