Effects of method of harvest and interval between harvests on edible leaf yield in fluted pumpkin

Two crops of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook.f.) were grown in the field and the effects of 3 methods of harvest and 4 intervals between harvests were studied.Frequent harvests (3- or 4-week intervals) yielded more edible leaf than infrequent harvests (6- or 8-week intervals) by inducing greater branching, allowing for more flushes and providing between and regular timing for taking advantage of new flushes following each harvest. Although significant differences in yield were not obtained among the 3 methods of harvest, harvesting by pruning appeared to be preferable, because it is a faster operation than either hand-picking or alternation of harvest-pruning and hand-picking methods. Extra benefits in harvest-pruning could come from yield of tender apical shoots which are also edible.