Department of Education Biology

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Browsing Department of Education Biology by Author "Tebrimam, Gagbanyi Caleb."

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    INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE AND RAINFALL VARIABILITY ON MELON (EGUSI) PRODUCTION IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA
    (Department of Biology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2019-03-04) Tebrimam, Gagbanyi Caleb.
    Melon is an environmental tolerant crop which is produced massively in Nasarawa state. The itudy is aim at examining the influence of temperature and rainfall variability on melon production (output). Temperature and rainfall are two factors, among others, that influence the production of melon in Nasarawa State. This study covers a period of 19 years (1997-2015). Oata were obtained from secondary sources; melon production data was obtained from Nasarawa State Agricultural Development Programme whereas temperature and rainfall data vere obtained from NIMET. The Walter’s method, as modified by Olaniran, was used to calculate the onset and cessation dates of rainfall and temperature. Multiple regression was used o test the hypothesis using standardized time series of melon production, temperature and 'ainfall. Descriptive statistics was used to represent results in charts, graphs at 95%level of significance. The state has a mean temperature that ranges from 26-28°C and annual rainfall between 1100 - 1700mm with onset in April and cessation in October. Temperature is on the ncrease whereas rainfall is on the decrease, although it is statistically not significant at 95% 'evel. Onset and cessation dates do not influence melon production, as result show that these iates are not significant in melon production. Temperature has little influence on melon production when compared to rainfall. They both constitute 24% influence on melon production. Melon requires between 200 - 230mm of rainfall and 26-28°C of temperature. A weak relationship was observed using multiple regression analysis, having an r-square value of0.239. rt is recommended that agro-meteorologists/climatologists should extend their weather forecast lo melon farmers, intensification of irrigation farming to burst melon production and also ^search should focus on developing of melon resilient seed that can withstand climate variability and change. xi