Effect of discharge rates on growth and yield parameters of bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) under drip irrigation

Abstract

Bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), also known as lady’s finger, is an important vegetable crop in tropical and subtropical regions, valued for its nutritional and economic significance. A field experiment was conducted from February to May 2025 at SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, to evaluate the effect of different drip irrigation discharge rates on growth and yield performance of bhendi under clayey soil conditions. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) comprising seven treatments with three replications. The treatments were set with two discharge rates (2 and 4 lph) and three irrigation levels (50%, 75%, and 100% ETc) and T7 - farmer’s practice were also maintained for comparison. The TNAU Bhendi Hybrid CO4 variety was used, and standard agronomic practices were followed. Key parameters such as plant height, stem girth, leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), fruit length, fruit girth, average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, and yield per hectare were recorded. Among the treatments, T3 (2 lph @ 100% ETc) significantly outperformed all others by recording the highest plant height (133.47 cm), LAI (3.51), CGR (12.53 g/m²/day), number of fruits per plant (24.00), and maximum yield (29.57 t/ha). T6 (4 lph @ 100% ETc) also performed on par with T3. This was attributed to optimal and uniform moisture distribution around the root zone, enhancing nutrient uptake and reducing plant stress. Conversely, surface irrigation (T7) resulted in the lowest growth and yield such as the lowest plant height (89.53 cm), LAI (2.09), CGR (10.02 g/m²/day), number of fruits per plant (12.00), and minimum yield (22.41 t/ha) due to irregular moisture availability. The study concludes that drip irrigation with 2 lph emitters at 100% ETc is the most effective method for enhancing bhendi growth and productivity in clayey soils.