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Journal of Applied Horticulture Selected Contents of Year
College of Food Processing Technology and Bioenergy, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, (388110), Gujarat, India. Corresponding e-mail: amrutadandwate01@gmail.com
Abstract: The mango seed kernel (MSK) stands out as a rich source of total phenolic compounds and premium-quality fats. This study aimed to optimize the hot air drying process parameters for MSK, utilizing a tray dryer to achieve maximum yield of mango seed kernel oil (MSKO) while retaining high levels of total phenolic compounds. The experimentation involved the application of a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) analysis, leading to the identification of the optimal drying conditions—60°C temperature, resulting in a yield of 11.80% MSKO and 163.28 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per gram of MSK, with a desirability index of 0.861.After establishing the standard hot air drying parameters, the biochemical composition of MSK showed enhancement due to the effective preservation of bioactive compounds, particularly total phenolic compounds. This extensive experiment not only improves the yield of MSKO but also enhances the nutritional value of MSK. The findings highlight the potential for additional investigation and utilisation of mango seed kernel in food and bioenergy applications.
M.S. Srinivas, K. Rajesh*, P. Supraja, E. Tejaswini, M. Meghana and A. Srihari
College of Food Science and Technology, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Pulivendula, Andhra Pradesh. Corresponding e-mail: k.rajesh@angrau.ac.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.05
Key words: Ripened banana, freeze drying, biscuits, textural property and solubility index
Abstract: The study is undertaken to develop fortified powder blends of wheatgrass and ripened banana to evaluate the technical properties of flours. The combinations were produced by adding banana powder to the wheatgrass in the combinations of C1 (50W:50B), C2 (25W:75B), C3 (75W:25B), C4 (0W:100B), C5 (100W:0B). The proximate analysis such as moisture content, protein, ash content was reported to be higher in C1 and C2, respectively. Ash content of blend flours ranged between 4.2 to 6.8%, whereas protein was reported between 3.22 to 13.22%. The bulk density and tapped density were reported in the following order: C4>C1>C2>C3>C5 with bulk density values of 0.487, 0.384, 0.317, 0.263 and 0.232 g/cc, respectively. Hausner’s ratio ranged from 1.108 to 1.307 across different flours, which fall under fair and passable flow characteristics. A solubility index of 0.16±0.02 g/g was reported for both C2 and C5, represented by 75 and 100% of banana flour, respectively. Biscuits produced from the developed flour blends reported hardness in the order of C3> C1>C2 indicating hard biscuits from blending with a higher proportion of wheatgrass flour. Adhesive force of biscuit samples were 10, 29 and 20 (g) for samples C1, C2 and C3, respectively.
N.El Bey*, A. Mami Maazoun, O. Nahdi, N. Ben Krima and M.K. Aounallah
1National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, INAT, Tunis Cedex 1082, University of Carthage, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Tunis, Tunisia. Corresponding e-mail: nazihabey87@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.01
Key words: Hydric stress, morphological features, physiological features, biochemical features
Abstract: Agriculture is grappling with water scarcity, leading to diminished crop yields, economic challenges, environmental degradation, and threats to food security. The future of agriculture hinges on the implementation of sustainable water resource management and adaptation strategies. Specifically, in arid regions, the adoption of water-efficient irrigation practices is crucial for fruit growers. This approach not only helps in conserving water but also reduces costs and ensures the vitality of orchards. The cultivation of fruit trees, especially in water-stressed areas, demands meticulous irrigation management for survival. Growers play a key role in identifying stress indicators that serve as crucial markers for monitoring tree health. Proactively addressing these indicators enables growers to maintain healthier trees, resulting in higher yields. Identifying and understanding fruit tree stress indicators play a pivotal role in enhancing orchard management practices, ultimately contributing to increased yields, cost reduction, and the promotion of sustainability. This review evaluates the effectiveness of stress indicators in gauging water stress levels. It delves into the multifaceted impacts of water scarcity on agriculture and underscores the recommendation for water-efficient irrigation practices to counteract fluctuations in water availability. In environments facing water scarcity, vigilant irrigation management coupled with the identification of stress indicators strengthens the resilience and productivity of fruit tree agriculture. This study contributes valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on sustainable horticulture in the face of a changing world.
Yashkumar1, Dutta Samit 2 and P. Srilatha1*
1Department of Food Processing Technology, College of Food Processing Technology and Bio Energy, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat 388110, India. 2Department of Food Business Management, College of Food Processing Technology and Bio Energy, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat 388110, India. Corresponding e-mail: srilatha2708@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.06
Key words: Cactus fruit, mint, tisane, total betalain content, total antioxidant activity, drying, herbal tea
Abstract: Cactus (prickly pear) is a nutrient-rich fruit with medicinal and health benefits, including minerals (iron, calcium, potassium), vitamins, antioxidants, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer effects. Mint, a versatile herb, enhances flavor. Herbal fruit teas are increasingly popular. Tisanes are popular for its antioxidant properties mainly because of phenols, which leach in water during infusion. Cactus fruits were dried in hot air dryer and the drying temperature of 50°C was optimized based on minimum drying time, maximum total betalain content and maximum total antioxidant activity. Mint leaves were dried using shade drying at a temperature of 30±2°C up to a moisture content of 7%. Formulation of cactus fruit-based tisane was done by using different cactus-mint ratios. Cactus mint ratio was standardized by highest overall acceptability, total antioxidant activity, and colour a* value. Cactus fruit-based tisane infusion was prepared by dipping a tea bag containing 2 g of dried material in 100 mL of hot water (95±2°C) for a steeping time of 2 min. Based on statistical analysis, the best combination of cactus fruit-mint ratio for tisane was optimized as 85:15. Infusion of cactus fruit-based tisane contained 10.92 mg/100g of total betalain content, 0.89 mg/100g of vitamin C, 12.19 mM/100g of total antioxidant activity etc., and the microbial analysis revealed that the total plate count (cfu/g) was in limit and yeast and mould count (cfu/g) was zero.
B. Saai Vignesh1, B. Anujaa2 and S. Manickavasagam2
1Agricultural College & Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. 2 Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India. Corresponding e-mail: b.saai.vignesh@gmail.com
Abstract: In this study, we investigated the efficiency of Tetragonula iridipennis Smith, India’s prevalent stingless bee, as a pollinator during the Rabi season, specifically focusing on coriander, cultivated for seed production. Our findings revealed several key insights during the peak blooming period of coriander. The highest activity of outgoing bees occurred between 1000-1200 hrs, with the peak number of pollen foragers recorded between 1100-1200 hrs, averaging 3.83 bees/5min/hour over six days. Nectar-foraging bees were most active between 1100 and 1400 hrs, while resin-foraging bees were observed at their peak between 1400 and 1500 hrs. Incorporating stingless bees in open-pollinated coriander crops resulted in a substantial yield of 130 kg of seeds per acre per 10 colonies, accompanied by 130 g of honey production within 28 days. Comparatively, this represented a 31 percent increase in seed production when compared to fields without bee colonies. These findings underscore the valuable role of T. iridipennis in enhancing coriander seed production, with potential implications for crop productivity and honey production.
Harshit Mishra*, K.K. Singh and Supriya
Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.)-224 229, India. Corresponding e-mail: wehars@gmail.com
Abstract: This paper presents a study conducted in the Sultanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, focusing on the marketing of bitter gourd in the selected area. The research employed a multistage stratified purposive cum random sampling technique to select the district, block, villages, and respondents. From the population, 100 growers were randomly chosen, comprising 66 marginal, 23 small, and 11 medium farmers during the period of 2021-2022, using the proportionate allocation technique. Primary data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a survey schedule. Three distinct marketing channels for bitter gourd were identified: Channel-I (producer to consumer), Channel-II (producer to retailer to consumer) and Channel-III (producer to wholesaler to retailer to consumer). The study revealed that Channel-I exhibited the highest marketing efficiency (29.15), followed by Channel-II (5.47) and Channel-III showed the lowest efficiency (2.96). Notably, different groups of farms predominantly sold bitter gourd through Channel-III. The research also shed light on the challenges faced by bitter gourd growers, including issues related to perishability, price fluctuations, and inadequate storage facilities. The paper emphasizes the significance of policymakers and stakeholders addressing these challenges and developing effective strategies and interventions to support the bitter gourd farming community.
Abstract: Food spoilage due to browning is one of the major challenges faced by the food and processing industries. In fruits and vegetables, browning due to both enzymatic and nonenzymatic reactions is a common event that renders them unattractive and unsuitable for consumption. In the last few decades, numerous studies have been conducted to slow or inhibit these undesirable physiological reactions during processing and storage. An experiment was carried out to determine the effect of different antibrowning agents on the quality and shelf life of fresh-cut pineapple from 2020-2021 in the laboratory of the Department of Horticulture at Annamalai University. The experiment consisted of 11 treatments and was replicated 3 times, viz., T1 (ascorbic acid 500 ppm), T2 (ascorbic acid 1000 ppm), T3 (citric acid 250 ppm), T4 (citric acid 500 ppm), T5 (sodium chloride 100 ppm), T6 (sodium chloride 200 ppm), T7 (calcium chloride 100 ppm), T8 (calcium chloride 200 ppm), T9 (honey 5%), T10 (honey 10%), and T11 (control). Antibrowning agents significantly and positively impacted the quality parameters of fresh-cut fruits. The minimum PLW (0.71%) and maximum scores of firmness (2.16kg/cm2), titratable acidity (0.53%), total sugar (11.65%), nonreducing sugar (1.94%) and texture index (2.37) were recorded in T8. However, maximum TSS (14.6 °Brix), total sugar (11.65%), and reducing sugar (9.48%) were recorded in T10. The lowest browning rate was recorded in the treatment with ascorbic acid in T2. The treatments with calcium chloride and ascorbic acid best retained the quality of fresh-cut pineapple fruit.
Vivek Mishra and Mohammad Faisal
Amity School of Communication, Amity University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Corresponding e-mail: vivek_mishra2012@rediffmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.10
Key words: YouTube, mango cultivation, video originality, channel categories, geographical location, subscriber counts, principal components analysis, correlation analysis.
Abstract: This research delved into the dynamics of knowledge-sharing on YouTube within the context of mango cultivation. Analyzing a diverse dataset of 153 videos, the impact of video originality, channel categories, and geographical locations on viewership and subscriber counts was investigated. While descriptive statistics suggested that, on average, original videos received more views, an ANOVA revealed a non-significant difference in viewership between original and non-original videos, indicating additional factors at play. Geographical locations demonstrated significant variations in subscriber counts, emphasizing the influence of location on mean views. Correlation analysis underscored strong positive associations between subscriber counts and views/likes, highlighting the key role of subscribers in measuring audience engagement. Utilizing Principal Components Analysis (PCA), we identified six components explaining 100% of the dataset variance. Component 1 represented overall video popularity, while Component 2 captured nuances of content quality and appreciation. In conclusion, this study offers valuable insights for content creators and researchers navigating YouTube's landscape for knowledge-sharing in mango cultivation. While originality and channel categories may not be the primary drivers of viewership, geographical location and subscriber counts emerged as crucial influencers. The PCA and correlation analyses reveal intricate aspects that contribute to video performance, enabling stakeholders to enhance content strategies for efficient knowledge dissemination on YouTube.
Karishma Sebastian1,2* and B. Bindu3
1College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, KAU, Kerala, 695 522, India. 2Division of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, 641 114, India. 3FSRS, Sadanandapuram, Kollam, Kerala, 691 531, India. Corresponding e-mail: karishmasebastian11@gmail.com
Abstract: Papaya fruits’ popularity and widespread consumption are due to their peculiar flavour and nutritional characteristics. However, rapid deterioration and high incidence of rots during handling and storage limits its shelf life. Traditionally, people resort to applying synthetic chemical fungicides to control the anthracnose caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on fruits. However, their repeated use has caused resistance in microorganisms and toxicity in humans. Hence, there is increasing interest in using natural alternatives instead of chemical treatment. Papaya variety Surya fruits collected at the fully mature green stage were subjected to different postharvest management practices and were packaged in corrugated fibre board boxes and stored till the end of shelf life under ambient conditions. Papaya fruits harvested at a fully mature green stage and subjected to precooling followed by external coating with 1% chitosan and packaging with ethylene scrubber KMnO4 (T7) recorded the longest shelf life of 9.67 days. The same treatment also registered the lowest physiological loss in weight (5.64 %), least ion leakage (93.41 %), maximum total carotenoids, total soluble solids, total sugar, reducing sugar and minimum acidity after nine days of storage. No fungal spoilage and fruit rot were recorded in T7 after three days of storage, with zero percent disease index. After six and nine days of storage, the lowest disease index (16.67 and 27.78 % each) was noticed in T7.
Atithi Debnath1,Aparajita Roy Das2, Kripamoy Chakraborty1, Ajay Krishna Saha2 and Panna Das1*
1Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar-799 022, Tripura, India. 2Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar-799 022, Tripura, India. Corresponding e-mail: panna11d@gmail.com
Abstract: The efficacy of rhizospheric native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from naturally growing Cassia fistula L. trees was evaluated by utilizing seeds from the same trees to assess growth and biochemical properties. This study aimed to investigate whether biochemical content could be augmented in naturally growing trees, contrasting them with greenhouse-grown seedlings. The findings revealed that arbuscular mycorrhiza-inoculated seedlings exhibited significantly higher shoot and root length, leaf area, and shoot dry weight compared to non-mycorrhizal plants under greenhouse conditions. Furthermore, there was a noteworthy increase in biochemicals such as protein, carbohydrates, and phenols in mycorrhizal-inoculated plants and naturally growing trees when compared to non-mycorrhizal plants. Interestingly, carbohydrates and phenols were significantly more abundant in naturally growing trees than in greenhouse experiment plants. Additionally, the methanolic leaf extract of non-mycorrhizal plants exhibited the lowest inhibition percentage (%) on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals in comparison to mycorrhizal plants and naturally growing trees. Moreover, the effective concentration at 50% inhibition of DPPH radicals by mycorrhizal plants and naturally growing trees was lower than that observed in non-mycorrhizal plants. The biochemical estimates obtained from mycorrhizal plants substantiate the results observed in naturally growing trees, thereby supporting the assumption that native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi may enhance the levels of biochemicals in naturally growing C. fistula trees.
Hayam A.A. Mahdy1, A.S. Tantawy2, A.M.R. Abdel-Mawgoud2 and Z.F. Fawzy2
1Botany Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. 2Vegetable Research Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail: hayam1111@yahoo.com
Abstract: The present study aims to explore various alternatives to alleviate the detrimental effects of salinity on tomato plants subjected to salt stress. An experiment was conducted in pots during the growing seasons of 2021 and 2022. Hybrid Super Strain B of tomato (Solanum lycopersicon) seedlings were transplanted in pots with a diameter of 0.3 m and a capacity of 15 liters, filled with washed sand. Subsequently, fresh water was used for irrigation for two weeks, after which salinity treatments were applied. To achieve targeted EC levels (control, 2000, 3000, and 4000 ppm), saline water was mixed with fresh water. Two weeks after transplantation, foliar sprays of nano-K or nano-P were administered three times during the seasons, at two-week intervals. The findings indicate that increasing salinity levels had a significant negative impact on the growth and production aspects of all plants. However, the negative impacts were mitigated by the application of nano fertilizers, particularly nano-K. The results suggest that the mitigation effects of foliar application of nano fertilizers could be attributed to the partial recovery of nutrient imbalances caused by salinity stress.
R. Sai Prasanth1*, A. Surendrakumar1, R. Kavitha1, K. Nagarajan2, K. Venkatesan3, and R. Ravikumar4
1Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India. 2Department of Soil and Water Conservation Engineering, Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Kumulur, India. 3 Department of Spices and plantation crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India.4Mathematics, Department of Agricultural Meteorology, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India. Corresponding e-mail: saiprasanthravuri@gmail.com
Abstract: Capsicum annuum L., also known as bell or sweet pepper, is a globally significant horticultural crop in the Solanaceae family. India’s red and yellow colored capsicum holds 13th rank in export. In India, color capsicum is a valuable crop, yielding 2.34 times more per square meter in protected cultivation comparing open field. Tamil Nadu contributes 16,689 tonnes on 284 hectares, comprising 5.13% of India’s total. Modern agriculture benefits from automation and robotics, especially in protected cultivation for selective, high-quality capsicum harvesting, reducing labor fatigue. In consideration to the issues like timely and repetitive harvestings and shortage of labour a study was focused to develop a robotic harvester. The study evaluated the engineering attributes of red and yellow capsicum during protected cultivation, classified into size categories A, B and C. Moisture content ranged from 83.6% to 87.12%. Capsicum dimensions spanned 57 mm to 110 mm in length, 52 mm to 98 mm in width, and 51 mm to 96 mm in thickness. Red capsicum had slightly larger arithmetic, geometric, square mean, and equivalent diameters, with sphericity ranging from 0.89 to 0.93. Surface area varied from 87 cm² to 316 cm², volume from 108 cm³ to 363 cm³, and mass from 67 g to 226 g, with red capsicum slightly larger. The highest static friction coefficient was with aluminum, at 0.61 to 0.66. Using the CIELAB model for color estimation, the significant color difference for red and yellow capsicum were 79.26 and 70.28 respectively. Moisture content was negatively correlated with aspect ratio and sphericity, and other attributes had positive correlations. This data is valuable for potential capsicum harvesting mechanization in robotics and protected cultivation.
B. Srinivasulu1, S.S. Vijaya Padma2, L. Naram Naidu3, Ch. Kiran Kumar4 and V. Sekhar5
1Department of Vegetable Science, C.O.H., V.R. Gudem, Andhra Pradesh. 2Department of Horticulture, C.O.H., Chinalataripi, Andhra Pradesh.3Department of Horticulture, Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Andhra Pradesh. 4Department of Soil Science and Agronomy, C.O.H., Parvathipuram, Andhra Pradesh. 5Department of agricultural statistics, C.O.H., V.R. Gudem, Andhra Pradesh. Corresponding e-mail: bsvas333@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.15
Key words: Charantin, TSS, vitamin-C, iron, quality and Momordica charantia L.
Abstract: Commercial exploitation of bitter gourd hybrids is primarily focused on yield, while limited research has been conducted on the quality aspects of this crop. The study was conducted during the Summer and Kharif seasons of 2022 to identify superior hybrids compared to the standard checks in terms of significant quality traits. A total of 21 crosses were produced by crossing seven genetically distinct parents in a half diallel mating pattern during the summer of 2022. A total of 7 parents, 21 F1 hybrids, and 2 checks were assessed using a randomized complete block design with three replications during the Kharif season of 2022. The crosses, viz., Kashi Mayuri x IC-44418 and IC-44418 x IC-68314 have shown better performance in terms of quality aspects such as TSS. On the other hand, Kashi Mayuri x Special Boldar and IC-44418 x Special Boldar were found to be superior than commercial checks, Pragathi and Monarch for vitamin-C. Significantly greater heterosis for iron content was observed in the crosses viz., Kashi Mayuri x IC-469512, IC-433630 x IC-469512, and Kashi Mayuri x Special Boldar. Charantin, known for its antidiabetic properties, is a significant quality character present in fruits. The hybrids viz., IC-44418 x IC-68314, IC-433630 x IC-68314, and IC-68314 x IC-469512 demonstrated a significant increase in charantin heterosis. The superior cross combinations identified in this study warrant further evaluation to assess their potentiality and stability for commercial release as hybrids or varieties.
K. Moyo1, Z.P. Khetsha1*, M.M. Masowa1,2, E. Van Der Watt3, K.M. Moloantoa4 and J.O. Unuofin5
1Department of Agriculture, Central University of Technology, Free State, Private Bag X20539, Bloemfontein, South Africa. 2ARC – Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants, Private Bag x 293, Pretoria, South Africa. 3Department of Soil- and Crop- and Climate Sciences, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa. 4Department of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu Natal, Private Bag X540001, Durban, South Africa. 5Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20 Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa. Corresponding e-mail: zkhetsha@ut.ac.za
Abstract: Plants get exposed to multiple stresses throughout their phenological growth stages. At most, these stresses are attributed to single or combined stresses like salinity, water deficits, wounding, mineral deficiencies, potting bag size, soil/root media density and type, soil pH, and the type of production system employed. Multistress factors have been widely reported to reduce the plant growth and development, strength, yield, and quality of horticultural crops globally. In the literature, reports extensively recommended the use of silicon-based biostimulants to improve the growth and development of commercial horticultural plants; however, little has been reported in South Africa on the recovery response mechanisms of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.), lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), and kale (Brassica oleracea L.) grown under multi-stress conditions treated with silicon-based biostimulants, and using the cheaper eco-friendly production systems. In South Africa, most silicon-based biostimulant production companies reserve their novel concoctions as their company secrets; thus, many of the products are never tested in public to ascertain and monitor compliance with the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies, and Stock Remedies Act 36 of 1947 in South Africa. On the other hand, emerging farmers and smallholder growers are failing to afford existing agricultural insurance options, thereby affecting their yields against the commercially developed farmers. Although the government aids farmers, the assistance does not cover all costs associated with the multistress losses. Some farmers and growers adopted advanced production systems; however, at most, these systems are costly and rely primarily on electricity as a source of power, which is a challenge in South Africa. This paper explains various production systems used by commercial and emerging farmers, and the smallholder growers in South Africa to reduce costs related to multistress losses. Moreover, an alternative eco-organic production system that applies silicon-based biostimulant as a novel idea for commercial vegetables grown under extreme multi-stress conditions is recommended for emerging farmers and smallholder growers in South Africa. Future studies should be based on eco-friendly production systems in vegetable production in line with Sustainable Development Goals, to combat poverty and improve the livelihood of the African countries.
Jose Merin1, T. Sajitha Rani1, P. Shalini Pillai1, V. Jayakrishnakumar1 and B. Rani2
1Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram- 695522. 2Deparment of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram- 695522. Corresponding e-mail: pmerinpjose@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.17
Key words: Micro irrigation, mulching, water productivity, water use efficiency, yield
Abstract: A field experiment was conducted at the Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala, to evaluate the efficacy of micro irrigation and mulching on growth and yield of bhindi in rain shelter. The experiment was carried out in a split plot design with four replications. The treatment consisted of 5 main plot treatments (i1: Surface drip irrigation, i2: Rain hose irrigation, i3: Sub surface drip irrigation at 10 cm, i4: Sub surface drip irrigation at 15 cm, i5: Sub surface drip irrigation at 20 cm) and 2 sub plot treatments (m1: No mulch, m2: Organic mulch). Dry banana leaves available in the area was used as organic mulch @ 10 t ha-1. Results of the study revealed that types of irrigation had significant influence on yield and yield attributes, water productivity, water use efficiency and economics of bhindi. Sub surface drip irrigation at 10 cm depth recorded the highest fruit yield m-2 (2.29 kg). Water productivity and water use efficiency was 45% and 27% higher in sub surface drip irrigation at 10 cm depth than rain hose irrigation. Significantly higher net returns (? 5.31 lakhs ha-1) and B: C ratio (2.39) were observed in sub surface drip irrigation at 10 cm depth, which was on par with sub surface drip irrigation at 15 cm depth. Based on the findings of the study, sub surface drip irrigation at 10 cm depth along with organic mulching can be recommended for bhindi cultivation for obtaining higher yield, water use efficiency and economics.
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