Influence of organic manures on the growth, quality and yield attributes of Khasi mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) in Ri Bhoi District of Meghalaya

Abstract

Khasi mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) of family Rutaceace is one of the most popular fruits in Northeast India and globally. The production of the mandarin is slowly declining, and it is the main problem in almost all Asian countries. Thus, an investigation was conducted at Umling, Nongpoh, Ri Bhoi District of Meghalaya during 2018 to 2020 to find out the effect of different organic manures on the growth and quality of Khasi Mandarin. It was carried out on 8-year-old fruit trees with planting distance of 3 m × 3 m. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 11 treatments consisting of farmyard manure, vermicompost, neem cake and wood ash which were applied in different combinations. It was observed that application of 10 kg vermicompost + 2 kg wood ash + 2 kg neem cake resulted in maximum fruit yield (28.05 kg/tree), TSS (11.5 o Brix), total sugar (7.65 %) and ascorbic acid (40.31 mg/100 mL) and it can be recommended as the best combination of organic manures for obtaining maximum yield and quality of Khasi mandarin fruit in Meghalaya.