Effect of Sowing Dates on the Productivity of Oilseed Citrullus Lanatus

Finding a sustainable solution to the problem of climate change is the first step to reduce food insecurity and malnutrition in developing countries. In Côte d'Ivoire the oilseed Citrullus lanatus constitutes a source of income for farmers. The lack of knowledge on the suitable sowing dates of this plant engenders it low production. Thus to resolve this problem, some field trial were carried out in Gbokora (Daloa). An experimental design with three blocs randomized was set up. Experimentation consisted to realize a sowing during two growing seasons: season 1 (S1) and season (S2). For each season five sowing dates separated with two weeks were realized: Early 1 (E1), Early 2 (E2), Middle (M), Later 1 (L1) and Later 2 (L2). It emerges from this study that to improve the yield of this plant, the crop should be grown during the first season. In addition, planting must be done between mid-March and the beginning of April. This period corresponds to the beginning of the rainy season in the study area. However, if the farmers wish to produce the plant in the second growing season, they will have to wait until the beginning of August, which corresponds to the short rainy season.