Nitrogen and potassium fertilizer response on growth and yield of hybrid Luffa –Naga f1 variety
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Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
Luffa is a tropical and subtropical vegetable, belongs to family Cucurbiteceae. It is
predominantly monoecious in sex expression and provides an ample scope for utilization of
hybrid vigor. Hybrid varieties develop through open pollination, produce higher yields due to its
hybrid vigor. Naga F1 hybrid variety consists number of desirable traits other than higher yield
such as strong and vigorous plants, fruits with long deep ridges, attractive green color fruits
Luffa
cultivars.Unavailability of fertilizer recommendations for hybrid cucurbit vegetables leads to an
excess fertilizer application causing a vital environmental issue that creates undesirable impacts
on nature and the human health.
Main Objective of this research is to determine effect of different nitrogen and potassium
fertilizer rates on growth and yield of Naga F1 Variety. Other objectives are, to evaluate specific
growth parameters and yield, to identify the optimum nitrogen and potassium fertilizer levels
based on growth and yield of hybrid Luffa variety. As well as to formulate the general fertilizer
recommendation for hybrid Luffa -Naga F1 variety.
Methodology
Hybrid Luffa - Naga F1 variety seeds were used as planting material. The experiment consisted
of nine treatments involving three nitrogen fertilizer levels and three potassium fertilizer levels
based on recommendation of the Department of Agriculture for local Luffa varieties.
Recommended dosage of phosphorous fertilizer level was applied for each treatment.Fertilizers
were applied at the basal dressing and two top dressings in three week intervals accordingly.
Fertilizer sources for N, K and P are Urea, Muriate of Potash (MOP) and Triple Super Phosphate
(TSP) respectively. The study was carried out in randomized complete block design.
Field experiment was conducted in order to obtain growth and yield parameters of Naga F 1
variety. Plant growth parameters were leaf number per vine and vine length at 1st, 2nd and 3rd
weeks after planting intervals. Yield attributes were fruit girth, fruit length, yield per vine, yield
per hectare up to ten consequent harvest. Laboratory analysis were performed in order to
determine initial soil composition andnitrogen and potassium contents in leaves and fruitsat peak
harvesting stage. Data were analyzed using Minitab 17 statistical software. Treatment means
differences were evaluated by Tukey mean comparison tests at 0.05 significant level.
Description
Keywords
Agriculture, Export Agriculture, Vegetable Cultivation, Crop Production, Chemical