Influence of different feeding methods of NPK and boron on fruit yield and economic feasibility of dragon fruit (Hylocereus costaricensis)

Abstract

The present study was conducted to assess the impact of water soluble NPK and Boron on fruit yield and economic attributes of newly planted dragon fruit. The application of water soluble NPK and boron per pillar containing three plants were applied for all the treatments by two feeding methods during I year and II year. The experiment trial comprises nine treatments viz. T1-Control, T2-200 g NPK, T3-200 g NPK (50% main roots +50% aerial roots), T4-300 g NPK, T5-300 g NPK (50% main roots +50% aerial roots), T6-200 g NPK + 0.5% Boron, T7-200 g NPK + 0.5% Boron (50% main roots +50% aerial roots), T8-300 g + 1% Boron, T9-300 g NPK + 1% Boron (50% main roots +50% aerial roots) in simple Randomized Block Design with three replications. There was significant difference during second year in terms of fruit yield and economics of dragon fruit influenced by water soluble NPK and boron. The highest number of fruits per pole (14.0), fruit yield kilogram per pole (3.91), cost of cultivation (Rs.72937), grass return (Rs.329418), net return (Rs.256481) and benefit cost ratio (4.52) were found with the treatment of T9 during second year. Dragon fruit is a highly potential and is remunerative on second year and onwards.