STUDIES ON PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES FOR MESTA [Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) IN MEDIUM BLACK SOILS OF NORTHERN DRY ZONE OF KARNATAKA
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Date
2002
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University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad
Abstract
Three field experiments were conducted at Regional Research Station, Bijapur, University
of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad with the objectives to find out optimum sowing time, plant
population, nitrogen level and stage of harvest for higher yield and economic returns of mesta and
identification of suitable crops and spatial arrangement for mesta based intercropping system
during 1998-99 and 1999-2000. The experiment on effect of plant population and nitrogen on
mesta consisted of four varieties (AS-73-CP-560, AMV-3, AMV-4 and Local), three plant
populations (0.22, 0.33 and 0.66 million plants ha"1) and four nitrogen levels (0,30,60 and 90 kg N
ha"1). In the second experiment on effect of date of sowing, stage of harvest and plant population,
there were four dates of sowing (I F.N.of July, II F.N.of July, I F.N.of August and II F.N.of August),
two stages of harvest (at 50% flowering and at maturity) and three plant populations (0.22, 0.33
and 0.66 million plants ha"1). Both the experiments were laid out in split- split plot design with three
replications. The experiment on intecropping of mesta with millets at varying row proportions
consisted of three millet intercrops (pearl millet, foxtail millet and finger millet) and four row
proportions (1:2, 1:3, 2:4 and 1:5 ) along with their sole crops. The experiment was laid out in
randomized block design with three replications.
Fibre yield of mesta was significantly higher with AS-73-CP-560 (982 kg ha"1) compared to
AMV-3 and Local (798 and 588 kg ha"1, respectively) but was on par with AMV-4. Similar trend was
observed with respect to green matter and dry stalk yield ha"1. AS-73-CP-560, AMV-3 and AMV-4
were on par with each other in their seed yield (646, 612 and 636 kg ha'1, respectively) but
significantly superior over local (214 kg ha"1). Planting of mesta at lower plant population (0.22
million ha"1) with 60 kg N ha"1 was found significantly superior in fibre and seed yields and in
economic returns.
Fibre yield, seed yield, green matter and dry stalk yields of mesta were significantly higher
with sowing during I F.N. of July compared to later sowing dates. Harvesting the crop at maturity
both for fibre and seed was more profitable compared to harvesting the crop at 50 per cent
flowering.
Intercropping of mesta + pearl millet at 1:2 row proportion gave significantly higher fiber
equivalent yield (1507 kg ha"1) and net returns (Rs 5875 ha"1) followed by 1:3 row proportion of the
same intercropping system (1499 kg ha"1 and Rs 5818 ha'1, respectively). However, benefit-cost
ratio was higher with mesta + pearl millet intercropping at 1:3 row proportion
row proportion (1.85).
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No . of references 122