Responses of Fruit Yield and Quality ofTrichosanthes cucumerinaLandraces to Phosphorus Rate

Abstract Snake Gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina L.), a member of the Cucurbitaceae, also locally known as Snake Tomato, has qualities that could make it a potential substitute for the solanaceous tomato [Lycopersicon esculentum (L.) Mill.], especially when the latter is not available during the year. However, there is little known about the mineral nutrition requirements of Snake Gourd, and how nutrition affects fruit yield and quality. Studies were conducted from April to August in 2002 and 2003 at the Teaching and Research Farm, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria to evaluate the effect of phosphorus (P) on fruit yield and chemical composition of two landrace morphotypes of Snake Tomato. Five P treatment applications (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kgha−1 of P2O5) were evaluated using single super phosphate fertilizer (9% P). Morphotype had little effect on results. Yield increased as P level increased. Except for crude protein content, moisture content, and oxalate levels, which were not significantly affected by P treatment rates, nutrients, and essential amino acids compositions increased with increasing P treatment level. The high nutrient level and low oxalate composition indicate, that this vegetable can be used in the human diet. These results may help preserve biodiversity and increase the gene bank of neglected wild species of high-quality nutrient sources.