Influence of Harvest Frequency on Yield and Profitability of Pumpkin Leaf (Cucurbita pepo) Production in Delta State

Pumpkin leaf (Cucurbita pepo) is an economically important vegetable consumed across the South South geopolitical zone of Nigeria and is a staple ingredient in local soups and stews. In Delta State, pumpkin leaf farming is widely practiced by smallholder women farmers, yet optimal harvest frequency for sustaining plant productivity and profitability has not been adequately determined. This study investigates the effect of four harvest frequencies (weekly, biweekly, triweekly, and monthly) on total leaf yield, plant vigour, and economic returns for pumpkin leaf production in Asaba, Delta State. A field trial was established using a randomized complete block design with three replications per treatment. Total fresh leaf yield per plot was recorded across a 12-week production cycle. Gross margin analysis was used to assess the profitability of each harvest frequency treatment. Results indicate that weekly harvesting produced the highest cumulative fresh leaf yield and generated the greatest gross margin, while monthly harvesting produced the lowest total yield. However, weekly harvesting was associated with higher labor costs that partially offset its yield advantage. The study recommends biweekly harvest frequency as the optimal balance of yield performance and labor efficiency for pumpkin leaf farmers in Delta State. Keywords: pumpkin leaf, Cucurbita pepo, harvest frequency, yield, Delta State