Studies on the influence of micronutrients on yield, quality and economics of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) cv. CO 1

Abstract

Field experiment was carried out to study the effect of micronutrients along with magnesium on growth, flowering and yield of bitter gourd. Seven treatment combinations involving the micronutrients viz., Zn, Fe, B and Cu and magnesium were imposed with three replications in randomized block design during two seasons viz., August 2016 and January 2017. Results showed that, among the treatments, foliar application of ZnSO4+FeSO4+MgSO4 each @ 0.5% at 35 and 45 DAS recorded significantly maximum values for yield and yield attributing traits like fruit length, fruit girth, fruit diameter, flesh thickness, single fruit weight, number of fruits, yield per plant and estimated yield per hectare. Foliar application of ZnSO4+FeSO4+MgSO4 each @ 0.5% + CuSO4 @ 0.1%+ Boric acid @ 0.3% at 35 and 45 DAS recorded significantly maximum values for quality traits like ascorbic acid, total soluble solids and iron content in fruits. The benefit cost ratio was also highest in the treatment T4 (foliar spray of ZnSO4 + FeSO4+ MgSO4 each @ 0.5% at 35 and 45 DAS) which recorded a value of 3.16.