Vol. 11, Issue 9 (2022)

Author(s):
Narendra Ramteke, Dr. SG Bharad, Dr. PK Nagre, Dr. SR Patil, Dr. UA Raut and Karan Jadhav

Abstract:
An investigation was carried out to study the “Effect of planting density and fruit load on fruit yield and quality of custard apple.” The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three spacing levels 4 x 4 m, 4 x 2.5 m and 3 x 3 m and five levels of fruit load (fruit retention). Fruit retention up to 100 per plant, Fruit retention up to 80/plant, Fruit retention up to 60 per plant, Fruit retention up to 40 per plant and No fruit thinning (control) fifteen treatment combinations replicated thrice. The fruit retention in varying quantities as per treatments was imposed after 15 days from fruit development when fruits were Anola size. It is evident from the experimental findings that, in terms plant height was found highest under the treatment spacing 4 x 2.5 m as well as fruit retention 60 per plant. Whereas, the plant spread and plant volume under the treatment spacing 4 x 4 m as well as fruit retention 60 per plant. The flowering time in terms of days from pruning to first flower bud initiation was observed in the treatment spacing 4 x 4 m as well as fruit retention 60 per plant. Leaf area and chlorophyll contents were observed in the treatment spacing 4 x 2.5 m as well as fruit retention 60 per plant. The fruit yield parameters like number of graded fruits per plant and weight of fruits found highest under the treatment spacing 4 x 2.5 m as well as fruit retention 60 per plant.