Effect of crop geometry, fruit thinning and nutrient management on growth parameters of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thumb.)

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Standardization of crop geometry, fruit thinning and nutrient management in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thumb.)” was carried during 2020-21 in the farmer‘s field at Nahat Chapani village, Teok, in the district of Jorhat. The experiment was laid out in three factorial Randomized Block Design comprising thirty-six treatment combinations in three replications. The treatment details for all the three factors, viz., Planting Density (D), Fruit thinning (F) and Integrated Nutrient Management (N) are as follows: Planting Density (D) [D 1: 2.50 m x 2.00 m (Recommended spacing), D 2: 1.50 m x 1.00 m, D 3: 1.00 m x 1.00 m]; Fruit thinning (F) [F 1: No fruit thinning, F 2: Fruit thinning (keeping 1 fruit per primary branch), F 3: Fruit thinning (keeping 2 fruit per primary branch)], Integrated Nutrient Management (N) [N 1: 100% RDF (inorganic) (60: 40: 60 kg NPK/ha), N 2: 50% RDF + 50% RDN through FYM, N 3: 50% RDF + 50% RDN through Vermicompost, N 4: 50% RDF + 25% RDN through FYM + 25% RDN through Vermicompost, (RDF-Recommended Dose of Fertilizers -60:40:60 kg of N, P2O5, K2O per ha, respectively)]. The results of the experiment revealed that wider spacing and fruit thinning had positive impact on growth yield and quality of the Watermelon plants. Fruit thinning level F2 (Fruit thinning leaving 1 fruit per primary branch) is found to be best in terms of growth of watermelon. Integrated nutrient management improved the growth, yield and quality of fruits as well as soil properties. Among the levels, N3 (50% RDF + 50% RDN through Vermicompost) was found to be the best.