Effects of Foliar Application of “Sakkaraa” Brewing on the Growth, Flowering and Fruit Setting of Ridge gourd (Lufffa acutangula) Plants under Greenhouse Condition

Shyamalee Kohombange; Rajapaksha, R.G.A.S; Nandun Rathnasekara

Authors

Shyamalee Kohombange Horticultural Crop Research and Development Institute, Gannoruwa, Sri Lanka
Rajapaksha, R.G.A.S Horticultural Crop Research and Development Institute, Gannoruwa, Sri Lanka
Nandun Rathnasekara Epsilon Crest Research, 6/6, 67, Ward Place, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka

Keywords:

Ridge gourd, Sakkaraa brewing, Flowering, Fruit setting

Abstract

Ridge gourd (Lufffa acutangula) is an important vegetable crop of several countries in the tropics. “Sakkaraa”, Sri Lankan name for jiggery (solidified sugary product) made by sugar cane stem extract. Sakkaraa brewing is an intricate process encompassing mixing and further elaboration of essential raw materials, including sugar, water and yeast. Foliar Sakkaraa brewing (yeast extract, 0.5% ethanol and 3% methanol) sprays resulted in significant growth stimulation in plants. The objectives of the present study were to examine the effects of Sakkaraa brewing on growth and flowering and fruit setting of ridge gourd plants. The study was conducted at greenhouse located in Horticultural crop Research and Development Institute, Gannoruwa (WU1). The experiment was laid out in a Complete Randomize Design (CRD) with three treatments randomized in twelve replicates. The treatments were T₁–40% Sakkaraa brewing, T₂–30% Sakkaraa brewing and T₃–Control (without Sakkaraa brewing). Plants were established in pots and standard crop management practices were done throughout the study. Sakkaraa brewing was sprayed to the seedlings 15 days after sowing. Measurements were taken on growing, flowering and Fruit setting stages.The highest values of plant growth parameters and reproductive parameters were observed in Sakkaraa brewing applied treatment. On the other hand the lowest values were recorded from control of the experiment. Specially, advanced flowering and fruit setting were recorded from T1, i.e. 40% Sakkaraa brewing applied treatments. So, Sakkaraa brewing applied plants showed superior results in contrast to control with enhancing flowering as well as fruit setting performances.

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