




































 AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL STUDIES 6(1) (2022), 12-19  

12 

 

      AGRICULTURAL STUDIES 

                                                               AIJAS VOL 6 NO 1 (2022) P-ISSN 2641-4155   E-ISSN 2641-418X 
                                                  

                                                                                                                        Available online at www.acseusa.org      

                                                                                                                                     Journal homepage: https://www.acseusa.org/journal/index.php/aijas 
                                                                                                                                         Published by American Center of Science and Education, USA 

PERFORMANCE OF TELFAIRIA OCCIDENTALIS LEAF GROWN IN 

UREA HYDROPONIC SOLUTION  
 

 Love Akaja Akonye (a)    Kalu Okonwu  (b)1   Josephine Udunma Agogbua (c )    
 

(a) Professor, Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria; E-mail: love.akonye@uniport.edu.ng 
(b) Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria; E-mail: kalu.okonwu@uniport.edu.ng 
(c) Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria; E-mail: josephine.agogbua@uniport.edu.ng 

 

 
A R T I C L E I N F O 
 

 

Article History: 
 

Received: 26th July 2022  

Accepted: 25th August 2022 

Online Publication: 3rd September 2022 

 

Keywords: 

Hydroponic, Grown, Performance Telfairia 

Occidentalis 

 

JEL Classification Codes:  

       

O13 

 

 

 

 
 
 

  

 
A B S T R A C T 

 
The study evaluated the performances of Telfairia occidentalis Hooker fil. under varying growth media 

subject to the amount of Urea granules (25 g, 50 g, 75 g, 100 g, 125 g and 150 g) dissolved in water 

containing micronutrients. The growth media were M25U, M50U, M75U, M100U, M125U, M150U, and 
Control. Two-week old seedlings of T. occidentalis raised using River-sand were transferred into the 

non-circulatory growth media. The growth indices (vine main length (VML), number of leaves (NL), 

stem girth (SG), petiole length (PL), internode (LI), leaf area (LA), and total leaf area (TLA)) of T. 

occidentalis were measured weekly. The root length (RL), root fresh weight (RFW), root dry weight 

(RDW) and pigment components were determined 5 weeks after planting following standard procedures. 

Across the growth media studied, the Control medium had the highest VML, NL, LA, TLA, PL and 

pigment composition of T. occidentalis. However, among the Urea growth media, M25U medium 
produced relatively the highest VML, NL, TLA, total chlorophyll, and RFW of T. occidentalis while 

M50U medium had the highest LA, RL and RDW. Also, T. occidentalis leaves grown in the Control 

medium had the highest chlorophyll content (33.22 mg/g), followed by M25U medium (22.88 mg/g) and 

was significantly different from the other growth media.M100U medium effectively enhanced 

carotenoids content (6.49 mg/g) of T. occidentalis compared to others. The study showed that the mineral 

composition of the growth media enhanced the performance of T. occidentalis. Hence, M25U growth 

media are recommended for growing T. occidentalis.  

 
 

© 2022 by the authors. Licensee ACSE, USA. This article is an open-access article distributed under 

the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license 

(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).                           

 

INTRODUCTION 

Plants do not necessarily need soil in order to grow and survive. According to White and Brown (2010), plants obtain their 

inorganic elements from the soil solution. Soil serves as a medium to support plant and to retain nutrients for plants’ 

utilization. Hence, any medium that is stable enough to support plant and retain nutrients can do the same job as soil without 

being restricted to the ground. Hydroponic is the cultivation of plants, edible and ornamental, in water containing dissolved 

nutrients. Growing fresh produce in soilless systems could be a possible solution to food insecurity issues regardless of soil 

quality, climate or space (Resh & Howard, 2012). According to Santos and Ocampo (2005), hydroponics provides an instant 

and also long-term remedy to the difficult of inability of a household to produce its own vegetables under urban settings. A 

hydroponic system allows for uninterrupted vegetable production no matter the period (Santos & Ocampo, 2009). It is one 

of the technologies used in places not appropriate for traditional farming systems (Pelesco & Bentor-Jr., 2013). This helps 

to mitigate the difficulty of climate change, assist in production system management for efficient exploitation of natural 

resources and alleviation of malnutrition (Butler & Oebker, 2006). The use of controlled environments can overcome 

cultivation difficulties and could be a way to manipulate phenotypic variation in bioactive compounds (Murali-Mugundhan 

et al., 2011). 

It has been claimed that the key to successful hydroponics culture is the nutrient solution (Hedio, 2000). To achieve 

optimized growing systems, different types of crops, nutrient solutions, lighting and other factors are important when 

determining the crops that will be successful in hydroponic systems from environmental, economic and nutritional 

perspectives (Treftz & Omaye, 2015). Previous literature has focused on various hypotheses of growing cucumbers, 

tomatoes, carrots, peppers and strawberries hydroponically (Arias et al., 2000; Parađiković et al., 2011; Coolong, 2012). 

                                                      
1Corresponding author: ORCID ID: 0000-0003-4140-5250 

© 2022 by the authors. Hosting by ACSE. Peer review under responsibility of American Center of Science and Education, USA.  

https://doi.org/10.46545/aijas.v6i1.256 
 

To cite this article: Akonye, L. A. ., Okonwu, K. ., & Agogbua, J. U. (2022). PERFORMANCE OF TELFAIRIA OCCIDENTALIS LEAF GROWN IN 

UREA HYDROPONIC SOLUTION. American International Journal of Agricultural Studies, 6(1), 12–19. https://doi.org/10.46545/aijas.v6i1.256 

https://doi.org/10.46545/aijas.v6i1.256
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3903-2408
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4140-5250
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6317-1227


Akonye et al., American International Journal of Agricultural Studies 6(1) (2022), 12-19 

  

13 
 

According to Hickman (2011), the main greenhouse crops (including soil and soilless production) are tomato, cucumber, 

sweet pepper, herbs, eggplant and strawberry, in that sequence. Resh (1995), earlier reported that the major vegetables 

grown in soilless cultivation are tomato, cucumber, sweet pepper and L. sativa in that order. But in Latin America, the main 

vegetables include; L. sativa, arugula, tomato, sweet pepper, cucumber and strawberry (Rodriguez-Delfin, 2012) in that 

same order. With the hydroponic technology being used more frequently, it has become imperative to assess which crops 

are suitable to be grown in hydroponic systems. The production of vegetable crops and ornamentals using different soilless 

culture techniques has been practiced and commercialized (Kratky et al., 1988; Pelesco & Bentor-Jr., 2013).  

However, hydroponic as a way of growing plants is rarely practiced in Nigeria even though the technology had 

long existed in the industrialized nations. Hydroponics as a means of growing plants should be embraced in unindustrialized 

nations like Nigeria. The ability to formulate nutrients locally to grow plants should be of priority to researchers. The cost 

of producing plants will reduce tremendously if required materials are sourced locally and are affordable to farmers. 

However, this study is aimed at using urea fertilizer in the formulation of locally hydroponic nutrient solutions for growing 

T. occidentalis and evaluate how the solutions affects its performance. 

 

MATERIALS AND METHODS 

Source of Materials 

The seeds of fluted pumpkin used were sourced from Choba Market and the River-sand was obtained from Choba-River 

Port Harcourt (4o54′0ʺN 6o54′0ʺE) while the urea fertilizer used was produced by Unique Fertilizer Company Nigeria and 

obtained from Agricultural Development Programme, Rumuodumaya Port Harcourt. 

 

Formulation of the Nutrient Solution 

The method of Kratky (2002) was used with modification in nutrient formulation and container used. Urea granular 

fertilizers were weighed (25 g, 50 g, 75 g, 100 g, 125 g and 150 g, respectively) and transferred into black plastic bowls 

with the dimensions: 29 cm width, 41 cm length, and 23 cm depth.  The same was dissolved with 20 litres of tap water in 

the plastic bowls leaving a space for aeration with the addition of 20 ml micronutrients stock solution (0.6 g H3BO3; 0.4 g 

MnCl2.4H2O; 0.05 g ZnSO4; 0.5 g CuSO4.5H2O; 0.02 g Na2MoO4.2H2O) and Epsom salt (9.8 g MgSO4). The Control 

medium (water) was setup without the addition of Urea, micronutrients and Epsom salt. These formulations were replicated 

four times. The growth media were designated as: M25U, M50U, M75U, M100U, M125U, M150U, and Control (0 g Urea) 

depending on the amount urea dissolved in water. 

 

Study Site and Weather Condition 

The study was conducted in a screen house inside the University of Port Harcourt (Lat. N4o54'15", Long. E6o54'35"). The 

site was free from direct rainfall and was open to sunlight anytime of the day. The screen house had a transparent cover that 

permits light penetration and hinders direct rainfall. During the period of experiment, the weather condition of the University 

was relatively wet with daytime temperature that ranges from 24oC in early morning to 32oC in the middle part of the day. 

 

Planting of T. occidentalis 

The seeds of T. occidentalis were planted in nursery bags containing River-sand as a medium for germination to take place. 

After germination, the two weeks old seedlings (17 - 20 cm) from the River-sand were transferred into the non-circulating 

hydroponic systems containing different formulations of nutrient solution. The components of the nutrient solutions were 

sourced locally.  

 

Growth Indices Measurement 

The vine length, petiole length and internode were measured using meter rule while the number of leaves was by direct 

count. The leaf area was determined following the method of Akoroda (1993). The vine girth was determined with the aid 

of electronic digital caliper (Carbon Fiber Composites Digital Caliper). 

 

Pigment Content 

The chlorophyll content was obtained according to the method of Poora (2002) while the carotenoid content was determined 

following the method of Sumanta et al. (2014). 

 

Statistical Analysis  

The data obtained for the morphological characters and pigment contents of fluted pumpkin were subjected to statistical 

analysis. 

RESULTS 

Vine Main Length of T. occidentalis Grown in Different Growth Media 

The growth performance of T. occidentalis in varying Urea solutions with respect to vine main length (VML) are presented 

in Table 1. The rate at which the VML value for Control treatment increased (28.63 – 57.05 cm) after week 4 was faster 

when compared to other growth media. This was followed by M25U growth medium (27.98 – 37.23 cm). The percentage 

increase in VML values were 99.27%, 33.06%, 33.87%, 2.66%, 0.55%, 4.12% and 0.23% for Control, M25U, M50U, M75U, 

M100U, M125U and M150U growth media, respectively. The result of increasing the Urea concentration in the medium did 

not produce an increased VML. At 5 Weeks after planting, the lowest VML (21.95 ± 4.944 cm) was obtained at M150U 

medium and the VML value for Control medium was significantly different from other media. 



Akonye et al., American International Journal of Agricultural Studies 6(1) (2022), 12-19 

  

14 
 

Table 1. Vine main length (cm) of T. occidentalis in different Urea growth media 

 
Treatment Duration Mean Percentage Increase 

(4 – 5 WAP) 3 WAP 4 WAP 5 WAP 

Control 23.23 ± 5.752a 28.63 ± 10.036a 57.05 ± 18.018a 36.300a 99.27 

M25U 22.55 ± 3.594a 27.98 ± 7.083a 37.23 ± 12.831b 29.250ab 33.06 

M50U 17.10 ± 6.434a 18.60 ± 4.614a 24.90 ± 7.099b 20.200c 33.87 

M75U 23.15 ± 5.501a 30.13 ± 13.818a 30.93 ± 14.695b 28.067bc 2.66 

M100U 25.58 ± 3.007a 27.50 ± 2.783a 27.65 ± 3.226b 26.908bc 0.55 

M125U 23.93 ± 6.777a 26.73 ± 9.554a 27.83 ± 10.169b 26.158bc 4.12 

M150U 21.23 ± 4.307a 21.90 ± 4.917a 21.95 ± 4.944b 21.692bc 0.23 

Mean 22.393 ± 5.257b 25.921 ± 8.3164b 32.504 ± 14.9683a   

LSD(P=0.05) 7.6847 12.257 16.617 8.0275  

Mean ± Standard deviation; Means with the same letter in a column are not significantly different; WAP = weeks after planting. 

 

Stem Girth of T. occidentalis Grown in Different Growth Media 

The stem girth of T. occidentalis grown in different concentration of Urea solutions is shown in Table 2. There was no 

exponential growth in the stem girth in all the growth media. The stem girth from week 3 – 5 for the growth media ranged 

thus: Control (4.55 – 5.35 mm), M25U (4.68 – 4.88 mm), M50U (4.73 – 5.33 mm), M75U (3.83 – 4.60 mm), M100U (3.93 – 

5.83 mm), M125U (3.93 – 4.43 mm) and M150U (2.73 – 4.98 mm). Amongst growth media, the percentage increase in stem 

girth was 17.58%, 4.27%, 12.68%, 20.10%, 48.35%, 12.72% and 82.42% for Control, M25U, M50U, M75U, M100U, M125U 

and M150U growth media, respectively. M150U medium had the highest percentage increase of stem girth from week 3 – 5. 

However, at week 5, the highest value for stem girth (5.83 ± 0.670 mm) was recorded at M100U growth medium while the 

lowest (4.43 ± 0.670 mm) at M125U growth medium. These values were statistically different at P = 0.05. Considering the 

mean growth rate of the stem girth from 3 – 5 WAP, M50U growth medium had the stem girth of T. occidentalis, followed 

by Control, M25U, M100U, M75U, M125U and M150U, in that order. The mean stem girth value for M50U was significantly 

different from M75U, M125U and M150U, respectively.  

 

Table 2. Stem girth (mm) of T. occidentalis in different Urea growth media 

 
Treatment Duration Mean 

3 WAP 4 WAP 5 WAP 

Control 4.55 ± 0.635a 4.65 ± 0.785a 5.35 ± 0.370ab 4.8500ab 

M25U 4.68 ± 0.754a 4.70 ± 1.344a 4.88 ± 1.330ab 4.7500ab 

M50U 4.73 ± 1.609a 5.28 ± 1.287a 5.33 ± 1.253ab 5.1083a 

M75U 3.83 ± 0.888ab 3.88 ± 0.939ab 4.60 ± 0.821ab 4.1000bc 

M100U 3.93 ± 0.613ab 3.93 ± 0.613ab 5.83 ± 0.670a 4.5583ab 

M125U 3.93 ± 1.307ab 3.93 ± 1.307ab 4.43 ± 0.670b 4.0917bc 

M150U 2.73 ± 0.858b 2.73 ± 0.858b 4.98 ± 0.411ab 3.4750c 

Mean 4.0543 ± 1.184b 4.1536 ± 1.2088b  5.0534 ± 0.9094a  

LSD(P=0.05) 1.4605 1.5505 1.3014 0.8684 

Mean ± Standard deviation; Means with the same letter in a column are not significantly different; WAP = weeks after planting. 

 

Number of Leaves of T. occidentalis Grown in Different Growth Media 

The number of leaves grown in different concentrations of Urea growth media are presented in Table 3. Increased quantity 

of Urea did not record a definite pattern in terms of size (either increase or decrease) in the number of leaves of T. 

occidentalis. The percentage increase in the number of leaves from weeks 3 – 5 was: 34.38%, 30.00%, 13.04%, 24.14%, 

12.12%, 10.71% and 3.13%, respectively for the Control, M25U, M50U, M75U, M100U, M125U and M150U media. Control 

medium had the highest percentage increase for number of leaves of T. occidentalis from week 3 – 5, followed by M25U 

growth medium. Hence, the highest mean value for number of leaves (10.75 ± 0.957) was recorded at the Control medium 

while the lowest (6.50 ± 1.915) was recorded at M50U medium at week 5. 

 

Table 3. Number of leaves of T. occidentalis in different Urea growth media 

 
Treatment Duration Mean 

3 WAP 4 WAP 5 WAP 

Control 8.00 ± 0.816a 8.75 ± 0.500a 10.75 ± 0.957a 9.1667a 

M25U 7.50 ± 0.577ab 8.75 ± 1.708a 9.75 ± 2.062ab 8.6667a 

M50U 5.75 ± 2.754b 6.00 ± 2.449b 6.50 ± 1.915c 6.0833c 

M75U 7.25 ± 1.258ab 8.50 ± 1.000ab 9.00 ± 0.816ab 8.2500ab 

M100U 8.25 ± 0.957a 9.25 ± 0.957a 9.25 ± 0.957ab 8.9167a 

M125U 7.00 ± 1.414ab 7.75 ± 1.893ab 7.75 ± 1.893bc 7.5000b 

M150U 8.00 ± 1.633a 8.00 ± 1.633ab 8.25 ± 1.258bc 8.0833ab 

Mean 7.3929 ± 1.5477b 8.1429 ± 1.7152ab 8.7500 ± 1.8584a  

LSD(P=0.05) 2.2058 2.3140 2.1941 1.1475 

Mean ± Standard deviation; Means with the same letter in a column are not significantly different; WAP = weeks after planting. 

 

 

 



Akonye et al., American International Journal of Agricultural Studies 6(1) (2022), 12-19 

  

15 
 

Leaf Petiole Length of T. occidentalis Grown in Different Growth Media 

The leaf petiole length (LPL) of T. occidentalis grown in varying concentrations of Urea growth media varied across 

treatments (Table 4). The rate at which the petiole lengths increased were not significant at p≤0.05 across and within growth 

media from weeks 3 – 5. The ranges within growth media were: Control (3.90 – 4.90 cm), M25U (4.10 – 4.38 cm), M50U 

(4.03 – 4.95 cm), M75U (4.20 – 4.98 cm), M100U (4.30 – 4.85 cm), M125U (4.33 – 4.45 cm) and M150U (4.33 – 5.25 cm). 

Amongst growth media, the percentage increase in the petiole lengths was 25.64%, 6.83%, 22.83%, 18.57%, 12.79%, 2.77% 

and 21.25% for Control, M25U, M50U, M75U, M100U, M125U and M150U treatments, respectively. Control medium had the 

highest percentage increase of LPL from weeks 3 – 5. However, at week 5, the highest mean value for LPL (5.25 ± 1.611 

cm) was recorded at M150U medium while the lowest (4.38 ± 0.479 cm) at M25U medium. There was no significant difference 

among growth media.  

 

Table 4. Petiole length (cm) of T. occidentalis leaves in different Urea growth medium 

 
Treatment Duration Mean 

3 WAP 4 WAP 5 WAP 

Control 3.90 ± 1.052a 4.20 ± 1.071a 4.90 ± 0.383a 4.3333a 

M25U 4.10 ± 0.577a 4.20 ± 0.589a 4.38 ± 0.479a 4.2250a 

M50U 4.03 ± 1.343a 4.88 ± 1.758a 4.95 ± 1.771a 4.6167a 

M75U 4.20 ± 0.712a 4.25 ± 0.742a 4.98 ± 1.150a 4.4750a 

M100U 4.30 ± 0.503a 4.33 ± 0.472a 4.85 ± 0.719a 4.4917a 

M125U 4.33 ± 0.914a 4.45 ± 1.248a 4.45 ± 1.248a 4.4083a 

M150U 4.33 ± 1.584a 4.33 ± 1.584a 5.25 ± 1.611a 4.6333a 

Mean 4.3107 ± 0.8842a 4.3750 ± 1.0473a 4.6786 ± 1.1622a  

LSD(P=0.05) 1.4047 1.7059 1.7980 1.569 

Mean ± Standard deviation; Means with the same letter in a column are not significantly different; WAP = weeks after planting. 

 

Leaf Internodes of T. occidentalis Grown in Different Growth Media 

The growth performance of T. occidentalis in varying Urea solutions with respect to leaf internodes are presented in Table 

5. There was increase in leaf internodes from weeks 3 – 5 across growth media. The leaf internodes value was higher in the 

Control medium compared to other growth media for weeks 3 – 5 after seedlings were transferred into the growth media. 

The percentage increase in leaf internodes values was 4.09%, 16.23%, 11.54%, 23.77%, 13.65%, 4.48% and 6.00% for 

Control, M25U, M50U, M75U, M100U, M125U and M150U growth media, respectively. The effect of increasing the Urea 

concentration in the medium did not record a definite pattern in terms of leaf internodes. The least value of leaf internodes 

(2.90 ± 1.023 cm) was recorded at M50U. 

 

Table 5. Internode (cm) of T. occidentalis leaves in different Urea growth medium 

 
Treatment Duration Mean 

3 WAP 4 WAP 5 WAP 

Control 4.40 ± 1.444a 4.50 ± 2.380a 4.58 ± 0.419a 4.4917a 

M25U 3.08 ± 0.435b 3.15 ± 0.465ab 3.58 ± 1.014a 3.2667b 

M50U 2.60 ± 0.542b 2.80 ± 1.023b 2.90 ± 1.023a 2.7667b 

M75U 3.23 ± 1.452b 3.30 ± 1.402ab 4.03 ± 1.297a 3.5167b 

M100U 2.93 ± 0.737b 2.95 ± 0.695b 3.33 ± 0.427a 3.0667b 

M125U 3.35 ± 0.473b 3.50 ± 0.959ab 3.50 ± 0.959a 3.4500b 

M150U 2.83 ± 0.330b 2.83 ± 0.330b 3.00 ± 1.042a 2.8833b 

Mean  3.203 ± 0.8805a 3.290 ± 1.0175a 3.560 ± 1.2542a  

LSD(P=0.05) 1.0608 1.4525 1.8941 0.7858 

Mean ± Standard deviation; Means with the same letter in a column are not significantly different; WAP = weeks after planting. 

 

Leaf Area of T. occidentalis Grown in Different Growth Media 

Table 6 shows the leaf area of T. occidentalis grown in different Urea growth media. There was an increase in the leaf area 

from weeks 3 – 5 and the growth performance varied across the growth media. The leaf area ranged from 110.28 – 138.00 

cm2, 105.39 – 117.57 cm2, 135.59 – 147.29 cm2, 93.73 – 98.10 cm2, 86.93 – 89.93 cm2, 95.54 – 111.85 cm2, and 94.56 – 

100.26 cm2 for Control, M25U, M50U, M75U, M100U, M125U and M150U growth media, respectively. The M50U medium had 

the highest leaf area value (147.29 ± 59.395 cm2) at week 5, followed by Control medium (138.00 ± 17.617 cm2) while the 

lowest value (89.93 ± 29.796 cm2) was recorded at M100U medium. These highest and lowest points had the percentage leaf 

area increase from weeks 3 – 5 as follows: 25.14%, 8.63% and 3.45% for Control, M50U and M100U media, respectively. 

However, there was no significant difference (P = 0.05) amongst growth media from weeks 4 – 5. 

 

Table 6. Leaf area (cm2) of T. occidentalis in different Urea growth media 

 
Treatment Duration Mean 

3 WAP 4 WAP 5 WAP 

Control 110.28 ± 5.576ab 124.39 ± 14.924a 138.00 ± 17.617a 124.22ab 

M25U 105.39 ± 44.783ab 116.28 ± 32.724a 117.57 ± 33.129a 113.08bc 

M50U 135.59 ± 48.126a 143.36 ± 59.317a 147.29 ± 59.395a 142.08a 

M75U 93.73 ± 8.203ab 95.88 ± 19.324a 98.098 ± 17.588a 95.90c 



Akonye et al., American International Journal of Agricultural Studies 6(1) (2022), 12-19 

  

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M100U 86.93 ± 32.688b 89.93 ± 29.796a 89.93 ± 29.796a 92.26c 

M125U 95.54 ± 27.507ab 111.85 ± 37.758a 111.85 ± 37.758a 106.42bc 

M150U 94.558 ± 6.870ab 100.26 ± 30.741a 100.26 ± 30.741a 101.69bc 

Mean 103.145 ± 29.792a 111.706 ± 36.223a 114.711 ± 36.367a  

LSD(P=0.05) 43.451 52.077 51.795 26.303 

Mean ± Standard deviation; Means with the same letter in a column are not significantly different; WAP = weeks after planting. 

 

Total Leaf Area of T. occidentalis Grown in Different Growth Media 

The total leaf area of T. occidentalis grown in different Urea growth media for 5 weeks is shown in Table 7. There was 

increase in the total leaf area from weeks 3 – 5 across growth media. The total leaf area value was higher in the Control 

medium compared to other growth media for weeks 3 – 5 and it was significantly different (P = 0.05) from other growth 

media except M25U medium. There was rapid increase in the total leaf area value for all growth media. The percentage 

increase from weeks 3 – 5 for total leaf area values was 68.58%, 41.98%, 26.51%, 31.68%, 5.74%, 31.52% and 9.26% for 

Control, M25U, M50U, M75U, M100U, M125U and M150U growth media, respectively. At week 5, the Control medium (1492.04 

± 298.148 cm2) had the highest total leaf area value, followed by M25U medium (1119.77 ± 286.000 cm2). The lowest mean 

value for total leaf area (821.40 ± 253.916 cm2) was recorded at M100U medium. 

 

Table 7. Total leaf area (cm2) of T. occidentalis in different Urea growth media 

 
Treatment Duration Mean 

3 WAP 4 WAP 5 WAP 

Control 885.08 ± 126.747a 1084.72 ± 102.990a 1492.04 ± 298.148a 1153.9a 

M25U 788.69 ± 356.772a 1000.77 ± 273.130a 1119.77 ± 286.000ab 969.7ab 

M50U 690.22 ± 134.854a 751.36 ± 90.560a 873.17 ± 131.333b 771.6b 

M75U 677.54 ± 117.140a 823.05 ± 236.101a 892.19 ± 225.461b 797.6b 

M100U 776.81 ± 177.727a 821.40 ± 253.916a 821.40 ± 253.916b 806.5b 

M125U 692.83 ± 305.588a 911.22 ± 464.163a 911.22 ± 464.163b 838.4b 

M150U 785.33 ± 222.153a 785.33 ± 222.153a 858.06 ± 96.061b 809.6b 

Mean 756.636 ± 209.2924b 882.55 ± 257.7472ab 995.4064 ± 331.0746a  

LSD(P=0.05) 328.62 384.44 403.83 215.47 

Mean ± Standard deviation; Means with the same letter in a column are not significantly different; WAP = weeks after planting. 

 

Pigments Composition of T. occidentalis Leaves Grown in Different Urea Growth Media  

The pigments composition of T. occidentalis leaves grown in different Urea growth media at 5 WAP are as shown in Table 

8. The chlorophyll and carotenoid contents of the leaves varied and were significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) amongst growth 

media. Chlorophyll a content of the leaves was higher than chlorophyll b in all the growth media. Telfairia occidentalis 

leaves grown in the Control medium had the highest chlorophyll content and was significantly different from the other 

growth media. The lowest chlorophyll content of the leaves was recorded at M150U medium. The chlorophyll a, chlorophyll 

b and total chlorophyll contents ranged from 2.50 – 17.31 mg/g, 1.13 – 15.90 mg/g and 3.63 – 33.22 mg/g, respectively. 

However, the result obtained for carotenoid of the leaves was different. The highest carotenoid content (6.49 mg/g) of the 

leaves was recorded at M100U medium which was significantly different from other growth media while the lowest 

carotenoid content (0.45 mg/g) was recorded at M25U medium. The carotenoid contents were lower compared to the 

chlorophyll a content. 

 

Table 8. Pigments composition (mg/g) of T. occidentalis leaves in different Urea growth media at 5 WAP 

 
Treatment Chlorophyll a Chlorophyll b Total Chlorophyll Carotenoid 

Control 17.31 ± 0.191a 15.90 ± 0.942a 33.22 ± 1.131a 2.82 ± 0.320dc 

M25U 14.81 ± 1.142b 8.07 ± 0.243b 22.88 ± 1.357b 0.45 ± 0.125e 

M50U 13.45 ± 1.218b 8.25 ± 1.534b 21.70 ± 2.700b 4.53 ± 0.375b 

M75U 4.39 ± 0.292d 2.35 ± 0.389c 6.74 ± 0.681c 3.63 ± 0.286bc 

M100U 10.78 ± 3.241c 7.94 ± 2.831b 18.72 ± 5.969b 6.49 ± 2.215a 

M125U 3.94 ± 1.578d 2.451 ± 1.021c 6.393 ± 2.387c 3.78 ± 0.878bc 

M150U 2.50 ± 0.295d 1.13 ± 0.254c 3.63 ± 0.533c 1.713 ± 0.460de 

LSD(P=0.05) 2.4185 2.1463 4.3792 1.5723 

Mean ± Standard deviation; Means with the same letter in a column are not significantly different; WAP = weeks after planting. 

 

Root Length, Root Fresh Weight and Root Dry Weight of T. occidentalis Grown in Different Growth Media at 5 

WAP  

The root length also varied in different Urea growth media (Figure 1). The root lengths ranged from 15.08 – 24.20 cm and 

the values recorded fluctuate across growth media. Telfairia occidentalis grown in M50U medium had the highest root length 

(24.20 cm) compared to other media, which was not significantly different at p = 0.05 while the lowest was recorded at 

M150U growth media.  

The root fresh weight decreased as the quantity of Urea increased in the growth media (Figure 2). The root fresh 

weight values of T. occidentalis ranged from 2.24 – 8.77 g. The root fresh weight values recorded for Urea growth medium 

were statistically different (P = 0.05) with the Control medium. Among the growth media, the Control medium had the 

highest (8.77 g) root fresh weight while the lowest value (2.24 g) was recorded at M150U medium. 



Akonye et al., American International Journal of Agricultural Studies 6(1) (2022), 12-19 

  

17 
 

The root dry weight values of T. occidentalis varied across the Urea growth media and ranged from 0.17 – 0.71 g 

(Figure 3). Among the growth media, the Control medium had the highest root dry weight (0.71 g) while the lowest value 

(0.17 g) was recorded at M125U medium. There was significant difference in the value recorded for Control medium and 

other growth media.  

 

 

 
 

DISCUSSIONS 

The performance of T. occiddentalis varied across Urea growth media (M25U, M50U, M75U, M100U, M125U, M150U).M25U 

medium effectively enhanced VML, NL, LA, TLA, carotenoids content, RL, RFW and RDW. This suggest that lower 

quantity of macronutrients in hydroponic solution will improve the performance of T. occidentalis. The values obtained 

from the results for number of leaves, leaf area per leaf and total plant leaf area of T. occidentalis were in conformity with 

the work of Oke (2015), who reported 13.61, 118.1 cm2 and 1607.87 cm2 at 3 WAP for number of leaves, leaf area and total 

plant leaf area, respectively. This also agreed with works of Akanbi et al. (2000), Shiyam and Binang (2013) and Usman 

(2015). Ndor et al. (2012) reported the number of leaves of fluted pumpkin grown in sawdust, River sand and topsoil as 

9.33, 9.00 and 8.33 respectively at two (2) weeks after sowing. However, the average values for number of leaves and leaf 

area per leaf of T. occidentalis at 6 WAP reported by Nwonuala and Obiefuna (2015) varied significantly from this present 

work. This difference probably occurred due to the mineral nutrition supplied to the plant. Although, nutrient availability is 

crucial in the photosynthetic capacity of a crop, it is worthy to note that the number of leaves and the surface area of leaves 

affect directly or indirectly the photosynthetic rate of crops. Vegetable consumers depend majorly on the leaves of fluted 

a a

a

a

a
a

a

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Control M25U M50U M75U M100U M125U M150U

L
en

g
th

 (
cm

)

Growth medium

Figure 1. Root length of T. occidentalis grown in different Urea growth media at 5 WAP

a

b
b

bc bc bc
c

0

2

4

6

8

10

Control M25U M50U M75U M100U M125U M150U

W
ei

g
h
t 

(g
)

Growth medium
Figure 2. Root fresh weight of T. occidentalis grown in different Urea growth media at 

5 WAP.

a

b
b

b bc

c

bc

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

Control M25U M50U M75U M100U M125U M150U

W
ei

g
h
t 

(g
)

Growth medium

Figure 3. Root dry weight of T. occidentalis grown in different Urea growth media at 5 

WAP



Akonye et al., American International Journal of Agricultural Studies 6(1) (2022), 12-19 

  

18 
 

pumpkin in the preparation of food and its leaves extract for medicinal purposes. This underscores the need to grow more 

leaves. 

The T. occidentalis vine main lengths obtained in different Urea treatments were lower than those reported by other 

researchers (Nwonuala & Obiefuna, 2015; Oke, 2015) on the same plant. They reported average vine main length of 158.30 

cm and 189.61 cm at 6 WAP and 3 WAP, respectively. Similarly, the highest stem girth obtained from the treatments was 

0.58 cm, which was also lower compared to the works of Ndor et al. (2012) and Oke (2015). Ndor et al. (2012) reported 

stem girth of T. occidentalis grown in sawdust (1.98 cm), river sand (2.10 cm) and topsoil (1.87 cm) at 2 WAP, while Oke 

(2015) recorded stem girth of 0.86 cm on the same plant at 3 WAP. The variation in the stem girth by several researchers 

could be as a result of different treatments given to T. occidentalis. This presupposes that the performance of T. occidentalis 

is dependent on treatment and growth medium. 

The leaf petiole length and internode length of T. occidentalis grown in different solutions of Urea were comparable 

with the values reported by Nwonuala and Obiefuna (2015), who worked on the yield and yield component of fluted 

pumpkin landrace. The root lengths of T. occidentalis grown in varying proportion of Urea in solution were significantly 

higher than the values reported by Ndor et al. (2012), who worked on growth of fluted pumpkin in different solid media. 

They observed and recorded the root length of T. occidentalis in different media as follows: sawdust (11.68 cm), River sand 

(11.12 cm) and topsoil (10.12 cm). This observation suggests that the compact nature of the growth medium used in growing 

T. occidentalis affects the root length. The roots of T. occidentalis grown in solution were soft and tender when compared 

to the texture of roots grown in other solid media (such as topsoil, River sand and sawdust). 

The total chlorophyll content of T. occidentalis were higher than the carotenoid content. Total chlorophyll content 

of T. occidentalis grown in different Urea solutions were higher compared to other vegetables (such as Chinese Cabbage, 

L. sativa, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussel’s sprout and red Cabbage) as reported by Pandey et al. (2015). They reported the 

total chlorophyll range of 2.23 – 16.92 mg/g. Chlorophylls are crucial components for photosynthesis (Pandey et al., 2015). 

According to Mustapha and Babura (2009), carotenoids comprise a large group of natural pigments widely distributed in 

the plant and animal kingdoms. They are yellow-orange in colour, insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. They 

are present as pigments in many vegetables and fruits and are associated with chlorophyll in higher plants, playing important 

role during photosynthesis by passing on the light energy they absorb to chlorophyll, they also protect the chlorophyll from 

excess light and oxidation. This function accounts for the low value obtained for carotenoids when compared to chlorophyll 

content of T. occidentalis in different growth media used. 

 

CONCLUSIONS  

Considering the performance of T. occidentals grown in different Urea solutions, the Control treatment had the highest vine 

main length, number of leaves, leaf area, total leaf area, petiole length and pigment composition of T. occidentalis compared 

to other treatments. However, among the Urea treatments, M25U effectively enhanced some of the growth indices such as 

vine main length, number of leaves, leaf area, total leaf area, total chlorophyll, and root fresh weight of T. occidentalis while 

M50U treatment had the highest leaf area, root length and root dry weight. The study has shown that appropriate proportion 

of Urea in solution can be used to grow T. occidentalis. Therefore, pre-mixed fertilizers for growing vegetables should be 

developed to reduce the technicality involved for the ordinary farmers, who form the larger part of the pyramid in crop 

production. 
 

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, L.A.A. and K.O.; Data Curation, L.A.A., K.O. and J.U.A.; Methodology, L.A.A. and K.O.; Validation, L.A.A., 

K.O. and J.U.A.; Visualization, L.A.A., K.O. and J.U.A..; Formal Analysis, K.O.; Investigation, J.U.A. and K.O.; Resources, L.A.A., K.O. and J.U.A.; 

Writing – Original Draft, K.O. and J.U.A.; Writing – Review & Editing, L.A.A., K.O. and J.U.A..; Supervision, L.A.A., K.O. and J.U.A..; Project 
Administration, K.O., and J.U.A.; Authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. 

Institutional Review Board Statement: Ethical review and approval were waived for this study, due to that the research does not deal with vulnerable 
groups or sensitive issues. 

Funding: The authors received no direct funding for this research. 

Informed Consent Statement: Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study. 
Data Availability Statement: The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available 

due to restrictions. 

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
 

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