Effect of mulch materials on vegetative characters, yield and economics of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo) under rainfed mid -hill condition of Uttarakhand

Abstract

In order to find out the effect of different mulch materials viz., black plastic, clear plastic, dry leaves, pine needles, green twigs of non fodder plants, forest litter and F.Y.M. on vegetative characters, yield and production economics of summer squash, the field experiment were undertaken during spring - summer season of 2009 and 2010 under rainfed mid-hill condition of Uttarakhand. The maximum plant height (38.11 cm), plant spread (142.39 cm), number of leaves per plant (41.85), root length (36.83 cm) and yield (62.72 t/ha) were recorded in black plastic mulch when compared with other treatments. The black plastic mulch not only advanced the harvesting time but also produced 74.17 per cent higher fruits yield than the control. Amongst the organic mulches, pine needles and forest litter were found equally effective in improving vegetative characters, which ultimately resulted in higher yields. Mulching with black plastic in summer squash was also found most economical with a net return of . 232628.70 ha-1 and Benefit: Cost ratio of 2.61.