Irrigation water management on growth, flowering and yield of drumstick (Moringa oleifera Lamk.) cv. Bhagya

Abstract

The experiment entitled Irrigation water management on growth, flowering and yield of drumstick (Moringa oleifera Lamk.) cv. Bhagya was conducted at AICRP on Vegetable Crops, MPKV, Rahuri during the years 2014-15 and 2015-16 to study the effect of different water regimes on growth, flowering and yield of drumstick pod. The level of 100% irrigation given up to May (as per requirement) i.e. without deficit, recorded minimum first branching height 51.18 (cm), 100% irrigation up to May to border row plantation obtained maximum number of primary branches (4.84) and canopy spread (11.20 m2). In case of flowering parameter, minimum days to 50% flowering of 1st (101.54) and 2nd (138.83) flush observed in 100% irrigation up to January (as per requirement). Irrigation level 100% given up to March (as per requirement) i.e. without deficit and 66% irrigation up to May (1/3 deficit) recorded maximum pod length (59.66), pod yield (20.58 kg/plant) and number of seeds per pod (18.44).