“EFFECT OF FERTIGATION AND MULCHING ON GROWTH,

YIELD AND QUALITY OF PAPAYA ( Carica papaya L.) CV. RED

LADY”

THESIS
SUBMITTED TO THE
NAVSARI AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
NAVSARI

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS

FOR
THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE
OF
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
(HORTICULTURE)
IN
FRUIT SCIENCE

BY

JADHAV PARAG BABAJI

M.Sc. (Hort.)

DEPARTMENT OF FRUIT SCIENCE

ASPEE COLLEGE OF HORTICULTURE AND FORESTRY
NAVSARI AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
NAVSARI – 396 450
JULY - 2013

Registration No.: 04-0845-2010

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ABSTRACT

2|Page
 “EFFECT OF FERTIGATION AND MULCHING ON GROWTH,
YIELD AND QUALITY OF PAPAYA ( Carica papaya L.) CV. RED
LADY”

Name of Student Major Advisor

Mr. JADHAV PARAG B. Dr. B. V. PADHIAR

DEPARTMENT OF FRUIT SCIENCE

ASPEE COLLEGE OF HORTICULTURE AND FORESTRY
NAVSARI AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
NAVSARI – 396 450

ABSTRACT

The present investigation on “Effect of fertigation and

mulching on growth, yield and quality (Carica papaya L.) cv. Red Lady”
was carried out at Regional Horticulture Research Station, Navsari and Fruit
Research Station, Gandevi, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari during
the year 2012-13. The laboratory work was carried out at Department of
Soil Science and Agril. Chemistry, ASPEE College of Horticulture and
Forestry, Navasari Agricultural University, Navsari-396 450.
The present experiment was laid out in Randomized Block
Design with factorial concept including twelve treatments and three
replication. FYM (10 kg / pit) was applied as basal as per recommendation.
Recommended dose of phosphorus (200g / plant) was applied in two equal
splits, first at 11/2 months and second at 3 months after transplanting.
Nitrogen and potash applied in the form of urea and muriate of potash,
respectively as per treatment, in 14 (S1) and 18 (S2) splits equal dose starting
form 45 and 15 days in mulch and without mulch treatments after
transplanting, subsequently at 15 days intervals through drip irrigation. The
observations on physiological attributes, growth characters, yield and

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quality parameters as well as nutrient status were recorded and analyzed
statistically.
The growth parameters viz., plant height (cm), stem girth (stem
diameter) (cm), number of leaves, length of petiole (cm) and total leaf area
(m2) were significantly recorded the maximum in papaya plant received F1
(N and K2O @ 100 % RDF) followed by F2 (N and K2O @ 80 % RDF) and
18 splits (S2) at 15 days intervals after fifteen days transplanting of seedlings
at 180, 270 and 360 days after transplanting at both the places during the
period of experimentation and in pooled analysis also. Whereas, F1 (N and
K2O @ 100 % RDF) initiated earliness in flowering (days). Similar trend
was also observed in physiological parameters like, photosynthetic rate and
chlorophyll contents in leaf with maximum values under the treatment N
and K2O @ 100 % RDF (F1) on 180, 270 and 360 days after transplanting,
respectively. Leaf temperature was found non-significant. Number of fruits
per tree, average fruit weight (kg), fruit diameter (cm), fruit yield (kg
/plant and t/ha) as well as quality parameters viz., total soluble solids (%),
total sugar (%), reducing sugar (%), titrable acidity (%), shelf life (days) of
fruit were found significant along with improvement in fruit quality.
Looking to the nutrient status in papaya leaf was found
effective at age 180 and 300 days in F1 (N and K2O @ 100 % RDF) applied
at 18 splits (S2) as well as fifteen days after transplanting during both the
centres and in pooled study, respectively.
On the basis of results obtained in present investigation, it can
be concluded that the highest net returns of 2.39 lacs with BCR (1:1.98),
when applied N and K2O @ 100 % RDF.

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 ASPEE College of Horticulture &
Forestry
Navsari Agricultural University
Navsari - 396 450
Email ID: padhiarbv@nau.in
Dr. B.V. Padhiar
Professor and Head, (Fruit Science and PSMA)

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the thesis entitled “EFFECT OF

FERTIGATION AND MULCHING ON GROWTH, YIELD AND
QUALITY OF PAPAYA (Carica papaya L.) CV. RED LADY”
submitted by J A D H A V P A R A G B A B A J I ( R e g . N o : 0 4 - 0 8 4 5 -
2 0 1 0 ) in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY ( HORTICULTURE) in the
subject of FRUIT SCIENCE of the Navsari Agricultural
University is a record of bonafide research work carried out by
him under my guidance and supervision and the thesis has not
previously formed the basis for the award of any degree, diploma
or other similar title.

Place: Navsari (B.V. PADHIAR)

Date: 17/07/2013 Major Advisor

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 DECLARATION

This is to declare that the whole of the research work

now submitted in this thesis for the partial fulfillment of the
requirement for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
(HORTICULTURE) in FRUIT SCIENCE is the result of
investigation done by me under direct guidance and supervision
of Dr. B. V. PADHIAR, Professor and Head, Department of
Fruit Science and Plantation Crops, Spices, Medicinal and
Aromatic Crops, ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry,
N.A.U., Navsari and that no part of the work has been su bmitted
for any other degree so far.

Place : Navsari
Date : 17/07/2013 (Jadhav Parag Babaji)

COUNTERSIGNED BY

(B. V. Padhiar)
Professor
Dept. of Fruit Science and PSMA
ASPEE College of Horticulture & Forestry
N.A.U., Navsari – 396 450

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
At this gratifying moment of completion of my research problem, I
feel obliged to record my gratitude to those who have helped me.
Indeed the words at my command are not adequate to convey the
depth of my feeling and gratitude to my major guide Dr. B. V. Padhiar, Professor
and Head, Department of Fruit Science and PSMA, ASPEE College of
Horticulture and Forestry, N.A.U., Navsari for his most valuable and inspiring
guidance with his friendly nature, love and affection, for his attention and
magnanimous attitude right from the first day, constant encouragement, enormous
help and constructive criticism throughout the course of this investigation and
preparation of this manuscript.
I feel a great pleasure in getting this proud privilege offering my
sincerest and devoted thanks to my minor co-guide Er. A. K. Senapati, Assistant
Professor of Post Harvest Technology, ASPEE College of Horticulture and
Forestry, N. A. U., Navsari and the members of my advisory committee Dr.
A. N. Patel, Associate Research Scientist, Fruit Research Station, Gandevi, N.
A. U., Navsari, Dr. B. N. Kolambe, Professor (Agri. chemistry), ASPEE College
of Horticulture and Forestry, N.A.U., Navsari and Dr. B. K. Bhatt, Associate
Professor (Statistics), ASPEE College of Horticulture & Forestry, N.A.U.,
Navsari - 396 450 their worthy suggestions, ever willing help and unbiased
attitude throughout the course of this investigation.
I am grateful to the Honorable Vice Chancellor Dr. A. R. Pathak,
Director of Research Dr. A. N. Sabalpara, Registrar Dr. M. S. Purohit of Navsari
Agricultural University, Navsari and Dr. N. L. Patel, Dean ASPEE College of
Horticulture and Forestry, NAU, Navsari for giving me an opportunity to undergo
higher studies leading to Ph. D. Degree. I am highly thankful to Prof. J. R. Naik,
Department of Agricultural Statistics, NMCA, NAU, Navsari and Library staff,
Central Library, Navsari Agricultural University for their valuable guidance and
co-operation throughout the course of my studies.
I feel a great pleasure in getting this proud privilege offering my
sincerest and devoted thanks to Dr. B. N. Patel, ADR., Navsari Agricultural
University, Navsari, Dr. A. G. Naik, Retd. Professor and Head of Department,
Department of Horticulture, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural
University, Navsari, Dr. T. R. Ahalawat, Associate Professor, Department of Fruit
Science, ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari Agricultural
University, Navsari, Dr. D. T. Desai, Professor, Head of Department of Vegetable
Science, ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari Agricultural
University, Navsari and Dr. S. J. Patil, Associate Professor, Department of Fruit

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Science, ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari Agricultural
University, Navsari for their worthy suggestions, ever willing help and unbiased
attitude throughout the course of this investigation.
I am highly thankful to staff members from Regional Horticultural
Research Station (Horticulture Farm), ASPEE College of Horticulture and
Forestry and Library staff, Central Library, Navsari Agricultural University as
well as Fruit Research Station, Gandevi for their valuable guidance and co-
operation throughout the course of my studies.
Though thank is a taboo in friendship, my conscience does not
permit to refrain myself from expressing my heartfelt feeling towards my beloved
juniors Sunil, Ganesh, Sambhaji, Sanket, Bahubali, Vivek, Yogesh and friends
Sandip, Shailendra, Pravin, Bhupen, Tulsidas, Avinash, Prashant and who gave
direct and indirect sympathetic touch for completion of my research work and
their jolly company made my research work richer.
It is my great pleasure to express special thanks to my junior Mr.
Sunil M. Jadhav for their help to carry out my research work and Mr. Rohan
Khopade for their help to preparation of plates.
My vocabulary fails to get words to express deep sense of gratitude
and indebtedness to my family members for their everlasting love, constant
encouragement, prayer support and sacrifice, without which this dream could not
have become a reality. They are there every step of the way; they hold my hand
throughout the long journey, they are truly the wind beneath my wings. I also
wish to express my deepest gratitude and respect to my family members
especially Dr. Amit, Dr. Abhilasha, Mr. Prashant, Mr. Jalindar, Mrs. Rupali, Dr.
Nilesh, Mrs. Sonali, Mrs. Rani, Mr. Parth, Mr. Bhargav, Mrs. Rajeshwari and Mr.
Gotu for their everlasting love and support.
Last, but not the least, I wish to express my deepest gratitude and
soleful respect to God and Godess „Shree Ganesh‟, „Shiva‟, „Mata Saraswti, who
helped me on every path of life and made every step a great success.

Place: Navsari
Date: 17/07/2013 (Jadhav Parag Babaji)

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 CONTENTS
CHAPTER NO. TITLE PAGE NO.

I. INTRODUCTION

II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

III. MATERIAL AND METHODS

IV. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

V. DISCUSSION

VI. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

REFERENCES

APPENDICES

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 List of Tables

Table Title Page

No. No.
3.1 Physico-chemical properties of experimental soil (Gandevi)
3.2 Physico-chemical properties of experimental soil (Navsari)
3.3 Methods employed for chemical analysis of leaf of papaya cv. Red
Lady
4.1 Effect of fertigation and mulching on plant height (cm) of papaya
cv. Red Lady
4.2 Effect of fertigation and mulching on stem girth (cm) of
papaya cv. Red Lady
4.3 Effect of fertigation and mulching on number of leaves per
plant of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.4 Effect of fertigation and mulching on length of petiole (cm) of
papaya cv. Red Lady
4.5 Effect of fertigation and mulching on leaf area (m2) per plant
of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.6 Effect of fertigation and mulching on days to first flower
initiation of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.7 Effect of fertigation and mulching on leaf temperature (0C) of
papaya cv. Red Lady
4.8 Effect of fertigation and mulching on chlorophyll content in
leaf (mg/100 g tissue) of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.9 Effect of fertigation and mulching on photosynthetic rate
(µmol m-2 s-1) of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.10 Effect of fertigation and mulching on number of fruits per
plant of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.11 Effect of fertigation and mulching on average fruit weight
(kg) of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.12 Effect of fertigation and mulching on fruit diameter (cm) of
papaya cv. Red Lady
4.13 Effect of fertigation and mulching on fruit yield (kg per plant)
of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.14 Effect of fertigation and mulching on fruit yield (t/ha) of
papaya cv. Red Lady
4.15 Effect of fertigation and mulching on total soluble solid (%)
of papaya cv. Red Lady

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 Contd…

4.16 Effect of fertigation and mulching on total sugar (%) of

papaya cv. Red Lady
4.17 Effect of fertigation and mulching on reducing sugar (%) of
papaya cv. Red Lady
4.18 Effect of fertigation and mulching on ascorbic acid content
(mg/100 g pulp) of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.19 Effect of fertigation and mulching on titrable acidity (%) of
papaya cv. Red Lady
4.20 Effect of fertigation and mulching on shelf life (days) of
papaya cv. Red Lady
4.21 Effect of fertigation and mulching on N, P and K contents (%)
in leaf at 180 days after transplanting of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.22 Effect of fertigation and mulching on N, P and K contents (%)
in leaf at 300 days after transplanting of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.23 Effect of fertigation and mulching on net realization ( ) of
treatments of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.24 Effect of fertigation and mulching on BCR of treatments
of papaya cv. Red Lady

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 LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX PAGE
TITLE
NO. NO.

I. Meteorological data during the year 2012 – 2013

for Gandevi location
II. Meteorological data during the year 2012 – 2013
for Navsari location

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 LIST OF PLATES

PLATE TITLE AFTER

NO. PAGE
1. View of papaya cv. Red Lady with black polythene mulch
@ 20 % coverage
2. View of fruits per plant during the experimental periods at
FRS, Gandevi
3. View of fruits per plant during the experimental periods at
RHRS, Navsari.

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 LIST OF SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATION
SR. S Y M B O L S AND MEANING
NO. ABBREVIATION
1. x Multiply
2. :- Colon and dash
3. ( ) Bracket
4. ; Semi colon
5. : Hyphen
6. @ At the rate of
7. % Per cent
o
8. C Degree Celsius
9. Max. Maximum
10. Min. Minimum
11. C.D. Critical difference
12. C.V. Co-efficient of variance
13. S.Em. + Standard error of mean
14. NS Non-significant
15. Cm Centimeter
16. cv. Cultivar
17. Ha Hectare
18. MT Metric Tones
19. kg Kilogram
20. et al. and his co-workers
21. Anon. Anonymous
22. mg Milligram
23. DAP Days After Transplanting
24. g Grams
25. / Per
26. i.e. That is
27. FYM Farm Yard Manures
28. RD Recommended Dose
29. RDF Recommended Dose of
Fertilizers
30. N Nitrogen
31. P Phosphorus
32. K Potassium
33. Rs/ Rupees
34. MOP Muriate of Potash
35. t Tonnes
36. a. m. % ante meridian
Contd…

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37. AES Agro-Ecological Situation
38. ml Milliliter
39. m Meter
40. m2 Square meter
41. PEF Pan Evaporometer
Fraction
42. CO Coimbatore
43. TSS Total Soluble Solids
44. BCR Benefit Cost Ratio
45. EC Electrical conductivity
46. pH Puissance de hydrogen
47. L Linnaeus
48. Mg Magnesium
49. MgO Magnesium Oxide
50. PRSV Papaya Ring Spot Virus
51. RHRS Regional Horticultural
Research Station
52. F F Fertigation
53. S Split
54. M Mulching
55. BPM Black Polythene Mulch
56.  Micron
57. Pn Photosynthetic rate
58. NO 3 Nitrate
59. IU International unit

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 LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE TITLE AFTER

NO. PAGE
3.1 Layout plan of experiment
4.1 Effect of fertigation and mulching on plant height (cm)
of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.2 Effect of fertigation and mulching on stem girth (cm)
of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.3 Effect of fertigation and mulching on number of
leaves per plant of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.4 Effect of fertigation and mulching on length of
petiole (cm) of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.5 Effect of fertigation and mulching on leaf area (m2)
per plant of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.6 Effect of fertigation and mulching on days to first
flower initiation of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.7 Effect of fertigation and mulching on leaf
temperature (0C) of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.8 Effect of fertigation and mulching on chlorophyll
content in leaf (mg/100 g tissue) of papaya cv. Red
Lady
4.9 Effect of fertigation and mulching on photosynthetic
rate (µmol m-2 s-1) of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.10 Effect of fertigation and mulching on number of
fruits per plant of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.11 Effect of fertigation and mulching on average fruit
weight (kg) of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.12 Effect of fertigation and mulching on fruit diameter
(cm) of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.13 Effect of fertigation and mulching on fruit yield (kg
per plant) of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.14 Effect of fertigation and mulching on fruit yield
(t/ha) of papaya cv. Red Lady

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 Contd…
4.15 Effect of fertigation and mulching on total soluble
solid (%) of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.16 Effect of fertigation and mulching on total sugar (%)
of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.17 Effect of fertigation and mulching on reducing sugar
(%) of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.18 Effect of fertigation and mulching on ascorbic acid
content (mg/100 g pulp) of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.19 Effect of fertigation and mulching on titrable acidity
(%) of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.20 Effect of fertigation and mulching on shelf life
(days) of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.21 Effect of fertigation and mulching on N and K
contents (%) in leaf at 180 days after transplanting of
papaya cv. Red Lady
4.22 Effect of fertigation and mulching on N and K
contents (%) in leaf at 300 days after transplanting of
papaya cv. Red Lady
4.23 Effect of fertigation and mulching on net realization (
. lakh) of treatments of papaya cv. Red Lady
4.24 Effect of fertigation and mulching on benefit cost
ratio of treatments of papaya cv. Red Lady

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INTRODUCTION

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 I. INTRODUCTION

Papaya (Carica papaya Linn.) is an important fruit crop of

tropical world and has long been known as wonder fruit of the tropics. It
gives higher production of fruits per hectare and an income next to banana
(Singh, 1990). It belongs to the family Caricaceae. It is closely related to
Carica peltata which occurs in this area and may have arisen by
hybridization. It was taken by the Spanish to Manila in the mid-16th century
and reached Malacca shortly afterwards. From there it was brought to India.
It requires less area for growth, comes to fruiting in a year, is
easy to cultivate and provides more income next to banana. Papaya has a
wide range of adaptability and for high economic return per unit area.
Improved production technology on papaya has been developed for different
agroclimatic regions of the country. However, it is felt that precision
farming be used in India, it will be possible with the introduction of
advanced techniques in papaya cultivation like water management through
drip irrigation, fertigation, crop geometry, plastic mulching and tissue
culture techniques with introduction and multiplication of excellent varieties
(Singh and Singh, 2003).
The major papaya producing belts are in India as Andhara
Pradesh 27.1% (Cuddapah, Medak, Kurnool, Rangareddy), Gujarat 23.2%
(Kheda, Ahmedabad, Jamnagar), Maharashtra 7.6% (Sangli, Satara, Pune,
Nasik, Solapur, Nagpur, Amravati), Karnataka 10.5% (Shimoga,
Chitradurga, Mysore, Belgaum, Hassan), Madhya Pradesh 5.4% (Dhar,
Khandwa, Bilaspur, Ratlam, Guna), West Bengal 7.7% (North 24 -
Paraganas, Hoogly), Assam 3.2% (Nagaon, Darrang, Karbi Anglong) and
Orissa have ideal climatic conditions for its growth and production. In
India, It is successfully grown all over country and is available round the

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year. It occupies a cultivated area of 106 thousand hectares (% of total fruit
area 1.7) with 4196 thousand M.T. of production (% of total fruit production
5.6) were average productivity is 39.6 M. T. per hectare. In Gujarat, it is
cultivated on an estimated area of 17.8 thousand hectares with 974.0
thousand M.T. of production and average productivity is 54.7 M.T. per
hectare (Anon., 2011a).
Papaya is best suited in tropical climatic conditions having
assured irrigation facilities. The mature fruits are available for harvesting
after 150-160 days of flowering and fruits remain available from about
further four to five months or so. It yields 70 to 80 tones fruits per hectare
under proper management. For higher production of papaya nutrients, light,
heat and water must be adequately supplied. Cultural practices and control
of diseases and insects also play vital role in crop production.
Since last 50 years, a considerable research work has been done
in the country on various aspects such as varieties, irrigation, weed
management, spacing, fertigation, mulching, post harvest etc. to increase the
yield and quality of papaya.
Red Lady (Taiwan 786) variety of papaya, a gynodioecious in
nature which preferred by growers of South Gujarat. Plants begin to bear
fruits at 80 cm height and normally have over 30 fruits per plant in each
fruit setting season. Fruits are short-oblong on female plants and rather long
shaped on bisexual plants, weighing about 1.5 - 2 kg. Flesh is thick, red, and
13% in sugar content and aromatic. Good to transport and export. It‟s a
product of M/s. Known You Seed Co., Ltd., TAIWAN.
Warm and humid conditions of South Gujarat make papaya
cultivation effective in this region. The area under this crop is increasing
steadily every year. Water and nutrients the two important crucial basic

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sources for augmenting crop production (Bhalerao and Patel, 2012).
Fertigation ensures higher and quality yield along with saving in time and
labour (Shirgure et al.,1999; Jeyakumar et al., 2010; Sadarunnisa et al.,
2010).
Mulching is an essential tool in precision farming. Mulches are
maintains the soil temperature, retard the loss of soil moisture, suppress of
wood growth, conservation of soil from erosion, reduction of soil salinity,
improvement of soil structures, improves water infiltration rate by creating
hindrance in flow of water, control of pest and diseases and enhance
microbial activity in the field. These are key factors which increase plant
growth (Singh, 2008; Jana, 2008) and increasing fruit production (Prasad,
2005; Chattopadhyay, 2007; Singh, 2008).
The present investigation was planned to find out quantification
of the effect of fertigation and mulching on growth, yield and quality of
papaya cv. “Red lady” so as to standardize the optimum dose for papaya
through fertigation under South Gujarat conditions has not been studied so
far, hence the present study has been planned with following objectives:
1. To find out the effect of fertigation on growth, yield and
quality of papaya cv. Red Lady.
2. To find out the effect of mulching on growth, yield and
quality of papaya cv. Red Lady.
3. To find out the most economical fertigation treatment for
papaya cv. Red Lady.

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 REVIEW
OF
LITERATURE

22 | P a g e
 II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

The role of major nutrients and mulching in papaya crop has

been intensively investigated on experimental farms, but less attention has
been paid in the past on the requirements of split fertigation of nutrients and
mulching in papaya. It is however, new recognized that with the adoption of
improved agronomical practices for increasing production, use of high
yielding varieties, adoption of intensive farming and cropping systems, the
demands for splits fertigation and use of black polythene mulching will also
increase.
An attempt is being made in this chapter to present a brief
account of some previous studies related to the present investigation in
papaya and other fruit crops under the following heads.
2.1 Effect of fertigation and mulching on growth parameters
2.1.1. Papaya
Biswas et al. (1989) reported that maximum plant height (176.5
cm), girth (38.1 cm) and number of leaves (96.3) were the treatment
combination of 350 g N and 600 g P2O5 per plant in papaya.
Scheduling the nutrient application under drip fertigation
system at weekly intervals six splits were found to be good, while
recommended twelve splits to get higher yield and quality of fruits in CO 2
papaya (Irulappan et al., 1984; Sulladmath et al., 1984; Jeyakumar et al.,
2001 and Ravichandrane et al., 2002)
Singh et al. (2004) studied on N, P and K @ 400 g N + 350 g
P2O5 and 600 g K2O per plant, which gave maximum plant height, girth,
number of leaves, number of fruits per plant, yield per plant and yield, also

23 | P a g e
quality parameters like total soluble solids, total sugar and ascorbic acid in
papaya cv. Ranchi.
Agrawal et al. (2010) revealed that water-soluble fertilizer for
fertigation was quite effective on plant vigour, flowering and fruit set, yield
and quality of papaya cv. Red Lady. Plant height, stem girth and number of
functional leaves, earlier flowering and early fruit set were higher under
100% fertigation treatment.
Jeyakumar et al. (2010) reported that application of N and K2O
through drip resulted in flowering at the lowest height, maximum stem girth
and higher number of leaves in 100% recommended dose for CO-7 papaya.
Singhkirad et al. (2010) observed that maximum number of
leaves, trunk girth, shelf life of fruit were recorded with 75% RDF + 25%
vermicompost + rhizosphere bacteria culture, while maximum plant height
and petiole length were associated with 100% RDF alone in papaya cv.
Surya.
The results of Ray et al. (1999) in papaya was to be important
with respect the treatment RDF + organic manure combination, similarly
Prasad et al. (2010) concluded that the maximum plant height, early flower
initiation and maximum average fruit weight (1298.88 g) were noted under
the N3P2K2 and minimum days (246.11) taken to flower initiation as well as
average number of fruits (44.66), in treatment N2P2K2. FYM 10 kg + neem
cake 2 kg, cake-o-meal 1 kg with 200 g N, 200 g P2O5 and 200 g K2O gave
highest stem circumference (33.4 cm) and minimum days to fruit setting
(154.8 days) in papaya cv. Pusa Delicious.
Anonymous (2011b) reported that the drip and mulching shown
positive response in term of growth parameters i.e., Plant height (1.82 m),
stem girth (45.43 cm), number of leaves per plant (31.74), leaf length (86.99

24 | P a g e
cm), leaf width (87.12 cm) and petiole length (85.24 cm) were maximum in
the fruits of papaya cv. Taiwan 786 plants receiving combination with
treatments of drip fertigation with black polythene mulch.
Yadav et al. (2011) observed that under combination of 30 kg
FYM + 100 % NPK + 25 g Azotobactor was recorded with maximum
enhanced the yield attributes such as days taken to first flowering, days
taken to maturity, fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, yield kg/plant and
q/ha in papaya cv. Pusa Dwarf.
2.1.2. Banana
Srinivas (1997) studied the growth and yield response of
banana to nitrogen fertilization through drip irrigation (fertigation) and
direct soil application. Plant height, stem girth and leaf number increased
with N soil application and with N fertigation although the increase was not
significant beyond 100 g N/plant applied through drip irrigation compared
to direct soil application. Fruit yields were highest with 300 g N/plant
fertigation but the differences were not significant above 100 g N. However,
yield increased with soil applied N up to 200 g both in the plant and the
ratoon crop.
According to Suganthi (2002) revealed that planting of one
plant / pit along with 100% of RDF (110:35:300 g NPK) through fertigation
resulted in higher bunch weight (22.55 kg), number of fingers (98.92) and
finger weight (255.36 g) in banana cv. Red banana.
Panigrahi et al. (2010) revealed that maximum plant height
(177.90 cm) and stem girth (54.25 cm) was noticed under irrigation at 1.0
PE with 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (I1F3). Maximum bunch
length (105.90 cm) was observed under irrigation at 1.0 PE with 80% of RD
(I1F2) in banana cv. Grand Naine.

25 | P a g e
2.1.3. Guava
Plants in respect of canopy spread, number of fruits per plant,
fruit yield plant and per hectare, minimum days to 50 % flowering and
minimum days to fruit maturity were found under 80 per cent water through
drip with plastic mulch in guava cv. L 49 (Dikshit et al., 2010).
2.2 Effect of fertigation and mulching on physiological
attributes
2.2.1. Papaya
The influence of temperature and increased photosynthesis
might have influenced to the initiation of first flowering, 50% flowering,
number of flowers per plant, fruit set percentage due to different levels of
drip irrigation and mulching (Dikshit et al., 2010).
2.2.2. Banana
As reported by Turner (1970) in banana, the increased
production of leaves might have helped to produce more photosynthetic and
to induce flowering stimulus and plants commence flowering and fruit set
about 15-25 days earlier due to the efficient and timely utilization of
nutrients applied through fertigation.
Agrawal et al. (1997) reported splitting of N, P and K helps in
accumulation of photo-assimilates and also helps in better availability of
nutrients during crop period and thus favours the yield and quality
improvement in banana.
2.2.3 Guava
Patil and Patil (2001) noticed that greater influence of
temperature and increased photosynthesis might have influenced to the
initiation of first flowering, 50% flowering, number of flowers per plant,
fruit set percentage due to different levels of drip irrigation and mulching.

26 | P a g e
Similar results were corroborated with the findings of Patra et al. (2003) in
guava and Turner (1970) in banana.
2.3 Effect of fertigation and mulching on yield and yield
attributes
2.3.1. Papaya
Purohit (1977) studied response of papaya to dose of 250 g N +
110 g P + 415 g K per plant per year gave maximum number of fruits, fruit
weight and ultimately maximum yield.
In Solo variety, 250 g N, 250 g P205 and 200 g K20 plant-1 year-
1
applied in 6 split doses were the best when spaced at 2x 2 m (Sulladmath
et al., 1984 and Irulappan et al., 1984).
Biswas et al. (1989) revealed that maximum number of fruit
(46) and yield (1267.1 q/ha) with treatment combination of 350 g N and 600
g P2O5 per plant in papaya.
Marinho et al. (2001) observed that two sources of N
(ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate were applied at 10, 20 and 30 g
plant-1 month -1
, respectively). The treatments with ammonium nitrate
significantly produced higher fruit yield, as well as increased ascorbic acid
concentration in papaya cv. Improved Sunrise Solo Line 72/12 fruits.
Oliveira et al. (2004) reported that good yields and quality of
fruits are directly linked to a balanced nutrition of determining the nitrogen
(N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) doses of maximum physical
efficiency for the papaya. At the same way, a plant appropriately well
nourished, is able to resist illnesses and has a better potential for reaching
high yields.

27 | P a g e
 A dose of 350 g N, 250 g P2O5 and 200 g K2O/plant/ year
applied in 6 split doses was the best for Solo variety under Bangalore
conditions (http://www.pnbkrishi.com/papayatech.htm, 2010).
Agrawal et al. (2010) carried out the experiment of study the
effect of fertigation through water-soluble fertilizers on growth, yield and
quality of papaya cv. Red Lady. Fruit length (32.12 cm), circumference
(68.72 cm), fruit number (56.32) weight (1748.33 g), pericarp thickness
(3.21 cm) and per cent TSS (12.38oB) and fruit yield (140.80 t/ha) were
higher under the treatment i.e. application of 100% fertilizers of
recommended dose through drip irrigation. further it was reported also
reported that number of fruits per plant (56.32), fruit weight (1748.33 g) and
maximum yield of 144.80 t/ha were obtained in F1 treatment i.e. 100%
fertilizer of recommended dose applied.
Jeyakumar et al. (2010) concluded that more number of fruits,
fruit weight and TSS with 100% recommended dose of N and K2O (50 g N
and 50 g K2O) through drip irrigation, in addition to soil application of 50 g
P2O5. The increase in number of fruits and fruit weight is attributed for
higher fruit yield per tree (73.97 kg) and the resultant total fruit yield per
hectare (184.9 tonnes) with high B:C ratio (1:1.97) in plants with above
treatment, treated with 100% recommended dose of N and K2O (50 g N and
50 g K2O) through drip irrigation, in addition to soil application of 50 g
P2O5.
According to Kumar et al. (2010), application of N 300, P2O5
300 and K2O 300 kg/ha/year was beneficial for papaya to get maximum
single fruit weight and fruit yield in content in yellow and red fleshed
varieties of papaya in cvs. CO 2 and CO 7, respectively.

28 | P a g e
 Sadarunnisa et al. (2010) reported that 75% N and K when
applied through drip recorded a yield of 100.42 kg/plant which was on par
with the yield of plants supplied with 100% RDF (102.60 kg/plant).
The experiment in papaya cv. Madhu Bindu was carried out by
Tak et al. (2011) and they concluded that number of fruits/plant (28.29),
average fruit weight (1.248 kg), fruit yield (35.31 kg/plant) and fruit yield
(79.46 t/ha) were maximum in the fruits of papaya cv. Madhu Bindu plants
receiving combination with treatments of drip irrigation @ 0.8 PEF + BPM
+ N and K2O @ 100% RDF through fertigation.
Anonymous (2011b) reported that number of fruits per plant
(50.69) and fruit yield (66.70 t/ha) were found the maximum in papaya cv.
Taiwan Red Lady 786 plants receiving combination with treatments of drip
@ 0.6 PEF + BPM @ 20 % area coverage (50 micron) + Fertigation than
drip and control.
2.3.2. Banana
Pandit et al. (1992) found that Dwarf Cavendish banana along
with 80 g N, 50 g P2O5 and 120 g K20 produced significantly highest yield
(35 t ha-1) and number of hands per bunch.
Berad et al. (1998) observed that 100:40:200 N, P2O5 and K2O
g/plant in solid form and N applied through the drip irrigation treatments
performed well in respect of all yield attributes and registered 15% higher
yield (68.5 t/ha) and 7% higher net return in banana cv. Basrai
The highest number of fruits and yield plant-1 were
significantly obtained in treatment combination applied i.e., 200 g N + 50 g
P2O5 + 200 g K2O to the banana cv. Ney Poovan (Lavania and Jain, 1998).

29 | P a g e
 Mahalakshmi (2000) revealed that under both the normal and
high density system of planting, fertigation was effective in improving the
yield in cv. Robusta (AAA).
Arumugam and Manivannan (2001) reported that the
application of N and K at 200 g and 400 g per plant, respectively, recorded
the highest bunch weight of 33.71 kg, which was at par with 200 g and 300
g N and K per plant, respectively. The yield attributes like number of fingers
per bunch, number of finger per hand, weight, length and girth of fingers
were favourably influenced by the application of nutrients.
Chandrakumar et al. (2001) revealed that the increase in the N
and K fertigation levels improved the growth parameters of plants.
However, differences beyond 100 g were not significant. Furthermore, both
levels and ratios of N and K fertigation influenced the yield and yield
parameters. The positive response of banana to higher potassium application
after flowering was also observed. The highest profit per rupee invested was
recorded with 150 g of N and K fertigation at 1:2 ratio.
Deolankar and Firake (2001) studied the effect of water soluble
fertilizer rates (40, 60, 80 and 100 g/plant) and grades (20:10:20, 18:9:18,
10:20:20, 15:15:15, 34:0:0 and 0:0:50 as well as that of irrigation methods
(surface and drip irrigation) on the growth and yield of banana. The number
of fingers per bunch was higher with premium-grade fertilizers over regular-
grade fertilizers. NPK at 100 and 80 % were equally effective in improving
the yield and yield attributes, except the number of fingers per bunch.
Tumbare and Bhoite (2001) studied the optimization of liquid
fertilizer under drip irrigation with different levels of recommended dose
(50, 75, 100 and 125 % of RDF) in banana. The banana crop responded to
125 % of recommended dose of liquid fertilizer for achieving optimum fruit

30 | P a g e
yield. The quadratic function predicted the yield to the highest degree of
accuracy, indicating that the quadratic function fits well to yield of banana
The increase in yield with increasing fertigation levels and
highest at 2000g N and K as reported by Reddy et al. (2002). They further
stated that soil application resulted in the lowest yield, while drip
application showed the highest yield in banana cv. Robusta.
Amilton et al. (2004) studied four fertilizer application models
monthly fertigation promoted bunch weight and yield as well as reducing
50% RDF did not affect yield and quality of the banana cv. Prata-Ana
banana (Musa sp. AAB).
Panigrahi et al. (2010) found highest number of hands per
bunch (10.85), bunch weight (29.65 kg), yield (74.14 t/ha) and total soluble
solids (19.46 per cent) and net income and benefit cost ratio was recorded
under irrigation at 0.8 PE with 80% recommended dose of fertilizer through
fertigation (I2F2) in banana cv. Grand Naine. They also reported that
maximum bunch length (90.83 cm), bunch weight (25.22 kg), yield (63.79
t/ha) was observed under fertigation at (F2) and minimum was under F1 in
banana cv. Grand Naine.
The maximum yield of 620.4 q/ha was obtained with 1.8 x 1.8
m spacing followed by 2.0 x 2.0 m spacing with recommended dose of
fertilizers 200:40-50:300 g NPK (Pathak et al., 2010).
2.3.3. Guava
Dikshit et al. (2010) reported that maximum number of leaves,
twigs and yield were observed with the treatment 60 % of water through
drip irrigation than rest treatments.

31 | P a g e
2.3.4. Citrus
Shirgure et al. (2001) found that fertigating Nagpur mandarin
with 50:140:70 NPK kg ha-1 is good in improving the tree vigour, yield and
quality of fruits. Application of 75% recommended amount of N and K
through drip irrigation was found ideal for sweet oranges under Maharastra,
Andhra Pradesh and Punjab conditions.
2.3.5. Mango
Various parameters like fruit weight (465.32 g), number of
fruits per tree (160.00) and yield per tree (50.89 kg tree -1) were observed the
highest by balanced application of 100 percent recommended dose of
nutrients 800:400:800 g NPK plant-1 year-1 through fertigation in mango cv.
Ratna planted under high density planting (Sivakumar, 2007).
2.4 Effect of fertigation and mulching on quality parameters
2.4.1. Papaya
Jeyakumar et al. (2001) found graded doses of K (0, 150, 300
and 450 Kg K20 ha-1) were applied with two cultivars (CO 2 and CO 7) at
four locations of Tamil Nadu and found that potassium nutrition
significantly influenced fruit weight, fruit yield plant -1 and the quality of
fruits.
Two sources of N, ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate
(10, 20 and 30 g plant-1 month-1) was studied by Marinho et al. (2001) and it
was stated that total soluble solids contents decreased, when ammonium
sulfate application increased. The treatment with ammonium nitrate resulted
in higher fruit production, as well as increased ascorbic acid concentration
in papaya cv. Improved Sunrise Solo Line 72/12.
Ravichandrane et al. (2002) were recommended twelve splits
instead of six as it resulted application of 400 g each of NPK plant-1 year-1

32 | P a g e
gave higher yield and number of fruits, TSS 14.40 (0Brix), carotene enzyme
3.64 mg 100g-1 pulp and fruits weight 2.11 kg in papaya cv. CO 2.
The maximum fruit weight was observed in cv. Bombai and
lowest in cv. Shahi (Red), while TSS (9.0-13.0%) and total sugar (6.96-
10.50%) were observed in cv. Bombai and cv. Shahi, respectively (Zaman et
al., 2006).
Agrawal et al. (2010) observed that TSS (12.38oB) higher
under the treatment i.e. application of 100% fertilizers of recommended
dose through drip irrigation in papaya cv. Red Lady.
Kumar et al. (2010) recommended the application of balanced
fertilization with N 300, P2O5 300 and K2O 300 kg/ha/year for papaya to get
maximum pulp thickness in papaya in content in yellow and red fleshed
varieties.
The quality characters of fruits like fruit length, circumference,
volume and TSS etc. in fertigated treatments were found superior by
Sadarunnisa et al. (2010). Since there was no significant difference between
100 and 75% N and K treatments through drip regarding yield and yield
attributes.
Maximum number of number of fruits per plant (46), average
fruit weight (0.85 kg), pulp thickness (3.5 cm), shelf life of fruit (12 days),
vitamin A (2280 IU/100 g pulp) and TSS (15.8°Brix) were recorded with
75% RDF + 25% vermicompost + rhizosphere bacteria culture treatment in
papaya cv. Surya (Singhkirad et al., 2010).
Tak et al. (2011) reported that maximum fruit TSS (11.10
0
Brix), total sugar (9.89%), reducing sugar (8.43%), ascorbic acid content
(35.31 mg/100 g pulp) and minimum non-reducing sugar (1.46%) of fruits
in papaya cv. Madhu Bindu harvested from the plants were received the

33 | P a g e
treatment of application of drip irrigation @ 0.8 PEF + N and K2O @ 100
RDF.
2.4.2. Banana
Upadhyay (1988) applied N as ammonium sulphate at 0.09 or
0.18 kg/plant, P as superphosphate at 0.13 or 0.26 kg/plant and K as muriate
of potash at 0.26 or 0.52 kg/plant in 4 equal split doses viz., in July,
September, February and June months and observed that the highest yield
was obtained with N + P at higher rate, whereas fruit quality was best with
N, P2O5 and K20 each at the lower rate.
Natesh et al. (1993) observed that application of the
recommended fertilizer rates (190 g N, 115 g P205 and 300 g K20, per plant
per year) in 4 splits (2, 4, 6 and 8 months after planting) increased banana
cv. Nendran yield compared with the same rates applied in 2 splits (2 and 4
months after planting).
Agrawal et al. (1997) studied the effect of NPK on qualitative
characters of in vitro banana cv. Robusta. Fruit quality in terms of TSS,
reducing sugar and total sugar were proved to be the best with 450 g per
plant each of N and K applied in 5 splits.
Srinivas (1997) indicated that the application of 100%
fertilizers of recommended dose through drip system were found the
maximum yield without affecting the fruit quality, similar results was
reported in Ney Poovan and Robusta banana under drip irrigation by
Mahalakshmi et al. (2000).
The normal and high density system of planting was studied by
Mahalakshmi (2000) and revealed that fertigation was effective in
improving the qualiy in cv. Robusta (AAA).

34 | P a g e
 Deolankar and Firake (2001) studied the effect of water soluble
fertilizer rates (40, 60, 80 and 100 g/plant) and grades (20:10:20, 18:9:18,
10:20:20, 15:15:15, 34:0:0 and 0:0:50 as well as that of irrigation methods
(surface and drip irrigation) on the growth and yield of banana. The quality
parameters (pulp: peel ratio and total soluble solids) were highest with 100
% recommended dose of NPK.
Raskar (2003) reported that banana yield was significantly
higher where water-soluble fertilizer used in fertigation compared to straight
fertilizer. The yield, pulp: peel ratio and total soluble solids (TSS) were
increased significantly by application of 100% recommended dose of
fertilizer. The returns and benefit: cost ratio were significantly higher in
normal planting in straight fertilizer with N through drip and application of
100% recommended dose of fertilizer
2.4.3. Guava
Khoreiby and Salem (1989) reported that white polythene
mulch improved fruit quality of guava over control and Black polythene was
superior over Jaishakti in improving fruit quality. These results are in close
conformity with Tang et al. (1985) and Naygtal et al. (1985).
The scheduling of irrigation adopted in orchard influences the
availability of soil moisture to the plant as well as its distribution in the soil
profile and thus improves yield and quality in bearing trees. The
advantageous effects of drip irrigation have been proved by many workers
viz., Sen and Deshmukh (2000), Pathak et al. (2002) and Nath and Pathak
(2006) in guava and aonla, but the actual requirement of water varies in
different agro-climatic conditions. The beneficial effect of plastic mulch in
guava production has been widely discussed by several workers such as

35 | P a g e
Bhattacharya and Bortharkar (1992), Debnath et al. (2004) and Maji and
Das (2008).
Dikshit et al. (2010) reported that the treatment having 60 per
cent water through drip with plastic mulch was found effective for
maximum fruit diameter (7.56 cm), weight of pulp (182.34 g), reducing
sugar (3.82 %), total sugar (10.83 %) and minimum acidity (0.32 %) of
guava cv. L-49.
2.4.4 Mango
Sivakumar (2007) showed that significantly higher TSS (24.93
0
B), ascorbic acid content (48.92 mg 100 g pulp -1) and carotenoides content
(5.82 mg 100 g pulp-1) were found in balanced application of 100 percent
recommended dose of nutrients 800:400:800 g NPK plant-1 year-1 through
fertigation in mango cv. Ratna planted under HDP.
2.5 Effect of fertigation and mulching on nutrient contents in
leaf
2.5.1. Papaya
Veerannah and Selvaraj (1984) found that uptake of N, P, K,
Ca and Mg on papaya cv. CO 1 were higher between flowering (53.37,
15.41, 203.36, 4.10 and 2.30 kg ha-1, respectively) and harvesting stages
(305.58, 103.68, 524.02, 327.40, and 183.34 kg ha -1, respectively), but
uptake is specifically higher between fruit development and harvest stages
more so with potassium.
Extent of the various nutrients removed from soil by whole
papaya plant at different phases of growth viz., seedling, vegetative, pre-
flowering, flowering, fruit development and harvest. Significant uptake of
the nutrients is observed after flowering. The nutrients removed by whole
plant at harvest were 305, 103, 524, 327 and 183 kg per hectare N, P, K, Ca

36 | P a g e
and Mg, respectively. Thus, the ratios of N, P, K removed are
1:0.34:1.71(www.http://ikisan.com. 2000).
The CO 1 papaya plant revealed significant uptake of nutrients
like N, P, K, Ca and Mg at the flowering and the nutrients were removed by
the whole plant at harvest were 305, 103, 524, 327 and 183 kg of N, P, K,
Ca and Mg/ha, respectively. Thus, the ratio of N:P:K removed was
1:0.33:1.71. Field trials showed that 140-350 g N, 200-300 g P2O5 and 200-
300 g K2O/plant/year are optimum, depending on the cultivars and soil-
climatic conditions. Inorganic fertilizers @ 200-250 g each of N, P2O5 and
K2O/plant are generally recommended for obtaining high yield in papaya.
The N @ 200 g/plant was found optimum for fruit yield at pusa
(Bihar), papain yield increased with level of doses up to 300 g per plant at
Coimbatore (Anon, 2010).
Jeyakumar et al. (2010) reported that 100% recommended dose
of N and K2O (50 g N and 50 g K2O) through drip irrigation significantly
influenced the leaf N and K content while, P revealed no variations among
the treatments in papaya cv. CO 7.
2.5.2. Banana
Scanning of literature showed that critical levels of N (%), P
(%) and K (%) varied from for banana 2.85, 0.20 and 4.69 (Kohli et al.,
1981), 2.80, 0.52 and 3.80, respectively (Ray et al., 1981), 2.09, 0.10 and
4.48, respectively (Nalina, 1999), 2.98, 0.32 and 2.53 (Mahalakshmi, 2000)
and 3.01, 0.36 and 2.28, respectively (Kavino, 2001).
Srinivas et al. (2001) observed that the plant height, stem girth
and number of functional leaves increased with ontogeny of the crop and
with increase in N and K fertigation up to 200 g/plant. LAI increased
significantly with the application of 150 g N and K fertigation. However,

37 | P a g e
leaf area duration increased gradually up to harvesting date with 150 g N
and K fertigation. The fruit yield and yield components increased markedly
up to 150 g N and K fertigation. The N uptake was highest with leaves
followed by fruits and stem. The P uptake was highest in fruit followed by
stem and leaves, where K uptake was highest in fruits followed by leaves
and stem.
2.4.3. Citrus
Thirty tonnes of citrus fruits removed 270 kg N, 60 kg P205 and
350 kg K20 from the soil (Tandon and Kemmler, 1986).
2.5.4. Guava
Lal et al. (2000) noticed that the application of N at 600
g/plant/year significantly enhanced N and Mn content of leaves, while it
reduced the P, K and Zn content of leaves.
2.5.5. Pineapple
Cowie (1951) was reported that for pineapple yield 100 tonne
ha-1 production requirement of uptake of N, P, K @ 123, 34, 308 kg ha -1,
respectively.
Stewart (1956) was reported that requirement of uptake N, P, K
@ 574, 126, 631 kg ha-1, respectively for 81 tonne ha-1 yield of pineapple.
Martin and Prevel (1961) were reported requirement uptake for
pineapple yield 81 tonne ha-1 of N, P, K, Ca and Mg @ 205, 58, 393, 121
and 42 kg ha-1, respectively.
2.5.6. Sapota
Avilan et al. (1980) reported that 8 to 10 year old sapota tree
were required 1.69 kg K20, 1.16 kg N, 1.12 kg Ca, 0.17 kg P2O5 and 0.14 kg
MgO to produce 1000 kg of fruits.

38 | P a g e
MATERIAL
AND
METHODS

39 | P a g e
 III. MATERIAL AND METHODS

The details of experimental materials used, methods followed,

observations taken and the techniques adopted during the course of the
investigation are described as under.
3.1 General
3.1.1 Experimental site
The fist investigation was carried out in „Block E-3‟ during the
year 20012-2013 at Regional Horticultural Research Station, Navsari
Agricultural University, Navsari, which is situated at 200 57' N latitude and
720 54' E longitude and on altitude of about 10 meters above the mean sea
level (MSL). This station is about 11 Km in the east away from Arabian Sea
shore, the historical place Dandi, famous for Salt Satyagrah in Indian
freedom history and second trial as carried out at Fruit Research Station,
Gandevi taluka of Navsari district in South Gujarat region. Geographically,
it is situated at 730 East longitude, 210 North latitude and 7.6 meter height
from sea level. It is 4 Km away from Gandevi town. The Vengania River is
passing near by the farm. The river water is lifted for irrigation and it is
available throughout the year. Annual average rainfall of this area about
1500 to 1800 mm. The mean maximum temperature varies from 26.000C to
380C in summer and the minimum temperature ranges from 26.00 0C to
10.00C in winter. Gandevi belongs to agroclimate zone-I and heavy rainfall
area. The climate of the zone is characterized by fairly hot summer,
moderately cool winter and warm monsoon.
3.1.2 Soil
As per the seventh approximation of the soil, Navsari has been
placed under the great group of vertic ustocherepts, Sub order cherepts and

40 | P a g e
order inceptisols with Jalalpore series which include deep, moderately
drained clayey soil which was classified earlier as “deep black soil”.
Before introduction of treatments, soil samples were collected
randomly from the experimental sites. These samples were mixed
thoroughly and composite sample was analyzed for important physico-
chemical properties of the soil. The values of the analysis are given in
Table-3.1 (Gandevi farm) and Table-3.2 (RHRS, Navsari farm).
3.1.3 Climate and weather
The experimental area falls under South Gujarat which is
classified as heavy rainfall region of Gujarat state. It is characterized by hot
summer, moderately cool winter with humid and warm monsoon period
(April 2012 to April 2013). The western boundary of Navsari district
touches the Arabian Sea, rightly reported as coastal district, having
appropriate climate good for papaya cultivation. The average rainfall of the
both locations varies from 1500 mm to 1800 mm per annum. The monthly
weather data recorded at the meteorological observatory of N. M. College of
Agriculture, Navsari during the period of investigation and have been
provided in Appendix-I (Gandevi centre) and Appendix-II (Navsari centre).
3.2 Source of planting material
For present study seven to eight week (15-20 cm height) old
and healthy seedlings of papaya were prepared at Blossom nursery farm.
3.3 Field preparation
The experimental plot was prepared by deep ploughing and
harrowing. The pits of 30 X 30 X 30 cm were dug out at a spacing of 2.4 m
X 1.8 m and well decomposed fine textured farm yard manure @ 10 kg pit-1
was applied at time of planting.

41 | P a g e
3.4 Planting
Planting was carried out in the first week of April 2012 for first
trial at RHRS, Navsari farm and for second trial at FRS, Gandevi farm at
evening time. Before extracting the plants from the bags, it was maked sure
that the bags were properly watered, this will prevent the soil from
loosening from the roots. The bag was then cut down from both sides and
the plants with the soil attached to the roots were to be taken out and placed
in the planting holes and the soil around it gently firmed.
3.5 Cultural practices and fertilizer application
Standard cultural practices and fertilizer application were
adopted as per the recommendation.
3.5.1 Application of fertilizers
Papaya is heavy feeder of nutrients so each plant is fed with 10
kg FYM with recommended dose of fertilizer i. e. @ 200g N, 200 g P2O5
and 250 g K per plant as per treatments. In the present experiment complete
dose of FYM was applied at time of planting, while nitrogen and potash
were applied @ 100%, 80% and 60% in fourteen and eighteen equal splits
with mulching black polythene @ 20 % coverage (50) (plate : 1) and
without mulching at 15th days intervals after fifteen and forty-five days
transplanting of seedlings. Phosphorus was applied @ 100%, 80% and 60%
RDF with two equal split at 45 and 90 days age transplanting seedlings.
3.5.2 Weed management
Weed management was done by hand weeding or by rotary
power tiller or by using weedicidal spraying at regular intervals.
3.5.3 Irrigation
Papaya crop is highly sensitive to excess of water. Drip
irrigation is best method for papaya. Even the crop was irrigated at 3 days
interval in winter season and at 2 days interval for 1 hr in summer.

42 | P a g e
43 | P a g e
3.5.4 After care
Earthing up was carried out as and when required during the
fruiting period.
3.5.5 Crop protection
In papaya, the damping-off, leaf curl and papaya ring spot virus
(PRSV) are the major diseases which observed during experiment and are
described as under:
3.5.5.1 Damping-off (Rhizoctonia solani)
This is a disease of young seedlings at nursery stage. Lesions
seen on the stem at or just above soil level. The stem becomes watery and
shrinks, followed by death of the plant. For control of damping-off,
tricoderma powder @ 0.5 g/pit was applied the time of planting. Whereas,
after transplanting of seedlings in actual field, the soil drenching of
carbendezim @ 10g/10 liter water or copper oxychloride @ 20g/10 liter
water was applied within 10-15 days intervals for 6-8 times.
3.5.5.2 Leaf curl of papaya
The disease is transmitted by the vector white fly (Bemisia
tabaci). Severe curling, crinkling and deformation of the leaves characterize
the diseases. The destruction of the affected plants along with removal was
the carried to reduce the spread of the disease. The 4-5 foliar sprays of
dimethoate (0.05%) or metasystox (0.02%) or nuvacron (0.05%) at an
interval of 25 days effectively controlled the whitefly population.
3.5.5.3 Papaya Ring Spot Virus (PRSV)
The virus is spread from plant to plant by aphids. The
symptoms of yellowing and vein-clearing of the young leavesand on the ripe
fruit as darker orange-brown rings. In control measures, early detection of
infected plants and prompt removal was done to check the spread of the

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 disease. Aphids were controlled by application of 2-3 foliar sprays of
phosphamidon (0.05%) at an interval of 21 days starting from 15-20 days
after transplanting.
Table-3.1: Physico-chemical properties of the experimental soil at FRS,
Gandevi farm

Initial
Parameters Method employed Reference
value
A. Physical parameters
(a) Sand (%) 24.63
Page et al.
(b) Silt (%) 24.69 International pipette
(1982)
(c) Clay (%) 50.68
B. Chemical parameters
pH (1:2.5 Soil: Jackson
6.96 Potentiometric
Water ratio) (1973)
Jackson
EC (1:2.5) (dS m-1) 0.19 Conductometric
(1973)
Available N (kg ha- Subbiah and
1 309 Alkaline permanganate
) Asija (1956)
Spectrophotometric
Available P2O5 (kg Olsen et al.
52.8 (Extraction with 0.5 M
ha-1) (1954)
NaHCO3, pH of 8.5)
Flamephotometric
Available K2O (kg Jackson
351.46 (Extraction with N
ha-1) (1973)
NH4OAc of pH 7)
Fe (mg kg-1) 27.95
Zn (mg kg-1) 1.43 Wet digestion, Di-acid
mixture, 4:1 (HCLO4 : Jackson
Cu (mg kg-1) 3.70
H2SO4),Atomic Absorption (1973)
Mn (mg kg-1) 33.55
Spectrophotometric
B (mg kg-1) 0.92

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Table-3.2: Physico-chemical properties of the experimental soil at
RHRS, Navsari farm

Initial
Parameters Method employed Reference
value
A. Physical parameters
(a) Sand (%) 13.35
Page et al.
(b) Silt (%) 22.94 International pipette
(1982)
(c) Clay (%) 63.71
B. Chemical parameters
pH (1:2.5 Soil:Water Jackson
7.6 Potentiometric
ratio) (1973)
Jackson
EC (1:2.5) (dS m-1) 0.65 Conductometric
(1973)
Subbiah and
Available N (kg ha-1) 229 Alkaline permanganate
Asija (1956)
Spectrophotometric
Available P2O5 (kg Olsen et al.
43.8 (Extraction with 0.5 M
ha-1) (1954)
NaHCO3, pH of 8.5)
Flamephotometric
Available K2O (kg Jackson
259 (Extraction with N
ha-1) (1973)
NH4OAc of pH 7)
Fe (mg kg-1) 22 Wet digestion, Di-acid
Zn (mg kg-1) 0.80 mixture, 4:1 (HCLO4 :
Jackson
Cu (mg kg-1) 3.9 H2SO4),Atomic
(1973)
Mn (mg kg-1) 30 Absorption
B (mg kg-1) 0.86 Spectrophotometric

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Table: 3.3- Methods employed for chemical analysis of leaf of papaya
cv. Red Lady
Sr. Element Method employed Reference
No.
1 Total N Wet digestion, Diacid mixture, 4:1 Jackson
(HClO4:H2SO4), Micro kjeldahl (1973)
2 Total P Wet digestion, Diacid mixture, 4:1
(HClO4:H2SO4), Vanadomolybdo
phosphoric acid yellow colour
3 Total K Wet digestion, Diacid mixture, 4:1
(HClO4:H2SO4), Flame photometric
3.6 Experimental Details
The details of the experimental techniques employed for the
present investigation are described as under:
i) a. Location Regional Horticultural Research
Station,
ASPEE College of Horticulture and
Forestry, NAU, Navsari 396 450,
Gujarat, India
b. Location Fruit Research station,
Navsari Agricultural University,
Gandevi-396 360, Gujarat, India
ii) Year/season 2012-2013 (One year trial two
locations)
iii) Crop/variety Papaya cv. Red Lady
iv) Spacing 2.4 m x 1.8 m
v) Plot size Gross plot 12.0 m x 7.2 m
Net plot 7.00 m x 3.6 m
vi) Number of plants/treatments 5 (Five)
viii) Treatments 12 (Twelve)
vii) Number of replications 3
viii) Statistical design RBD with factorial concept

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3.6.1 Details of the experiment:
Factor I: Fertilizers treatments
F1 N and K2O @ 100 % RD
F2 N and K2O @ 80 % RD
F3 N and K2O @ 60 % RD
Factor II: Fertilizer split treatments
S1 14 Splits of N and K
S2 18 Splits of N and K
Factor III: Mulching treatments
M0 Without mulching
M1 With mulching of 20% coverage (50 micron)
Treatment combinations:
1. F1S1M0 4. F1S2M1 7. F2S1M1 10. F3S2M0
2. F1S2M0 5. F2S1M0 8. F2S2M1 11. F3S1M1
3. F1S1M1 6. F2S2M0 9. F3S1M0 12. F3S2M1
Nitrogen and potash were applied in the form of urea and
muriate of potash, respectively as per treatment, in 14 splits (S 1) and 18
splits (S2) equal splits starting form 45 and 15 days in mulch and without
mulch treatments after transplanting respectively, subsequently at 15 days
intervals through drip irrigation and recommended dose of phosphorus
(200g/plant) applied in two equal splits first at 45 days and second at 90
days after transplanting.
3.6.2 Experimental design and layout
The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with
factorial concept (Fig.3.1).

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 Cultivar: Red Lady (Taiwan 786).
 No. of treatment combinations = 12
 No. of replication = 3
 No. of plots = 36
 Spacing = 2.4 x 1.8 m
 Total no. of rows / plot = 4
 Total no. of plants / row = 5
 Gross plot size =12 m x 7.2 m =86.4 m2
 Net plot size = 7.00 m x 3.6 m = 25.2 m2
 Total experimental area =
86.4 m X 25.2 m =2177.28 m2
Details of the treatment:
 Factor I: Fertilizer treatments
 F1- N and K2O @ 100 % RD
 F2- N and K2O @ 80 % RD
 F3- N and K2O @ 60 % RD
 Factor II: Fertilizer split treatments
 S1- 14 Splits of N and K
 S2- 18 Splits of N and K
 Factor III: Mulching treatments
 M0- Without mulching
 M1- With mulching of 20% coverage (50 micron).
Sr. Treatment Sr. Treatment
No details. No details.
T1 F1S1M0 T7 F2S1M1
T2 F1S2M0 T8 F2S2M1
T3 F1S1M1 T9 F3S1M0
T4 F1S2M1 T10 F3S2M0
T5 F2S1M0 T11 F3S1M1
T6 F2S2M0 T12 F3S2M1

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50 | P a g e
3.7 Observations to be recorded
The detail methods applied for various growth, physiological
parameters, yield and quality characters as well as leaf nutrients status are
given below with appropriate heads.
3.7.1 Growth parameters
The growth parameters such as plant height (cm) and stem girth
(cm) were recorded at 180, 270 and 360 days after transplanting.
3.7.1.1 Plant height (cm)
The height of plant was measured in centimeter from ground to
base of the newly emerged leaf with the help of measuring tape then the
average value of plant height was worked out.
3.7.1.2 Stem girth (cm)
The girth of stem was measured in centimeter at 10 cm above
from ground level. The mean girth of five plants was worked out.
3.7.1.3 Number of leaves plant-1
The number of leaves plant-1 was measured from transplant to
an age of 180, 270 and 360 DAP, which were as recorded and then averaged
was worked out.
3.7.1.4 Petiole length (cm)
The petiole length was measured in centimeter to an age of
180, 270 and 360 days after transplanting. For calculation of total petiole
length, randomly three leaves, one from base, second from middle and third
from new emerged leaves were selected from one plant. The mean petiole
length of five plants was worked out.
3.7.1.5 Total leaf area (m2)
The total leaf area (cm2) was recorded on 180, 270 and 360
days after transplanting. For calculation of total area, randomly three leaves,

51 | P a g e
one from base, second from middle and third from new emerged leaves
were selected from one plant. Leaf area of these three leaves was taken by
photo machine and then average was taken as total leaf area (m2) of plant.
3.7.1.6 Initiation of flowering (days)
The number of days from transplant to emergence of first
flower was recorded and then averaged was worked out.
3.7.2 Physiological (Bio-metric) parameters
The bio-metric parameters are recorded at age 180, 270 and
360 DAP of seedlings.
3.7.2.1 Leaf temperature (T) (0C)
The above physiological attributes were measured by using of
Lc-Pro Photo-system, Bio-gen, U.K. An open system of narrow rectangular
chamber with window was used. Every observation was recorded with leaf
covering full window of the system.
3.7.2.2 Total chlorophyll contents (mg/100g tissue)
The metabolite constituents i.e. total chlorophyll contents
(mg/100g tissue) of papaya leaves were determined by DMSO (Dimethyl-
sulphoxide) method (Hiscox and Israelstam, 1979). Finely chopped 50 mg
papaya leaves were weighed in graduated test tube then ten ml of DMSO
was added in each test tube. The tubes were incubated at 65°C for 3 hours
after incubation the tubes were allowed to room temperature and the optical
density (OD) was recorded at 663 and 645 nm by taking DMSO as blank.
The amount of chlorophyll present in the sample was calculated using
standard formula.
V
Chlorophyll mg/g tissue = 22.2 (OD at 645) + 8.02 (OD at 663) x
W (g)

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 V= Final volume of extract in DMSO
W= Fresh weight of tissue extracted (g)
3.7.2.3 Photosynthetic rate (Pn) (µmol m-2s-1)
The Photosynthetic rate was measured using CIRAS-1A
photosynthetic system. An open system of narrow rectangular chamber with
window was used. Every observation was recorded with leaf covering full
window of the system. Observations were made on fully expanded green
leaves from 3rd and 4th from top and measured between 8.30 to 10.30 am.
Each leaf was fully exposed and the open chamber was held at such an angle
that the adaxial surface of the leaf directly faced the sun. Five different plants
used in each treatment to record observations.
3.7.3 Yield and yield attributes
3.7.3.1 Number of fruits per plant
On the basis of maturity indices, the fruits from each plant were
harvested and mean number of fruits per plant were calculated.
3.7.3.2 Average fruit weight (kg)
Among harvested fruits, five fruits were randomly selected
from each treatment for average weight of fruit. The mean value of fruit
weight (kg) was calculated.
3.7.3.3 Fruit diameter (cm)
Among harvested fruits, five fruits were randomly selected
from each treatment. The middle portion of fruit was selected for diameter
of fruit and measure with the help of measuring tape then average value was
worked out.
3.7.3.4 Yield per plant (kg)
At colour breaking stage of fruits were harvested from each
plant of net plot at every picking weighted separately then the average value

53 | P a g e
of yield per plant was worked out.
3.7.3.5 Yield per hectare (t)
The data of yield per net plot was recorded and multiplied by
multiple factor computed on area basis to give the final data for total yield
in tonnes per hectare.
3.7.4. Quality parameters
The quality parameters were recorded at ripe stage of papaya
fruits.
3.7.4.1 Total Soluble Solids (%)
The total soluble solid (TSS) of the pulp was recorded by using
a digital refractometer. In each treatment, the readings were taken and their
average was considered as results.
3.7.4.2 Total sugars (%)
For estimation of total sugars, the filtrate obtained in the above
estimation was used. An aliquot from the filtrate was taken and to one-fifth
of its volume, hydrochloride acid (1:1) was added and the inversion was
carried out at room temperature for 24 hours. Subsequently, the contents
were cooled and neutralized with 40% sodium hydroxide using
phenolphthalein as an indicator and the final volume was made. The
solution was filtered through Whatman No. 1 filter paper and titration was
carried out using filtrate as detailed for reducing sugars. The total sugars
content was expressed as percentage in terms of invert sugars according to
the formula.

Glucose Eq. of Fehling‟s Total volume Volume made up after

X X
solution (0.05) made up inversion
Total sugars (%) = X 100
Aliquot taken for
Titre X Weight of pulp taken X
inversion

54 | P a g e
3.7.4.3 Reducing sugar (%)
The titrimetric method of Lane and Eynon described by
Ranganna (1979) was adopted for estimation of reducing sugar. The method
is based on the principle that invert sugar or reducing sugar reduces the
copper in the Fehling‟s solution to red insoluble cuprous oxide. Sugar in a
sample was estimated by determining the volume of unknown sugar
solution required to completely reduce a measured volume of Fehling‟s
solution. Before using the mixture (1:1) of Fehling‟s solution A and B (5ml
of A and 5ml of B) was standardized against standard glucose for obtaining
glucose equivalent and to arrive at a conversion factor.
Procedure:
25 g of the homogenized pulp was taken in a 250 ml volumetric
flask and 2 ml of 45 % basic lead acetate solution was added for
clarification. After 10 minutes, the solution was diluted by adding potassium
oxalate crystals in excess (added till excess of crystals remained un-
dissolved) and the volume was made up to a known amount with distilled
water and filtered through Whatman No. 1 filter paper. The filtrate was
taken in a burette and titrated against boiling Fehling‟s mixture (5 ml of
Fehling‟s solution A + 5 ml of Fehlings solution B) till the blue colour
faded. Then 1 ml of methylene blue indicator (1 %) was added and titration
was continued till the contents attained a brick red colour and titre value was
noted. The percentage of reducing sugar was calculated according to
following formula.

Glucose Eq. (0.05) Total volume made up

Reducing sugar (%) = x x 100
Titre Weight of the pulp

55 | P a g e
3.7.4.4 Ascorbic acid (Vitamin-C) content (mg/100 g pulp)
Titrimetric method described by Ranganna (1979) was adopted
for estimation of the ascorbic acid.
Procedure
10 g of homogenized pulp was taken and transferred to 100 ml
volumetric flask. The volume was made up with 4 % oxalic acid solution.
After 30 minutes, the suspension was filtered through Whatman No.1 filter
paper. Before actual titration the 2, 6-Dichlorophenol indophenol (Dye
solution) was standardized by titrating against standard ascorbic acid
solution and the dye factor was calculated. 5 ml of the aliquot was taken
from the filtrate and titrate against standardized dye solution through a
burette. The titration was continued till the light pink colour persisted for 15
seconds. The ascorbic acid content was calculated adopting the following
formula.
Titrate x Dye factor x Volume Made up
mg of ascorbic acid=--------------------------------------------------------------------x 100
Aliquot of extract x weight of sample
taken for estimation taken for estimation

3.7.4.5 Titrable acidity (%)

The method described by Ranganna (1979) was adopted for
estimation of titratable acidity. To obtain acidity (%), 10 g of homogenized
pulp was taken in a 100 ml volumetric flask and the volume was made up
with distilled water to a known amount. After thirty minutes, the suspension
was filtered through Whatman No. 1 filter paper and 10 ml of filtrate was
taken by pipeting and titrated against 0.1 N NaOH by using phenolphthalein
as an indicator. Appearance of colourless to pink colour denotes the end
point. The reading of burette was noted. The titrable acidity percentage was
calculated by adopting the following formula.

56 | P a g e
 Titre x Normality of
alkali Volume made up Eq. Wt. of Malic acid
Acidity (%) = x x x 100
Volme of sample taken Weight of sample 1000
for estimation

3.7.4.6 Shelf-life of fruit (days)

The shelf-life of fruit was noted by keeping the fruits at room
temperature. The shelf-life of fruits was recorded as the day taken from
harvesting to optimum eating stage.
3.8 Nutrient status
3.8.1 Soil properties viz. available nutrients
For check the physico-chemical properties of soil, samples
were drawn from field at 15 to 22.5 cm depth randomly with the help of
screw auger before transplanting. Sampled soil was spread on small cotton
cloth bags for natural drying. Then these samples were ground with a
wooden pestle and sieved through 2 mm sieve and analyzed. The method
employed is given in Table 3.3.
3.8.2 Nutrient status of papaya leaf
For getting the idea of nutrient status of papaya crop, the
healthy and matured leaf samples were taken from five plant of net plot for
analysis at 180 and 300 days after transplanting of seedlings. Collected leaf
samples were washed with tap water followed by distilled water and double
distilled water and shade were dried and then the samples were dried in an
oven at 650 C for 48 hours and samples were grind in stainless steel jar
grinder and passed through a 40 mesh sieve. All relevant procedures and
care was taken as described by Chapman (1964) for collection, cleaning,
drying, grinding and storage of the samples and were analyzed for macro
nutrients. The method employed is furnished in Table 3.3.

57 | P a g e
3.9 Economics
Gross return in terms of rupees per hectare was calculated on
the basis of marketable fruit yield and prices in the market for each of the
treatments under study. The cost of cultivation for each treatment was
worked out by considering the cost of all the operation right from
preparation of land to harvesting of crop. Net return was worked out by
subtracting the total cost of cultivation from gross realization for each
treatment and recorded in rupees per hectare. The net realization was
worked out by deducting cultivation cost and the cost required for different
treatments from the gross realization per hectare for respective treatments
and recorded accordingly.
Net realization ( /ha)
BCR= ---------------------------------------
Total cost of cultivation ( /ha)
3.10 Statistical analysis
The data, collected for all the characters involved under study
were subjected to the statistical scrutiny (analysis) for proper interpretation.
The standard method of analysis of variance technique appropriate to the
Randomized Block Design (RBD) with Factorial concept as described by
Panse and Sukhatme (1967) was used. The data were analyzed with the
technical help received from computer centre of NMCA, NAU, Navsari.
The treatment differences were tested by employing „F‟ test at five per cent
level of significance on the basis of null hypothesis. The appropriate
standard errors (S. Em. ±) were calculated in each case and the critical
difference (C. D.) at five per cent level of probability was worked out to
compare the two treatment means, where the treatment effects were found
significant under „F‟ test. The co-efficient of variation percentage (C. V. %)
was also worked out for all the cases.

58 | P a g e
EXPERIMENTAL
RESULTS

59 | P a g e
 IV. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

The present investigation entitled "Effect of fertigation and

mulching on growth, yield and quality of papaya (Carica papaya L.) cv.
Red Lady” was carried out at two locations namely Regional Horticultural
Research Station, Navsari and Fruit Research Station, Gandevi during the
year 2012-2013. The data collected during experimentation on various
treatments were subjected to statistical analysis using Factorial Randomized
Block Design. The results along with statistical inferences are presented in
this chapter.
4.1 GROWTH PARAMETERS
The growth parameters like plant height (cm), stem girth (cm),
leaf area (m2) and initiation of flowering (days) were recorded and are
presented in this section.
4.1.1 Plant height (cm)
The data pertaining to plant height (cm) of papaya cv. Red
Lady at 180, 270 and 360 days after transplanting as influenced by various
field treatments are presented in Table-4.1 and graphically depicted in
Figure 4.1. It is evident from Table 4.1 that plant height increased in all
treatments with the passage of time.
4.1.1.1 Effect of fertigation on plant height (cm)
At Gandevi location, plant height was significantly recorded the
highest in N and K2O @ 100 % RDF (F1) as 125.10 cm, 172.10 cm and
181.45 cm, on 180, 270 and 360 days after transplanting, respectively. Plant
height was highest in the same treatment on 180 (120.43 cm), 270 (168.10
cm) and 360 (178.78 cm) days after transplanting at Navsari location,
respectively and stood at par with N and K2O @ 80 % RDF (F2) treatment.

60 | P a g e
Table-4.1: Effect of fertigation and mulching on plant height (cm) of papaya cv. Red Lady

Treatments Plant height (cm)

180 DAP 270 DAP 360 DAP
Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled
Fertilizer levels
F1 125.10 120.43 122.77 172.10 168.10 170.10 181.45 178.78 180.12
F2 123.02 118.35 120.69 169.77 165.77 167.77 180.26 176.59 178.43
F3 108.51 103.84 106.18 153.02 149.02 151.02 163.25 159.58 161.42
S. Em.± 2.96 2.96 2.04 2.96 2.96 2.04 2.89 2.89 2.00
C. D. at 5 % 8.69 8.69 5.83 8.69 8.69 5.84 8.48 8.47 5.70
Split levels
S1 114.36 109.70 112.03 161.36 157.36 159.36 171.70 168.04 169.87
S2 123.40 118.73 121.07 168.57 164.56 166.57 178.93 175.26 177.10
S. Em.± 2.42 2.41 1.69 2.41 2.42 1.70 2.36 2.35 1.65
C. D. at 5 % 7.0 7.09 4.82 7.09 7.10 4.82 6.92 6.92 4.70
Mulch levels
Mo 117.01 112.34 114.68 163.67 159.67 161.67 174.02 170.36 172.19
M1 120.75 116.08 118.42 166.25 162.25 164.25 176.62 172.95 174.79
S. Em.± 2.41 2.42 1.69 2.41 2.42 1.70 2.36 2.35 1.65
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
C. V.% 8.63 8.99 8.81 6.22 6.38 6.30 5.71 5.83 5.77
Interactions
The interactions were found non significant.

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62 | P a g e
 With respect to the pooled mean, the highest application of N
and K2O @ 100 % RDF (F1) significantly recorded the highest values of
122.77 cm, 170.10 cm and 180.12 cm at 180, 270 and 360 days after
transplanting, respectively which was statistically at par with N and K2O @
80 % RDF (F2) treatment.
4.1.1.2 Effect of split application on plant height (cm)
Plant height was significantly the highest in 18 splits fertigation
(S2) on 180 (123.40 cm), 270 (168.57 cm) and 360 (178.93 cm) days after
transplanting at Gandevi location, respectively and at Navsari location, it
was recorded highest with same treatment on 180 (118.73 cm), 270 (164.56
cm) and 360 (175.26 cm) days after transplanting.
From the pooled data, it is revealed that the maximum plant
height was recorded at 180 (121.07 cm), 270 (166.57 cm) and 360 (177.10
cm) days after transplanting in 18 splits fertigation (S2).
4.1.1.3 Effect of mulch on plant height (cm)
The plant height (cm) was not affected found significantly by
various treatments of mulching on papaya cv. Red Lady after transplanting at
both the centres.
4.1.1.4 Interaction effect on plant height (cm)
The interactions were found non-significant.
4.1.2 Stem girth (cm)
The data pertaining to stem girth of papaya cv. Red Lady at
180, 270 and 360 days after transplanting as influenced by various field
treatments are presented in Table-4.2 and graphically illustrated in Figure
4.2. It is evident from Table 4.2 that stem girth increased in all treatments
with the passage of time.

63 | P a g e
Table-4.2: Effect of fertigation and mulching on stem girth (cm) of papaya cv. Red Lady

Treatments Stem girth (cm)

180 DAP 270 DAP 360 DAP
Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled
Fertilizer levels
F1 28.28 28.37 28.33 42.68 41.74 42.21 48.66 47.64 48.15
F2 27.44 27.66 27.55 41.86 40.92 41.39 47.85 46.65 47.25
F3 22.30 22.48 22.39 36.81 36.19 36.50 43.03 41.15 42.09
S. Em.± 0.61 0.65 0.43 0.89 0.74 0.90 0.94 0.97 0.66
C. D. at 5 % 1.80 1.91 1.24 2.62 2.18 1.62 2.76 2.84 1.89
Split levels
S1 24.63 24.74 24.69 30.03 38.46 34.25 45.14 43.31 44.23
S2 27.39 27.59 27.49 38.46 40.78 39.62 47.88 46.98 47.43
S. Em.± 0.50 0.53 0.36 0.73 0.60 0.47 0.77 0.79 0.55
C. D. at 5 % 1.47 1.58 1.03 2.14 1.78 1.34 2.26 2.32 1.56
Mulch levels
Mo 25.29 25.53 25.41 39.83 39.11 39.47 45.84 44.52 45.17
M1 26.72 26.80 26.76 41.07 40.12 40.60 47.19 45.77 46.47
S. Em.± 0.50 0.53 0.36 0.73 0.60 0.47 0.77 0.79 0.55
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
C. V.% 8.19 8.62 8.41 7.65 6.51 7.11 7.02 7.42 7.22
Interactions
The interactions were found non-significant.

64 | P a g e
65 | P a g e
4.1.2.1 Effect of fertigation on stem girth (cm)
An application of N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1) through
fertigation significantly increased the stem girth and recorded as 28.28 cm,
42.68 cm and 48.66 cm at Gandevi and 28.37 cm, 41.74 cm and 47.64 cm at
Navsari centre on 180, 270 and 360 days after transplanting, respectively,
which were at par with N and K2O 80 % RDF (F2) treatment at both the
centres.
The pooled data revealed that the maximum stem girth was
significantly the highest with N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1) on 180 (28.33
cm), 270 (42.21 cm) and 360 (48.15 cm) days after transplanting, which
were statistically at par with N and K2O 80 % RDF (F2) at both the centres.
4.1.2.2 Effect of split fertigation on stem girth (cm)
The data of pooled study (Table 4.2) revealed that split
fertigation with 18 installments (S2) significantly recorded the maximum
stem girth as 27.39 cm, 38.46 cm and 47.88 cm at Gandevi centre and 27.59
cm, 40.78 cm and 46.98 cm at Navsari centre, on 180, 270 and 360 days
after transplanting, respectively.
Likewise, the pooled data also revealed that the fertigation
with 18 installments recorded the high mean values as 27.49 cm, 39.62 cm
and 47.43 cm, on 180, 270 and 360 days after transplanting, respectively.
4.1.2.3 Effect of mulch on stem girth (cm)
Effect of mulch was found non-significant for plant girth (cm)
during the experimentation period.
4.1.2.4 Interaction effect on stem girth (cm)
The interaction between L x F, L x S, F x S, L x F x S, L x M, F
x M, L x F x M, S x M, L x S x M, F x S x M and L x F x S x M were found
non-significant.

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4.1.3 Number of leaves per plant
The data pertaining to number of leaves per plant of papaya cv.
Red Lady at 180, 270 and 360 days after transplanting as influenced by
various treatments are presented in Table-4.3 and graphically depicted in
Figure 4.3. It is evident from Table 4.4 that number of leaves per plant
increased in all treatments with growing period of papaya at both the
locations.
4.1.3.1 Effect of fertigation on number of leaves per plant
At Gandevi location, the result of the present study revealed that
maximum number of leaves per plant recorded as 24.54, 35.13 and 44.99, on
180, 270 and 360 days after transplanting, respectively, was significantly
influenced by N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1) treatment. Likewise, number of
leaves per plant at Navsari location was significantly the highest with same
treatment on 180 (23.97), 270 (34.47) and 360 (44.95) days after
transplanting. However, they were at par with N and K2O 80 % RDF (F2)
treatment at both the centres.
The pooled data revealed that the maximum number of leaves
per plant was recorded as 24.25, 34.80 and 44.97 on 180, 270 and 360 days
after transplanting, respectively in papaya cv. Red Lady receiving N and
K2O 100 % RDF (F1) and remained statistically at par with N and K2O 80 %
RDF (F2) treatment.
4.1.3.2 Effect of split application on number of leaves per plant
Number of leaves per plant was significantly recorded the
highest in 18 splits fertigation (S2) as 24.07, 34.12 and 43.95; 23.60, 34.05
and 43.90 at Gandevi and Navsari centres, on 180, 270 and 360 days after
transplanting, respectively.
From pooled data, it is revealed that the maximum number of

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Table-4.3: Effect of fertigation and mulching on number of leaves per plant of papaya cv. Red
Lady

Treatments Number of leaves per plant

180 DAP 270 DAP 360 DAP
Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled
Fertilizer levels
F1 24.54 23.97 24.25 35.13 34.47 34.80 44.99 44.95 44.97
F2 23.34 23.16 23.25 33.42 33.31 33.36 43.40 43.33 43.37
F3 21.29 21.26 21.28 30.42 31.36 30.89 39.66 39.59 39.62
S. Em.± 0.61 0.62 0.55 0.77 0.81 0.62 1.02 1.05 1.3
C. D. at 5 % 1.78 1.82 1.16 2.27 2.40 1.80 3.00 3.08 3.02
Split levels
S1 22.08 21.99 22.03 31.86 32.04 31.95 41.42 41.35 41.38
S2 24.03 23.60 23.82 34.12 34.05 34.08 43.95 43.90 43.92
S. Em.± 0.50 0.51 0.45 0.63 0.67 0.50 0.84 0.86 0.83
C. D. at 5 % 1.15 1.15 1.32 1.85 1.96 1.15 2.45 2.51 2.47
Mulch levels
Mo 22.65 22.20 22.43 32.60 32.45 32.53 42.05 41.98 42.01
M1 23.46 23.39 23.42 33.38 33.64 33.51 43.32 43.27 43.30
S. Em.± 0.50 0.51 0.41 0.63 0.67 0.50 0.84 0.86 0.83
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
C. V.% 9.11 9.43 9.27 8.12 8.56 8.34 8.31 8.53 8.42
Interactions
The interactions were found non -significant.

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leaves per plant was significantly the highest in 18 splits fertigation (S2) as
2.82, 34.08 and 43.92 on 180, 270 and 360 days after transplanting,
respectively.
4.1.3.3 Effect of mulch on number of leaves per plant
The number of leaves per plant was not affected significantly by
various treatments of mulching on papaya cv. Red Lady during the period of
experimentation.
4.1.3.4 Interaction effect on number of leaves per plant
The interactions were found non-significant.
4.1.4 Length of petiole (cm)
The data pertaining to length of petiole of papaya cv. Red Lady
at 180, 270 and 360 days after transplanting as influenced by various field
treatments are presented in Table-4.4 and graphically depicted in Figure 4.4.
4.1.4.1 Effect of fertigation on length of petiole (cm)
Significant effect of fertigation was recorded on the length of
petiole of papaya cv. Red Lady at 180, 270 and 360 days after transplanting
at both the locations. The treatment N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1)
significantly influenced length of petiole and recorded as 70.11 cm, 69.52
cm and 69.45 cm, on 180, 270 and 360 days after transplanting, respectively
at Gandevi location. At Navsari centre, in the same treatment (F1), the length
of petiole was significantly recorded as 69.09 cm, 69.52 cm and 67.60 cm
on 180, 270 and 360 days after transplanting, respectively and statistically
stood at par with (F2) treatment for both the centres.
With respect to the pooled mean, the maximum length of
petiole was recorded on 180 (69.60 cm), 270 (69.52 cm) and 360 (68.53 cm)
days after transplanting with N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1), which was
statistically at par with N and K2O 80 % RDF (F2).

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Table-4.4: Effect of fertigation and mulching on length of petiole (cm) of papaya cv. Red Lady

Treatments Length of petiole (cm)

180 DAP 270 DAP 360 DAP
Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled
Fertilizer levels
F1 70.11 69.09 69.60 69.52 69.52 69.52 69.45 67.60 68.53
F2 67.79 66.77 67.28 66.42 66.50 66.46 66.69 64.50 65.60
F3 57.94 55.26 56.60 57.31 57.06 57.19 56.21 55.06 55.64
S. Em.± 1.37 1.49 0.99 1.56 1.56 1.08 1.35 1.58 1.02
C. D. at 5 % 4.01 4.37 2.83 4.59 4.56 3.07 3.97 4.64 2.93
Split levels
S1 62.44 60.31 61.37 64.21 63.74 63.98 60.81 59.24 60.03
S2 68.12 67.11 67.61 67.98 67.49 67.74 67.42 65.54 66.48
S. Em.± 1.12 1.22 0.81 1.28 1.27 0.90 1.11 1.29 0.84
C. D. at 5 % 3.28 3.56 2.33 3.75 3.73 2.54 3.25 3.79 2.40
Mulch levels
Mo 63.44 61.88 62.66 62.37 62.38 62.38 62.49 60.38 61.44
M1 67.11 65.54 66.33 66.46 66.33 66.40 65.74 64.38 65.07
S. Em.± 1.11 1.22 0.81 1.28 1.27 0.90 1.11 1.29 0.84
C. D. at 5 % 3.28 3.56 2.33 3.75 3.73 2.54 3.25 3.79 2.40
C. V.% 7.27 8.09 7.68 8.41 8.38 8.40 7.32 8.79 8.07
Interactions
The interactions were found non -significant.

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4.1.4.2 Effect of split application on length of petiole (cm)
At both the centres, there was significant effect of split
application on the length of petiole of papaya cv. Red Lady on 180, 270 and
360 days after transplanting. Length of petiole was significantly the highest
and recorded as 68.12 cm, 67.98 cm and 67.42 cm, on 180, 270 and 360
days after transplanting with 18 splits fertigation (S2), respectively at
Gandevi location. At Navsari location also, the length of petiole was
significantly the highest as 67.11 cm, 67.49 cm and 65.54 cm on 180, 270
and 360 days after transplanting, respectively with same 18 splits
application (S2).
From pooled data of Table 4.4 indicated that the maximum
length of petiole (cm) was significantly recorded the maximum on 180
(67.61 cm), 270 (67.74 cm) and 360 (66.48 cm) days after transplanting in
18 splits application (S2).
4.1.4.3 Effect of mulch on length of petiole (cm)
Significant effect of mulch on the length of petiole (cm) of
papaya cv. Red Lady was recorded at both the centres. Length of petiole
(cm) was significantly the highest with mulch on the 180 (67.11 cm), 270
(66.46 cm) and 360 (65.74 cm) days after transplanting at Gandevi centre.
Similarly, it was significantly the highest with same treatment on 180 (65.54
cm), 270 (66.33 cm) and 360 (64.38 cm) days after transplanting at Navsari
centre.
From the same Table 4.4, the pooled data also showed the
maximum length of petiole (cm) as 66.33 cm, 66.33 cm and 65.07 cm on
180, 270 and 360 days after transplanting, respectively.

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4.1.4.4 Interaction effect on length of petiole (cm)
The interaction between L x F, L x S, F x S, L x F x S, L x M, F
x M, L x F x M, S x M, L x S x M, F x S x M and L x F x S x M were found
non-significant.
4.1.5 Leaf area (m2)
The data pertaining to leaf area (m2) of papaya cv. Red Lady at
180, 270 and 360 days after transplanting as influenced by various treatments
are presented in Table 4.5 and graphically illustrated in Figure 4.5. It is
evident from Table 4.5 that leaf area (m2) per plant increased in all
treatments with growing period of papaya at both the centres.
4.1.5.1 Effect of fertigation on leaf area (m2)
Leaf area was significantly the highest in N and K2O 100 %
RDF (F1) on 180 (4.90 m2), 270 (7.34 m2) and 360 (9.67 m2) days after
transplanting, respectively at Gandevi centre. Likewise at Navsari centre,
leaf area (m2) was significantly the highest with the same treatment as 4.77
m2, 7.20 m2 and 9.54 m2 on 180, 270 and 360 days after transplanting,
respectively, which were statistically at par with N and K2O 80 % RDF (F2).
The present pooled study revealed that maximum leaf area was
significantly influenced by N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1) treatment and
recorded on 180 (4.84 m2), 270 (7.27 m2) and 360 (9.61 m2) days after
transplanting with N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1) and remained at par with N
and K2O 80 % RDF (F2).
4.1.5.2 Effect of split application on leaf area (m2)
Leaf area was significantly recorded the highest in 18 splits
application (S2) as 4.77 m2, 7.11 m2, 9.40 m2 and 4.64 m2 , 6.98 m2, 9.27 m2
at Gandevi and Navsari centres, on 180, 270 and 360 days after
transplanting, respectively.

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Table-4.5: Effect of fertigation and mulching on leaf area (m 2 ) of papaya cv. Red Lady

Treatments Leaf area (m2)

180 DAP 270 DAP 360 DAP
Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled
Fertilizer levels
F1 4.90 4.77 4.84 7.34 7.20 7.27 9.67 9.54 9.61
F2 4.76 4.63 4.70 7.08 6.94 7.00 9.38 9.26 9.32
F3 4.23 4.09 4.16 6.27 6.14 6.21 9.32 8.19 8.76
S. Em.± 0.11 0.11 0.08 0.18 0.17 0.12 0.23 0.22 0.16
C. D. at 5 % 0.32 0.32 0.21 0.51 0.51 0.35 0.67 0.66 0.45
Split levels
S1 4.50 4.36 4.43 6.67 6.53 6.60 8.85 8.72 8.78
S2 4.77 4.64 4.70 7.11 6.98 7.05 9.40 9.27 9.33
S. Em.± 0.09 0.09 0.06 0.14 0.14 0.10 0.19 0.18 0.13
C. D. at 5 % 0.26 0.26 0.18 0.42 0.42 0.29 0.55 0.54 0.36
Mulch levels
Mo 4.54 4.41 4.48 6.74 6.63 6.69 8.95 8.82 8.88
M1 4.72 4.59 4.66 7.03 6.89 6.96 9.30 9.17 9.24
S. Em.± 0.09 0.09 0.06 0.14 0.14 0.10 0.19 0.18 0.13
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
C. V.% 8.20 8.44 8.32 8.87 8.92 8.89 8.70 8.66 8.68
Interactions
The interactions were found non -significant.

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 The pooled data of Table 4.5 showed that the maximum leaf
area was observed on 180 (4.70 m2), 270 (7.05 m2) and 360 (9.33 m2) days
after transplanting with 18 splits application (S2).
4.1.5.3 Effect of mulch on leaf area (m2)
During the experimentation, none of the mulching treatments
significantly influenced on leaf area of papaya cv. Red Lady.
4.1.5.4 Interaction effect on leaf area (m2)
The interaction between L x F, L x S, F x S, L x F x S, L x M, F
x M, L x F x M, S x M, L x S x M, F x S x M and L x F x S x M were found
non significant.
4.1.6 Days to first flower initiation
The data pertaining days to first flower initiation of papaya cv.
Red Lady on various days after transplanting as influenced by various field
treatments are presented in Table 4.6 and graphically depicted in Figure 4.6.
4.1.6.1 Effect of fertigation on days to first flower initiation
An application of N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1) significantly
recorded minimum as 110.33 days and 108.58 days to first flower initiation
at Gandevi and Navsari locations, respectively, however it was at par with N
and K2O 80 % RDF (F2) (Table 4.6).
The pooled data also recorded minimum days to first flower
initiation (109.46) in N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1) treatment.
4.1.6.2 Effect of split application on days to first flower initiation
There was significant effect of split fertigation on the minimum
days to first flower initiation of papaya cv. Red Lady at both the locations.
Minimum 112.16 days and 112.28 days to first flower initiation was
significantly recorded with 18 splits application (S2) at Gandevi and Navsari

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centres, respectively and remained statistically at par with 14 splits (S1)
application.
Table-4.6: Effect of fertigation and mulching on days to
first flower initiation of papaya cv. Red Lady
Treatments Days to first flower initiation (Days)
Gandevi Navsari Pooled
Fertilizer levels
F1 110.33 108.58 109.46
F2 113.75 111.06 112.41
F3 122.08 122.56 122.32
S. Em.± 2.59 1.74 1.54
C. D. at 5 % 7.60 5.12 1.26
Split levels
S1 118.61 116.85 117.73
S2 112.16 112.28 112.22
S. Em.± 2.12 1.42 1.26
C. D. at 5 % 6.21 4.17 3.60
Mulch levels
Mo 116.67 115.43 116.05
M1 114.11 112.70 113.41
S. Em.± 2.12 1.42 1.26
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS
C. V.% 7.79 5.30 6.68
Interactions
The interactions were found non -significant.
It is evident from the pooled data that significantly minimum
112.22 days were taken to initiate first flower in 18 splits application (S2)
and remained statistically at par with 14 splits (S1) application.
4.1.6.3 Effect of mulch on days to first flower initiation
Effect of mulching treatment did not influence significantly on
first flower initiation in the study.
4.1.6.4 Interaction effect on days to first flower initiation
The interaction between L x F, L x S, F x S, L x F x S, L x M, F
x M, L x F x M, S x M, L x S x M, F x S x M and L x F x S x M were found
non-significant.

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4.2 PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS
The physiological parameters like leaf temperature (0C),
chlorophyll content in leaf (mg/100g tissue) and photosynthetic rate (µmol
m-2 s-1) were recorded and are presented in this section.
4.2.1 Leaf temperature (0C)
The data pertaining to leaf temperature of papaya cv. Red Lady
at 180, 270, and 360 days after transplanting was not influenced by various
treatments and the data are presented in Table-4.7 and graphically depicted
in Figure 4.7.
4.2.1.1 Effect of fertigation on leaf temperature (0C)
From the data pertaining to leaf temperature (0C) revealed that
leaf temperature was not affected significantly during the period of
experimentation by fertigation treatments.
4.2.1.2 Effect of split application on leaf temperature (0C)
The present study revealed that leaf temperature (0C) was not
influenced by any treatment of split fertigation during the period of
experimentation.
4.2.1.3 Effect of mulch on leaf temperature (0C)
Effect of mulch was found non significant for leaf temperature
(0C) during the period of study.
4.2.1.4 Interaction effect on leaf temperature (0C)
The leaf temperature (0C) was not affected significantly by
various treatments of interactions on papaya cv. Red Lady during the period
of investigation.

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Table-4.7: Effect of fertigation and mulching on leaf temperature ( 0 C) of papaya cv. Red Lady
Treatments Leaf temperature (0C)
180 DAP 270 DAP 360 DAP
Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled
Fertilizer levels
F1 32.72 34.80 34.76 34.67 34.43 34.55 34.64 33.90 34.26
F2 34.40 34.86 34.63 34.34 34.10 34.22 34.30 33.56 33.92
F3 33.56 33.50 35.53 33.51 33.06 33.29 33.47 32.60 33.03
S. Em.± 0.77 0.75 0.53 0.77 0.74 0.52 0.77 0.74 0.52
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
Split levels
S1 33.86 33.84 33.85 33.80 33.42 33.61 33.76 32.94 33.35
S2 34.60 34.67 34.64 34.54 34.31 34.43 34.51 33.77 34.14
S. Em.± 0.63 0.61 0.43 0.63 0.60 0.43 0.63 0.60 0.43
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
Mulch levels
Mo 34.13 34.11 34.12 34.07 33.69 33.88 34.03 33.21 33.62
M1 34.32 34.40 34.36 34.27 34.03 34.15 34.23 33.50 33.87
S. Em.± 0.63 0.61 0.43 0.63 0.60 0.43 0.63 0.60 0.43
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
C. V.% 7.81 7.55 7.68 7.82 7.52 7.68 7.80 7.67 7.74
Interactions
The interactions were found non -significant.

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4.2.2 Chlorophyll content in leaf (mg/100g tissue)
The data pertaining to chlorophyll content in leaf (mg/100g
tissue) cv. Red Lady at 180, 270 and 360 days after transplanting as
influenced by various field treatments are noted in Table-4.8 and graphically
illustrated in Figure 4.8.
4.2.2.1 Effect of fertigation on chlorophyll content in leaf (mg/100g
tissue)
Chlorophyll content in a leaf of papaya cv. Red Lady was
significantly recorded the highest as 138.76 mg/100g tissue, 138.09
mg/100g tissue and 137.02 mg/100g tissue; 137.83 mg/100g tissue, 135.45
mg/100g tissue and 134.25 mg/100g tissue with N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1)
at Gandevi and Navsari centres, on 180, 270 and 360 days after
transplanting, respectively and remained at par with N and K2O 80 % RDF
(F2) for both the centres.
Whereas, the maximum chlorophyll content in leaf (mg/100g
tissue) with respects to the pooled mean was recorded significantly on 180
(138.29 mg/100g tissue), 270 (136.77 mg/100g tissue) and 360 (135.64
mg/100g tissue) days after transplanting with N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1).
4.2.2.2 Effect of split application on chlorophyll content in leaf
(mg/100g tissue)
There was significant effect of splits fertigation on the chlorophyll
content in leaf of papaya cv. Red Lady at 180, 270 and 360 days after
transplanting at both the locations. Chlorophyll content in leaf (mg/100g tissue)
was significantly the highest with 18 splits application (S2) as 135.16 mg/100g
tissue, 134.48 mg/100g tissue and 130.23 mg/100g tissue; 134.22 mg/100g tissue,
131.85 mg/100g tissue and 130.65 mg/100g tissue on 180, 270 and 360 days after
transplanting at Gandevi and Navsari centres, respectively.

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Table-4.8: Effect of fertigation and mulching on chlorophyll content in leaf (mg/100 g tissue)
of papaya cv. Red Lady

Treatments Chlorophyll content in leaf (mg per 100 g tissue)

180 DAP 270 DAP 360 DAP
Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled
Fertilizer levels
F1 138.76 137.83 138.29 138.09 135.45 136.77 137.02 134.25 135.64
F2 130.33 129.39 129.86 129.66 127.02 128.34 128.59 125.82 127.21
F3 122.83 122.53 122.68 122.15 119.74 120.95 121.09 118.54 119.82
S. Em.± 3.65 3.56 2.49 3.75 3.50 2.50 3.63 3.45 2.45
C. D. at 5 % 10.70 10.43 7.09 11.00 10.27 7.15 10.65 10.14 6.98
Split levels
S1 126.12 125.61 125.87 125.45 122.96 124.20 121.05 121.76 121.40
S2 135.16 134.22 134.69 134.48 131.85 133.17 130.23 130.65 130.44
S. Em.± 2.98 2.90 2.06 3.06 2.86 2.07 2.96 2.82 2.02
C. D. at 5 % 8.74 8.51 5.86 8.98 8.38 5.90 8.51 8.28 5.77
Mulch levels
Mo 128.33 127.82 128.07 127.65 125.17 126.41 126.59 123.97 125.28
M1 132.95 132.01 132.48 132.28 129.64 130.96 131.21 128.44 129.83
S. Em.± 2.98 2.90 2.06 3.06 2.85 2.07 2.96 2.82 2.02
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
C. V.% 9.67 9.48 9.58 10.00 9.52 9.77 9.76 9.49 9.63
Interactions
The interactions were found non -significant.

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 With similar trends in pooled data, the maximum chlorophyll
content in leaf was recorded as 134.69 mg/100g tissue, 133.17 mg/100g
tissue and 130.44 mg/100g tissue at 180, 270 and 360 days after
transplanting, respectively with 18 splits application (S2) treatment.
4.2.2.3 Effect of mulch on chlorophyll content in leaf (mg/100 g
tissue)
Effect of mulch was found non-significant for chlorophyll
content in leaf (mg/100g tissue) during the period of experimentation.
4.2.2.4 Interaction effect on chlorophyll content in leaf (mg/100g
tissue)
The interaction between L x F, L x S, F x S, L x F x S, L x M, F
x M, L x F x M, S x M, L x S x M, F x S x M and L x F x S x M were found
non-significant.
4.2.3 Photosynthetic rate (µmol m-2 s-1)
The data pertaining to photosynthetic rate (µmol m-2 s-1) cv. Red
Lady at 180, 270 and 360 days after transplanting as influenced by various
field treatments are presented in Table-4.9 and graphically depicted in Figure
4.9.
4.2.3.1 Effect of fertigation on photosynthetic rate (µmol m-2 s-1)
At Gandevi and Navsari centres, different fertigation levels
significantly increased photosynthetic rate and recorded the highest in N
and K2O 100 % RDF (F1) treatment as 57.06 µmol m-2 s-1), 52.20 µmol m-2
s-1 and 53.35 µmol m-2 s-1; 56.94 µmol m-2 s-1, 52.08 µmol m-2 s-1 and 51.04
µmol m-2 s-1 as well as in pooled results 57µmol m-2 s-1, 52.15 µmol m-2 s-1
and 52.20 µmol m-2 s-1 were recorded at 180, 270 and 360 days after
transplanting, respectively. However all the treatments stood at par with N
and K2O 80 % RDF (F2) treatment.

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Table-4.9: Effect of fertigation and mulching on photosynthetic rate ( µmol m - 2 s - 1 ) of papaya
cv. Red Lady
Treatments Photosynthetic rate (µmol m-2 s-1)
180 DAP 270 DAP 360 DAP
Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled
Fertilizer levels
F1 57.06 56.94 57.00 52.20 52.08 52.15 53.35 51.04 52.20
F2 54.35 54.23 54.29 50.71 50.69 50.70 51.87 49.47 50.68
F3 51.12 51.00 51.07 46.34 46.31 46.33 47.41 40.02 43.72
S. Em.± 1.54 1.54 1.07 1.55 1.53 1.06 1.40 1.49 1.00
C. D. at 5 % 4.54 4.53 3.05 4.53 4.49 3.03 4.12 4.37 2.85
Split levels
S1 52.15 52.03 52.09 47.80 47.71 47.75 48.95 46.56 47.76
S2 56.20 56.08 56.15 51.70 56.67 54.19 52.80 50.46 51.64
S. Em.± 1.26 1.26 0.88 1.26 1.25 0.88 1.14 1.21 0.83
C. D. at 5 % 3.70 3.70 2.51 3.71 3.67 2.50 3.36 3.56 2.36
Mulch levels
Mo 53.24 53.12 53.19 48.63 48.55 48.59 49.79 47.39 48.59
M1 55.11 54.99 55.05 50.87 50.84 50.86 51.97 49.63 50.80
S. Em.± 1.26 1.26 0.88 1.26 1.25 0.88 1.14 1.21 0.83
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
C. V.% 9.90 9.90 9.90 10.77 10.67 10.72 9.56 10.64 10.09
Interactions
The interactions were found non -significant.

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 The pooled data revealed that the maximum photosynthetic rate
was recorded on 180 (57µmol m-2 s-1), 270 (52.15 µmol m-2 s-1) and 360
(52.20 µmol m-2 s-1) days after transplanting with N and K2O 100 % RDF
(F1) treatment.
4.2.3.2 Effect of split application on photosynthetic rate (µmol m-2s-1)
Photosynthetic rate (µmol m-2 s-1) was significantly the highest
with 18 splits application (S2) recording 56.20 µmol m-2 s-1, 51.70 µmol m-2
s-1 and 52.80 µmol m-2 s-1 at 180, 270 and 360 days after transplanting,
respectively at Gandevi location. At Navsari centre also, it significantly
recorded the higher with same splits application (S2) as 56.08 µmol m-2 s-1,
56.67 µmol m-2 s-1 and 50.46 µmol m-2 s-1, on the 180, 270 and 360 days
after transplanting, respectively.
The pooled data of both locations indicated that the maximum
photosynthetic rate (µmol m-2 s-1) was significantly recorded highest with 18
splits fertigation (S2) as 56.15 µmol m-2 s-1, 54.19 µmol m-2 s-1 and 51.64
µmol m-2 s-1, on 180, 270 and 360 days after transplanting, respectively.
4.2.3.3 Effect of mulch on photosynthetic rate (µmol m-2s-1)
Effect of mulch was found non-significant for photosynthetic
rate per plant.
4.2.3.4 Interaction effect on photosynthetic rate (µmol m-2 s-1)
The interactions were found non-significant.
4.3 YIELD AND YIELD ATTRIBUTES
The yield and yield attributes viz. number of fruits per plant,
average fruit weight (kg), fruit diameter (cm), fruit yield per plant (kg) and
yield (t/ha) were recorded and are presented in this section.

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4.3.1 Number of fruits per plant
The data pertaining to number of fruits per plant cv. Red Lady
after transplanting as influenced by various field treatments are presented in
Table-4.10 and graphically depicted in Figure 4.10 (Plate: 2 and 3) .
Table-4.10: Effect of fertigation and mulching on number
of fruits per plant of papaya cv. Red Lady
Treatments Number of fruits per plant
Locations
Gandevi Navsari Pooled
Fertilizer levels
F1 28.19 26.56 27.38
F2 27.65 25.94 26.80
F3 20.91 19.86 20.39
S. Em.± 1.04 0.97 0.70
C. D. at 5 % 3.06 2.85 2.00
Split levels
S1 23.54 22.35 22.95
S2 27.63 25.88 26.76
S. Em.± 0.85 0.79 0.58
C. D. at 5 % 2.50 2.33 1.64
Mulch levels
Mo 25.02 23.72 24.37
M1 26.15 24.51 25.34
S. Em.± 0.85 0.79 0.57
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS
C. V.% 14.12 13.99 14.07
Interactions
The interactions were found non -significant.
4.3.1.1 Effect of fertigation on number of fruits per plant
The number of fruits per plant 28.19 was significantly the
highest in N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1) treatment at Gandevi location. In the
same treatment, number of fruits per plant 26.50 was significantly recorded
the highest at Navsari centre. The treatment N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1) was
remained at par with N and K2O 80 % RDF (F2) at both the locations and in
pooled two.

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 From pooled data (Table 4.10), it is revealed that the maximum
number of fruits per plant 27.38 was recorded in N and K2O 100 % RDF
(F1) treatment.
4.3.1.2 Effect of split application on number of fruits per plant
The maximum number of fruits per plant increased in all
treatments with growing period of papaya at both the locations.
The fertigation split levels significantly increased the fruit yield
at both the centres regarding as 27.63, 25.88 and 26.76 fruits per plant at
Gandevi, Navsari and in pooled, respectively, under 18 splits application
(S2) of fertigation.
4.3.1.3 Effect of mulch on number of fruits per plant
In papaya cv. Red Lady, the treatment of mulch did not
significantly affect on number of fruits per plant during the period of
experimentation.
4.3.1.4 Interaction effect on number of fruits per plant
The interaction between L x F, L x S, F x S, L x F x S, L x M, F
x M, L x F x M, S x M, L x S x M, F x S x M and L x F x S x M were found
non-significant.
4.3.2 Average fruit weight (kg)
The data pertaining to average fruit weight cv. Red Lady as
influenced by various field treatments are presented in Table-4.11 and
graphically illustrated in Figure 4.11.
4.3.2.1 Effect of fertigation on average fruit weight (kg)
The average fruit weight was recorded significantly the highest
1.13 kg and 1.10 kg in treatment N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1) at Gandevi and
Navsari centres, respectively.

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Table-4.11: Effect of fertigation and mulching on average fruit
weight (kg) of papaya cv. Red Lady
Treatments Average fruit weight (kg)
Locations
Gandevi Navsari Pooled
Fertilizer levels
F1 1.13 1.10 1.12
F2 1.08 1.05 1.07
F3 0.84 0.81 0.83
S. Em.± 0.02 0.02 0.01
C. D. at 5 % 0.35 0.05 3.88
Split levels
S1 0.94 0.92 0.93
S2 1.09 1.06 1.08
S. Em.± 0.02 0.01 0.01
C. D. at 5 % 5.18 4.21 3.21
Mulch levels
Mo 0.99 0.97 0.99
M1 1.02 1.00 1.01
S. Em.± 0.02 0.01 0.01
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS
C. V.% 7.38 6.14 6.80
Interactions
The interactions were found non -significant.
The maximum average fruit weight 1.12 kg was also recorded in
pooled weight under N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1) applied in papaya field.
However the treatment remained at par with N and K2O 80 % RDF (F2)
treatment at both the centres, but not in pooled data.
4.3.2.2 Effect of split application on average fruit weight (kg)
The average fruit weight 1.09 kg and 1.06 kg with 18 splits
application (S2) received treatment, was significantly observed at Gandevi
and Navsari centres, respectively, followed by 14 splits application (S1)
treatment.

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 The pooled data revealed that the maximum average 1.08 kg
fruit weight was recorded significantly highest with 18 splits application
(S2).
4.3.2.3 Effect of mulch on average fruit weight (kg)
The present study revealed that the interactions were found
non-significant.
4.3.2.4 Interaction effect on average fruit weight (kg)
The interaction between L x F, F x S, L x S, L x F x S, L x M, F
x M, L x F x M, S x M, L x S x M, F x S x M and L x F x S x M were found
non-significant.
4.3.3 Fruit diameter (cm)
The data pertaining to fruit diameter (cm) of papaya cv. Red
Lady as influenced by various field treatments are presented in Table 4.12
and graphically depicted in Figure 4.12.
4.3.3.1 Effect of fertigation on fruit diameter (cm)
Significant effect of fertigation was observed in fruit diameter
of harvested papaya of cv. Red Lady at both the locations, on 280, 300 and
320 days after transplanting. Fruit diameter was significantly the highest
recorded as 43.65 cm, 43.67 cm and 43.33 cm; 43.50 cm, 43.58 cm and
43.52 cm on 280, 300 and 320 days after transplanting in treatment N and
K2O 100 % RDF (F1) at Gandevi and Navsari centres, respectively, which
were at par with F2 treatment.
With respect to the pooled mean, the maximum fruit diameter
was recorded on 280 (43.57 cm), 300 (43.33 cm) and 320 (43.42 cm) days
after transplanting in N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1) treatment and it remained
at par with N and K2O 80 % RDF (F2) treatment.

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Table-4.12: Effect of fertigation and mulching on fruit diameter (cm) of papaya cv. Red Lady
Treatments Fruit diameter (cm)
280 DAP 300 DAP 320 DAP
Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled
Fertilizer levels
F1 43.65 43.50 43.57 43.67 43.58 43.63 43.33 43.52 43.42
F2 41.93 41.76 41.84 41.93 41.84 41.88 41.58 41.78 41.68
F3 39.25 39.32 39.28 39.16 39.15 39.16 39.06 38.83 38.95
S. Em.± 1.16 1.08 0.77 1.14 0.92 0.78 1.14 1.12 0.77
C. D. at 5 % 3.41 2.58 2.21 3.35 3.29 2.23 3.35 3.29 2.20
Split levels
S1 39.96 39.80 39.88 39.97 39.85 39.91 39.63 39.82 39.73
S2 43.26 43.25 43.25 43.20 43.16 43.18 43.02 42.92 42.97
S. Em.± 0.95 0.88 0.64 0.93 1.12 0.64 0.93 0.91 0.64
C. D. at 5 % 2.78 2.58 1.82 2.74 3.29 1.84 2.73 2.69 1.84
Mulch levels
Mo 40.89 40.87 40.88 40.83 40.79 40.81 40.65 40.56 40.61
M1 42.32 42.18 42.24 42.34 42.26 42.30 42.00 42.19 42.10
S. Em.± 0.95 0.88 0.64 0.93 0.92 0.64 0.93 0.91 0.64
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
C. V.% 9.69 8.99 9.35 9.52 9.38 9.45 9.52 9.38 9.36
Interactions
The interactions were found non -significant.

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4.3.3.2 Effect of split application on fruit diameter (cm)
Fruit diameter was significantly recorded the highest on 280
(46.23 cm), 300 (43.20 cm) and 320 (43.02 cm) days with 18 splits
application (S2) treatment at Gandevi centre, whereas it was recorded
highest on 280 (43.25 cm), 300 (43.16 cm) and 320 (42.92 cm) days after
transplanting at Navsari centre, respectively.
With regards to the pooled mean, the maximum fruit diameter
was recorded with 18 splits fertigation (S2) at 280 (43.25 cm), 300 (43.18
cm) and 320 (42.97 cm) days after transplanting.
4.3.3.3 Effect of mulch on fruit diameter (cm)
The data presented in (Table 4.12) and graphically depicted in
Figure 12 pertaining to fruit diameter revealed that the fruit diameter was
not-significantly affected during the period of study in papaya cv. Red Lady.
4.3.3.4 Interaction effect on fruit diameter (cm)
The interactions were found non-significant.
4.3.4 Fruit yield per plant (kg)
The data related to fruit yield per plant cv. Red Lady after
transplanting as influenced by various field treatments are presented under
various treatments in Table 4.13 and graphically sketched in Figure 4.13.
4.3.4.1 Effect of fertigation on fruit yield (kg/plant)
It is evident from Table 4.13 that fruit yield per plant (kg)
increased at both the locations. In the treatment N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1)
at Gandevi and Navsari centers, significant effect of fertigation was recorded
on fruit yield of papaya cv. Red Lady. The fruit yield per plant 32.11 kg and
29.95 kg was significantly recorded highest at Gandevi and Navsari centres,
respectively and it remained at par with N and K2O 80 % RDF (F2)
treatment at Gandevi centre.

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Table-4.13: Effect of fertigation and mulching on fruit yield (kg per
plant) of papaya cv. Red Lady

Treatments Fruit yield (kg/plant)

Locations
Gandevi Navsari Pooled
Fertilizer levels
F1 32.11 29.95 31.03
F2 30.11 27.45 28.78
F3 17.05 16.14 16.60
S. Em.± 1.13 0.78 0.68
C. D. at 5 % 3.33 2.29 1.94
Split levels
S1 22.51 20.85 21.68
S2 30.33 28.17 29.25
S. Em.± 0.92 0.63 0.56
C. D. at 5 % 2.72 1.87 1.59
Mulch levels
Mo 25.55 23.97 24.76
M1 27.29 25.05 26.17
S. Em.± 0.92 0.63 0.56
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS
C. V.% 14.91 11.05 13.27
Interactions
The interactions were found non -significant.

From pooled data, it is revealed that the maximum 31.03 kg

fruit yield per plant was recorded in N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1) treatment.
4.3.4.2 Effect of split application on fruit yield per plant (kg)
The fruit yield per plant was recorded significantly highest as
30.33 kg and 28.17 kg with 18 splits application (S2) at Gandevi and Navsari
centers, respectively.
With respect to the pooled mean, the maximum fruit yield per
plant (29.25 kg) was recorded with 18 splits application of fertilizers.

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4.3.4.3 Effect of mulch on fruit yield per plant (kg)
The fruit yield per plant was not affected significantly by
various treatments of mulching on papaya cv. Red Lady during the period of
study.
4.3.4.4 Interaction effect on fruit yield per plant (kg)
The interactions were found non-significant.
4.3.5 Fruit yield per hectare (t)
The data related to fruit yield per hectare cv. Red Lady after
transplanting as influenced by various treatments are presented in Table-
4.14 and graphically sketched in Figure 4.14.
4.3.5.1 Effect of fertigation on fruit yield (t/ha)
There was a significant effect of fertigation on fruit yield per
hectare of papaya cv. Red Lady at both the locations. Fruit yield per hectare
was significantly the highest 74.34 t/ha and 69.34 t/ha in N and K2O 100 %
RDF treatment at Gandevi and Navsari centres, respectively, which were at
par with N and K2O 80 % RDF (F2) treatment at Gandevi centre and in
pooled experimentation also.
From pooled data (Table 4.14), it is evident significantly
maximum fruit yield per hectare 71.84 t/ha was recorded with N and K2O
100 % RDF (F1) and stood at par with F2 treatment.
4.3.5.2 Effect of split application on fruit yield per hectare (t/ha)
At Gandevi centre, fruit yield 70.22 t/ha was significantly
recorded with receiving 18 splits application (S2) of fertilizers. Similarlly, an
average 65.23 t/ha fruit yield was significantly recorded in same splits
application (S2) at Navsari centre.
From the same table, the pooled mean also showed the
maximum fruit yield per hectare (67.73 t) in 18 splits application.

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Table-4.14: Effect of fertigation and mulching on fruit yield (t/ha) of papaya cv. Red Lady

Treatments Fruit yield (t/ha)

Locations
Gandevi Navsari Pooled
Fertilizer levels
F1 74.34 69.34 71.84
F2 69.71 63.55 66.63
F3 39.48 37.37 38.42
S. Em.± 2.63 1.81 1.94
C. D. at 5 % 7.72 5.31 5.70
Split levels
S1 52.13 48.27 50.20
S2 70.22 65.23 67.73
S. Em.± 2.15 1.48 1.59
C. D. at 5 % 6.30 5.34 4.66
Mulch levels
Mo 59.17 55.51 57.34
M1 63.18 58.00 60.59
S. Em.± 2.15 1.48 1.59
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS
C. V.% 14.90 11.05 12.97
Interactions
The interactions were found non -significant.

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4.3.5.3 Effect of mulch on fruit yield (t/ha)
The period of experimentation, effect of mulch was found non-
significant.
4.3.5.4 Interaction effect on fruit yield (t/ha)
The present study revealed that the interactions were found
non-significant.
4.4 QUALITY PARAMETERS
The quality parameters TSS (%), total sugar (%), reducing
sugar (%), ascorbic acid (mg/100 gm pulp), titratable acidity (%) and fruit
shelf life (days) were recorded and are presented in this section.
4.4.1 TSS (%)
The data related to TSS (%) of fruit cv. Red Lady after
transplanting as influenced by various field treatments are presented in
Table 4.15 and graphically depicted in Figure 4.15.
4.4.1.1 Effect of fertigation on TSS (%)
The application of N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1) gave the
maximum total soluble solids 7.49 % and 7.44 % in papaya fruits cv. Red
Lady at Gandevi and Navsari centres, respectively. In the same treatment, the
maximum total soluble solids 7.47 % was significantly recorded in pooled
data.
4.4.1.2 Effect of split application on TSS (%)
There was significant effect of split fertigation on TSS of
papaya cv. Red Lady at both the locations. The average total soluble solid
7.11 % in papaya fruit was significant with 18 splits fertigation (S2) at
Gandevi centre. Likewise, at Navsari centre also maximum average total
soluble solid 7.09 % of fruit was significant in same splits application, which
was followed by 14 splits application (S1).

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Table-4.15: Effect of fertigation and mulching on Total
Soluble Solids (TSS) (%) of papaya cv. Red Lady
Treatments Total Soluble Solids (%)
300 DAP
Gandevi Navsari Pooled
Fertilizer levels
F1 7.49 7.44 7.47
F2 6.80 6.81 6.81
F3 6.16 5.75 5.96
S. Em.± 0.23 0.27 0.18
C. D. at 5 % 0.67 0.80 0.50
Split levels
S1 6.52 6.25 6.39
S2 7.11 7.09 7.10
S. Em.± 0.19 0.22 0.14
C. D. at 5 % 0.55 0.66 0.41
Mulch levels
Mo 6.73 6.62 6.68
M1 6.91 6.72 6.82
S. Em.± 0.19 0.22 0.14
C. D. at 5 %. NS NS NS
C. V.% 11.67 14.22 12.98
Interactions
The interactions were found non -significant.

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 With respect to the pooled mean, the maximum average total
soluble solid 7.10 % fruit was recorded by application of 18 splits fertigation
(S2).
4.4.1.3 Effect of mulch on TSS (%)
The data presented in Table 4.15 and graphically depicted in
Figure 15 pertaining to TSS (%) revealed that the TSS (%) was not-
significantly affected by mulch treatment during the period of study in
papaya cv. Red Lady.
4.4.1.4 Interaction effect on TSS (%)
The interaction between L x F, L x S, F x S, L x F x S, L x M, F
x M, L x F x M, S x M, L x S x M, F x S x M and L x F x S x M were found
non-significant.
4.4.2 Total sugar (%)
The data related to total sugar of fruit cv. Red Lady as
influenced by various field treatments are presented in Table 4.16 and
graphically illustrated in Figure 4.16.
4.4.2.1 Effect of fertigation on total sugar (%)
Total sugar in papaya fruit of cv. Red Lady was significantly the
highest 9.70 % and 9.74 % at Gandevi and Navsari centres, respectively in N
and K2O 100 % RDF (F1) received treatment and it stood at par with N and
K2O 80 % RDF (F2) treatment.
The pooled data revealed that the maximum total sugar 9.72 %
was recorded in N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1) treatment and remained at par
with N and K2O 80 % RDF (F2) treatment.
4.4.2.2 Effect of split application on total sugar (%)
The application with 18 splits (S2) significantly influenced on
total sugar recording 9.41 %, 9.40 % and 9.40 % at Gandevi and Navsari

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centres and in pooled also, respectively over S1 treatment of 14 split
applications of fertilizers.
Table-4.16: Effect of fertigation and mulching on total sugar (%) of
papaya cv. Red Lady

Treatments Total sugar (%)

Locations
Gandevi Navsari Pooled
Fertilizer levels
F1 9.70 9.74 9.72
F2 9.53 9.50 9.51
F3 7.80 7.90 7.85
S. Em.± 0.21 0.19 0.14
C. D. at 5 % 0.62 0.56 0.40
Split levels
S1 8.60 8.69 8.64
S2 9.41 9.40 9.40
S. Em.± 0.17 0.15 0.11
C. D. at 5 % 0.51 0.45 0.33
Mulch levels
Mo 8.80 8.94 8.86
M1 9.22 9.15 9.18
S. Em.± 0.17 0.15 0.11
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS
C. V.% 8.14 7.27 7.71
Interactions
The interactions were found non -significant.
4.4.2.3 Effect of mulch on total sugar (%)
Effect of mulch was found non-significant for total sugar
content (%) in fruit during the period of experimentation.
4.4.2.4 Interaction effect on total sugar (%)
The period of experimentation, interactions effect were found
non-significant.

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4.4.3 Reducing sugar (%)
The data related to reducing sugar of fruit cv. Red Lady as
influenced by various treatments are presented in Table 4.17 and graphically
depicted in Figure 4.17.
Table-4.17: Effect of fertigation and mulching on reducing
sugar (%) of papaya cv. Red Lady
Treatments Reducing sugar (%)
300 DAP
Gandevi Navsari Pooled

Fertilizer levels
F1 8.46 8.44 8.44
F2 8.14 8.16 8.15
F3 6.90 6.88 6.89
S. Em.± 0.18 0.19 0.12
C. D. at 5 % 0.53 0.55 0.36
Split levels
S1 7.50 7.51 7.50
S2 8.16 8.15 8.15
S. Em.± 0.15 0.15 0.11
C. D. at 5 % 0.43 0.45 0.30
Mulch levels
Mo 7.65 7.66 7.65
M1 8.01 7.99 8.00
S. Em.± 0.15 0.15 0.11
C. D. at 5 % NS NS 0.30
C. V.% 8.02 8.30 8.16
Interactions
The interactions were found non -significant.

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4.4.3.1 Effect of fertigation on reducing sugar (%)
Reducing sugar was observed significantly the highest 8.46 %
in N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1) treatment at Gandevi and 8.44 % at Navsari
centre, respectively, which was at par with N and K2O 80 % RDF (F2)
treatment for both the locations.
From pooled data, it is revealed that the maximum reducing
sugar 8.44 % was observed significantly the highest in treatment N and K2O
100 % RDF (F1), which is followed by N and K2O 80 % RDF (F2)
treatment.
4.4.3.2 Effect of split application on reducing sugar (%)
The average reducing sugar 8.16 % and 8.15 % was
significantly highest with 18 splits applications (S2) at Gandevi and Navsari
locations, respectively.
Whereas, the maximum average total sugar 8.15 % was
recorded in 18 splits fertigation, which was statistically at par with 14 splits
application (S1) in pooled mean.
4.4.3.3 Effect of mulch on reducing sugar (%)
Effect of mulch was found non-significant in papaya fruits cv.
Red Lady for reducing sugar content (%) during the period of
experimentation that presented in (Table 4.17) and graphically sketched in
Figure 4.17.
4.4.3.4 Interaction effect on reducing sugar (%)
The interaction between L x F, L x S, F x, L x F x S, L x M, F x
M, L x F x M, S x M, L x S x M, F x S x M and L x F x S x M were found
non-significant.

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4.4.4 Ascorbic acid (mg/100 g pulp)
The data related to ascorbic acid (mg/100 g pulp) of fruit cv.
Red Lady as influenced by various field treatments are presented in Table
4.18 and graphically depicted in Figure 4.18.
Table-4.18: Effect of fertigation and mulching on ascorbic
acid content (mg/100 g pulp) of papaya cv. Red
Lady

Treatments Ascorbic acid (mg/100 g pulp)

Locations
Gandevi Navsari Pooled
Fertilizer levels
F1 23.14 23.20 23.17
F2 22.49 22.90 22.70
F3 23.45 22.41 22.93
S. Em.± 0.27 0.30 0.21
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS
Split levels
S1 22.69 22.47 22.58
S2 23.37 23.20 23.28
S. Em.± 0.22 0.25 0.17
C. D. at 5 % 0.66 0.72 0.50
Mulch levels
Mo 22.98 22.47 22.72
M1 23.07 23.20 23.13
S. Em.± 0.22 0.25 0.17
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS
C. V.% 4.13 4.56 3.16
Interactions
The interactions were found non -significant.

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4.4.4.1 Effect of fertigation on ascorbic acid (mg/100 g pulp)
The ascorbic acid content of fruit (mg/100 g pulp) was not
found significantly by various treatments of fertigation on papaya cv. Red
Lady after transplanting at both the locations.
4.4.4.2 Effect of split application on ascorbic acid (mg/100 g pulp)
The maximum ascorbic acid content 23.37 mg/100 g pulp and
23.20 mg/100 g pulp was significantly recorded in 18 splits fertigation (S2) at
Gandevi and Navsari centers, respectively.
From pooled data (Table 4.18), it is revealed that the maximum
ascorbic acid content 23.28 mg/100 g pulp was recorded significant in 18
splits application (S2) over 14 splits application (S1).
4.4.4.3 Effect of mulch on ascorbic acid (mg/100 g pulp)
Effect of mulch was found non-significant on ascorbic acid
content in fruits (mg/100 g pulp) during the period of experimentation.
4.4.4.4 Interaction effect on ascorbic acid (mg/100 g pulp)
The period of experimentation, the interactions were found
non-significant at both the locations.
4.4.5 Titrable acidity (%)
The data related to titrable acidity of fruit cv. Red Lady as
influenced by various field treatments are presented in Table 4.19 and
graphically sketched in Figure 4.19.
4.4.5.1 Effect of fertigation on titrable acidity (%) of fruit
The fertilizer levels (F1) N and K2O 100 % RDF significantly
produced the maximum titratable acidity as 0.04 %, 0.04 % and 0.04 % at
Gandevi and Navsari centres as well as pooled study, respectively.
4.4.5.2 Effect of split application on titrable acidity (%) of fruit
Titrable acidity (%) in ripe fruits of papaya cv. Red Lady was

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recorded non significant at Gandevi and Navsari and in pooled data also.
Table-4.19: Effect of fertigation and mulching on titrable
acidity (%) of papaya cv. Red Lady
Treatments Titrable acidity (%)
300 DAP
Gandevi Navsari Pooled
Fertilizer levels

F1 0.04 0.04 0.04

F2 0.03 0.03 0.03
F3 0.02 0.02 0.02
S. Em.± 0.001 0.001 0.0009
C. D. at 5 % 0.003 0.003 0.002
Split levels
S1 0.03 0.03 0.03
S2 0.03 0.03 0.03
S. Em.± 0.001 0.001 0.000
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS
Mulch levels
Mo 0.03 0.03 0.03
M1 0.03 0.03 0.03
S. Em.± 0.002 0.001 0.0007
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS
C. V.% 14.02 15.08 14.28
Interactions
The interactions were found non -significant.
4.5.5.3 Effect of mulch on titrable acidity (%) of fruit
The period of experimentation, the interactions were found
non-significant at both the locations
4.5.5.4 Interaction effect on titrable acidity (%) of fruit
The interaction between L x F, L x S, F x, L x F x S, L x M, F x
M, L x F x M, S x M, L x S x M, F x S x M and L x F x S x M were found
non-significant.

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4.5.6 Shelf life (days)
The data related to shelf life (days) of fruit cv. Red Lady as
affected by various field treatments are presented in Table- 4.20 and
graphically sketched in Figure 4.20.
4.5.6.1 Effect of fertigation on shelf life (days) of fruit
Shelf life was significantly recorded the highest in harvested
fruits of papaya plants receiving N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1) as 7.25 and
7.20 days; 7.24 and 7.22 days and 7.20 and 7.22 days on 280, 300 and 320 at
Gandevi and Navsari centres, respectively and remained at par with N and
K2O 80 % RDF (F2) treatment.
The pooled data (Table 4.20) indicated that the maximum shelf
life (day) of harvested fruits was recorded higher in N and K2O 100 % RDF
(F1) treatment as 7.24 days, 7.23 days and 7.21 days at 280, 300 and 320
days after transplanting, respectively, which remained statistically at par
with N and K2O 80 % RDF (F2).
4.5.6.2 Effect of split application on shelf life (days) of fruit
There was significant effect of split application on the shelf life
(day) of papaya fruit cv. Red Lady at both the locations. Shelf life of papaya
fruit was significantly the highest recording 6.95 days, 6.95 days and 6.92
days at 280, 300 and 320 days after transplanting, respectively in harvested
fruits that received 18 splits fertigation (S2) at Gandevi location. Similar
results obtained in the same treatment as 6.91 days, 6.92 days and 6.93 days,
on 280, 300 and 360 days harvested fruits, respectively at Navsari center.
From the same Table, the pooled mean also showed the
significant fruit shelf life on 280 (6.93 days), 300 (6.94 days) and 320 (6.92
days) harvested fruits after transplanting in 18 splits application treatment.

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Table-4.20: Effect of fertigation and mulching on shelf life (Days) of papaya cv. Red Lady

Treatments Shelf life (Days)

280 DAP 300 DAP 320 DAP
Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled
Fertilizer levels
F1 7.25 7.20 7.23 7.24 7.22 7.23 7.20 7.22 7.21
F2 6.90 6.96 6.97 6.98 6.96 6.97 6.95 6.96 6.95
F3 5.62 5.57 5.60 5.61 5.60 5.61 5.60 5.62 5.61
S. Em.± 0.18 0.16 0.11 0.18 0.18 0.13 0.18 0.18 0.12
C. D. at 5 % 0.54 0.47 0.34 0.54 0.53 0.36 0.53 0.52 0.35
Split levels
S1 6.29 6.24 6.26 6.27 6.26 6.27 6.25 6.27 6.26
S2 6.95 6.91 6.93 6.95 6.92 6.94 6.92 6.93 6.92
S. Em.± 0.15 0.13 0.09 0.15 0.15 0.10 0.15 0.15 0.10
C. D. at 5 % 0.44 0.39 0.28 0.44 0.44 0.30 0.44 0.43 0.29
Mulch levels
Mo 6.40 6.37 6.38 6.39 6.38 6.37 6.36 6.38 6.37
M1 6.84 6.79 6.82 6.83 6.82 6.82 6.81 6.81 6.81
S. Em.± 0.15 0.13 0.09 0.15 0.14 0.10 0.15 0.15 0.10
C. D. at 5 % 0.44 0.39 0.28 0.44 0.44 0.30 0.44 0.43 0.29
C. V.% 9.64 8.51 9.10 9.58 9.58 9.58 9.56 9.38 9.47
Interactions
The interactions were found non -significant.

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4.5.6.3 Effect of mulch on shelf life (days) of fruit
Fruit shelf life was significantly the highest recording the
values as 6.84 days, 6.83 days and 6.81 days, on 280, 300 and 320 days,
respectively in harvested fruit received mulch treatment (M1), at Gandevi
centre. Similarly fruit shelf life of 6.79 days, 6.82 days and 6.81 days in
harvested fruits at 280, 300 and 320 days after transplanting was
significantly recorded the highest at Navsari centre.
With respects to the pooled mean, the shelf life of papaya fruit
was significantly recorded by 18 splits application on 280 (6.82 days), 300
(6.82 days) and 320 (6.81 days) days after transplanting.
4.5.6.4 Interaction effect on shelf life (days) of fruit
The present study revealed that the interactions were found
non-significant during the period of experimentation.
4.6 Physico-chemical properties of soil and leaf nutrient status
The parameters like physico-chemical properties of soil before
planting and N, P and K nutrients content in papaya leaf at 180 and 300 days
after transplanting were recorded and are presented in this section.
4.6.1 Physico-chemical properties of soil
The data related to physico chemical properties of soil before
planting are presented in Table- 3.1 and Table- 3.2.
4.6.2 NPK nutrients content (%) in papaya leaf at 180 and 300
days after transplanting
The data related to NPK nutrients content in papaya leaf at 180
and 300 days after transplanting as influenced by various treatments are
presented in Table- 4.21 and 4.22 and graphically sketched in Figure 4.21
and Figure 4.22, respectively.

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Table-4.21: Effect of fertigation and mulching on N, P and K contents (%) in leaf of
papaya cv. Red Lady

Treatments N content in leaf (%) P content in leaf (%) K content in leaf (%)
180 DAP
Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled
Fertilizer levels
F1 1.62 1.60 1.61 0.41 0.41 0.41 2.63 2.63 2.63
F2 1.56 1.56 1.56 0.40 0.40 0.40 2.56 2.54 2.55
F3 1.31 1.26 1.29 0.40 0.40 0.40 2.30 2.30 2.30
S. Em.± 0.05 0.05 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.006 0.51 0.05 0.04
C. D. at 5 % 0.15 0.13 9.53 NS NS NS 0.15 0.15 0.10
Split levels
S1 1.40 1.55 1.48 0.40 0.40 0.40 2.43 2.42 2.43
S2 1.44 1.56 1.50 0.41 0.41 0.41 2.56 2.55 2.56
S. Em.± 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.005 0.04 0.04 0.03
C. D. at 5 % 0.12 0.10 7.87 NS NS NS 0.12 0.12 0.08
Mulch levels
Mo 1.46 1.44 1.45 0.40 0.40 0.40 2.45 2.54 2.50
M1 1.53 1.51 1.52 0.41 0.41 0.41 2.45 2.54 2.50
S. Em.± 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.005 0.04 0.04 0.03
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS 0.34
C. V.% 11.71 10.73 11.24 7.92 7.57 7.75 7.08 7.21 7.15
Interactions
The interactions were found non-significant.

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Table-4.22: Effect of fertigation and mulching on N, P and K contents (%) in leaf of
papaya cv. Red Lady

Treatments N content in leaf (%) P content in leaf (%) K content in leaf (%)
300 DAP
Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled Gandevi Navsari Pooled
Fertilizer levels
F1 1.58 1.57 1.57 0.41 0.40 0.41 2.62 2.60 2.61
F2 1.52 1.50 1.51 0.40 0.39 0.40 2.54 2.50 2.52
F3 1.29 1.29 1.29 0.40 0.39 0.40 2.29 2.33 2.31
S. Em.± 0.05 0.05 0.04 0.008 0.008 0.006 0.05 0.05 0.04
C. D. at 5 % 0.15 0.14 0.10 NS NS NS 0.16 0.17 0.11
Split levels
S1 1.41 1.40 1.40 0.40 0.39 0.40 2.42 2.40 2.41
S2 1.53 1.52 1.52 0.41 0.41 0.41 2.55 2.56 2.56
S. Em.± 0.04 0.041 0.03 0.006 0.007 0.007 0.04 0.05 0.03
C. D. at 5 % 0.12 0.12 0.84 NS NS NS 0.13 0.14 0.10
Mulch levels
Mo 1.44 1.43 1.43 0.40 0.39 0.40 2.44 2.45 2.45
M1 1.49 1.48 1.48 0.41 0.40 0.41 2.53 2.51 2.52
S. Em.± 0.04 0.12 0.03 0.006 0.007 0.007 0.04 0.05 0.03
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
C. V.% 12.26 12.10 12.18 7.23 7.56 7.39 7.46 7.87 7.67
Interactions
The interactions were found non -significant.

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4.6.2.1 Effect of fertigation on NPK nutrients content (%) in
papaya leaf at 180 and 300 days after transplanting
N nutrient content in leaf was recorded significantly the highest
in plant received N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1) in collected leaf samples on
180 (1.62 % and 1.60%) and 300 (1.58 % and 1.57 %) days after
transplanting at Gandevi and Navsari centres, respectively. Likewise, K
nutrient content in leaf was recorded significantly the highest in same
treatment on 180 (2.64 % and 2.63 %) and 300 (2.62 and 2.60 %) days after
transplanting in collected leaf samples at Gandevi and Navsari centers,
respectively.
With similar trends in pooled data, the maximum NK nutrients
content in leaf was recorded on 180 (1.61 % and 2.63 %) and 300 (1.57 %
and 2.61) days after transplanting in F1 (N and K2O 100 % RDF). However
all the treatments stood at par with N and K2O 80 % RDF (F2) treatment.
4.6.2.2 Effect of split application on NPK nutrients content (%) in
papaya leaf at 180 and 300 days after transplanting
There was significant effect of split application on NK nutrients
status in leaf of papaya cv. Red Lady at 180 and 300 days in collected
samples, after transplanting at both the locations.
N nutrient content in leaf was significantly highest and
recorded as 1.44 % and 1.56 % at 180 days after transplanting from the
collected samples of leaves which received 18 split application (S2) of
fertilizers at Gandevi and Navsari locations, respectively. At Gandevi and
Navsari centres, N nutrient content in leaf was recorded significantly the
highest as 1.53 % and 1.52 % at 300 days after transplanting respectively
from collected samples with 18 splits application (S2) treatment. K nutrient
content from the collected leaf samples was recorded significantly the

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highest in 18 splits application (S2) as 2.56 %, 2.55 % and 2.55 %, 2.56 %,
on the 180 and 300 days at Gandevi and Navsari centers, respectively.
The pooled data revealed that the maximum N nutrient content
in leaf was recorded with 18 splits application (S2) on 180 (1.50 %) and 300
(1.52 %) days after transplanting, respectively. The maximum K nutrient
content in leaf was significantly recorded in 18 splits fertigation (S2), on 180
(2.56 %) and 300 (1.52 %) days in collected samples, respectively.
4.6.2.3 Effect of mulching on NPK nutrients content (%) in papaya
leaf after transplanting
The nutrient content in leaf was not affected significantly by
various treatments of mulching on papaya cv. Red Lady during the period of
experimentation.
4.6.2.4 Interaction effect on NPK nutrients content (%) in papaya
leaf at 180 and 300 days after transplanting
The present study revealed that the interactions were found non-
significant.
4.7 ECONOMICS
The economics was worked out for each treatment and showed
in Table 4.23. The maximum net realization in papaya fruit of cv. Red Lady
was recorded significantly the highest 2.52 lakh / ha, 2.27 lakh / ha and
2.39 lakh / ha at Gandevi centre and Navsari centre and in pooled also,
respectively in N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1) received treatment, which were
at par with treatment F2 (N and K2O 80 % RDF) for both the centres.
Similarly, maximum net realization of 1.54 lakh / ha, 1.34 lakh / ha and
1.44 lakh / ha was obtained in treatment 18 splits application (S 2) at
Gandevi centre and Navsari centre and in pooled data, respectively..

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Table-4.23: Effect of fertigation and mulchin g on net
realization ( . Lakh) on treatments of papaya cv. Red Lady
Treatments Net Realization ( . Lakh)
Locations
Gandevi Navsari Pooled
Fertilizer levels
F1 2.52 2.27 2.39
F2 2.33 2.02 2.17
F3 0.86 0.75 0.80
S. Em.± 0.13 0.09 0.09
C. D. at 5 % 0.38 0.26 0.28
Split levels
S1 1.54 1.34 1.44
S2 2.27 2.02 2.14
S. Em.± 0.10 0.07 0.07
C. D. at 5 % 0.32 0.22 0.23
Mulch levels
Mo 1.80 1.62 1.70
M1 2.00 1.74 1.87
S. Em.± 0.10 0.07 0.07
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS
Interactions
The interactions were found non-significant.
Prize list- Urea -12.08 /kg, Single super phosphate-18.75 /kg, Muriate
of potash- 10.51 /kg, Black polythene mulch-130 /kg, Single seedling
prize-9 , 1 kg fruit selling prize- 5 , Labour charge/day-120

The data in Table 4.24 showed that higher BCR 1:2.09, 1:1.88
and 1:1.98 was recorded in N and K2O 100 % RDF (F1) treatment at
Gandevi and Navsari centres as well as in pooled study, respectively, which
stood at par with N and K2O 80 % RDF (F2) treatment.
At Gandevi and Navsari centres as well as in pooled data, the
maximum BCR 1:1.81, 1:1.61 and 1:1.71 respectively, was recorded in 18
splits application (S2) of fertigation.

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Table-4.24: Effect of fertigation and mulching on benefit cost
ratio of treatment of papaya cv. Red Lady

Treatments Benefit Cost Ratio

Locations
Gandevi Navsari Pooled
Fertilizer levels
F1 2.09 1.88 1.98
F2 1.99 1.72 1.86
F3 0.76 0.67 0.71
S. Em.± 0.11 0.07 0.08
C. D. at 5 % 0.32 0.22 0.24
Split levels
S1 1.42 1.24 1.33
S2 1.81 1.61 1.71
S. Em.± 0.09 0.06 0.06
C. D. at 5 % 0.26 0.18 0.19
Mulch levels
Mo 1.52 1.37 1.44
M1 1.70 1.47 1.59
S. Em.± 0.06 0.06 0.06
C. D. at 5 % NS NS NS
Interactions
The interactions were found non -significant.
Prize list- Urea -12.08 /kg, Single super phosphate-18.75 /kg, Muriate
of potash- 10.51 /kg, Black polythene mulch-130 /kg, Single seedling
prize-9 , 1 kg fruit selling prize- 5 , Labour charge/day-120

The net realization and BCR was non-significant in mulch

treatment at Gandevi and Navsari centres as well as in pooled
experimentation also.

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DISCUSSION

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 V. DISCUSSION

The present study on “Effect of fertigation and mulching on

growth, yield and quality of papaya (Carica papaya L.) cv. Red Lady” was
carried out during the year 2012-2013. The effects of various treatments and
their different concentrations with interactions were recorded and the results
obtained are discussed in this chapter to assign the reasons for the changes
affected in physiological, growth attributes, yield and quality parameters as
well as nutrients content in leaves due to imposition of different treatments
and to substantiate these with the findings of earlier workers from the
literature in order to understand the effect of relationship.
5.1 EFFECT ON GROWTH PARAMETERS
In the present investigation, the response of different levels of
fertigation, splits and mulching application after papaya transplanting with
respect to growth characters viz., plant height (cm), stem girth (cm), number
of leaves, petiole length of leaf (cm), total leaf area (m2) and first initiation
of flowering (days) by individual or in combination at higher and lower
concentrations are discussed below.
It was revealed that, there was significant result on the highest
effect of different treatments on number of leaves and leaf area of papaya
cv. Red Lady. The maximum plant height (Table 4.1), stem girth (Table
4.2), number of leaves (Table 4.3), length of petiole (Table 4.4) and total
leaf area (Table 4.5) were recorded under N and K2O @ 100 % RDF (F1)
treatment and increased gradually with the period of growth i.e., at 180, 270
and 360 days after transplanting and remained statistically at par with N and
K2O @ 80 % RDF (F2). This might be due to the results pertaining to above
growth attributes like plant height, plant girth, number of leaves, length of
petiole and leaf area and improved photosynthetic activity of plants as
influenced by different levels of fertigation and splits application..
Similar findings were reported by Irulappan et al. (1984),
Sulladmath et al, (1984), Perez-Lopez and Reyes (1984), Nakayama and
Bucks (1986), Mahalakshmi et al. (2001), Chandrakumar et al. (2001),
Singh et al. (2004), Agrawal et al. (2010), Dikshit et al. (2010), Jeyakumar
et al. (2010) and Anon. (2011b). in the crops like coconut and sapota
(Gnanamurthy and Manickasundram, 2001) and in mandarin (Shirgure et
al., 2001) also supported by present findings. Crop duration was reduced by
fertigation and early flowering in banana (Mahalakshmi et al., 2001).
In present study, nitrogen and potassium were applied in 18
and 14 splits through fertigation. Thus, regular and continues availability of
nutrients for longer period helped to synthesis and deposition of photo-
assimilates. This might have led to induce better growth, fruit bud
differentiation (FBD) and induced precocious flowering as well as increased
flower production with significant level. The adequate availability of
nutrient to papaya plants might have helped better flower bud
differentiation, increased flower production in papaya (Agrawal et al., 2010;
Jeyakumar et al., 2010; Yadav et al., 2011) which supported the findings of
present study. It was also observed in other fruit crops like phalsa (Singh
and Sharma, 1961) and guava (Dikshit et al., 2010). Nitrogen plays an
important role as a catalytic agent in various physiological processes,
accelerate the cell division and photo assimilation which in turn boost the
plant growth like number of leaves, leaf area per plant (Hilo et al., 1970;
Umate et al., 1984; Nehra et al.,1988; Biswas et al., 1989; Sheo-Govind et
al., 1990; Pandey, 1992; Singh and Neoplay, 1993 and Jeyakumar et al.,

136 | P a g e
2010) and improved plant structure (Pandey, 1992). These findings are in
conformity with the results of present experiment.
Split application of nutrients through fertigation has proved
successful practice in better physiological efficiency of the plants (Syvertsen
and Smith, 1996; Gnanamurthy and Manickasundram, 2001; Agrawal et al.,
2010 and Jeyakumar et al., 2001).
In present study, frequent application of nitrogen and
potassium resulted into better uptake and translocation. Both the nutrients at
100 % and 80 % of recommended dose applied at 18 and 14 splits through
fertigation exerted the similar significant effects on growth parameters at
both the centres of Gandevi and Navsari as well as in pooled also. The
adequate supply of nutrients especially nitrogen and potassium in the
present experiment produced significant influence on growth characters.
The results of present study is supported by Irulappan et al. (1984),
Sulladmath et al. (1984), Srinivas (1997), Lal (1998), Gosh (2000),
Jeyakumar et al. (2001) and Ravichandrane et al. (2002).
The marked effect of nitrogen on vegetative growth may be due
to fact that absorbed nitrogen combined with carbohydrates in leaves to the
formation of amino acids, proteins and amides (Ismail et al., 1963; Kumar et
al., 1995; Lal and Jat, 2000). Potassium is a highly versatile and mobile
nutrient in plants (Jeyakumar et al., 2010; Bhalerao and Patel, 2012).
Potassium helps in better uptake of nitrogen. Potassium and nitrogen are
both taken up and required relatively in high amounts and potassium
remains mostly in ionic form, whereas nitrogen in nitrate or ammonium
form is assimilated and metabolized into proteins and other N containing
compounds.

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5.2 EFFECT ON PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS
Leaf temperature (0C) (Table 4.7), total chlorophyll content
(mg/ 100 g tissue) (Table 4.8) and photosynthetic rate (Pn) (µmol m-2s-1)
(Table 4.9) are considered to be an important factor to judge the
physiological process via-ã-vis vigour in papaya crop. Papaya plants when
received N and K2O @ 100 % RDF (F1) and through 18 splits (S2) exerted
the significant effect on higher physiological processes viz., photosynthetic
rate and total chlorophyll contents in the present study carried out at both
the centres and pooled too. However, N and K2O applied at 80 % RDF (F2)
exhibited similar results. In plants, nitrogen plays a vital role to increase
chlorophyll content leading to higher photosynthetic activities. This process
boosts the rapid cell division and growth of the plants. Thus, the treatments
of present study significantly increased the physiological parameters and
resulted into higher production of photosynthates, translocation of water,
nutrient and photosynthates resulting into rapid cell division (Tank et al.,
2011).
On the other hand, leaf temperature was not affected by any
single or combined treatments in papaya cv. Red Lady, which might be due
to the fluctuation in weather during experimentation. Plant photosynthesis
appears complex concentration profiles as affected by many factors. These
findings were of Bhalerao and Patel (2012) in papaya; Patil and Patil (2001)
and Patra et al. (2003) in guava confirmed present findings.
In the present investigation, increased rate of photosynthesis is
associated with maximum leaf temperature. The present observations are in
conformity with the results reported by Jeyakumar et al. (2001) and
Agrawal et al. (2010) in papaya, Agrawal et al. (1997) in banana and
Ghumare (2009) in sapota.

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5.3 EFFECT ON YIELD AND YIELD ATTRIBUTES
The results of present study envisaged that effect of fertigation
and mulching on yield of papaya (Carica papaya L.) cv. “Red Lady” gave
significant increase in the yield.
The yield and yield attributes like number of fruits per plant
(Table 4.10), average fruit weight (Table 4.11), fruit diameter (Table 4.12)
and fruit yield per plant (Table 4.13) as well as fruit yield/ hectare (Table
4.14) considered to be an important factor in papaya crop. Number of fruits
per plant, average fruit weight, fruit diameter and fruit yield per plant were
significantly recorded the highest in the plants under treatment N and K2O
@ 100 % RDF (F1) through drip application, however N and K2O @ 80 %
RDF (F2) treatment exerted the similar effects. Size of fruits and yield of
plant is the cumulative effect of various attributes as affected by macro
nutrients through higher rate of cell division and enlargement,
photosynthesis and increase in enzymatic activities. The adequate
availability of nutrient might have helped for better flower bud
differentiation, primordial development and ultimately increased flower
production in papaya. The results of Veerannah and Selvaraj (1984), Kumar
et al. (2006) and Yadav et al., 2011) in papaya yield are in agreement with
the present experiment. The results are in agreement with Shirgure et al.
(2001) in sweet orange, Sen (1985) in pineapple, Singh and Sharma, 1961;
Yadav (1999) and Oliveira et al. (2004) in phalsa.
The lack of metabolism of nitrate to protein, leads to increased
nitrate levels in the plant, which may induce undesirable effects such as
increased disease incidenceand lower quality of produce. The marked effect
of nitrogen on fruit size (cm) and fruiting may be due to fact that absorbed

139 | P a g e
nitrogen combined with carbohydrates in leaves to the formation of amino
acids, proteins and amides (Tiwari et al., 1968 and Agrawal et al., 2010).
Drip fertigation with water soluble fertilizer registered higher
fruit yield over drip and furrow irrigation methods even with same level and
method of normal fertilizer application (Almeida et al., 2003). The results
are in agreement with Jeyakumar et al. (2001) in papaya, Shirgure et al.
(2001) in Nagpur mandarin, Chandrakumar et al. (2001), Mahalaxmi
(2000), Mahalakshmi et al. (2001), Reddy et al. (2002) and Pandey et al.
(2005) in banana and Colapietra (1987) and Gnanamurthy and
Manickasundram, (2001) in oil palm. Fertigation has proved successful tool
in a wide range of horticultural crop particularly in fruit crops like
strawberry (Locascio et al., 1977) and banana (Melo et al., 2010).
The nitrogen fertigation increased the yield of various fruit
crops like Valencia orange (Koo and Smjstrala, 1984), Acid lime (Shirgure
et al., 2001), Naval orange and Sunburst mandarin (Anon., 1990). Slow and
frequent watering eliminated wide fluctuation of soil moisture under drip
irrigation, which resulted in better growth and yield. Likewise the
advantageous effect of drip irrigation has been proved by many workers viz.,
Pathak et al. (2002), Nath and Pathak (2006) as well as Sen and Deshmukh
(2000) in guava and aonla.
5.4 EFFECT ON QUALITATIVE PARAMETERS
The results of present study envisaged that effect of fertigation
and mulching on quality of papaya gave a significant improvement in
quality over control.
The quality parameters TSS, total sugar (Table 4.16), reducing
sugar (Table 4.17), ascorbic acid (Table 4.18), titrable acidity (Table 4.19)

140 | P a g e
and fruit shelf-life (Table 4.20) considered to be important factors in
judging fruit quality and it‟s attributes in papaya crop cv. Red Lady.
In the present investigation, an application of N and K2O @
100 % RDF (F1) significantly increased total soluble solid, reducing sugar
and shelf life, however, they were at par with N and K2O @ 80 % RDF (F2)
at both the centres and in pooled study. Similarly, in S2 treatment, ascorbic
acid significantly recorded at both the centres and in pooled too. The
encouraging results of fertigation through splits has been supported by
Jeyakumar et al. (2001, 2010), Arumugam et al. (2002) and Kumar et al.
(2010) in papaya.
Total sugar content of the fruit showed positive correlation
with fruit weight (Singh et al. 2004, Agrawal et al., 2010). The increasing
sugar content of fruits might have been due to the process of photosynthesis,
which ultimately led to the accumulation of large amount of carbohydrates
and increased the sugar content of fruits (Singh et al., 1990, Singh et al.,
2004).
The fruit qualities in other crops have been reported by Srinivas
(1997) and Mahalakshmi et al. (2001), Natesh et al. (1993), Mahalakshmi
(2000), Nalina (2002) and Borah et al. (2001) under 100 % fertigation with
splits fertigation and supported the present findings in papaya crop.
In the present experiment conducted at both the centres with
split fertigation of nitrogen vis-ã- vis potassium exerted the significant
effect on various parameters. Potassium is well known for its quality
improving phenomena. Fruit quality of papaya was significantly improved,
when potassium was applied through fertigation in 18 and 14 splits and
proved similar effects. Potash fertilizers are used to improve major quality
parameters of papaya fruits such as the sweetness of papaya (TSS), yield

141 | P a g e
and its quality by Kumar et al. (2006), Kumar et al. (2010) and Sadarunnisa
et al. (2010). Similar results were obtained increased TSS with increasing
levels of fertilizer (Oliveira et al., 2004).
The plant treated with 100 % N and K through in splits of
fertigation; an increase in titrable acidity was significantly recorded at both
the centres and in pooled study. It may be due to the fact that N stimulates
partitioning of a number of enzymes in physiological processes, which
might have led to an increased ascorbic acid content of fruits (Singh et al.,
1990).
5.5 EFFECT ON NUTRIENT STATUS OF PAPAYA LEAF
The findings of present study envisaged that effect of
fertigation and mulching on nutrient status of papaya leaf (%) (Carica
papaya L.) cv. Red Lady had significant impact.
Papaya leaves collected as per methodology given by
Chapman (1964) were used for analysis of nutrient status in present
study. Leaf analysis was done two times i.e., at 180 and 300 days after
transplanting. There was a significant effect of fertigation on N and K
nutrients content in papaya cv. Red Lady on 180 and 300 days after
transplanting at both the centres. With regards to the pooled mean, the
maximum N and K nutrient contents were noted in 100 % RDF (N and
K2O) (F1) treatment at 180 and 300 days at Gandevi and Navsari centres,
however, application of N and K2O @ 80 % RDF (F2) also exerted the
similar results and stood at par with F1 treatment.. It has been reported that
the nutritional demand of papaya differs from other fruit crops because of its
tremendous yield potential, precocious bearing and indeterminate growth
habit with simultaneous vegetative growth, flowering and fruiting
(Veerannah and Selvaraj, 1984 and Satya et al., 2008).

142 | P a g e
 The macro nutrients which are required more in quantity but
essential for various physiological activities. It may be attributed to the fact
that macro nutrients might have enhanced the physiological processes in
papaya leaves in present study which in turn have led to rapid absorption
and utilization of nutrients for primary metabolic processes.
Potassium is involved in all major physiological processes
including photo-assimilation and transport of assimilates and the conversion
of these assimilates into storage products such as sugar, starch, protein and
oil/fats (Oliveira et al., 2004, Epstein and Bloom, 2005).
5.6 ECONOMICS OF TREATMENTS
Economics is the major consideration for farmers while taking
a decision regarding the adoption of new technology, hence the net income
and benefit cost ratio (BCR) were computed for different treatments.
In the present experiment, the economic yield with highest net
return ( 2.39 Lakh) (Table 4.23) and benefit cost ratio (1:1.98) (Table
4.24) in papaya cv. Red Lady was recorded in the fertilizer levels N and
K2O @ 100 % RDF (F1).

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 SUMMARY
AND
CONCLUSION

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 VI. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

The present study on “Effect of fertigation and mulching on

growth, yield and quality of papaya cv. Red Lady” was carried out during
the year 2012-13 at Regional Horticulture Research Station, ASPEE College
of Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari- 396 450 and Fruit Research Station,
Navsari Agriculture University, Gandevi- 396 460. The experiment was laid
out in Randomized Block Design (with factorial concept) with 12 treatment
combinations and 3 replications. The results presented and discussed in
preceding chapters are summarized with the salient findings of the present
study.
 During the period of experimentation, growth parameters viz., plant
height (cm), stem diameter (cm), number of leaves, length of petiole
(cm) and total leaf area (m2) were significantly the maximum on 180,
270 and 360 days after transplanting, respectively in papaya plants
treated with N and K2O @ 100 % RDF (F1) and subjected to
application of 18 splits (S2) at 15 days intervals after fifteen days of
transplanting the seedlings at both the centres and in pooled analysis
also. Phosphorus was applied in two equal splits at 45 and 90 days
after transplanting.
 Precocity in flowering was induced in papaya cv. Red Lady when
subjected to N and K2O @ 100 % RDF (F1) during 2012 at both the
centres and in pooled analysis.
 The physiological parameters like photosynthetic rate (µmol m-2 s-1)
and chlorophyll content in leaf (mg/100 g leaf tissue) were maximum
under the treatment N and K2O @ 100 % RDF (F1) on 180, 270 and
360 days after transplanting of seedlings. Leaf temperature was found

145 | P a g e
 non-significant with respect to different treatments in papaya during
both the year and in pooled analysis of study, while maximum leaf
temperature was recorded with the same treatment i.e. N and K2O @
100 % RDF (F1).
 There was a significant difference in number of fruits per tree with
respect to different treatments. Higher number of fruits per tree was
noted under fertilizer level with N and K2O @ 100 % RDF (F1)
during the period of experimentation at both the centres and in pooled
analysis. A similar trend was also observed in average fruit weight
(kg), fruit diameter (cm), fruit yield (kg/plant) and yield (t/ha).
 Various treatments of fertigation and mulching did not influence the
ascorbic acid during in individual year and in pooled analysis.
However, higher value of total soluble solids (%), total sugar (%) and
shelf life of fruit (days) was recorded under the treatment N and K2O
@ 100 % RDF (F1) in papaya fruit cv. “Red Lady”.
 Nutrient status in papaya leaf was found effective at the age 180 and
300 days due to N and K2O @ 100 % RDF (F1) applied with 18 splits
as well as 15 days after transplanting during 2012-13 and in pooled
study, respectively.
 The highest BCR (1:1.98) was obtained with factor level of N and
K2O @ 100 % RDF (F1) having net returns of 2.39 Lakh.
CONCLUSION
The results of present study at two centres inferred that the
application of N and K2O @ 100 % RDF (F1) influenced significantly on
the plant growth characters, physiological and yield and quality attributes of
papaya. Moreover, the application of N and K2O @ 100 % RDF (F1) showed
the precocity in flowering of papaya cv. Red Lady. In case of nutrient status

146 | P a g e
of papaya leaf, it was mostly influenced by 18 splits (S2) application of N
and K2O @ 100 % RDF (F1) at 15 days interval application after
transplanting the seedlings.
Based on the study at two locations and looking to the trends
depicted by physiological characters, growth, yield, quality, leaf nutrient
status and economical aspects observed in present study, it is concluded that
for getting higher yield and better quality fruits of papaya and the higher
benefit cost ratio, fertigation with N and K2O @ 100 % RDF and 18 splits at
15 days intervals after transplanting of papaya cv. Red Lady should be
adopted.

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* Origin not seen.

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APPENDICES

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 Appendix-I: Month-wise meteorological data during the experimental period (April-2012-April 2013) for FRS,
Gandevi farm.
Average Relative humidity Rainfall Sun Shine Evapotranspirati
Month Temperature (%) (mm) Hours on
0
( C) (mm/day)
Max. Min. Mornin Evening
g
April-2012 36.4 21.3 80.2 45.3 0.0 8.7 6.3
May-2012 34.5 25.0 81.6 60.6 0.0 8.8 6.8
June- 2012 30.0 23.4 77.4 61.3 100.2 0.0 5.1
July-2012 30.4 25.2 93.4 83.7 389.7 0.2 2.7
August-2012 30.0 24.8 92.8 81.6 132.3 1.6 3.1
Sept-2012 28.0 25.9 95.5 78.8 388.0 2.2 2.8
Oct-2012 35.1 20.4 88.6 51.4 0.0 7.0 3.9
Nov-2012 33.6 13.3 87.4 38.7 0.0 4.5 3.6
Dec-2012 32.3 13.3 86.0 38.5 0.0 1.8 3.2
Jan-2013 30.7 9.5 87.6 35.8 0.0 6.0 4.3
Feb-2013 24.0 9.8 65.5 26.2 0.0 5.8 3.1
March-2013 35.8 15.3 83.4 30.1 0.0 7.7 6.1
April-2013 35.6 22.7 84.5 42.2 0.0 8.9 6.5
Source: Agricultural Meteorological Observatory, Agricultural Experimental Station, Navsari Agricultural
University
Appendix-II: Month-wise meteorological data during the experimental period (April 2012 – April 2013) For
RHRS, Navsari farm.
Average Relative humidity Rainfall Sun Evapotranspirat
Month Temperature (%) (mm) Shine ion
0
( C) Hours (mm/day)
Max. Min. Morning Evening
April-2012
35.8 23.0 85.0 41.6 0.0 9.1 6.8
May-2012
33.9 26.2 80.4 56.9 6.0 9.8 6.6
June- 2012 33.3 27.2 84.4 68.1 155.0 7.8 5.6
July-2012 30.7 26.3 92.1 83.2 271.0 2.2 3.6
August-2012 30.0 25.6 92.4 82.5 200.0 2.5 3.5
Sept-2012
30.2 24.5 93.0 76.0 618.0 4.1 2.6
Oct-2012 34.9 22.1 80.0 46.6 12.0 7.6 4.2
Nov-2012 33.2 16.2 72.8 31.5 0.0 8.6 4.5
Dec-2012
31.8 16.4 71.9 33.6 0.0 7.7 4.3
Jan-2013 29.7 12.3 81.6 40.5 0.0 8.0 4.4
Feb-2013 30.7 15.5 71.5 28.6 0.0 7.6 4.3
March-2013
35.2 18.6 72.9 29.8 0.0 8.4 6.0
April-2013 35.7 23.4 84.5 40.2 0.0 9.1 6.7
Source: Agricultural Meteorological Observatory, Agricultural Experimental Station, Navsari Agricultural
University.

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 ASPEE COLLEGE OF HORTICULTURE AND FORESTRY
NAVSARI AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
NAVSARI 396 450
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bibliographical Details

Sr.
Content Details
No.
1. Name Mr. Jadhav Parag Babaji
2. Registration No. 04-0845-2010
Effect of fertigation and mulching on
3. Title of thesis growth, yield and quality of papaya
(Carica papaya L.) cv. “Red Lady”
Dr. B. V. Padhiar,
Professor and Head,
Department of Fruit Science and PSMA,
4. Major Advisor
ASPEE College of Horticulture and
Forestry,
N.A.U., Navsari – 396 450
5. Year July-2013
6. Degree awarded Ph. D.
7. Major Subject Fruit Science
8. Supporting Subject Post Harvest Technology
9. Total no. of pages in thesis 165
Total no. of words in
10. 469
abstract
11. Total no. of tables 28
12. Total no. of figures/Graphs 25
13. Total no. of plates 3

Forwarding authority Signature of student

(Dr. B. V. Padhiar) (P. B. Jadhav)

Professor and Head
Dept. of Fruit Science and PSMA
ACHF., N.A.U., Navsari-396 450 C
 DECLERATION CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that I have no

objection to supply one copy of any part of

this thesis at a time to any scientist through

reprographic process for rendering reference

services in a library or documentation centre.

Place: Navsari

Date: 17/07/2013 (JADHAV PARAG BABAJI)

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