Effect of hydrogel on growth, fresh yield and essential oil content of ginger (Zingiberofficinale Rosc.)

Abstract

The experiment was carried out during 2017 at Kademanuganahally, Hunsur, Mysore. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with two replications. Three different levels of irrigation (M1= 7 days, M2= 14 days and M3= 21 days interval) and eight levels of Pusa hydrogel (S1= Control, S2= 2.0 kg/ha, S3= 2.5 kg/ha, S4= 3.0 kg/ha, S5= 3.5 kg/ha, S6= 4.0 kg/ha, S7= 4.5 kg/ha and S8= 5.0 kg/ha of hydrogel) were allocated to main plots and sub plots, respectively. Results showed that hydrogel, irrigation levels and their interactions had a significant effect on growth, fresh yield and essential oil content of ginger. The highest plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers, fresh rhizome yield per plant, yield per hectare and essential oil percentage were recorded in treatment with 5.0 kg/ha Pusa hydrogel and irrigation at 14 days interval. The results indicated that hydrogel had a remarkable effect on enhancement of growth, yield and oil content of ginger.