@article{MAKHILLAJ20061420067,
    title = {Phosphorus Fertilizer use in Melon (<I>Egusi</I>) Seed Production: Effects on Yield, Oil and Protein Content and Nutrient Composition},
    journal = {Agricultural Journal},
    volume = {1},
    number = {4},
    pages = {216-220},
    year = {2006},
    issn = {1816-9155},
    doi = {aj.2006.216.220},
    url = {https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?issn=1816-9155&doi=aj.2006.216.220},
    author = {O.J.Ayodele,S.O. Omotoso and},
    keywords = {Alfisols,melon (Egusi),phosphorus,seed,protein,oil,nutrients},
    abstract = {Field experiments were conducted to study the effect of P application on egusi grown in two Alfisols soils at Ibadan in the subhumid zone of South-Western Nigeria. There were five P treatments (0, 10, 0, 0, 40 kg P.ha <SUP>1</SUP>), applied as single superphosphate (SSP, 18% P<SUB>2</SUB>0<SUB>5</SUB>).  The treatments were replicated four times and arranged in a randomized complete block design. The result indicated that fruit and seed (egusi) yields increased significantly (p&gt;0.05), 0 kgP.ha <SUP>1</SUP> produced highest yield in 1999 and did not differ from higher rates up to 40 kgP.ha<SUP>-1</SUP> in 2000.  Seed yield increased in relation to the significant improvement in fruit number plant <SUP>1</SUP>, average fruit size and weight. Yield components, leaf N, P, K and S, seed P and S, oil and protein content increased significantly with P application whereas leaf and seed Ca level declined. The substantial increases in seed yield, oil yield and protein content justify the recommendation of 16-20  kgP.ha <SUP>1</SUP> for optimum egusi seed production.}
    }