SEED PRODUCTION AND BREEDING POTENTIAL OF THE FLUTED PUMPKIN, TELFAIRIA-OCCIDENTALIS

Studies during 1980-1987 relating to seed production of the fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook. f.) are summarized. Essentially, the dioecious nature of the crop makes sex-ratios of plants affect the number of fruit-bearing females. Overall, about 50% of plants are female, of which some 15% are fruitless. Each fruit-bearing female has 1.5 fruits that contain 60 seeds. The mean weight of seeds is 15 g, and 74% of this total seed weight comprise the seed kernel which contains about 40% oil. Thus, a yield estimate of seed kernels reaches 1.9 t/ha; an output that is superior to that of most other oil seeds now being exploited for seed oil and cake in Nigeria. Measures to raise seed yields and the possibility of breeding work are discussed. © 1990 Kluwer Academic Publishers.