Abstract
An experiment entitled “Integrated nutrient management studies in pumpkin” was carried out during summer season of 2011 at Horticulture Farm, Department of Horticulture, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. The experiment conducted in Randomized Block Design with three replications using cv. Arka chandan, with ten treatments, two kinds of organic manures (FYM and Vermicompost) alone and in combination with two kinds of biofertilizers (Azotobacter and PSB) and reduced doses of chemical fertilizers were tested in comparison with RDF. On the basis of results, the application of 50:25:25 Kg NPK ha-1 + FYM 25 t ha-1 + seed treatment with PSB to the crop found to be sound integrated practice. The integrated use of inorganic fertilizers, organic manures and biofertilizers had a significant effect on nutrient uptake. The highest uptake of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potash by pumpkin vine was recorded maximum in the treatment 50 kg N, 25 kg P2O5, 25 kg K2O ha-1 dose of fertilizers in combination with FYM 25 t ha-1 and seed treatment with PSB 25 g kg-1 of seed. i.e. T4. Available Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash in the soil after harvest of pumpkin crop were highest in the treatment with application of inorganic fertilizers 50 kg N, 25 kg P2O5, 25 kg K2O ha-1 in combination with FYM 25 t ha-1 and seed treatment with PSB 25 g kg-1 of seed. i.e. T4 recorded maximum Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potash (190.23, 27.97, 386.91 kg ha-1 respectively).
Highlights
Cucurbitaceae is one of the largest family in vegetable kingdom consisting of largest number of edible type species
The number of seeds per fruit was recorded maximum in treatment T4 (380.12) followed by T7, T5 and T6 were found at par with each other
The treatment T4 recorded maximum (2.67 cm) thickness of flesh, which was at par with the treatment T5
Summary
Cucurbitaceae is one of the largest family in vegetable kingdom consisting of largest number of edible type species. As the cultivation of pumpkin is fast expanding, the growers often come across one or the other problems that limit its fullest expressions of growth and productivity. These problems could be overcome partially or completely by using different agrochemicals like mineral nutrients and growth regulators. The optimum doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium vary greatly with the length of growing season, fertility status of soil, soil type, cultivar, geographical location and the environmental factors. These factors will have marked effect on the growth and yield parameters of pumpkin [1,2]
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