Abstract
Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.) is a significant vegetable crop consumed by millions of Nigerians mainly in the South-Eastern Region. A field experiment was conducted in 2024 at the Teaching and Research Farm of Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa Campus, to evaluate the effect of different fertilizer grades on the growth and yield of fluted pumpkin. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments included NPK 15:15:15, NPKMg 12:12:17:2, NPK 20:10:10, urea, and a control (no soil amendment). Growth and yield data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), and significant means were separated using the least significant difference (LSD) at a 5% probability level. Results showed that urea application significantly increased vine length, with recorded values of 73.45 cm, 145.67 cm, and 170.42 cm at 4, 6, and 8 weeks after planting (WAP), respectively. This was followed by NPK 20:10:10, which produced vine lengths of 69.50 cm, 139.33 cm, and 150.80 cm at the same growth stages. The shortest vines (31.11 cm, 46.12 cm, and 69.55 cm at 4, 6, and 8 WAP, respectively) were observed in the control treatment. Urea also resulted in the highest number of leaves per plant, with 46, 87, and 121 leaves recorded at 4, 6, and 8 WAP, respectively. NPK 15:15:15 produced 100 leaves per plant at 8 WAP, while the control treatment had the lowest leaf count (14, 29, and 38 leaves per plant at 4, 6, and 8 WAP). Foliar yield was significantly higher in the urea treatment (17.23 t/ha), followed by NPK 20:10:10 (14.41 t/ha) and NPK 15:15:15 (13.60 t/ha). Pod yield was highest with NPKMg 12:12:17:2 (25.29 t/ha), followed by NPK 15:15:15 (23.60 t/ha) and NPK 20:10:10 (21.31 t/ha). Based on these findings, urea may be recommended for optimal foliar yield, while NPKMg 12:12:17:2 recommended for optimal pod production.