Vine Length Research Articles

Effect of Inorganic Fertilizer and Spacing on the Plant Growth of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus costaricencis) under Tamil Nadu Agro-Climatic Conditions

The dragon fruit (Hylocereus costaricencis) is a new emerging fruit crop, there is very less information available on the spacing and fertilizer dose requirements of this crop so the present study was carried out to find the effect of fertilizer doses, spacings, and interaction effect of both on plant growth of dragon fruit (Hylocereus costaricencis) at the Orchard, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. during the year 2022. The design of the experiment was a split plot with four main plots viz. M1 = 3.5 x 2.0 m2, M2 = 3.0 x 3.0 m2, M3 = 3.0 x 2.5 m2, M4 = 2.5 x 2.5 m2 and six sub plots viz. S1 = N540 P420 K360, S2 = N495 P385 K330, S3 = N450 P350 K300, S4 = N340 P260 K225, S5 = N225 P175 K150, S6 = N0 P0 K0 g per pillar was applied and replicate four times. A significant difference was observed in terms of vine length (m), cladode girth (cm), cladode length (cm), and cladode number when different doses of fertilizers were applied. The highest vine length (2.96), cladode girth (24.52), cladode length (67.21), and number of cladodes (67.48) were observed in S3 (N450 P350 K300). Similarly, the highest vine length (2.503) and cladode girth (19.78) were observed in M4 (2.5 x 2.5 m2). The highest cladode length (67.47) was observed in treatment combination M2S3. Hence, the application of fertilizer dose S3 (N450 P350 K300) and adoption of spacing M4 (2.5 x 2.5 m2) is good to enhance the vegetative growth characters of dragon fruit under Tamil Nadu conditions.

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.

Evaluation of Different Varieties of Sponge Gourd under Prayagraj Agro Climatic Conditions

The present investigation was carried out at the department of horticulture, Naini Agricultural institute Sam Higginbottom university of Agricultural Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh during Zaid season-2021-2022 with a view to check Evaluation of different varieties of sponge gourd under Prayagraj Agro climatic conditions The experiment was laid in Randomized block design with 9 varieties and 3 replications for sponge gourd varietal evaluation. Varieties comprised of V1 (AVT2020/SPGVAR-1), V2 (AVT2020/SPGVAR-2), V3 (AVT2020/SPGVAR-3), V4 (AVT2020/SPGVAR-4), V5 (AVT2020/SPGVAR -5), V6 (AVT2020/SPGVAR -6), V7 (AVT2020 /SPGVAR-7), V8 (SUMAN) and V9 (PUSA CHAKNI). Among the various vartieties it was concluded that the variety AVT2020/SPGVAR-6 performed best in terms of growth parameters like vine length (396.86 cm), earliness in maturity (55.95 days for first fruit picking) and yield parameters like fruit length (28.56 cm), fruit diameter (3.71 cm), and fruit yield per hectare (12.64 t/ha). AVT2020/ SPGVAR-6 showed best performance for quality parameters also TSS (4.23°Brix) and Ascorbic acid content (10.66 mg/100g).

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.

Optimization of yield and quality of hull-less seeded pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. styriaca) through foliar application

The present investigation was conducted during the spring 2021 and 2022 at Vegetable Research Farm, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana for optimization of yield and quality of hull-less seeded pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. styriaca) through foliar applications. The experiment was laid down in randomized complete block design with thirteen treatments viz., T1 (control-water spray), T2 (ZnSO4 @ 0.5%), T3 (MgSO4 @ 0.5%), T4 (KNO3 @ 0.5%), T5 (B @ 0.5%), T6 (ZnSO4 @ 1.0%), T7 (MgSO4 @ 1.0%), T8 (KNO3 @ 1.0%), T9 (B @ 1.0%), T10 (ZnSO4 + MgSO4 + KNO3 + B; each @ 0.5%), T11 (ZnSO4 + MgSO4 + KNO3 + B; each @ 1.0%), T12 (Salicylic acid @ 100ppm) and T13 (Salicylic acid @ 200 ppm), replicated thrice. All thirteen foliar treatments exhibited significant influence on horticultural yield and quality traits of hull-less seeded pumpkin cv. PAU Magaz Kadoo-1. Among horticultural traits, maximum vine length was observed in T10 (ZnSO4 + MgSO4 + KNO3 + B; each @ 0.5%) while, salicylic acid @ 200 ppm (T13) gave highest leaf length, leaf width and petiole length. Minimum days to 50 % male and female flowering as well as harvest were observed with foliar application of ZnSO4 @ 0.5% (T2). ZnSO4 + MgSO4 + KNO3+ B; each @ 0.5% (T10) and MgSO4 @ 0.5% (T3) significantly affected the fruit yield traits like polar and equatorial diameter of fruit, flesh thickness, fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, number of fruits per plot, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per plot and seed yield traits viz., number of seeds per fruit, 100-seed weight and seed yield per plant. Quality traits like seed color, dry matter, oil content, protein content, ash content, fiber, total sugar and reducing sugar too were maximized by foliar application of T10 (ZnSO4+ MgSO4 + KNO3 +B; each @ 0.5%) and T3 (MgSO4 @ 0.5%). Consequent to the above and the cost involved, T3 (MgSO4 @ 0.5%) can be adjudged as the best treatment for enhancing the growth and yield of PAU Magaz Kadoo-1. Thus, four foliar applications of MgSO4 @ 0.5% at fortnightly interval with the onset of 50% flowering can significantly improve hull-less seeded pumpkin’s horticultural, yield and quality attributes.

Genetics of quantitative traits from interspecific crosses between Luffa hermaphrodita × Luffa cylindrica

Generation mean analysis study in sponge gourd was undertaken to estimate the gene action operating in the inheritance of quantitative traits using six basic generations of two interspecific crosses, namely SATPUTIA × SG 282 and SATPUTIA × PSG 9. The F2 and backcross generations showed high genetic variance for vine length, fruit weight and fruits per vine. Additive, dominant, additive x additive, additive × dominance and dominance x dominance effects significantly influenced most of the traits. The additive effect significantly contributed to fruit length and weight in both crosses. Dominance effects were significant for almost all the traits in both crosses. Additive × dominance type of interactions contributed significantly for female bud length, ovary length, style length, node to first flower, fruit diameter, fruit weight, fruits per vine and yield per vine. Duplicate effects influenced all the traits in both the crosses except for fruit length in SAT × PSG 9. For further improvement in interspecific progenies, the pedigree method can be applied to exploit additive variance to develop improved inbreds. However, transgressive segregates can further be used to exploit the presence of dominance, additive × dominance and dominance × dominance interactions.

Evaluation of Ivy Gourd (Coccinia grandis L) Genotypes under Prayagraj Agro Climatic Conditions

The present investigation entitled “Evaluation of Ivy gourd (Coccinia grandis L) genotypes under Prayagraj agro climatic conditions” was carried out from October, 2022 to March 2023 at Horticultural Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj, U.P. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven genotypes in three replications. The genotypes namely G1-Arka Neelachal Khunki, G2-Arka Neelachal Sabuja, G3-Local Geda, G4-Local Denga, G5-Surekha, G6- CHIV-7 and G7-CHIV-8 were evaluated. It was concluded that all seven genotypes showed a significant performance on almost all the growth and yield characters as well as quality of Ivy gourd. The genotype G2-Arka Neelachal Sabuja was found superior in terms of vine length (315.11 cm), petiole length (6.37 cm), internodal length (12.71cm),fruit diameter (2.87 cm), average fruit weight (21.08 g), No. of seeds per fruit (122), No. of fruits per plant (422), fruit yield per plant (8.82 kg) ,fruit yield per hectare (17.35 t/ha), TSS (4.33), Ascorbic acid (15.34 mg/100g) and minimum days taken for first female flower anthesis (35.17 days) whereas maximum fruit length was obtained from genotype G1- Arka Neelachal Khunki (6.12 cm). Among the genotypes, highest gross return (Rs/ha) (3,47,000), net return (Rs/ha) (1,90,140), benefit cost ratio (2.21) was also obtained from genotype G2 i.e Arka Neelachal Sabuja.

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).

Effect of Different Concentrations of Liquid N, P& K on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in Vertical Hydroponics under Shade Net

The experiment was carried out to find out the effect of different concentrations of liquid NPK on growth, yield and quality of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). The variety was “Ankita”, which is F1 hybrid. The experiment was carried out during September, 2021 to December, 2021 in Shade net, Research Field, Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design (RBD), with eight treatments T1(16.25ml NPK & micronutrients/Pl in total), T2(18.75ml NPK & micronutrients/Pl in total), T3(21.25ml NPK & micronutrients/Pl in total) T4(23.75ml NPK & micronutrients/Pl in total) T5(26.25ml NPK & micronutrients/Pl in total) T6(28.75ml NPK & micronutrients/Pl in total) T7(31.25ml NPK & micronutrients/Pl in total) with a control (T0), replicated thrice in vertical hydroponics system. The NPK level increased by 5ml on every 15 days interval. The best result was shown by the treatment T5(26.25ml NPK & micronutrients/Pl in total). The first fruit setting, picking, vine length, number of leaves, growth of plant, chlorophyll content all parameter were superior in T5. The plants in control did not show any significant improvement as there were no nutrients given to them. The systems ran four hours daily during their vegetative growth and the timing was increased to six hours during their reproductive phase of development. Fruit formation occurs in almost all plants in each and every treatment except control there was no fruit formation.

Effect of Different Mulching Material on Watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.)] Hybrid under Prayagraj Agro-climatic Condition

The present field experiment was carried out during 2021-2022 at the Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications and nine treatments. The investigation was carried out with a view to study the effect of different mulching material on growth, yield and quality of watermelon. The results of the experiment revealed that plant growth was superior with silver plastic mulch with respect to days of germination, numbers of branches per vine and vine length. Plants without mulch (control) resulted poor growth. Watermelon plants mulched with silver plastic recorded maximum number of leaves; whereas, minimum was in control. The yield characters such as fruit length, fruit diameter, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight and number of fruits per plot were recorded significantly highest in the mulch treatment with silver plastic mulch. Similarly, the highest fruit yield per plot (27.52kg) and fruit yield per hectare of watermelon (66.04 t/ha) was also observed with the same treatment. From the economic point of view, silver plastic mulch resulted in the highest net return and also highest cost ratio. The quality characters such as highest fruit pulp weight and lowest acidity were noted in mulching treatment silver plastic mulch. This treatment also recorded maximum vitamin C, TSS. It is concluded that application different mulches in which silver plastic mulch significantly superior in growth, yield and quality parameter. Similarly, with economic point of view, treatment silver plastic mulch resulted in the highest net return and cost: benefit ratio.

Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance in Sweet Potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] Genotypes

Sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] is one of the important tuber crops of tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Studies on mean performances of 51 sweet potato genotypes were carried out at Vegetable Research Centre, Regional Horticultural Research and Extension Centre (RHREC), Dharwad during rabi, 2019-20 and 2020-21. The data was collected on 20 characters. High estimates of PCV, GCV, heritability and high genetic advance as per cent of mean were recorded for tuber yield per vine, the number of leaves per vine, the mean weight of tuber per vine, vine length and tuber yield per hectare.

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.

Effect of Nano Fertilizer on Growth, Quality and Yield of Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) var. Sarita under Prayagraj Agro Climatic Conditions

An experiment was conducted on bottle gourd to study the effect of nano-fertilizer viz., NPK (19:19:19) in open field conditions of Prayagraj during 2022 for various parameters such as growth, earliness, yield and fruit quality. A F1 hybrid variety was used in this experiment named “SARITA” from the local market of Prayagraj. Total eight treatments were used which includes one RDF (recommended dose of conventional fertilizer) and seven concentrations of nano- fertilizer as foliar spray. For the vegetative characters, T7 (9g nano-NPK/L) was found significantly superior as maximum vine length (328.33cm at 60 DAT) and maximum number of primary branches(12.89 at 60DAT) were recorded, and the earliest flower initiation was also observed in T7 (26.33 days for male and 30 days for female flower after transplanting). Among the fruit characters viz., fruit length and average fruit weight were found superior by T6 (7.5g nano-NPK/L) i.e. 44.34cm & 1003g respectively , and for the yield parameters i.e., yield/vine and yield/ha was also maximum in T6 i.e. 12.55 & 251.75q respectively. Also for the quality parameters T6 shows best results in TSS (4.51), ascorbic acid content (10.03mg/100g) and moisture percentage (95.90%), where as T1 shows highest dry matter content (7.38%). The Benefit cost ratio was also found to be highest in T6 i.e. 3.26. Based on these observations, it could be suggested that T7 (9g nano-NPK/L) was the best treatment combination for overall vegetative characters and T6 (7.5g nano-NPK/L) shows the best results for yield & quality of fruits hence, more profitable. This study aims to investigate the advantages of using modern nano fertilizers and the economics involved.

Effectiveness of different combinations of urea and vermicompost on yield of bitter gourd (Momordicacharantia)

Exclusive use of organic manure in bitter gourd cultivation slows nutrient release, affecting root growth, while inefficient application of fertilizers during transplanting and development stages leads to nutrient losses and increased production costs. The research aimed to evaluate the efficiency of different combinations of urea and vermicompost in bitter gourd production and address the challenges associated with the use of only organic manure. The field experiment conducted in Tulsipur, Dang, utilized a six-treatment randomized complete block design with four replications. The treatments consisted of varying proportions of the recommended dose of urea (16 g plant−1) and vermicompost (280 g plant−1). Among the treatments, T3 (50% urea and 50% vermicompost) exhibited the most prevalent diameter (3.854 cm), length (16.32 cm), fruit count (1.391), weight plant−1 (189.2 g), and weight plot−1 (1848 g) while T4 (25% urea and 75% vermicompost) showed the quickest first flowering (30.37 days) and fruiting (33.75 days). T2 (75% urea and 25% vermicompost) recorded the highest vine length (222.5 cm). Statistically significant differences were observed in most recorded characteristics for T3. The results highlight the slow-release nutrient benefits and soil improvement properties of vermicompost, complemented by the quick-release nutrient attributes of urea. The traits with the lowest yield were observed in the control group (T6). A 50% combination of recommended urea dose and vermicompost is recommended for bitter gourd cultivation, leading to improved growth, yield, and quality, underscoring the benefits of organic fertilizer in this situation. The study's findings contribute to the scientific understanding of optimizing fertilization practices in bitter gourd production, minimizing production costs, reducing nutrient losses, and environmental pollution.

Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance for Yield and Yield Contributing Characters in Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.) Genotypes

Twenty diverse genotypes were evaluated at Horticulture research centre of SVP university of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut during spring season, 2022. The experiment was laid out in Randomized block design with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed significant among all the genotypes for all the characters under study. The high percentage of Genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation for fruit diameter, fruit yield per plot, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per hectare, node number to first male flower, average fruit weight while, moderate were found for node number to first female flower and TSS and lowest in days to germination, number of leaves per plant, vine length, number of primary branches per plant, days to first male flower, days to first female flower and days to first fruit harvest which estimated that high degree of variability in these traits. The highest heritability recorded for fruit diameter 99.45% followed by number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plot, fruit length, node number to first female flower, average fruit weight, number of leaves per plant, node number to first male flower, days to first male flower, fruit yield per hectare, days to first fruit harvest, TSS, days to germination, vine length, days to first female flower and number of primary branches per plant. Genetic advance as percent of mean was highest for fruit diameter, fruit length, fruit yield per plot, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per hectare, node number to first male flower, average fruit weight, node number to first female flower. Which indicate that above characters may be most potential for further improvement.

Agronomic and yield performances of cucumber [Cucumis sativus] on soil amended with different rates of cattle manure in derived savannah Agroecological zone of Ondo state, Nigeria

Most soils have experience nutrient depletion as a result of long-term farming, making good yields only possible with the application of fertilizers. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used to create a total of fifteen (15) plots in the study, which was conducted at the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic's Teaching Research and Commercial Farms in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. The study examined the impact of various rates of cattle manure on cucumber. The results revealed that the performance of cucumbers was significantly impacted by an increase in the rate of cattle manure, with 15 tha-1 of cattle manure producing the best results in terms of growth and yield (3.45 cm, 73.46 cm, 171.22 cm2, 16.83, 9.83 cm, 21.89 cm, 17.19 cm, and 5.14 kg as stem girth, vine length, leaf area, number of leaves, number of fruits, fruit weight, and fruit circumference) and the lowest from control. According to the study, applying cattle manure in the study area at a rate of 15 tha-1 considerably improves cucumber growth and yield. In order to improve the physical and chemical properties of the soil and eliminate the need to apply inorganic fertilizer, farmers in the research area are advised to amend their soils with 15 tha-1 cattle dung.

Evaluation of Different Genotypes of Sponge Gourd [Luffa cylindrica L.] under Prayagraj Agro Climatic Conditions

The present investigation entitled Evaluation of different genotypes of Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica L.) under Prayagraj agro climatic conditions was carried out at Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P.) during kharif season of 2022, for evaluation of different genotypes of Sponge gourd with three replications in Randomized Block Design (RBD). Studies showed that, among all the genotypes, IET 2021/SPGVAR-5 was observed to be performed the best in terms of Vine length(334.86 cm),Average yield per plant (0.69kg), Average yield per hectare (261.70q/ha), Fruit diameter (3.71cm), Gross returns(523400 INR/ha),Net returns(352657.2 INR/ha) and Benefit-Cost ratio (2.07).

Yield performance and trait correlation of BARI released sweet potato varieties studied under several districts of Bangladesh

A study was carried out in five sweet potato growing regions of Bangladesh, each characterized by suitable agro-ecologies, in order to demonstrate the most favorable varietal performance and trait correlations. A completely randomized block design with three replications was used to compare the varietal performance of BARI (Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute) released sweet potato varieties (viz. BARI Mistialu-9, BARI Mistialu-10, BARI Mistialu-12, BARI Mistialu-15 and BARI Mistialu-17). During the 2021-22 cropping season, sweet potato varieties were tested in five districts of Bangladesh, namely Gazipur, Bogura, Jamalpur, Jashore, and Chattogram. The findings revealed that the BARI Mistialu-12 variety exhibited remarkable attributes, including a high marketable storage root yield of 39.88 t/ha. Additionally, it demonstrated exceptional performance in various yield components such as vine length, average storage root weight, and dry weight of the root. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between several traits and yield, as well as yield-attributing characteristics. This correlation suggests that enhancing these traits could potentially contribute to an overall increase in the storage root yield of sweet potatoes.

Effect of Different Training System on Growth, Yield and Quality of Bottle Guard (Lagenaria siceraria L.) under Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Condition

The present investigation was planned to know the feasibility of training systems of growing vis-a-vis traditional method and their effects on growth, yield and quality traits in bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl]. The results revealed that trailing method had significantly higher vine length (495.21 cm), number of nodes/vine (11.55) and chlorophyll content (40.32) at 90 DAS. The reduction in number of days to anthesis to first male flower (55.13 days) and female flower (62.30 days) in trailing as compared to other trailing systems. The fruit development attributes, viz. number of fruits plants-1 (9.47), fruit weight (4119.15 gm) were recorded significantly higher in trailing but significantly less fruit width (64.10m), were recorded in training system. Fruit yield attributes, i.e. the number of total fruit plant-1 (9.47), fruit yield plot-1 (9.84 kg), seed yield ha-1 (246.45 qha-1) was significantly higher in bower training system. The significant increase in germination (97.54%) was recorded in trailing system as compared to traditional system (95.21%). Similarly, seedling length (42.66 cm), and seedling dry weight (6.56 mg) were significantly higher in training systems. B:C ratio (4.60%) were also significantly superior in Inverted “V” trellis. The presence of fungi was lower in trailing than traditional among the infected fruits.

Effects of potassium fertilizer rates on growth, tuber yield and quality of sweet potato (Ipomea batatas L) in Ogbomoso, Southwest Nigeria

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L) is an important dicotyledonous tuberous staple crop of the Convolvulaceae family. It is valued for its tubers which are either boiled, fried, baked or roasted for human consumption or boiled and fed to livestock as a source of energy. However, the cultivation of sweet potato is constrained by low soil fertility, particularly inadequate potassium, which plays a pivotal role in the growth and tuber development of sweet potato. Therefore, the effects of potassium fertilizer rates on the growth, tuber yield and quality of sweet potato were determined at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso during 2022 major cropping season. The treatments were; 0 (control), 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 kg K2O/ha laid out in randomized complete block design replicated three times. Data collected on length of primary vines, number of leaves, fresh shoot biomass, number of tubers, fresh tuber yield and nutritional contents of the tubers were subjected to analysis of variance and treatment means separated with least significance difference (LSD) at 5% probability level. The application of K fertilizer had significant influence on the performance of sweet potato. At 14 weeks after planting (WAP), plants treated with 180 kg K2O/ha produced the longest mean vine length (p = 0.043, 184.93 cm), highest number of leaves (p = 0.003, 217), highest fresh shoot biomass (p = 0.015, 11.83 t/ha), number of tubers (p = 0.037, 68) and fresh tuber yield (p = 0.0004, 22 t/ha). In contrast, plants that received no fertilizer, had the shortest vine length (133.67 cm), the least fresh shoot biomass (7.1 t/ha) and tuber yield (12.7 t/ha). The least number of leaves (136) was observed with the application of 60 kg K2O/ha while 90 kg K2O/ha produced the least number of tubers (46). The potassium content of sweet potato tuber was significantly influenced by K fertilizer rates, whereas the phosphorus content was unaffected. The highest contents of phosphorus (p = 0.967, 0.10%) and potassium (p = 0.038, 1.26%) were recorded in tubers that received 150 kg K2O/ha and 180 kg K2O/ha, respectively. The carotenoid, carbohydrate, and protein contents of sweet potato tuber decreased as the potassium rates increased. Conversely, the crude fiber content increased (p = 0.044) as the potassium rate increased. In conclusion, application of 180 kg K2O/ha improved the performance of sweet potato better than the other rates in the study area. However, it seems that the maximum yield potential of sweet potato in the study area had not been attained. Therefore, further research with higher than 180 kg K2O/ha may be required to identify the optimal level for cultivating sweet potatoes.