Vol. 12, Issue 12 (2023)

The experiment on effect of different organic sources on growth and flowering character of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.) was carried out at Organic Research and Training Centre, Vasantarao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani. during summer season in year 2018-19. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design in nine treatments with three replications. The treatments were T₁ [RDF 100% through FYM], T₂ [RDF 100% through vermicompost], T₃ [RDF 50% through FYM + RDF 50% through Vermicompost], T₄ [RDF 100% through FYM + Jeevamrut 3 Application], T₅ [RDF 100% through vermicompost + Jeevamrut 3 Application], T₆ [RDF 100% through FYM + Biofertilizer (Azotobacter)], T₇ [RDF 100% through Vermicompost + Biofertilizer (Azotobacter)], T₈ [RDF 100% through FYM + Panchagavya 3 Application] and T₉ [RDF 100:50:50 N:P:K (Control) Kg/ha].

In respect of growth character, it was also observed that in treatment T₆ [RDF 100% through FYM + biofertilizer (Azotobacter)] was found with maximum length of vine (116.75 cm), (130.77 cm) and (186.15 cm) at 30 DAS, 45 DAS and 60 DAS respectively. High number of branches per vine (4.00), (6.13) and (8.13) at 30 DAS, 45 DAS and 60 DAS respectively and high number of leaves per vine (11.07), (28.20) and (35.40) at 30 DAS, 45 DAS and 60 DAS of watermelon than other organic sources and control. In case of flower parameter, the treatment T₆ [RDF 100% through FYM + biofertilizer (Azotobacter)] was found with minimum days required for 1^st flower to appear on vine (44.13 days), minimum days required for 50% flower to appear on vine (53.40 days) and high number of flowers per vine (11) of watermelon as compared with other organic sources and control.