5. Response of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) to varying nitrogen doses

Abstract

Abstract

A field study was carried out during 2011-12 to evaluate the growth and fruit yield contributing parameters ofbitter gourd in response to varying nitrogen doses. Six nitrogen levels including a control were tested (T₁= control, T₂=50 kg ha^-1, T₃=75 kg ha^-1, T₄=100 kg ha^-1, T₅=125 kg ha^-1 and T₆=150 kg ha^-1). A uniform dose of phosphorus (75 kg ha^-1) and potash (50 kg/ha^-1) was also be added in all the experimental units. The results revealed growth and yield components were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by increasing nitrogen doses. The highest nitrogen dose of 150 kg ha^-1 resulted in 138.68 cm vine length, 14.06 cm fruit length, 59.97 average fruit weight, 15.60 total number of fruits vine^-1, 1.14 fruit weight vine^-1, 36.87 kg fruit yield plot^-1 and 14748 kg fruit yield ha^-1 which were resulted highest values for all the parameters studied, However, bitter gourds given nitrogen fertilizer dose of 75 kg and 50 kg ha^-1 resulted in lower values for all the parameters studied, while the control remained the least. The fruit yield ha^-1 was mainly contributed by improved length of fruits, average fruit weight, number of fruits vine^-1,and fruit weight vine^-1, Differences in all the above characters between 150 kg and 125 kg nitrogen dose were non-significant (P>0.05) and significant when compared with rest of the treatments and control. It was concluded that 125 kg nitrogen was considered as an appropriate level for achieving economically maximum fruit yield ha^-1.

Keyword: Bitter gourd; Nitrogen levels; Yield

http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2018.700161