Vine Length Research Articles

EFFICACY OF AQUEOUS AND POWDERED LEAF EXTRACTS OF Chromolaena odorata (ASTERALES: ASTERACEAE) AND Ficus mucuso (ROSALES: MORACEAE) BOTANICALS ON ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE INFECTING WATERMELON IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Watermelon production in Kwara State, Nigeria, is affected by root-knot nematode (RKN), as all varieties of the crop are susceptible. The aim of this study was to identify readily available and environmentally safe nematicides for the management of RKN. The field was located at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Ilorin and set out in a randomised complete block design, with four replications. Aqueous and powdered extracts of Chromolaena odorata (L) King and Robinson and Ficus mucuso Welw. ex Ficalho were applied alone and in combination. There were seven total treatments: C. odorata aqueous, F. mucuso aqueous, C. odorata powder, F. mucuso powder, C. odorata and F. mucuso aqueous, C. odorata and F. mucuso powder, and the control. Data were collected on growth, yield and nematode populations. All data collected were subjected to analysis of variance, and treatments were compared using Duncan’s multiple range test at a 5% level of significance. The essential oil of each botanical was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The vine length (185.61) and yield (2401.05) of plants treated with botanicals were significantly higher than those of the control at P<0.005. The nematode population was also significantly lower in plants treated with botanicals than in the control (318.30 and 230.00, first and second year, respectively) at P<0.005. Among the treatments, the combination of C. odorata and F. mucuso powders was the most effective, with higher growth and yield performance. The experiment showed that aqueous and powdered extracts of C. odorata and F. mucuso were effective in managing RKN in the field.

Performance of parthenocarpic cucumber genotypes under protected cultivation for yield and horticultural traits

An investigation was conducted to identify the most desirable genotypes of parthenocarpic cucumber under protected cultivation. Experimental material consists of 23 genotypes of parthenocarpic cucumber including 1 check (KPCH-1) and the experiment was laid out in three replications with support of Randomized Block Design. ANOVA revealed significant differences among the genotypes for 17 traits. Based on the genotypes' mean performance for all traits investigated, m earliest days to first flower (26.80) and minimum inter-nodal length (7.22 cm) was observed in genotype BRPCU-1×BRPCU-8, whereas maximum number of flowers per node (2.20), number fruits per vine (31.47) and yield per vine (3.96 kg) was observed in genotype BRPCU1×BRPCU-8. The lowest node to the first flower (3.27) was observed in genotype BRPCU-2×BRPCU-7. Earliest days to first picking (39.80 days) whereas highest TSS (3.87 °Brix) and longest span of harvesting (58.67 days) was noted in genotype in BRPCU-2×BRPCU-5. The highest average fruit weight was recorded in genotype BRPCU-2×BRPCU-8 (143.07 g), while the highest fruit length was observed in genotype BRPCU-5 (20.73 cm). Genotype BRPCU-3×BRPCU-8 (3.90 cm) had maximum fruit diameter. Maximum vine length was recorded in BRPCU-6×BRPCU-7 (3.15 m). The best top-performing genotypes identified in the present study were BRPCU1×BRPCU-8, BRPCU-2×BRPCU-5, and BRPCU-3×BRPCU-8 were superior for most of the fruit yield components and quality traits.

Statistical Appraisal of the Yield Performance of Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) in Kazaure Hinterland in Response to Crop Variety and Fertilization Nature

The study was aimed at identifying the ideal water melon crop variety to grow and the treatment combination to adopt for a bumper harvest in Kazaure hinterland. To achieve this, ten different watermelon crop varieties were planted and treated with five different fertilizers on a farmland specifically prepared for the study. The preparation was done in such a way that fifty experimental units were replicated fifty times in each of the fifty pots prepared based on factorial design scheme. The factors of interest were crop variety and fertilizer type. The experimental units were allowed to germinate for eight weeks. Number of leaves, vine length and chlorophyll content were measured from the germinated units. The data was analysed using two-way MANOVA, one-way ANOVA and other relevant statistical techniques. The results from the analysis revealed that the yield parameters significantly differ from one crop variety to another as well as from one type of fertilizer to another. Further investigations using separate one-way ANOVA son vine length, chlorophyll content, and number of leaves revealed that the ten-crop type have significant different effect on these parameters. The same technique revealed a significant different in impact between the types of fertilizer on the same parameters when considered separately. Differentiating the level of the factors, post-hoc test indicated that Sweet Polly, Traveler, and Captivation significantly increased the yield parameters than Bijou, King Man, SV0258WAT, Cut Above, Citation, Harvest Moon, and Triple Treat, while the rest did not differ significantly between themselves. The test also showed that Farmyard Manure, Poultry Drop, and Cow Dung performed significantly better than Urea and NPK 15 15 15 as levels of fertilizer-type experimental factor. The study thus encourages growing Sweet Polly, Traveler, and Captivation and be treated with Farmyard Manure, Poultry Drop, and Cow Dung for a bumper harvest in this part of the world.

Effects of Organic tea concentration and application methods on growth and yield of Greenhouse Cucumber (Cucumis sativum L.) in Owo, South-western Nigeria

Organic tea (mixture of Organic Manure Extract and Spent Bleaching Extract) is used as nutrient complements in agriculture and horticulture to increase plant growth and yield. In this study a 2 X 4 factorial experiment used CRD (Completely Randomized Design) to examined the effect of compost tea herein referred to as OT [organic tea (extract made from SBE and composted manure extract (OM)] as bio-stimulants at four different concentrations (0, 20, 30, and 40 %) on the growth and fruit yield in cucumber (Cucumis sativum L.) under greenhouse condition using foliar (FO) and drip irrigation (DR) application methods. Vegetative parameters (vine length, number of branches, number of leaf per plant, leaf area, and stem girth) were studied at 50% flowering stage and yield parameters (Date to flower initiation, No of male flower, No of female flower, male/female flower ratio, number of fruit/plant, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight/plant) and yield / hectare, at harvest. From the experiment organic tea application via folia method exhibited enhanced vegetative growth while application via drip irrigation was found to be more effective in influencing the yield parameters significantly. Plants that received 20% OT showed variability, but were not significantly different from control plants (0%). Similarly, plants treated with 40% OT extract showed enhanced vegetative growth and fruit yield with good quality, but high diseases infection. This study therefore provides important information on the utilization of OT and application method for increased cucumber production in the study area.

Integration of Rhizobacterial Isolates and Airone Chemical for Effective Management of Bacterial Wilt in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of integrated disease management strategies against bacterial wilt, caused by Erwinia tracheiphila in cucumber (Cucumis sativus) within a controlled greenhouse environment. A total of 56 E. tracheiphila were recovered from the symptomatic cucumber plants among which 13 were tested highly virulent. Among six rhizobacterial isolates; Pseudomonas flurescens-3 (Pf-3), Pseudomonas putida-5 (Pu-5), Pseudomonas stutzeri-2 (Ps-2), Bacillus subtilis-1 (Bs-1), Bacillus safensis-2 (Bs-2), and Pseudomonas stutzeri-1 (Ps-1), tested in vitro using dual culture technique against extremely virulent strain of E. tracheiphila revealed Pf-3, Pu-5 and Bs-1 significantly reduced its growth. Two separate experiments were performed to investigate the synergistic effects of these PGPRs in combination with Airone chemical (active ingredients; Copper Oxychloride + Copper Hydroxide 20%SC by Swat Agro Chemicals, Pakistan) on disease severity and overall plant growth. In the first experiment, eight treatments were tested in a complete randomized design (CRD) with eight replications, focusing on the combination of Pf-3, Pu-5 and Bs-1. Results revealed that the combined application of Pf-3 and Pu-5 significantly outperformed other treatments, exhibiting substantial improvements in key growth parameters; vine length, number of leaves and branches per plant, and a remarkable reduction in disease severity compared to positive and negative controls. In the second experiment, Pf-3, Pu-5 and Bs-1 and Airone chemical were employed in seed and soil treatments to confer resistance to E. tracheiphila and suppress bacterial wilt. The treatment involving P.u-5 and Bs-1, along with a foliar spray of Airone, recorded the lowest disease severity and an increase in plant growth compared to the positive control. These findings suggest that the synergistic application of PGPR and Airone chemical holds promise for integrated disease management in cucumber, providing effective control of bacterial wilt while promoting plant growth. Moreover, the environmentally friendly nature of rhizobacterial-based formulations underscores their potential as safe alternatives for controlling soil-borne plant pathogens without adverse effects on human health or the environment

NPK Fertilizer Requirements for Jatropha Zeyheri Indigenous Tea under Microplot Conditions

Effects of NPK fertilizer could have positive or negative effects in relation to growth of crops under certain environments, with minimum findings on how crops react to fertilizers under microplot conditions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effects of increasing NPK fertilizer rate on Jatropha zeyheri tea growth under microplot conditions. At two-leaf phase, J. zeyheri seedlings were transplanted into 25 cm diameter plastic pots. Each pot was filled with heated pasteurized sandy soil and Hygromix at 3:1 (v/v) ratio and placed in a spacing of 0.30 m × 0.30 m inter-and intra-row spacing. Six treatments constituting NPK fertilizer rates (0, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 g) were arranged in a randomized complete block design, with five replications. Treatments were initiated a week after transplanting, and 130 days after that, treatments had highly significant effects on leaf width, contributing 66% in TTV, whereas significant effects were reported on vine length, stem diameter, leaf length and dry root mass contributing 61, 67, 68 and 49% in TTV, respectively. NPK fertilizer rates did not affect chlorophyll content, NDVI, dry shoot mass, number of leaves and leaf area index. Jatropha zeyheri yield variables when exposed to increasing fertilizer rates displayed positive quadratic relations. Use of fertilizers had setbacks when applied inappropriately leading to inconsistent results. However, determining optimum fertilizer requirement for J. zeyheri was a strategical solution for inappropriate application. Jatropha zeyheri fertilizer requirements were optimized at 3.30 g fertilizer/plant, which shows that J. zeyheri requires a minimum amount of NPK fertilizer to stimulate growth.

Effects of Mulching and Plant Spacing on Growth, Yield and Quality of Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) in Rapti Riverbed, Dang, Nepal

A field experiment was conducted at Rapti riverbed, Dang, Nepal to study the effects of mulching and plant spacing on growth, yield, and fruit quality of Mastana- a hybrid cultivar of watermelon- during February-May 2019. The two-factor experiment had three types of mulching- black silver polythene, rice straw, and control (no mulch), and three different plants spacing- 2m×1m, 2m×1.5m, and 2m×2m. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The result showed both mulching and plant spacing significantly influence growth, yield and quality of watermelon. Considering the mulching materials, the minimum days required for germination (14.44 days), the longest main vine length (316 cm), maximum number of leaves per plant (99.42), the highest individual fruit weight (7.30 kg) and fruit yield mt ha-1 (122.1), the maximum TSS and vitamin C content (12.11°B and 18.76 mg/100 g) were recorded from the plants grown under black silver polythene mulch and the lowest values were recorded from the plants grown without mulching except days required to germination and titratable acidity. In case of plant spacing, the higher yield was recorded in 2m×1m plant spacing (140.3 mt ha-1) as compared to 2m×1.5m (95.5 mt ha-1) and 2m×2m (75.2 mt ha-1). Likewise, effect of plant spacing on the number of leaves plant-1 was significant in 40 DAS, and 80 DAS. Therefore, Mastana, a hybrid cultivar of watermelon is recommended to grow on black silver polythene with 2m×1m plant spacing in Rapti Riverbed conditions. SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 41-52 (2023)

Yield response and economic evaluation of drip-fertigated muskmelon cultivated under mulched conditions

A study was carried out to standardize the moisture regime (irrigation) and fertigation (N:P:K levels) for improved crop establishment, plant growth, yield and fruit quality of muskmelon under drip irrigation cum fertigation and mulching during 2017-18 and 2018-19. The treatments included three levels of drip irrigation viz. 100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), 80% of ETc and 60% of ETc , with and without silver black polythene plastic mulching in main plots and three levels of fertigation viz. 100% of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 80% of RDF and 60% of RDF in subplots. Drip irrigation at 100% of ETc and fertigation at 100% of RDF with mulching helped to improve the vine length, number of primary branches, average fruit weight, diameter and yield when compared with conventional (control) as well as other treatments. These results were statistically at par with that obtained under drip irrigation at 80% of ETc and fertigation at 80% of RDF with mulching. The yield under drip fertigation varied from 168.8-202.8 q/ha, which is about 16.5% higher as compared to conventional treatment. Drip fertigation under mulched conditions resulted in 17.2% higher net returns as compared to conventional treatment. Thus, it may be concluded that drip fertigation at 80% of ETc and fertigation at 80% of RDF with plastic mulching is beneficial for improving productivity of muskmelon with about 80.9% and 20.0% saving of water and fertilizers as compared to conventional method in the present study region

Exploring genotypic variation in growth and yield traits of betel vine (Piper betle L.) genotypes

The present research spans two consecutive growing seasons (2021-22 and 2022-23) at the Spices Research Centre, Shibganj, Bogura to evaluate the growth and yield attributes of the betel vine genotypes. The inaugural season (2021-22) focused solely on line BL0027, while the following season (2022-23) included multiple betel vine lines, BL0025, BL0027, BL0028, BL0030, and BL0040, with BARI Pan-3 as check variety. Experimental plots were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected three times throughout the leaf harvesting period, encompassed fifteen morphological traits. The results highlight significant genotypic variations in vine growth, morphology, and yield characteristics. During season 1 (2021-22), genotypes exhibited varying vine lengths, daily growth rates, internode dimensions, and leaf traits, underscoring genetic diversity. BL0027 consistently displayed superior growth and yield attributes, and closely followed by BARI Pan-3 in the season 2 broad assessments. However, genotypic variations persisted, emphasizing the influence of genetics on betel vine attributes. These findings are crucial for betel vine breeding programs and agricultural practices, offering insights into genetic diversity and potential for tailored cultivation. Future research should explore the genetic and environmental factors underlying these traits to optimize betel vine cultivation and management. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2023, 48(2): 86-93

Performance of Different F1 Hybrids of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) on Growth, Yield and Quality

The present investigation was carried out at the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during the Kharif season 2022-2023 with a view to check performance of different Hybrids of cucumber under Prayagraj agro climatic conditions and to estimate economics of different hybrids of cucumber. Hybrids comprised of V1 (J K Manali), V2 (Malini), V3 (NBH-Manvi plus), V4 (USM- Rani (01), V5 (Nazia F1), V6 (KSP 1665 Power), V7 (Shagun), V8 (Super green) and V9 (NBH-842). Among different hybrids of cucumber hybrid super green performed best in terms of growth parameters like vine length, number of branches, flowering parameters like earliness in flowering and maturity, male female ratio and yield parameters like fruit length, fruit diameter, and fruit yield per vine. The hybrid super green also had high TSS and Vitamin C content. Maximum BC ratio was obtained in hybrid super green with value of 2.96.

Response of Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus L.) Varieties as Influenced by Sole Application of NPK (15:15:15) and Poultry Manure on the Growth and Yield in Zuru Area of Kebbi State

Field experiments have been carried out at Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Agriculture Zuru (lat. 12012.99' N; long. 40 21.90'E; 197m above sea level), at some point of 2020/21 and 2021/22 rainy seasons withinside of the Northern Guinea Savannah area of Nigeria. The region has a protracted dry season this is characterized via way of means of cool dry air (harmattan) that prevails from November to February; and warm dry air extending from March to May. The place has been used for cultivation of vegetable and cereal crops. The purpose of the test turned into to look at the reaction of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) varieties to poultry manure and NPK (15:15:15). Treatments consisted of three (3) cucumber varieties (Darina, Market-more and Poinsett-75) and two (2) nutrient sources (NPK [15:15:15], poultry manure and the untreated control; each designed to deliver the endorsed nitrogen dose of 120kg N ha-1. Treatments have been specified in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Results found out that vine length, crop growth rate, imply fruit length, imply fruit diameter, total number of fruits per plant and fresh fruit yield of Market-more and Point sett varieties have been better with the application of either poultry manure or NPK fertilizer. Result, similarly discovered that all the three varieties (Darina, Market-more and Pointsett-75) attained maximum growth

Little or no maize (Zea mays) grain yield loss occurred in intercrop with mid‐maturity lablab (Lablab purpureus) in northeastern Tanzania

AbstractIntercropping is among sustainable intensification tactics farmers may use to increase or maintain productivity and environmental quality. Effects of planting lablab [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet] 1 or 2 weeks after planting maize (WAPM) are not well characterized, especially when mid‐maturity lablab cultivars are used. Greenhouse (Springfield, MO) and field studies (Arusha, Tanzania) were conducted in 2018 and 2019 to assess early (≤60 days) and full‐season effects on growth and grain production. The greenhouse study characterized early growth characteristics when lablab was sown 0, 1, or 2 WAPM for each of four cultivars of lablab. “Echo Cream” lablab produced greater vine length and more nodes than other cultivars in the greenhouse. Greenhouse lablab biomass and node number were greatest when sown ≤1 WAPM. The field study compared monoculture and intercrop grain yields. Highest maize yields occurred when lablab was sown ≥1 WAPM, but highest lablab yields occurred when planted at the same time as maize. The maize/lablab intercrop always resulted in favorable land equivalent ratios (LERs) ranging from 1.5 to 2.1. The partial LER of maize yield was not reduced by more than 7% relative to monoculture either year. Lablab yield was negatively affected by planting delay, decreasing about 60% in 2018 and 31% in 2019 in the 2 WAPM planting date treatment. Although twining lablab vines complicate grain harvest, our results demonstrate increased grain production per unit area with maize/lablab intercropping, with a potential for increased farmer income and household nutrition.

Influence of Different Plant Growth Regulators and Boron on Growth, Yield and Sex Expression of Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria Mol.) under Garhwal Valley

The present investigation was carried out at Horticultural Research Centre, Department of Horticulture, H. N. B. Garhwal University, Uttarakhand, India during summer season, 2018-19. The existing experiment was laid out in randomized block design following 13 treatments replicated thrice. The various growth parameters as well as yield attributes and yield were recorded during the experimentation. The result of the present investigation showed that GA3 @ 50 mg/kg was registered as the best treatment in terms of vine length (376.13 cm), fruits per vine (6.60), sex ratio (F:M) 1:11.07 and yield per vine (1357.33 g) and NAA @ 200 mg/kg+ Boron @ 0.1% with relation to the number of main branches per vine (10.87), length of fruit (24.57 cm), diameter of fruit (90.10 mm), yield per plot (10.29 kg/plot) and yield per hectare (457.33 q) in bottle gourd. However, GA3 @ 50 mg/kg+ Boron @ 0.1% number of node per vine (24.27), number of node bearing first flower GA3 50 @ mg/kg(4.20) and NAA @ 150 mg/kg(4.20), weight of fruit NAA @ 100 mg/kg+ Boron @ 0.1% (838.0 g) , total soluble solid GA3 @ 30 mg/kg(5.04 ºBrix) and NAA @ 200 mg/kg ascorbic acid (12.90 mg/100g). The cultivar (Pusa Naveen) gives better response with the application of GA3 @ 50 mg/kg for sex expression and NAA @ 200 mg/kg+ Boron @ 0.1% for various growth and yield parameters. It can be recommended to enhance the production of bottle gourd under Garhwal valley of Uttarakhand.

RESPONSE OF SNAKE TOMATO (Tricosanthes cucumerina) TO DIFFERENT FERTILIZER SOURCES IN SOUTHERN GUINEA SAVANNA ZONE OF NIGERIA

Snake tomato is gaining popularity due to its nutritional, medicinal and health benefits. Its production is constrained by depleting soil fertility. Recently, there is increased interest in organic food owing to health and environmental benefits. Thus, an experiment on growth and yield of snake tomato as affected by fertilizer sources was conducted at Ponyan and Kabba during the 2019 cropping season. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of the control, residues from maize, guinea corn and spear grass, residues from soybean, cowpea and black bean, residues from cocoa and kola, pig manure, goat manure, cow dung manure and NPK plus B fertilizer. Data were taken on vine length, number of leaves, vine girth, days to 50% flowering, fruit length, fruit girth, number of seeds/fruit, fresh fruit weight, marketable fruits, non-marketable fruits and fruit yield (t/ha). Analysis of variance results indicated that plants treated with NPK plus B fertilizer significantly (P<0.05) recorded the longest vine, more number of leaves and branches. It also produced more fruits, longest fruit and heaviest fruits. Number of seeds/plant and marketable fruits were more in animal base manure. It is pertinent to know that non-marketable yield was highest in NPK plus B fertilizer. Contrarily, NPK plus B fertilizer increased yield, although statistically similar to animal base manure. Therefore, considering the benefits of organic manure on health and the environment, animal manure applied at 10 t/ha is recommended for snake tomato production in the study area

Assessment of growth and early maturation traits in various genotypes of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.)

The success of any breeding programs depends on the parents chosen. Breeders select parents with high mean values as an added benefit for crossing programmes. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the performance of muskmelon genotypes for growth and earliness attributes. Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) is one of the most well-known desert vegetables, belong to the Cucurbitaceae family. Thirty-three germplasm lines were collected from different regions of India. The experiment was conducted at Puthur village, Salem district, and evaluated under Randomised Block Design with three replications during February to May 2022. The findings indicate that the genotypes CM 2, CM 16, CM 11, CM 19, CM 7, CM 13 and CM 22 reported as elite genotypes were exhibited higher values for different traits like days to first female flower opening, first female flowering node, number of vines per plant, vine length (cm), sex ratio and days to first fruit harvest. As a result, the above mentioned seven genotypes are used in the hybridization programme, could be exploited to develop elite cultivars with maximum growth and earlier in flowering and harvest.

Effects of plant spacing and rates of NPK application on the growth and yield of sweetpotato var NSIC SP30

Sweetpotato yield may be increased through effective crop management practices including plant spacing and fertilization. This study was conducted in an alluvial soil (Inceptisol) to evaluate the effects of plant spacing and rates of NPK application on the growth and yield of NSIC Sp30 sweetpotato. The experiment was laid out in a split plot arranged in RCBD with three replications. Three plant spacing treatments were designated as the main plot D1(75cmx25cm), D2(100cmx25cm), and D3(100cmx50cm). The rates of NPK application were designated as the subplot: F0(no NPK), F1(40-40-60kg ha-1 NPK), F2(60-60-90kg ha-1 NPK), and F3(80-80-120kg ha-1 NPK). Plant spacing significantly affected the number of lateral vines, weight of marketable roots, number of marketable roots, root length, and the total root yield of NSIC Sp30 sweetpotato. An interaction effect was observed between the plants spaced at 100cmx50cm with NPK application resulting in more medium-sized roots. Plants spaced at 75cmx25cm produced the highest total root yield of 7.67t ha-1. Application of NPK significantly influenced the length of main vines, fresh herbage yield, the weight of marketable roots, number of marketable roots, root length, root diameter, total root yield, LAI and HI. A higher yield of marketable roots 7,208.85kg ha-1 and a total root yield of 8.51t ha-1 were observed for plants applied with 40-40-60 kg ha-1 NPK. The growth and yield performance of NSIC Sp30 is better when plants are spaced at 75cmx25cm with 53,333 plants ha-1 and fertilized with 40-40-60kg ha-1 of NPK.

Genetic Variability and Correlation Studies in Hybrids of Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria)

The present investigation was carried out with ten bottle gourd hybrid varieties including one check arranged in a randomized block design with three replications and observations were recorded on five randomly selected plants for eleven quantitative traits at Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, U.P. A detailed analysis of the results on ten bottle gourd hybrid varieties revealed that from analysis of variance it is revealed that all the traits have high significant variability and thus can be used in further analysis. Shreeman 152 showed higher days to first male and first female appearance, number of branches per vine, vine length. F115 hybrid variety found the highest fruit diameter and SW906 were found high in fruit yield per and fruit yield per ha GCV were recorded higher for Fruit yield per ha, Fruit length, Vitamin C and Fruit diameter, indicating a good amount of variability present in the material under investigation. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent mean is observed in Fruit yield per ha, Fruit length, Vitamin C, TSS and days to first female appearances suggesting that selection of these traits would be effective for the desired improvement in bottle gourd. A significant positive correlation was reported between fruit yield per plant with Vitamin C, TSS, fruit yield per ha. A significant negative correlation was reported between vine length and days to first harvest, days to first male and female appearances.

A Scientific Assessment of Integrated Nutrient Management Effects on the Growth and Productivity of Trichosanthes anguina L. (Snake Gourd)

A field-based experimental investigation was undertaken from March to July 2020 at the Horticultural Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to assess the impact of integrated nutrient management on the growth and yield of snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina L.). The study employed a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications, incorporating a total of 11 nutrient combinations. Various growth, reproductive, and yield parameters, including vine length, number of leaves per plant, leaf dimensions, flowering onset, fruit development, and yield metrics, were evaluated. The results consistently demonstrated positive effects across these parameters in response to different nutrient combinations. The highest recorded yield of snake gourd, at 50.10 t ha-1, was observed in the T10 ((OM (CD5PM5V2 t ha-1) + N80P35K75S18 kg ha-1 + Mg7 kg ha-1 + Zn6 kg ha-1 + B2 kg ha-1) treatment, while the lowest yield, at 14.72 t ha-1, was associated with the T0 (control) treatment. This experiment highlights the prospective efficacy of integrated nutrient management methodologies in augmenting snake gourd production and optimizing crop yield. It provides valuable insights for the improvement of agricultural practices in the specified geographic region.

Influence of Different Portions of Vine and Plant Growth Regulators on Growth Parameters of Sweet Potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.

A field experiment was conducted to study the potentiality of different portions of vine and plant growth regulators on growth performance of sweet potato during 2019 and 2020 at vegetable block, College of Horticulture, Munirabad (Koppal), located in the northern dry zone of Karnataka. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with thirteen treatments. Among the two factors, the first factor was different portions of vine for planting consisting basal portion (P1), middle portion (P2) and top portion (P3) and the second factor was plant growth regulators consisting CCC @ 500 ppm (G1), CCC @1000 ppm (G2), Ethrel @ 150 ppm (G3) and Ethrel @ 300 ppm (G4). The control treatments were basal portion of vine (C1), middle portion of vine (C2) and top portion of vine(C3) all without application of growth regulator. Among the different portions of vine used for planting, the top portion of vine recorded significantly higher vine length, Vine inter nodal length, Number of branches per plant and Leaf area. Application of CCC @ 500 ppm was recorded significantly higher growth attributes. The interaction effect of top portion of vine with CCC @ 500 ppm (P3G1) was found to be significantly superior with respect to growth parameters of sweet potato.

Quantification of Diverse Local Germplasm of Pumpkin Through Genetic Variability Components in Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand

An experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Center, Department of Horticulture, H.N.B Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal), Uttarakhand, India, during summer season 2019, to study “Quantification of diverse local germplasm of Pumpkin through genetic variability components in Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand”. Experimental material for the study consisted of 25 genotypes. The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Block Design with three replications. The genotypes have been collected from different regions of Uttarakhand and other parts of India. Observations were recorded on 23 economic traits. Each of the traits under study, genetic variability analysis revealed that the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were nearly identical. Highest coefficient of variability both at phenotypic and genotypic level was observed for yield per vine (50.48% and 50.33%) and lowest for days to 1st fruit harvest (5.49% and 5.49%). Maximum heritability was found in number of seeds per fruit (100%) and moderate was found for number of ridges per fruit (40.10%). Highest genetic advance was observed for number of seeds per fruit (79.26) and lowest for rind thickness (0.15mm). In terms of percentages above the mean, vine length, number of primary branches/vine, number of nodes upto first male flower and female flower, number of fruits / vine, percent of fruits setting, average fruit weight and yield/vine all demonstrated high genetic advance. In order to continue crop development programs for pumpkin in the Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand, factors like vine length, percent of fruit setting, average fruit weight, and yield per vine could be taken into consideration through selection.