3. Influence of pinching on growth and yield of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria)
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Abstract
The research study “Influence of pinching on growth and yield of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria L)" was conducted during April-October 2019 at Palatoo Research Farm, Amir Muhammad Khan Campus Mardan. The study was conducted out according to RCBD, split plot arrangement and then three times replicated. Bottle gourd varieties (Lauki, Pusa samridhi and CO1 hybrid) were assigned to main plots while pinching levels i.e. 1st node, 2nd node and 3rd node stage and No pinching (control) were assigned to sub plots. The results of current study reveal that Pinching treatment significantly influenced yield and growth parameters of bottle gourd. According to the stages of pinching, plants pinched at 3rd(three) node stage produced more lateral branches. (3.55 plant-1), early male flower appearance (36.33 days), early female flower appearance (41.33), lowest vine length (2.36 m), more female flowers vine-1 (9.11), highest fruit set percentage (73.88 %), lengthy fruit (24.33 cm), more number of fruits. plant-1 (7.78), fruit weight. (419.11 g), yield. plant-1 (5.44 kg) and yield. ha-1 (12.92 t), whereas more male flower vine-1 (70.11) were recorded in plants that were not pinched. Furthermore, among the tested varieties CO1 hybrid variety produced more lateral branches plant-1 (3.28), early male flower appearance (35.50 days), early female flower appearance (40.25 days), lowest vine length (2.39 m), highest fruit set percentage (75.75 %), maximum fruit weight (418 g), highest total yield plant-1 (5.04 kg) and total yield ha-1 (12.71 t) while more male flowers vine-1 (68), more female flowers vine-1 (9.16) and more number of fruits plant-1 (7.75) were noted for Lauki. Furthermore, lengthy fruit (24.45 cm) was recorded for variety Pusa samridhi. From the above results, it is concluded that pinching treatment at 3rd node stage and bottle gourd varieties particularly Lauki and CO1 hybrid is better for the overall growth and yield.
Keywords; Female flower; Length; Male flowers; Pinching; Yield