Effect of sowing time on fruit and seed yield in oriental pickling melon (Cucumis melo var. conomon)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted in randomized block design with three replications to determine the optimum time of sowing better seed yield of oriental pickling melon between August and February months of 2016 and 2017. Sowing on August produced highest fruit length, fruit diameter and fruit weight and fruit yield per plant. Least values of fruit attributes were observed in November sowing. Seed yield attributes were significantly influenced by time sowing. Highest number of seeds per fruit, fresh weight and dry weight was noticed in August sown crop. Hundred seed weight was not affected by dates of sowing. Vivipary occurrence which is detrimental in seed production was noticed to severe in December sown crop.