Female Flower Appearance Research Articles

Evaluation of Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica) Hybrids in Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Condition

An experiment was conducted to study the Evaluation of Sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica) Hybrids in Prayagraj agro-climatic condition. at Sam Higginbottom. University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during summer 2023. From the present investigation it is concluded that the H10 Performed best in terms of growth (vine length (170.67 cm). The H9 is best performed in terms of Number of Primary branches (15.25) and The H10 is best performed in terms of maximum Number of node/plant (34.42).The treatment H4 is best performed in terms of Days to emergence of 1st male flower (42.83 days) and H11 is best performed in terms of days to emergence of 1st female flower/plant (46.8 days).The treatment H7 is best performed in terms of first appearance of male flower (2.17). The treatment H7 is best performed in terms of first appearance of female flower (2.17).The H3 and H5 is best performed in terms of Days to 50% female flower/plant (45.67).the treatment H12 performed best in term of days to 1st fruit setting/plant (48.00 Days) and the T12 best performed in terms of Number of days to first Fruit picking (51.58 Days). ). The H1 is best performed in terms of maximum number of Number of fruit/plant (28.48 Fruit),Fruit yield /plant (kg) (2.70 Kg), Fruit yield /ha (Q) (270 Q) and average weight of fruit (95.00g).The H4,H5 and H6 performed best in term of Fruit length (30.00cm). The treatment H11 is best performed in terms of fruit diameter (22.00mm). Whereas, the H1 recorded highest benefit cost ratio (2.79).

Study on Effect of Plant Growth Regulators (PGR) and Training System on Growth and Yield of Cucumber

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season, in 2023 in the Horticulture research field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj, U.P, India. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with twenty treatments and replicated thrice with four cucumber varieties (TMCU-1107, TMCU-1125, TMCU-3112, SAIRA-934). The observations are vine length, days to first appearance of male flower in 50% plants, days to first appearance of female flower in 50% plants, days to first harvest, average fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, number of fruits per plant, average yield per plant, and yield per hectare. The results showed that viz., vine length (155.53 cm), days to first appearance of male flower in 50% plants (32.73), days to first appearance of female flower in 50% plants (39.20), days to first harvest (52.07), average fruit weight (245.93 g), fruit length (15.67 cm), fruit diameter (4.41 cm), number of fruits per plant (12.73), average yield per plant (3.13 kg/plant), yield per hectare (34.77 t/ha), were recorded significantly highest by the application of GA3 – 30 ppm + NAA – 75 ppm + Single head system (Treatment 3) as compared to rest of the treatments.

Variation of fruit morphology and genetic divergence of indigenous pointed gourd

Thirty one indigenous pointed gourd genotypes were studied in Terai region of West Bengal, India to observe variation of fruit morphology and genetic divergence using Mahalanobis D2 statistics and principal component analysis. The field experiment was designed in RBD with three replications at Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, India during the year 2018-19and 2019-20. All the genotypes were arranged into eight divergent clusters in which cluster I included maximum number followed by cluster II. The highest contribution towards genetic diversity was shown for node at the first female flower (37.85%) followed bychlorophyll a content of leaf (16.77%) and seeds per fruit (12.04%). Principal component-1 had maximum variability (43.83%) with positive loading for the characters like node at the first female flower (0.298), appearance of first female flower (0.265), days to fruit maturity (0.194) and internodal length (0.137). Based on the inter and intra cluster distance cross combinations in between lines PCP-17 and PCP-19, PCP-17 and PCP-9, PCP-17 and PCP-28, PCP-19 and PCP-11, PCP-14 and PCP-9 and PCP-23 and PCP-10 may be utilized in future improvement programme of pointed gourd. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(1): 193-201, 2024 (March)

Effect of Organic Manure and Bio-Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.)

The present investigation was conducted during 2022 at DAV University, Jalandhar, to find out the effect of organic manure and bio-fertilizer on growth and yield of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.). The experiment consisted of twelve treatments viz. T1 (FYM @ 20 t/ha), T2 (vermicompost @ 5 t/ha), T3 (Neem cake @ 2.5 t/ha), T4 (Azotobacter @ 4 kg/ha), T5 (Azotobacter @ 2 kg/ha + FYM @ 10 t/ha), T6 (Azotobacter @ 2 kg/ha + vermicompost @2.5 t/ha), T7 (Azotobacter @ 2 kg/ha + neem cake @1.25 t/ha), T8 (PSB @ 4 kg/ha), T9 (PSB @ 4 kg/ha + FYM @ 20 t/ha), T10 (PSB @ 4 kg/ha + vermicompost @ 5 t/ha), T11 (PSB @ 4 kg/ha + Neem cake @ 2.5 t/ha), T12 (Control : RDF 60:125:25 kg NPK) and one variety (Green ball) and laid in RBD with three replications. Observations were recorded on growth parameters like plant height, number of days to male flower appearance, number of days to female flower appearance, number of days to fruit set, number of days to fruit harvest, sex ratio, number of branches, number of fruits per plant per picking, average fruit weight (g), yield parameter like marketable yield (q/ha) and quality parameter like TSS. It was observed that plants which were treated with (T6) Azotobacter @ 2 kg/ha + vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha resulted better in most of the growth, yield and quality parameters.

Association studies on Yield and Yield Components in Snap Melon (Cucumis Melo. Var. Momordica)

An experiment was carried out at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to study the correlation analysis in snap melon. The study revealed that the traits fruit girth, fruit weight, number of primary branches, flesh thickness, number of female flowers per plant, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight, days to first harvest, number of fruits per plant, vine length, TSS, protein, carbohydrate, calcium, iron showed high positive significant correlation with fruit yield per plant. The traits such as days to first male flower appearance, node at which first female flower appearance and days to first harvest registered negative significant association with yield

Impact of pinching on growth, flowering and early season fruit yield of bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.

A study to assess the “impact of pinching on the growth, flowering, and early season fruit yield of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.)” was conducted during the kharif season of 2022 at two locations: Punjab Agricultural University - Vegetable Research Farm in Ludhiana (L1) and Regional Research Station in Abohar (L2). The study employed a randomized block design, consisting of three replications, and encompassed nine distinct pinching treatments, which included: no pinching (T1), pinching on a main branch at 2nd node (T2), pinching on main and lateral branches at 2nd node (T3), pinching on the main branch at 4th node (T4), pinching on the main branch and lateral branches at 4th node (T5), pinching on main branch at 6th node (T6), pinching on the main branch and lateral branches at 6th node (T7), pinching on a main branch at 8th node (T8) and pinching on the main branch and lateral branches at 8th node (T9). Pinching treatment was given at the main branch and lateral branches of bottle gourd vines in each plot according to the assigned treatments. The results revealed that pinched plants on the main branch and lateral branches at 6th node (T7) remarkably increased the number of branches (7.36), female flowers (24.35), days taken to first male flower appearance (49.18) and early season fruit yield (188.89 q ha-1) whereas it reduced vine growth (383.17 cm), days taken to first female flower appearance (53.97), number of male flowers (121.69) and narrow sex ratio (5.0). According to the findings from the present study, it was observed that pinching on both the main and lateral branches at the 6th node (T7) demonstrated the most favorable growth, flowering, and early-season fruit yield of bottle gourd.

Studies on Genetic Variability, Correlation Analysis in Mithipagal (Momordica charantia var. muricata) Genotypes

The present investigation was carried out in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to study the “Genetic variability and correlation analysis in Mithipagal (Momordica charantia var. muricata) genotypes”. Observations on vine length, days to male flower inflorescence, days to female flower inflorescence, node of first male flower appearance, node of first female flower appearance, sex ratio, number of fruits per vine, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit girth, number of seeds per fruit, yield per vine, ascorbic acid, protein content, iron content and total soluble solids were recorded. Variability and correlation analysis among genotypes were examined. The results, showed that yield per plant had high positive and high significant correlation with fruit weight, fruit girth, number of seeds per fruit, vine length and fruit length. High genotypic co-efficients of variation (GCV) were found for fruit yield per vine, fruit weight, TSS, fruit length, vine length, fruit girth, node of first female flower, number of fruits per vine, number of seeds per fruit, iron, protein content when genetic characteristics were taken into account, However low GCV was found for days to the first male and female flowering. Phenotypic variants were always greater than genotypic variances. For traits such asyield per vine, fruit weight, TSS, fruit length, vine length, fruit girth, number of fruits per vine, number of. seeds per fruit, node of first male flower appearance, node of first female flower appearance, sex ratio, vitamin C, protein, iron content high heritability was found together with high genetic advance in percent of mean, indicating that these features are under additive gene control and hence selection for genetic improvement would be successful. Node of first male flower appearance showed low heritability combined with low genetic advance as a percentage of the mean indicating that non-additive gene effects were involved in the expression of this trait and hence selection for such a trait could not be beneficial. The knowledge of these statistical factors would be useful in identifying genotypes with greater yield potential that might be used in the improvement of mithipagal.

Quantifying the effects of drought stress on cucumber genotypes differing in membrane integrity

Cucumber yield is profoundly influenced by soil moisture, with drought representing a pivotal factor. This study evaluated four cucumber lines (CBECS-37, CBECS-38, CBECS-19, and CBECS-7) within a split-plot experimental design comprising four replications. Irrigation occurred once every seven days, spanning from sowing to the flowering stage. Drought stress was imposed at two critical stages: from flower bud initiation to harvesting (withheld irrigation for 25 days) and from flowering to harvesting (withheld irrigation for 15 days). Morphological and physiological parameters, including plant height, primary branch count, days to first male and female flower appearance, total soluble solids (TSS), relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll content, leaf electrolyte leakage, and malondialdehyde, were assessed 15 days after drought stress. Results indicated greater membrane damage during the flower bud initiation to the harvesting stage (404.5%) compared to the flowering to the harvesting stage (304.6%). Thus, drought stress during flower bud initiation to harvesting was more critical. CBECS-7 demonstrated the highest tolerance to drought conditions, displaying superior outcomes in primary branches, plant height (20.6%), chlorophyll a (16.7%), chlorophyll b (53.4%), total chlorophyll (26.7%), and RWC (6.7%). CBECS-7 exhibited increased chlorophyll content, enhanced photosynthetic activity, robust vegetative growth, and prolific flower and fruit production. These findings establish CBECS-7 as a drought-tolerant line during flower bud initiation to harvesting. In conclusion, this study underscores the critical nature of the flower bud initiation to the harvesting stage and identifies CBECS-7 as a drought-tolerant cucumber line.

Performance of Different Varieties of Tinda (Praecitrullus fistulosus) under Prayagraj Agro-climatic Condition

The present experiment was carried out during summer season 2022-23 in Central Horticulture Research Farm of Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj. The experiment was conducted to evaluate Performance of different varieties of Tinda (Praecitrullus fistulosus) under Prayagraj agro climatic condition. For the evaluation eight varieties treatments were V1-Ludhiana Special, V2- S-48, V3-Raja, V4-Komal, V5-IHS-45, V6-Laddu, V7-Heera, V8-Mahy Tinda are taken for the study in a Randomized Block Design with three replications in 2.5 x 1.5 m plot. The study revealed that the maximum vine length 182.8cm in V5 IHS-45. The number of primary branches was maximum in V5-IHS-45, 6.43 at final harvestings. At harvesting the number of nodes per plant was Maximum in V5-IHS-45, 34.36. Days to first female flower appearance was minimum in IHS45, 26.30. IHS-45 was found to be the best variety for fruit weight with 63.14gm. IHS-45 was found to be the best variety for diameter of fruit with 54.12mm. IHS-45 produced the maximum fruit yield/ha and the fruit yield was 143.66q/ha. Among the different varieties studied, IHS-45 performed best for flower, fruit and yield characters. And the best varieties followed by Laddu and Mahy Tinda. The study revealed that, these varieties of Tinda provide high benefit to the farmers through easy cultivation, better stress tolerance, diseases resistance and higher yield.

Performance of Different Varieties of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) under Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Condition

Eight cucumber varieties were evaluated at SHUATS, Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh, in randomized block design with three replications during summer season-2022 for growth, yield and fruit quality traits. The variety AGRI GREEN gave maximum mean value for maximum vine length (217.33cm), number of primary branches (5.67), number of nodes per plant (39.10), Days to first female flower appearance and node to first female flower appearance were minimum and that was about (50.76) and (4.33) respectively, fruit length and weight with (15.83cm) and (126.00gm) respectively), node number at which first female flower appears (4.33), number of female flowers per Plant (16.37), fruit yield/ha (164.10 q/ha), number of fruits per plant (13.30), TSS (4.20 oBrix), was observed in same variety. The maximum fruit diameter was found in SS-100 (45.50 mm). AGRI GREEN was found superior based on overall performance in terms of growth, yield, and quality parameters. The study revealed that, these varieties of cucumber provide high benefit to the farmers through easy cultivation, better stress tolerance, diseases resistance and higher yields.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

An experiment entitled Effect of plant growth regulators on growth, yield and quality of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) was conducted at Horticulture Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj during July-October, 2022. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with thirteen treatments and replicated thrice. The growth regulators were sprayed at two true leaf stage and four true leaf stages. Data was collected from vine length, days to first appearance of male flowers, days to first appearance of female flowers, days to 50% pistillate flowers, days to first harvest, length of fruit, fruit weight, fruit diameter, number of fruits per plant, average yield per plant, yield per hectare, Total Soluble Solids, and vitamin C and analyzed using analysis of variance. Results showed that GA3 175 ppm sprayed at 2 and 4 true leaf stage of cucumber hybrid TMCU-1107 was superior in terms of vine length (119.56cm), days to first appearance of male flowers (32.16), days to first appearance of female flowers (38.2), days to 50% pistillate flowers (41.2), days to first harvest (52.41), fruit weight (255.86g), length of the fruit (17.27cm), fruit diameter (4.82cm), number of fruits per plant (12.16), average yield per plant (3117.11g), yield per hectare (27.7t/ha), TSS (4.23 0Brix), Vitamin C (2.05mg/100g).

Influence of Panchgavya on Growth, Yield and Quality parameters of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

The Present experiment aims to highlights the Influence of Panchagavya on Growth, Yield and Quality Parameters of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.). The Experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during July-October, 2022. The Experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with twelve treatment combinations and replicated thrice. The experiment consisted of two factors. Factor 1: Hybrids as TMBI-1304, TMBI-1305 and Factor 2: Different concentrations of Panchagavya P₀: Control (water spray), P1: 1% spray of Panchagavya, P2: 2% spray of Panchagavya, P3: 3% spray of Panchagavya, P4: 4% spray of Panchagavya, P5: 5% spray of Panchagavya. Among different concentrations 5% spray of Panchagavya gave better results in Vine length (140.500 cm), Appearance of 1st male flower (33.110), Appearance of 1st female flower (35.110), Days to 50% flowering (36.157), Days to 1st harvest (49.778), Number of fruits per plant (41.556), Length of fruit (14.344 cm) Average fruit weight (153.667 g), Girth of fruit (17.678), Average fruit yield per plant (56.760), Average fruit yield per plot (5.66) TSS (4.177) and Ascorbic acid (2.050). The best interaction results were found in TMBI-1304 along with 5% spray of Panchagavya which gave maximum growth, yield and quality characteristics in bitter gourd.

Kajian Komposisi Pupuk NPK terhadap Pola Pertumbuhan dan Perkembangan Fase Generatif Labu Madu Hibrida

This research is a qualitative descriptive research carried out at the Experimental Garden in Pancakarya Village, Ajung District, Jember Regency with a height ranging from 50 meters above sea level. To describe and find out the facts or events that will be examined or research conducted to make it easier for researchers to obtain objective data. This research used 27 honey gourd plants cultivated by Siti Masruroh's sister. Observations were made from June to August 2022. Observations were made using variables that were analyzed descriptively, namely: the number of branching, the appearance of male and female flowers, the presence of flowers and fruits in the plant structure, the percentage of flowers turning into fruit, the percentage of fruit until harvest. Observations were made when the honey gourd plants entered the generative phase, around 18 days after planting until harvest. Supporting observations were carried out on types of pests and diseases, as well as pearl NPK fertilizer analysis. The results of the study stated that the composition of NPK 1:2:3 (K3) had a good effect on the number of branches, the appearance of male and female flowers, the presence of fruit in plant structure, and the percentage of flowers turning into fruit. And the pattern of generative growth of honey gourd with various compositions of NPK fertilizer produces optimal results and is in line with the success of vegetative propagation of honey gourd seedlings.

Divergence Analysis of Bitter Gourd Genotypes for Yield and Yield Attributes

Genetic divergence for yield and yield attributes were evaluated in 33 bitter gourd genotypes for 17 characters. Characters such as, days to first male flower appearance, days to first female flower appearance, node of first male flower appearance, node of first female flower appearance, number of male flowers per vine, number of female flowers per vine, days to first harvest, number of harvests, fruit length (cm), fruit girth (cm), individual fruit weight (g), vine length (cm), number of primary branches per vine, number of fruits per vine, sex ratio, number of seeds per fruit and yield of fruits per vine (g) were used for analysing the divergence among the genotypes. Genotypes were grouped into five clusters using D2 statistics, and a dendrogram was created using Ward's approach. Out of the five clusters, cluster I was the largest comprising of 14 genotypes. Maximum inter cluster distance was observed between cluster III and cluster V, hence diverse parents for hybridization can be selected from these two clusters.

The effect of hydrogel Aquasource on yield capacity and seed efficiency of melon Cucumis melo L.

At the Scientific Center of Vegetable, Melon and Industrial Crops (MoE RA) for 3 years (2020-2022), the use of Aquasource hydrogel (Ecotechnology LLC) in the cultivation of melon Cucumis melo L was investigated. Hydrogel in the ratio: Soil mix +Aaquasource (3:0.1), Soil mix+Aquasource (3:0.15), Soil mix +Aquasource (3:0.2) compared with the control (Soil mix without Aquasource) had a positive effect on the early appearance of female flowers, reducing the terms of technical ripening and fruit quality. The indicator of marketable yield of melon also exceeded the control (230.9±2.73 c/ha) and amounted to 287.5±2.94, 308.0±2.27 and 307.0±3.05 c/ha, respectively. A similar pattern was observed with seed yield: 360.7±2.87, 399.6±10.01, 392.1±9.20kg/ha, respectively, with control 287.2±8.05 kg/ha. An assessment of the economic efficiency of using Aquasource showed that by reducing the cost of water supply, labor force and provision of higher yield, the percentage of economic efficiency was 120.4-128.6%, and profitability - 67.6-69.0% (with control of 61.9%).

Influence of plant growth regulators on morphological and flowering behavior of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.)

A field experiment was conducted for evaluating the influence of three plant growth regulators (PGR) viz., gibberellic acid (GA3), Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and Ethrel on morphological and flowering behaviour of bottle gourd. The foliar application of Ethrel @ 300 ppm was found beneficial for days taken for appearance of first female flower, number of male flowers, number of female flowers, sex ratio. Whereas, maximum length of vine at 60 and 90 DAS, minimum number of days taken from fruit set to edible maturity was obtained by the foliage application of GA3 @ 40 ppm however minimum days taken for appearance of first male flower was obtained with GA3 @ 60 ppm. Based on these observations, it could be suggested that the significant increase in flowering and growth characters would be obtained by the spraying of Ethrel @ 300 ppm at 2-4 true leaf stage.

Effect of organic manures and biofertilizers on growth and yield of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.)

A field experiment entitled "Effect of organic manures and biofertilizers on growth and yield of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.)" was conducted at Instructional Farm, Department of Vegetable Science, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola during summer season of 2019 - 2020. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and nine treatments viz.T1 (Farm Yard Manure @ 40 t ha-1), T2 (Compost (NADEP) @ 18 t ha-1), T3 (Vermicompost @ 13.5 t ha-1), T4 (Poultry manure @ 6.6 t ha-1) and T5 (Farm Yard Manure @ 40 t ha-1 + Soil application of Azotobacter+ PSB @ 5 kg ha-1 each), T6 (Compost (NADEP) @18 t ha-1 + Soil application of Azotobacter+ PSB @ 5 kg ha-1 each), T7 (Vermicompost @ 13.5 t ha-1 + Soil application of Azotobacter+ PSB @ 5 kg ha-1 each), T8 (Poultry manure @ 6.6 t ha-1 + Soil application of Azotobacter+ PSB @ 5 kg ha-1 each), T9 Control (RDF- 200:100:100 NPK Kg/ha). The various observations in respect of vine growth and yield of watermelon were recorded periodically. From the present findings, it was observed that the growth parameters in respect length of main vine, number of leaves, number of primary branches, chlorophyll index, days for first female flower appearance, internodal distance and male female ratio were found better with Vermicompost @ 13.5 t ha-1+ soil application of Azotobacter +PSB @ 5kg ha-1 each. Yield parameters viz days required for edible maturity, number of fruits per vine, average fruit weight kg, fruit yield kg per vine and fruit yield per ha-1 (tons) were found to be maximum with Vermicompost @ 13.5 t ha-1+ soil application of Azotobacter +PSB @ 5kg ha-1 each.

Effect of Organic, Inorganic and Biofertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Sponge Gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca) cv. TMSG-1609

The present investigation entitled “Effect of organic fertilizers, inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers on growth, yield and quality of sponge gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca)” was carried out at Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) during rabi season of 2022 for evaluation of different treatment combination of organic, inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers on growth, yield and quality of sponge gourd c.v. TMSG (1609). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with combination traits of 9 treatments, and three replication. Studies shows that, among all the treatments T7 was found to be the best out of the 9 treatments in terms of growth, yield and quality with days to germination (11.5 DAS), days to emergence (25.08 DAS), survival percentage (79.67%),vine length (20,40,60 DAS) (115.60 ,271.10, 453.70 cm), appearance of first male (47.75 DAS) and female flower (54.64%) in 50% flowering, days to first harvest (64.80 DAS), no. of fruits per plant (24.81), fruit length (24.81 cm), fruit diameter (6.13), fruit weight (181.71 g), yield per hectare(t) (16.20 t/ha), TSS (Total soluble solids) (4.72 0brix), ascorbic acid content (10.01 mg), fruit colour (138.6). In terms of economics, gross return, net return and benefit cost ratio was also recorded in T7 (80% RDF + 20% through vermicompost + PSB + azotobacter) with gross return (Rs, 3,20,400) , net return (Rs 2,35,750) along with benefit cost ratio (3.7).

Integrated Nutrient Management in Bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol) Standl.] variety Kashi Ganga under Malwa condition of Madhya Pradesh

The present experiment “Integrated Nutrient Management in Bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol) Standl.] variety Kashi Ganga under Malwa condition of Madhya Pradesh” was carried out during Kharif season of 2019 -2020 at the Horticulture Experimental Field, College of Agriculture, RVSKVV, Indore (M.P.). The objective of the trial is to study efficacy of soil amendment on growth, yield and quality traits. The experiment consist of 15 treatments and three replication under randomized block design. The treatment T10 (50% NPK+25% Vermicompost +25% Compost) was found significantly superior as compared to other of treatments in following characters like vine length(cm), length of internode /vine (cm), no of primary branches. Treatment T0 (No application of INM control) observed minimum as compares to other of treatments. The treatment T10 (50%NPK+25%Vermicompost+25%Compost) was found significantly good result in phenological characters like no of node /vine up to first male and female flowers, days to first appearance of male and female flower, Treatment T0 ( No application of INM control) observed minimum as compares to other of treatments. The results regarding the yield parameters like days to first picking , avg. fruit weight at every picking (g) ,fruit length (cm) , fruit diameter (cm) , fruit yield /plot (kg), fruit yield (q/ha) number of seeds per pod, pod yield per plant(g) and pod yield (q/ha) were significantly affected by the application of different combination of integrated nutrient management. The maximum result was noted in treatment T10 (50% NPK + 25% Vermicompost + 25% Compost) However, minimum result was noted in T0 (No application of INM control).

Evaluation of Interspecific Hybrids for Yield and Quality Characteristics in Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia ) is one of the most nutritional and commercially important vegetable crops of the family cucurbitaceae. In the present study, hybrids and parents of bitter gourd were assessed to study the per se performance for yield and quality attributes. A wide range of significant variation was observed among all parents and hybrids under study. Among the parents assessed, Preethi and CO-1 was found highly significant with regard to yield attributing characters viz., fruit weight, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield ha-1 and MCM-1, MCM-2 with regard to number of fruits per plant. The hybrids CO-1 x MCM-2 followed by Preethi x MCM-1 and MCM-1 x Preethi were recorded to be the top performing hybrids for all the quantitative characters like node of first female flower appearance, days taken to first flower appearance, days to 50% flowering, fruit length(cm), fruit girth(cm), fruit weight(g), internodal length(cm), vine length(cm), sex ratio, No of seeds per fruit, No. of fruits per plant, No. of harvest and yield per plant. High ascorbic acid and iron content was recorded in parents MCM-2 and Preethi while it was found maximum in hybrids, Preethi x MCM-1, CO-1 x MCM-2 and MCM-1 X Preethi. Hence based on performance of yield and quality, the hybrids, CO-1 x MCM-2, Preethi x MCM-1 and MCM-1 x Preethi were found to be superior and can be exploited for further studies.