Growth and yield of Bangi (Cucumis melo L.) in charland agriculture affected by micronutrients

Abstract

Bangi (Cucumis melo L.) is an important short duration summer fruit crop, it is rich in vitamins and minerals, facilitated to protect from hidden hunger. To expedite the growth attributes and fruit yield of Bangi through micronutrient application for the Charland Agriculture, an experiment was conducted at the farmer’s (Charland) field in two locations viz., Sadar and Belkuchi upazilas of Sirajgong district, Bangladesh. The crop was cultivated following farmer’s management practices in mada(s)/pits (spacing 3.5 m × 3.5 m) in RCBD design with 3 replications. Two fertilizer doses as control (farmers practice; cow dung + NPK) and improved practice (farmers practice + micronutrients), were used as experimental treatments. The application of micronutrients enhanced plant length and other growth descriptors and fruit yield as well; however, locations did not affect the studied descriptors except the number of secondary branches plant^–1 and leaf characters. The plant length varied from 148.6 cm to 321.7 cm, the fruit yield (number plant^–1) almost quadrupled and size more than double due to improved practice (with micronutrients) resulting in 4–5 times increase the farmer's profit compared to conventional (farmers) practices. Further research on the effect of micronutrients on nutritional quality enhancement (Biofortification) and self-life is suggested for better understanding and nutritional quality improvement processes of Bangi through nutrient management.