Vol. 12, Issue 10 (2023)

Author(s):
KV Malshe, SM Wankhede and SL Ghavale

Abstract:
The field experiment was conducted in the rabi season of 2022-23 at Regional Coconut Research Station, Bhatye, Ratnagiri to assess the growth and yield performance of bitter gourd as intercrop has been tested in coconut plantation (Variety West Coast Tall). The vine length was significantly maximum (4.37 m) under coconut plantation (Intercrop) whereas under open condition the vine length was 3.89 m. The early emergence of female flower (At 21.27^th node) and lesser days for 50 % flowering (43.80 days after sowing) was noticed under open field condition. Under open condition, the first harvest was at 58.07 days after sowing while under coconut plantation as intercrop, it was delayed by 4.93 days. The average number of fruits per vine and yield was significantly maximum (16.93 per vine and 1.21 kg vine^-1, respectively) under open condition which was 12.34 per cent higher than as intercrop where the yield was 15.07 fruits per vine. In open field condition, minimum yield (1.10 kg vine^-1) was in intercrop grown in coconut.