Vol. 10, Issue 10 (2021)

Author(s):
G Sidhdharth, K Nageswari, R Balakumbahan, MP Kavitha and M Uma Maheswari

Abstract:
The present investigation on planting geometry and harvesting heights of annual moringa var. PKM 1 for leaf yield was carried out during 2021 at Western block, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam. Experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Treatment combinations comprised of four planting geometries in main plot viz., 1.50 m x 0.25 m (S₁), 1.50 m x 0.50 m (S₂), 1.50 m x 0.25 m x 0.25 m (S₃), 1.50 m x 0.50 m x 0.50 m (S₄) and three harvesting heights viz., 30 cm (T₁), 45 cm (T₂) and 60 cm (T₃) in subplot. Plant height, fresh and dry leaf yield were significantly higher in the treatment 1.50m x 0.25m x 0.25m while number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, stem girth, light interception, total chlorophyll, ascorbic acid and vitamin A were higher in the treatment 1.50m x 0.50m. Harvesting heights had no impact on growth parameters in first harvest but made a significant impact in second harvest. Stem girth recorded no variations with the harvesting heights in both harvests. Harvesting height of 30 cm recorded maximum yield (3.96 tonnes/ha) in first harvest but at subsequent harvest 45 cm made significantly more yield (4.77 tonnes/ha). No significant variations was recorded on total chlorophyll, ascorbic acid and vitamin A content with harvesting heights in both harvests.