1.1 Introduction
Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.) is an important leaf and seed vegetable indigenous to Southern Nigeria and grown in the forest zone of West and Central Africa (Nigeria, Ghana and Sierra Leone being the major producers). It probably originated in south east Nigeria and distributed by Igbos who have been cultivating this crop since time immemorial (Shippers, 2000). In Africa indigenous vegetables remain popular in rural areas where they are often considered to be more nutritive than exotic vegetables (Horsfall and Spiff, 2005). Despite the nutritive values obtainable from fluted pumpkin, it is a common observation that the demands far exceed the supply of fluted pumpkin as a vegetable crop resulting in scarcity which increases cost.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Fluted pumpkin is a member of the family Cucurbitaceae and is a leafy green vegetable that has been widely accepted as a dietary constituent more popular in the south eastern states of Nigeria (Akwaowo et al., 2000). Zang and Fang (2007) observed that combined application of inorganic and organic manure can correct nutrient deficits associated with application of either of the sources alone. Makinde et al. (2001) found significant increase in melon yield with combined application of inorganic and organic fertilizers. Stephen (2010) discovered high yield of fluted pumpkin with the use of organic manure in combination with inorganic fertilizer. Huang and Lin (2001) obtained enhanced soil fertility status when inorganic fertilizer was applied in combination with organic manure. Recommended fertilizer rates of 250 kg/ha of NPK was used to raise Telfairia occidentalis (Grubben et al., 2004) while the general poultry recommendation most leafy vegetables 110 kg N, 90 kg P2O5 and 90 kg K2O is 10 tonnes per hectare (Grubben et al., 2004).
In Nigeria, Telfairia occidentalis (Fluted pumpkin) leaf is consumed in different parts of the country because of the numerous nutritional and medicinal attributes ascribed to it. It has different traditional names; among Igbos, it is known as Ugu, iroko or aporoko in Yoruba, ubong in Efik, umee in Urhobo and umeke in Edo (Akoroda, 1990). Oyolu (1978) reported that the leaves together with the edible shoots contain 85% moisture; 11% crude protein, 25% carbohydrates, 3% oils, 11% ash and as much as 700 ppm of iron, while Longe et al. (1983) reported that the minerals namely: calcium, potasium, magnesium, iron, sodium and phorphorus are concentrated in the testa, pulp and husk. The crop is primarily grown as a leafy vegetable and is used for human consumption and animal fodder, the high level of iron in Telfairia occidentalis leaves extract seems to provide a basis for the folklore that it can be administered as a blood tonic to convalescent persons. However, our preliminary investigations revealed that dietary intake of the leaf could prevent garlic-induced hemolytic anaemia in rats (Oboh, 2004).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Antimicrobial Activity and Phytochemical Screening of Telfaira Occedentalis Fluted Pumpkin (Ugwu).
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation reveals the problems of the existing research work which entails that, low soil fertility has been recognized as one of the major production constraints affecting agriculture in the sub-Saharan Africa (Aderi et al., 2011). Production of Telfaria are predominantly done by poor resource based farmers (Spore, 2005) while the shortage and high cost of inorganic fertilizers have limited their use for crop production among the peasant farmers in Nigeria (Tanimu et al., 2007). There is therefore, the tendency for increased dependence on the use of organic waste such as farmyard manure, crop residues and poultry droppings for crop production. Poultry droppings have been adjudged to be the most valuable of all manures produced by livestock (Omisore et al., 2009).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to determine the Antimicrobial Activity and Phytochemical Screening of Telfaira Occedentalis Fluted Pumpkin (Ugwu). In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To investigate the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Telfairia occidentalis.
- To determine the phytochemicals constituents of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Telfairia occidentalis leaves,
- To assess the antioxidant and antimicrobial property of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Telfairia occidentalis leaves.
1.5 Significance of Study
The relevance of Telfairia occidentalis leaf could scavenge and prevent free radical production and same time have antimicrobial property; although the aqueous extract had a higher antioxidant property, while the ethanolic extract had a higher antimicrobial property. This study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.6 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Antimicrobial Activity and Phytochemical Screening of Telfaira Occedentalis Fluted Pumpkin (Ugwu).
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.8 Definition of Terms
Pumpkin (Telfairia Occidentalis): A pumpkin is a cultivar of winter squash that is round with smooth, slightly ribbed skin, and is most often deep yellow to orange in coloration. The thick shell contains the seeds and pulp.
Parameter: a numerical or other measurable factor forming one of a set that defines a system or sets the conditions of its operation.
