Evaluation of sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica L.) for fruit yield in Prayagraj Agro-climatic conditions

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Evaluation of sponge gourd for fruit yield in Prayagraj agro climatic conditions” was carried out at the field of Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj in the months of August to November, during the year 2019-2020. The experimental material comprised of 25 genotypes of sponge gourd maintained at the Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj were used as planting material. The sowing of experimental material was done on August 22, 2019. Recommended fertilizer and other cultural package of practices were adopted for better crop growth. All the treatments were replicated three times in a randomized block design. The experimental area was divided into plots of 3.0 x 4.0 m2 size. Pits of 35 cm x 35 cm x 15 cm size were dug in each plot. Well decomposed farmyard manure @ 25 t ha 1 was incorporated in 720 m2 experimental area before showing into the pits by mixing with the soil uniformly as basal application and filled up to 3-5 cm above the ground level. The seed sowing was done on August 22, 2019 maintaining a planting distance of 1.5×1m. From the present investigation it is concluded that the sponge gourd Genotype 2017 / SPG (V-5) resulted in higher yield per plant (4.01 Kg), yield t/h (26.73), polar diameter of fruits (25.86) and radial diameter of fruits (55.80) was found to be best in terms of yield of sponge gourd in Allahabad agro-climatic conditions. This result was successfully found significant.