Seed production studies on bittergourd (Momordica charantia L.)
1995
Islam, Md.S.
Plots treated with N alone at the rate of 240 kg/ha improved the vegetative growth of bittergourd as manifested by an increased number and length of vines, diameter of stem, and length and diameter of leaves. The inclusion of P and K to N, significantly reduced the above parameters, except the number of lateral vines and diameter of stem which remains unaffected. However, application of NPK significantly increased the number of fruits per plant, size, and weight of fruits and the fruit yield compared to plots treated with N alone. Seed yield and quality were highest at plants fertilized with 240-120-60 kg NPK/ha. The highest yield was due to greater number of filled seeds per fruit which were bigger and heavier than the seeds produced from other treatments. Moreover, the above treatment produced seeds with the highest percentage germination and seed vigor index. Plants maintained with 2 and 4 fruits produced significantly bigger fruits with greater number of bigger and heavier seeds. However, the cumulative seed yield was significantly lower than plants with 6 or more fruits. The percentage germination and vigor index of seeds were higher in plants with 2 and 4 fruits. Application of GA3 was effective in improving the yield and yield components of bittergourd when applied at low concentration of 10 ppm. The inhibitory effect of GA3 applied at the rate of 100 ppm was observed on production of fruits with lesser number of filled seeds, dry matter of seeds, weight of 100 seeds, seed yield and percent seed vigor index. Irrespective of concentration, the application of GA3 reduced the total number of staminate flowers. Computed cost and return analysis on one hectare basis, indicated that application of N alone resulted in a negative net income while the inclusion of P and K, gave a net profit of P52,433.45
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