Optimization of yield and quality parameters in snake gourd using integrated nutrient management (Trichosanthes cucumerina L.)

The intensive use of inorganic fertilizer in agriculture for ensuring the world food security caused so many health problems and unrecoverable environmental pollution. In view of this context, a study was conducted during two seasons viz., season I (August-November 2021) and season II (January-April 2022) at Karur district, Tamil Nadu, India to study the influences of organic manures and bio-stimulants on the yield and quality parameters of snake gourd. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments replicated thrice. Organic manures used for the study were farm yard manure, vermicompost, phosphobacteria applied as basal form and the biostimulants like seaweed extract and effective microorganism were foliar sprayed on three stages i.e. 20, 35 and 50 days after sowing for both the seasons. Among two seasons, the maximum yield and quality parameters were obtained during season I (August to November). Results revealed that the application of vermicompost and seaweed extract along with recommended dosage of fertilizers increased number of fruits/vine (20.32 for season I and 18.05 for season II), single fruit weight (490.26 g for season I and 486.40 g for season II), fruit yield/vine (9.94 kg for season I and 8.88 kg for season II), total soluble solids (2.87 °Brix for season I and 2.83 °Brix for season II), ascorbic acid content (4.76 mg 100/g for season I and 4.70 mg for season II) and reduced crude fibre content (15.94% for season I and 16.53% for season II). The experiment revealed that the yield and quality parameters were highly influenced by the application of vermicompost (5 t/ha) and seaweed extract (3 ml/litre) along with recommended dosage of fertilizers which is an environment friendly option for sustainable agriculture. Among the two seasons tested, season I (Aadi pattam) was found to be the best season when compared to season II.