Performance of varieties and standardization of spacings on quality and yield parameters in palak (Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis Roxb.) under summer conditions in the central Telangana zone

Abstract

A study entitled performance of varieties and standardization of spacings on growth parameters in palak (Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis Roxb.) under summer conditions in the central Telangana zone. The experiment design was a Factorial Randomized Block Design with two factors: varieties and spacing. Data on quality and yield parameters including ascorbic acid (mg 100 g-1), chlorophyll content (SPAD units), yield per plant (g) and yield per hectare (q) were studied. The results revealed that among the varieties, Arka Anupama recorded the maximum ascorbic acid (61.33 mg 100 g-1) on par with All Green (60.54 mg 100 g-1), chlorophyll content (35.48 SPAD units), yield per plant (130.64 g) and yield per hectare (370.01 q). Among the spacings studied, 30 cm × 15 cm spacing recorded the maximum ascorbic acid (61.14 mg 100 g-1), chlorophyll content (35.26 SPAD units) and yield per plant (123.45 g). The highest yield per hectare (349.32 q) was recorded with 25 cm x 10 cm spacing. The V1S4 (Arka Anupama, 30 cm × 15 cm) exhibited maximum yield per plant (154.44 g). The greatest yield per hectare (435.57 q) was recorded in V1S1 (Arka Anupama, 25 cm x 10 cm). The interaction effects of varieties and spacing showed a non-significant effect on ascorbic acid and chlorophyll content.