Identification of non bolting genotypes and planting time in Amaranthus (Amaranthus tricolor L.)

Abstract

The present investigation on “Identification of non- bolting genotypes and planting time in amaranthus (Amaranthus tricolor L.)” was conducted at Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2013-14. The objectives were to find out non- bolting genotype(s) of amaranthus with increased yield and acceptable quality and to arrive at best planting time in amaranthus for maximum green yield. Six separate experiments were laid out in randomized block design with 3 replications. Eleven genotypes were planted at bimonthly intervals starting from 1st March 2013 to January 2014. Analysis of variances revealed significant difference among genotypes, planting dates and their interactions for all the characters studied. Among the genotypes, Amt 1 was the highest yielder (439.67 g/plant) followed by Amt 8 (320.88g/plant) and Amt 11 (313.05 g/plant). Maximum delay in fifty per cent flowering was in Amt 1 (113.28 days) followed by Amt 8 (72.44 days) and Amt 11 (62.89 days) whereas, earliest flowering was observed in Amt 2 (20.22 days). The lowest incidence of leaf blight was observed in Amt 11 (2.28) followed by Amt 4 (2.57) and leaf webber incidence was lowest for Amt 1 (1.04) followed by Amt 10 (1.05). Among the planting dates, March planting recorded highest yield and yield attributes. It resulted in highest yield per plant (346.77 g) followed by September planting (231.49 g). The tallest plants were observed in September planting (57.52 cm) and maximum branches per plant in January planting (11.37). Fifty per cent flowering was latest in March planting (58.49 days) whereas it was earliest in November flowering (41.91 days). Lowest intensity of leaf blight was observed in March planting whereas leaf webber incidence was lowest in September planting. The interaction effects between sowing dates and genotypes were significant for all the characters. Maximum yield per plant was in Amt 1 (784.56 g/plant) planted on March 1st followed by Amt 8 (588.83 g/plant) and Amt 11(493.98 g/plant) planted in the same month. Best leaf/stem ratio was observed in Amt 1 (2.61) in January 1st planting followed by Amt 3 (2.57) in March planting. Amt 1 in March planting (146.67 days) was latest in fifty per cent flowering followed by Amt 1 in July planting (139.67 days), whereas earliest days to flowering was in Amt 2 in July planting (17.33 days) followed by Amt 2 (18 days) in September planting. The genotypes did not differ significantly for quality characters. Variability among genotypes for all characters was studied using phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance. Correlation revealed high significant positive correlation to leaf length, leaf width, days to 50 per cent flowering, days to seed maturity, leaf weight, stem weight and leaf / stem ratio with yield per plant. The study identified Amt 1 as the best genotype followed by Amt 8 and Amt 11 with respect to superiority in yield and late bolting nature and March as the best planting time followed by September. Considering season and varieties, the performance was best for the genotype Amt 1 when planted during March.