EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT LAND PREPARATION METHODS ON THE GROWTH OF THREE CUCUMBER VARIETIES IN EBONYI STATE
Abstract
The study was carried out to investigate the effect of different land preparation methods on the growth of three cucumber varieties in Ebonyi State. The treatments (seed beds) were ridges, raised beds and flatland. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Varieties used were Super marketer, Tokyo and Murano. Data were collected on growth parameters. Growth data were collected at 2,4,6 and 8th weeks after planting on number of leaves, stem girth (cm), number of branches, vine length (cm) and leaf area (cm2). The result showed that super marketer variety and bed method out yield other varieties and methods in growth and yield parameters. Yield parameter collected on 2,4,6 and 8th weeks after planting on length of fruit (cm), number of fruit per plant and fruit diameter. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and treatment means separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% of probability (P< 0.05) (Sas, 2010). The result indicated that super marketer and raised bed method recorded the highest in terms of yield parameters. Based on the findings of this study the researcher recommended super marketer variety to be made available to farmers and the best method which is raised bed is also recommended for farmers.
