Outreach research reports on vegetable crops in the western hills of Nepal 2000/2001

A totall of six research activities consisting of FFVT on hybrid cauliflower, cabbage and potato; FAT on radish and broad leaf mustard and front line demonstration on cucumber were conducted at different AER/OR sites during 1999 winter and 2000 spring seasons. Four varieties of hybrid cauliflowers were tested to evaluate their yield potential. The variety snow dome gave the significantly highest curd yield and found very early. Different hybrid varieties of cabbage were tested at different AER/OR sites for their varietal performance. Among the tested varieties Green Coronet produced significantly the highest head yield at all locations during both the years. However, many farmers preferred T-621 rather than Green coronet for its earliness and marketable head size. FFVT on six varieties of potato were evaluated at different AER/OR site to evaluate the varietal performance. The variety Khumal Seto produced significantly the highest tuber yield in 2000 winter season. Others two varieties Janakdev and Desire were seen interesting to the farmers for its tuber shape and color. FAT on three varieties of BLM were tested at different OR sites with the purpose of improving nutritional status of farmers by producing leafy vegetable. On comparision to farmers local variety, all tested BLM varieties were seen better in respect to yield, their leaf texture and size. Tankhuwa and Marpha were preferred by farmers specially for its delayed bolting and softness characters. FAT on three varieties of radish were tested for their yield performance. The variety Minu eary produced the highest yield in many locations. But farmers of some locations preferred Lumle Red due to its shiny red colour, early and good taste. Demonstration of Bhaktapur local cucumber variety for off-season production was conducted in large plot size at several farmers field in AER/OR sites during spring season, 2001. The planting was carried out on March and applied all management practices with controlling of fruit flies by the use of pheromane trap. It was ccccceconomics in hill areas for the off season production due to its high yield and gross income.