Effect of sowing time and plant spacing on growth and yield of muskmelon variety Arka Siri undern Southern Telangana conditions

Abstract

The present research entitled “Effect of different sowing time and plant spacing on growth, yield and quality of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) variety Arka Siri under Southern Telangana conditions” was carried out at the PG Research Farm, College of Horticulture, SKLTSHU, Rajendranagar, during Summer-2024. The experiment was laid in Factorial Randomized Block Design with two factors i.e. Sowing time (1st January, 15th January, 1st February, 15th February) and Plant spacing (100 cm × 30 cm, 100 cm × 40 cm, 100 cm × 50 cm) with three replications. The experiment was executed with objectives to study the effect of sowing time on growth and yield on muskmelon variety Arka Siri. The growth parameters with respect to sowing dates, plant spacing and their interaction effect were found highest in D4: 15th February, S3: 100 cm × 50 cm while, the days to seed emergence, number of primary branches per plant were found non-significant. The findings also revealed that among the sowing time, treatment D3: 1st February, S1:100 cm × 30 cm was found superior in yield characters. Hence, treatment T6: 1st February, 100 cm × 30 cm can be recommended for profitable muskmelon var. Arka Siri cultivation under Southern Telangana zone.