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“STUDIES ON THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF MULCH ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF

POMEGRANATE (Punica granatum L.) cv. BHAGWA”

YOGARAJ S.

DEPARTMENT OF FRUIT SCIENCE

COLLEGE OF HORTICULTURE, BAGALKOT- 587 104 UNIVERSITY OF HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES,

BAGALKOT- 587 104

JULY, 2016

ii

STUDIES ON THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF MULCH ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF

POMEGRANATE (Punica granatum L.) cv. BHAGWA

Thesis submitted to the University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of

Master of Science (Horticulture) In

Fruit Science

By

YOGARAJ S. UHS14PGM474

DEPARTMENT OF FRUIT SCIENCE COLLEGE OF HORTICULTURE, BAGALKOT- 587 104

UNIVERSITY OF HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES, BAGALKOT- 587 104

JULY, 2016

iii

DEPARTMENT OF FRUIT SCIENCE COLLEGE OF HORTICULTURE, BAGALKOT – 587 104

UNIVERSITY OF HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES, BAGALKOT

Certificate

This is to certify that the thesis entitled “Studies on the influence of different types of

mulch on growth, yield and quality of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv.

Bhagwa.” submitted by Mr. YOGARAJ S, ID No. UHS14PGM474 in partial

fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE

(Horticulture) in FRUIT SCIENCE to the University of Horticultural Sciences,

Bagalkot, is a record of research work carried out by him during the period of his study

in this University under my guidance and supervision and the thesis has not previously

formed the basis for the award of any degree, diploma, associateship, fellowship or

other similar titles.

BAGALKOT JULY, 2016 (D. R. PATIL) Chairman

Approved by Chairman: ____________________________

(D. R. PATIL) Members: 1.___________________________

(S.N. PATIL)

2. ___________________________ (ASHOK ALUR)

3. ___________________________ (SADANANDA K MUSHRIF)

4. ___________________________ (I.B. BIRADAR)

iv

Acknowledgement

It is always a nostalgic feeling whenever one glance back to the day of hard work, tension and the need of the hour to excel. One would achieve whatever he is now, without all the help, encouragement and the wishes of near and dear part ones. Parents, Brothers, Sisters, teachers, friends and well-wishers are an integral task of this. I owe them a lot and it is always a difficult task expressing and putting into words the sense of gratitude I feel towards them

I convey my heartfelt and sincere thanks to Dr. D. R. Patil, Professor and ADRE, MHREC, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot and Chairman of my Advisory Committee for his supervision, valuable guidance, which helped me to carry out my research work and I am highly grateful to him for the kind help throughout the manuscript of this thesis.

I express my sincere gratitude to the HOD and members of my Advisory Committee Dr. Kulapati Hipparagi., Professor and Head, Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Bagalkot, Dr. S. N. Patil, Assistant Professor, College of Horticulture, Bagalkot, Dr. Ashok Alur, Professor and Special officer PPMC, COH, Bengaluru, Dr. Sadananda K Mushrif , Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Kolar, Dr. I.B. Biradar, Professor of Agronomy, College of Horticuluture, Arabhavi and their valuable guidance throughout my research period.

I avail myself of this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to all professors Dr. H.B Patil, Dean, College of Horticulture, Bagalkot, Dr. N. Basvaraj, Dean, PGs, UHS, Bagalkot, Dr. Sateesh Pattepur, Dr. Anand Nanjappanar, Dr. Manjunath, G. N., Dr. S. L. Jagadish, Dr. Suma R., Dr. Nagaraj, Dr. Mallikarjuna Awati, and Dr. Vijayamanthesh College of Horticulture, Bagalkot, for their constant suggestions, support and help during my research work.

I am thankful to Mrs. Girija Endigeri, Asst. Librarian, Mrs. Anjana and Mr. Veeresh, Iranna and Mallu DR office, UHS, Bagalkot for their support and help.

These acknowledgments would not be complete without thanking my family for their constant support and care. Today I feel that my parents hard work and dreams have been blossomed. I thank my father Sri. Siddappa S., my mother Smt. Vijayamma C. L. and my brothers Nutan S. R., Balaraj S and relatives for their boundless love, unflagging interest and constant encouragement put confidence in me to reach this level.

Very special thanks to Prasad, Dhanush, Panduranga, Kishore, Shreekanth, Mudasir, Vinod Kumar Narboli, Chethan, Devraj, and Jagadish for timely help and support, which helped me in the successful completion of my research work.

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Affectionate thanks to all my senior friends Specially Prakash, kumar, Sharath, Suresh, Balesh and Ravindra for their timely help, consistent encouragement and everlasting moral support which helped me in the successful completion of research and thesis work.

Affectionate thanks to all my UG and PG friends Iranna, Pavankumar, Ashwini, Suhasini, Shubhangini, Sandya, Nandita, Tulsigiri, Berappa, Pradeep, Yogish kumar, Nandeesh, Prasanna, Vinayak, Praveen, Shashank, Ramesh, Gangadhar, Theju kumar and Madivalappa for their timely help, consistent encouragement and everlasting moral support which helped me in the successful completion of research and thesis work.

I extend my sincere thanks to the Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, UHS, Bagalkot for giving me an opportunity to complete my higher education M. Sc. (Horticulture) in Fruit Science.

I am thankful to Mr. Arjun and Mr. Kalmesh of “Arjun Computers, Dharwad” for their co-operation during the preparation of this manuscript.

End is inevitable for any kind of work. Though acknowledging is an endless task, I end by saying infinite thanks to all those whom I am able to recall here and also to those whom I might have left unknowingly.

BAGALKOT JULY, 2016 (YOGARAJ S.)

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Affectionately Dedicated to

My family Whose support and encouragement

make all things seem possible

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CONTENTS Chapter

No. Chapter particulars Page No.

CERTIFICATE iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv

LIST OF TABLES ix

LIST OF FIGURES xi

LIST OF PLATES xii

LIST OF APPENDICES xiii

1. INTRODUCTION 1-3

2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE 4-24

2.1 Influence of different types of mulch on growth parameters 5

2.2 Influence of different types of mulch on yield parameters 10

2.3 Influence of different types of mulch on quality parameters 16

2.4 Influence of different types of mulch on weed population 20

2.5 Influence of different types of mulch on soil moisture 22

3. MATERIAL AND METHODS 25-39

3.1 Location of the experimental site 25

3.2 Soil and climate 25

3.3 Experimental design 25

3.4 Description of mulching 28

3.5 Salient features of the variety used for the study 31

3.6 Cultural practices 32

3.7 Observation recorded 33

3.8 Economics of the technology 39

3.9 Statistical analysis 39

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Chapter No.

Chapter particulars Page No.

4. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS 40-78

4.1 Influence of different types of mulch on growth parameters

40


4.3 Influence of different types of mulch on quality parameters

52

4.4 Influence of different types of mulch on Physiological loss in weight (PLW)

56

4.5 Influence of different types of mulch on weed parameters 58

4.6 Influence of different types of mulch on soil parameters 62


5. DISCUSSION 79-100


79



88

5.4 Influence of different types of mulch on Physiological loss in weight (PLW)

92

5.5 Influence of different types of mulch on weed parameters 93

5.6 Influence of different types of mulch on soil parameters 95


6. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 101-103

REFERENCES 104-112

APPENDICES 113-114

ix

LIST OF TABLES

Table No. Title Page

No.

1. Length of shoot at different stages of plant growth in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

41

2. Number of leaves per shoot at different stages of plant growth in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

43

3. Leaf area at different stages of plant growth in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

45

4. Chlorophyll content at different stages of plant growth in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

47

5a. Number of fruits per plant and fruit yield in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

5. 5b. Fruit yield attributing characters in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

49

6a. Total soluble solids, Acidity and Juice pH of pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

6. 6b. Reducing sugars, Non reducing sugars and Total sugars,Sugar/Acid ratio in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

51 53 55

7. Shelf life and Physiological loss in weight of pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

57

8. Weed population at different stages of growth in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

60

9. Dry weight of weeds at different stages of growth in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

61

10. Soil moisture from 0 to 15 cm depth at fortnight intervals in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

63

11. Soil moisture from 15 to 30 cm depth at fortnight intervals in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

66

12. Soil temperature after pruning at 30 days intervals in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

70

13. Soil pH at 15 days interval in pomegranate plot cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

72

Contd…..

x

Table No. Title Page

No.

14. Soil EC at 15 days interval in pomegranate plot cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

73

15. Soil organic carbon content at monthly intervals in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

75

16. Available N, P and K (Kg/ha) of soil in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

77

17. Economics of different types of mulch in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa 78

xi

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Title Page

No.

1. Leaf area at different stages of plant growth in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

81

2. Chlorophyll content at different stages of plant growth in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

83

3. Fruit yield in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

84

4. Fruit weight and number of fruits per plant in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

86

5. Total soluble solids and sugar:acid ratio of pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

90

6. Weed population at different intervals in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

94

7a. Soil moisture from 0 to 15 cm depth at fortnight intervals in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

96

7. 7b. Soil moisture from 15 to 30 cm depth at fortnight intervals in

pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

97

xii

LIST OF PLATES

Plate No. Title Page

No.

1. General view of pomegranate orchard with different types of mulch

27

2. General view of pomegranate plants with different types of mulch 29

3. Fruits of pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

87

xiii

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix No. Title Page

No.

I Meteorological data recorded at Agriculture Research Station, Bagalkot. Karnataka during the period of experimentation (2015-2016)

113

II Soil nutrient status of the experiment site. 114

1

1. INTRODUCTION

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) belongs to family Punicaceae, regarded as

‘fruit of paradise’, an ancient favourite fruit of tropical and sub-tropical regions of the

world. The fruit is symbolic of ‘plenty’ and also referred as seed apple. The fruit rind,

seeds and pulp comprises of rich medicinal properties. The fruit juice contains tannin

(Ilagic acid), anthocyanin, polyphenolic and antioxidants A, E and C which plays a

major role in maintenance of heart blood vessels and proper blood circulation. The

punicologin content of juice brings down the octarial flakes of blood and there by

controls the blood pressure. It also minimizes the risks of orthritis, algimar cancer, piles

and fistula, stomach ache, decentry, diaharia and constipation problems in human

beings. Among the neutracitical aspects, pomegranate is a rich source of carbohydrate

(14.5%), protein (1.6%), calcium (10 mg/100g), phosphorus (70 mg/100g), iron (0.3

mg/100g) and vitamin C (65 mg/100 g), besides its calorific value of 65 Kcals/100g.

Hence, this fruit is referred as ‘Elixir of life’ (Patil and Manjunath, 2014).

The estimated global cultivated area under pomegranate is around 3.0 lakh

hectares and production is 3.0 million tonnes. India is the world leading country in

pomegranate production. Total area under pomegranate in India is 130.80 thousand

hectares, out of which 90,000 ha is in Maharashtra only and total production in India is

1345.70 thousand MT (Anon, 2015). Production of pomegranate in Karnataka is around

134.20 thousand MT from an area of 16.60 thousand hectares (Anon, 2015). The

important cultivars grown in India are Kesar, Dholka, Kabul, Alandi, G-137, Ganesh,

Khandari, Mridula and Jyoti (Wasker and Sushanta, 2004). Sizeble area under this crop

in Karnataka is in the district of Chitradurga (6911 ha), Vijayapur (1890 ha), Koppal

(1534 ha), Bagalkot (880 ha) (Anon., 2015). These districts face water scarce at the time

of fruit development particularly during hasta bahar.

The versatile adaptability, hardy nature, low maintenance cost, steady and high

yield, fine table and therapeutic values and better keeping quality are the main features

responsible for its spread on a wide scale (Khodade et al., 1990). But, in the present

days, the soil moisture becomes a very limiting factor in dry areas due to uneven rainfall

and pomegranate is exposed to prolonged moisture stress in non rainy periods

(Nov-May) due to high rate of evapo-transpiration that leads to the production of poor

2

quality fruits, which becomes a limiting factor for export quality pomegranate

production and weeds compromise crop productivity through competition for resources

including water, nutrients and light (Wisler and Norris, 2005). Apart from these, many

orchards are exhibiting signs of soil degradation, usually first seen as reduced water

infiltration and declining tree health and productivity. The maintenance of a bare earth

strip along the tree row using herbicides is the standard method of weed control in many

orchards. This practice leads to a slow reduction in organic matter (OM) in the soil, and

has become associated with a number of problems viz., decreased populations of

beneficial invertebrates, poor water infiltration and retention, wastage of applied

fertilizers, poor root growth resulting in sub-optimum tree growth and performance, loss

in orchard productivity and an increase in herbicide resistance. Among different

conservation practises, mulching is an important practise of crop production. According

to Jacks et al. (1995), the english word mulch probably was derived from the German

word ‘Molsch’ meaning ‘soft to decay’. Mulch is any porous or non-porous material

spread on soil surface in order to obtain beneficial effect on soil environment and crop

productivity.

Mulching is the process or practice of covering the soil ground to make more

favourable conditions for plant growth, development and efficient crop production.

Mulch technical term means ‘covering of soil’. Mulching of soil is an old practice

aimed primarily to conserve moisture in soil and reduce the intensity of emergence of

weed flora, thus increasing yield and quality of fruit in cultivated plants. In addition,

mulching changes temperature conditions of the soil and of the air lying immediately

above soil, facilitates the movement in the field and reduces the level of soil erosion.

Mulching involves covering of soil with natural crop left overs or plastic films

around plant to decrease moisture loss through evaporation, reduce weed growth and

insulate the soil from low night temperature of the environment. While natural mulches

such as leaf, straw, dead leaves and compost have been used for centuries during the last

60 years. The advent of synthetic materials has altered the methods and benefits of

mulching. Applying organic mulch (straw, leaves, compost, or similar), further benefits

achieved are the increase of organic matter in soil and the stimulation of development of

soil micro- and macro-flora. In addition to natural materials, plastic foil is used for

mulching more often, because of their simple application, ease of manipulation and

3

removal from the field. Coloured foil induces changes in the field microclimate,

primarily affecting the light, temperature and air humidity conditions (Tarara, 2000).

Pomegranate, basically a crop of dry regions, where water is a scarce resource,

needs to be brought under mulching, for realising higher yields of better quality. This

will also lead to improvement in water use efficiency with optimum utilization of

available water for maximising production. Therefore, such studies will be useful in

accentuating production of quality fruits of pomegranate, with minimal use of water,

thereby, increasing the water use efficiency of pomegranate plants.

Keeping in view these points the present investigation was undertaken with the

following objectives;

1. To find out the influence of different types of mulch on growth of pomegranate

2. To find out the influence of different types of mulch on yield of pomegranate

3. To find out the influence of different types of mulch on quality of pomegranate

4. To find out the influence of different types of mulch on weed population

5. To find out the influence of different types of mulch on soil moisture.

2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

4

Pomegranate cultivation is a highly lucrative and remunerative agriculture

business in India. The alluring monetary return per unit area from this crop has resulted

in steady increase in area, production and export of pomegranate. The productivity of

the pomegranate entirely depends on the cultural requirements. The studies conducted in

other countries may not be applied directly to the orchards of Indian conditions, as the

pomegranate in India is cultivated in sub-tropical and tropical conditions. Soil health is

deteriorating year by year due to more and more dependence on inorganic fertilizers for

crop production. Sustainable fruit production entails the implementation of management

practices that control weeds, maintain plant performance, and conserve soil quality.

Conventional weed management practices include herbicide application, these

practices compromise soil quality by limiting additions of organic matter and exposing

the soil surface, there by leaving it prone to degradative processes. Pomegranate

growing areas with low rainfall, such as in northern Karnataka, there is need for

sustainable weed management practices that optimize production while conserving soil

quality.

Adapting mulching in horticultural crops is one of the recent technologies.

However, the technology on use of mulching and its implication on productivity and

postharvest management have to be reoriented for sustainable productivity. The biotic

and abiotic stress in pomegranate has come in the way of production of desired quality

of fruits for the international market. Mulching in pomegranate orchards helps in

conserving soil moisture, reducing weed flora which facilitates increase in plant growth,

yield and quality of the produce. The work on effect of mulch in productivity and

quality of fruits in pomegranate is very scanty, hence work on other important fruit

crops have been reviewed under the following heads for better understanding on the

following objectives.

2.1 To find out the influence of different types of mulch on growth parameters

2.2 To find out the influence of different types of mulch on yield of pomegranate

2.3 To find out the influence of different types of mulch on quality of pomegranate

2.4 To find out the influence of different types of mulch on weed population

2.5 To find out the influence of different types of mulch on soil moisture

5


2.1.1 Pomegranate

Mal et al. (2006) reported that maximum increase of plant height (14.90%) and

basal girth (13.10%) were recorded with dry leaves. Maximum plant spread in east-west

(13.90%) and north-south (11.50%) direction was reported with black polythene mulch

in pomegranate cv. Ganesh.

Mahmoud and Sheren (2014) reported that using plastic sheet as mulching and

compost as organic fertilization under sub surface drip irrigation gave the high leaf area

(5.61 cm²), leaf chlorophyll (58.90%) number of leaves/shoot (29.53) and shoot length

(29.43 cm) in pomegranate.

El-Tawell and Farag (2015) revealed that plant basin mulched with gravel gave

the highest number of leaves (74.07), shoot length (37.62) and number of internodes

(18.23) in pomegranate cv. Wonderful.

2.1.2 Citrus

Vijaykumar et al. (2014) reported that average plant height (186 cm), spread

(116.75 cm E-W, 124.25 N-S cm) and girth size (8.51 cm) was higher in black

polyethylene followed by farm yard manure and brankad in Kinnow fruit.

Manoj et al. (2015) reported that maximum per cent increase in plant spread EW

(9.28) and NS (8.85), plant height (8.52), plant girth (6.27) was recorded in black

polythene 200μ mulch and minimum was in control (un mulched) in Kinnow, a

mandarin hydrid (Citrus nobilis Lour. × Citrus deliciosa Tan.)

Vijay Kumar et al. (2015) revealed that increase in plant height, spread and girth

size was maximum highest (51 cm, 35 cm and 2.20 cm) in black polyethylene, followed

by farmyard manure (45 cm, 31 cm and 1.90 cm) and brankad (Adathoda vassica) (37

cm, 24 cm and 1.20 cm) respectively in Eureka lemon (Citrus limon Burm). The lowest

growth of plant was recorded under control (no mulch).

2.1.3 Banana

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Srinivas and Hegde (1994) noted that black polythene as well as straw mulch

significantly increased the plant height and girth while the number of functional leaves

and dry-matter production of banana were reduced under cover crops compared with

black polythene and straw mulch and also reported better growth of banana under black

polythene mulch. Black polythene mulch significantly reduced days to flowering viz.,

250 and 268 days in black polythene and straw mulch.

Influence of four different organic mulches (live mulch, soybean residues, maize

stover and swamp grass) on growth and yield of East African Highland bananas Siira

and Kibuzi were investigated. Percentage soil moisture, vegetative growth, yield

components and yield were found to be significantly higher in mulched plots compared

with live mulch and unmulched control plots. The high growth rates reported for both

cultivars in plots with maize stover, swamp grass and soybean residue mulches could

also be attributed to nutrients added to the soil on decomposition of these mulches

(Bananuka et al., 2000).

Agrawal and Agrawal (2005) reported in banana variety Dwarf Cavendish that

height (144.26 cm) and girth (50.58 cm) of pseudostem and number of functional leaves

(15.20) was maximum in plants treated with 60% irrigation + black polythene mulching

and lowest in control.

Paul et al. (2008) revealed that average height of plant under (80% irrigation

requirement met through drip with black LDPE mulch) was 2.18 m, which was 6 per

cent higher than the average height of plant under basin irrigation without mulch.

Maximum stem girth (621 mm), more numbers of functional leaves (15.40), leaf area

(1.47 m2) and early emergence of flowers by 21 days was reported in plants treated with

80 % irrigation + mulch in banana cv.G-9.

2.1.4 Sapota, Guava and Mango

Reddy and Khan (1998) reported that plant height (0.83 m) was higher in single

cover crop horse gram (Macro tyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdel and plant girth (15.57

7

cm-2), trunk cross sectional area (115.79 cm-2) are highest in black polythene (200

guage) compared to other treatments in sapota.

Das et al.(2010) reported that the maximum increase in plant height (0.73 m),

basal girth (0.94 cm) and canopy spread in both directions (East – West (0.76 m) and

North – South (0.74 m) were recorded with paddy straw as compared to control in

Guava cv L-49.

Pradhan et al. (2010) reported in mango cv.Amrapalli that supply of 80% water

need through drip coupled with plastic mulching (black LDPE mulch film) increased

plant height by 35% leading to the maximum height of 2.7m, basal girth (27 cm),

canopy area recorded the maximum value (5.20 sq m).

2.1.5 Aonla, Ber and Litchi

Singh et al. (2010) indicated that different types of organic mulches influenced the

growth of NA-7 aonla in the year 2005 and 2006 in terms of plant height (4.00 and 4.87

m, respectively), stock root girth (25.46 and 37.47 cm, respectively), scion girth (20.45

and 29.45 cm, respectively) and plant spread (E-W 2.65 m and E-W 2.41 m,

respectively) (N-S 3.35 m and N-S 3.20 m, respectively) followed by maize straw and

minimum in control.

Bal and Singh (2011) revealed that tree volume and number of days to complete

the flowering phase in ber were recorded maximum (45.18) with black polythene +

gramaxone @ 1l/ha. The maximum increase in pruning weight (82.69%) was reported

under black polythene + glyphosate @ 1 l/ha. Scion/stock ratio was found maximum

(0.95) with sarkanda mulch. The maximum leaf area (32.33 cm2) from plants mulched

with black polythene.

Joshi et al. (2012) revealed that use of black polyethylene mulch in litchi cv.

Rose scented recorded a significant increase in plant height, plant spread and tree

volume which could be ascribed to higher uptake of nutrients under mulch as it

conserves soil moisture and moderates evaporation from soil surface.

8

2.1.6 Apple

Lang et al. (2001) reported that black polythene mulch clearly favoured the

development of a more active root system in apple trees – either by stimulating fine root

growth or reducing fine root death, the result was that mulched trees carried about 1½-

times more feeder roots than the control trees, given that the mulch had its affect on the

roots via a change in the soil micro environment (making it more beneficial for them). It

is plausible that this change would be reflected also in a more vigorous soil fauna and

flora.

Pande et al. (2005) noted that dry grass and black polythene mulches recorded

the maximum extension of growth in apple cv. Red delicious (26.70 each) followed by

dry leaf (26.40) and pine needle mulches (25.80) and control (23.00). The higher soil

moisture availability, addition of nutrients and less weed growth associated with

mulches can be attributed to higher extension of growth under mulching treatments.

Verma et al. (2005) reported that maximum terminal shoot growth, plant girth,

height and spread in apple cv. Red delicious was recorded in plants treated with grass

mulch + band application of P and K fertilizers.

2.1.7 Passion fruit and Kiwi fruit

Rao et al. (2013) reported that shortest duration to flower was (211.15 days),

maximum internodal length (8.00 cm) was seen in plants mulched with black polythene

whereas length(129.15 cm) of the vine found highest with straw mulched plants in

passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims.)

Pratima and Sharma (2014) reported that by use of black polythene mulch along

with irrigation at 60% field capacity in kiwi fruit cv. Allison significantly increased the

shoot growth (290.80), internodal length (8.36), leaf area (157.60) and leaf thickness

(0.41) compared to grass mulching. It helped to conserve moisture under deficit

irrigation regime and resulted in almost similar response in terms of vegetative growth

and production attributes when compared to those in well irrigated vines.

9

2.1.8 Strawberry

Singh et al. (2007) noted that crown height (10.30 cm), plant spread (21.80 cm)

and leaf area (79.60 cm2) was significantly higher in strawberry plants mulched with

black polyethylene than those mulched either with clear polyethylene or paddy straw.

There was no significant difference existed in all growth parameters when either clear

polyethylene or paddy straw was used as mulch.

Sureshkumar et al. (2012) reported that crown height (11.03 cm), plant spread

(23.30 cm2) and leaf area (86.60 cm2) were significantly higher in plants mulched with

black polyethylene 50µm compared to transparent polythene, paddy straw and pine

mulch in strawberry.

Ali and Gaur (2013) revealed that all the organic mulches significantly increased

runner production of strawberry. Maximum number of runner per plant and runner

plantlets per plant was recorded with paddy straw followed by sugarcane trash. The per

cent increase in number of runner plantlets per plant over control with paddy straw,

sugarcane trash, saw dust and dry grass mulch was 33.33 per cent, 27.78 per cent, 18.00

per cent and 14.00 per cent, respectively. Organic mulches also increased the length of

the runner stolon, number of leaves and leaf area of runner plantlets.

Bakshi et al. (2014) reported that plants mulched with black polythene in

strawberry cv. Chandler have recorded maximum increase in plant height (21.67 cm),

plant spread (31.24 cm), number of leaves per plant (18.33), no. of flowers per plant

(28.33) and number of fruits per plant (12.12).

Pandey et al. (2015) reported that strawberry plants mulched with black

polythene had better growth than other mulches used like white polythene, straw mulch

and control. It attributed to better soil hydrothermal regimes, better moisture

conservation and suppression of weeds and also maximum root weight (fresh weight

and dry weight), volume, and length have been recorded under black polythene mulch.

2.2 Influence of different types of mulch on yield parameters

10

2.2.1 Pomegranate

Chattopadhyay and Patra (1993) revealed that use of black polythene mulch

resulted in the highest fruit weight (171 g), largest fruit size (7.34 cm long, 7.47 cm in

diameter), highest seed number (489/fruit) and highest yield (164 q/ha) in pomegranate.

While, the uncovered (control) plants gave the lowest yield (97q/ha).

Seidhom and Rahman (2011) revealed that pomegranate plants mulched with

olive pomace gave a higher yield of 30.08 kg/tree, 31.34 kg/tree and 32.66 kg/tree in

three seasons compared to bitumen mulch and control and also water requirement was

less in olive pomace mulched plants.


compost as organic fertilization under sub surface drip irrigation gave the high fruit set

percent (33.81%), fruit length (8.40 cm), fruit diameter (9.74 cm), fruit weight (417.67

g) and grains weight (326.33 g ) in pomegranate.

Ghosh and Bera (2015) reported that highest fruit yield of 9.90 kg was obtained

from the plant mulched with saw dust followed by white polyethylene (8.80 kg/plant)

and rice husk (8.00 kg/plant) in pomegranate cv. Ruby. The lowest yield was recorded

from the control plants (6.10 kg/plant). Fruit weight was highest (178 g) in the plants

mulched with rice straw (chopped) followed by black polyethylene (172 g) and saw dust

(170 g) while in control it was the lowest (142 g).

El-Tawell and Farag (2015) revealed that plant basin mulched with gravel gave

the highest fruit length (10 cm), fruit diameter (11 cm), fruit volume (679.00 cm³), aril

weight (270.80 g) and yield (39.23 kg) in pomegranate cv. Wonderful.

2.2.2 Citrus

Ghosh et al. (2009) reported that highest fruit set (38.60%) obtained from the

treatment with dry leaves mulching while it was only 29.30% in control, highest fruit set

(43.00%) was recorded from the plants under dry leaves mulching + basin irrigation at

11

30 l/plant at 20 days interval compared to control (28.70%). Least fruit drop (29.10%),

maximum fruit weight (115.30 g) and maximum number of fruits (64,000/ha) were

reported in dry leaves mulch + basin irrigation at 30 l/plant at 20 days interval. While,

control reported maximum fruit drop (74.80%), minimum fruit weight (63.00 g) and

minimum number of fruits (25,200/ha) in sweet orange cv. Mosambi.

Sandhu and Bal (2014) reported that by use of irrigation at 20% ASMD

(available soil moisture depletion) and mulching with black polythene sheet in lemon

(Citrus limon (L.) Burm.) cv. Baramasi that the maximum fruit size (fruit length and

fruit breadth) was reported (5.69 cm and 5.30 cm during 2008 and 5.86 cm and 5.46 cm

during 2009) .Likewise, the fruit weight was found to exhibit maximum value (71.33 g

and 72.40 g) during both the years of 2009 and 2010.

According to Vijaykumar et al. (2014) highest fruit yield (3.62 kg/plant) in

Kinnow was recorded with black polyethylene (400 guage) followed by farm yard

manure (3.45 kg/ plant) and brankad (3.36 kg/plant).

Manoj et al. (2015) reported that maximum fruit length (7.16 cm), breadth (7.28

cm), fruit weight (177.41 g), maximum number of fruits (246.72 fruits/plant) and

highest yield (43.77 kg/plant) was recorded with black polythene 200μ mulch in

Kinnow whereas lowest yield (32.16 kg/plant) was recorded in control.

Vijaykumar et al. (2015) reported that highest fruit yield in Eureka lemon

(Citrus limon Burm) was recorded with black polyethylene (4.62 kg/plant) followed by

farmyard manure (4.45 kg/plant) and brankad (Adathoda vassica) (4.36 kg/plant). The

beneficial effect of mulching was found to be through increase in individual weight and

size (length and diameter) of fruits.

2.2.3 Banana

Srinivas and Hegde (1994) revealed that fruit yield was higher under polythene-

mulched than cover-cropped banana and control. The yield increase with polythene

mulch was 19 % in banana cv. Robusta.

12

Bananuka et al. (2000) reported that bunch weight and yield for the two banana

cultivars viz., Kibuzi and Siira were significantly higher 33.80, 34.70 in plots mulched

with maize stover and swamp grass, while, low bunch weight and yield was recorded in

unmulched and live mulch plots which was possibly due to the reduced leaf area during

fruit filling. The large bunch weight and yield in plots with maize stover could be

attributed to higher growth rates before flowering and the high number of functional

leaves at flowering and harvest.

Agrawal and Agrawal (2005) indicated that, length of fingers (21.16 cm), width

of fingers (14.07 cm), number of fingers (15.18), number of hands per bunch (8.90),

bunch weight (19.94 kg) and yield was 498.68 q/ha were recorded highest in drip

irrigation with 60% irrigation + black plastic mulching in banana variety-Dwarf

Cavendish.

Paul et al. (2008) reported that length of finger, girth of finger, number of

fingers, number of hands/bunch, weight of bunch and length of bunch were highest in

banana cv. G-9 which were 5.10, 8.70, 5.00, 20.00, 28.50 and 8.30 %, respectively

higher in 80 % irrigation + black polythene mulch than the control treatment (surface

ring basin irrigation).

2.2.4 Guava

Garg et al. (2007) reported that highest fruit yield was obtained in case of

banana leaf mulched plants (11.80 kg/plant) followed by black polyethylene mulch

(10.00 kg/plant) compared to control. Banana leaf mulch seems to be the best mulch

since the fungal and bacterial counts were also highest in guava.

Dutta and Majumder (2009) reported that maximum fruit weight (100.20 g),

length (5.72 cm), diameter (6.42 cm) and yield (7.75 t/ha) were recorded in black

polythene mulch followed by paddy husk in Guava cv. L-49.

Das et al. (2010) reported that maximum fruit retention (59.62 %), fruits per

plant (286.86) and yield (44.39 kg/plant and 12.34 t/ha) in Guava cv. L-49 when plants

were mulched with black polythene as compared to white polythene and control.

13

Singh et al. (2015) reported that drip irrigation 80 % Pan evaporation (PE) level

and black polyethylene mulching in guava cv. Allahabad Safeda showed significantly

high yield (16.92 kg m-3), number of fruits per tree (27.30 tree-1) and fruit weight

(107.20 g) whereas, minimum yield (8.21 kg m-3), number of fruits per tree (21.47

tree-1) and fruit weight (90.77 g) was recorded in control trees.

2.2.5 Sapota and Mango

Reddy and Khan (1998) reported that fruit yield in sapota treated with black

polythene mulch of 200 guage recorded highest yield (134.55 kg/plant) as compared to

other mulch treatments.

Pradhan et al. (2010) reported that, fruit yield of mango cv. Amrapalli was

highest (15.80 t/ha) with 80% water need through drip plus plastic mulching, which was

71% higher as compared to conventionally irrigated plants.

2.2.6 Ber, Aonla and Litchi

Bal and Singh (2011) revealed that maximum fruit size in Ber cv. Umran (length

4.37 cm and breadth 3.21 cm), weight (22.50 g) and yield (45.36 kg/tree) were reported

from the plants under black polythene mulch. Among the organic mulches, higher fruit

yield was recorded under sarkanda mulch (35.34 kg/tree).

Joshi et al. (2012) reported that highest fruit yield (14.80 kg /tree) was recorded

in treatment (black polythene mulch + drip irrigation at 100% of estimated irrigation

water requirement + 125% RDF). In the subsequent year, treatment (black polythene

mulch + drip irrigation at 100% of estimated irrigation water requirement +75% RDF)

gave the highest fruit yield (40.40 kg/tree) in Litchi cv. Rose scented.

Iqbal et al. (2015) revealed that black polythene mulch significantly increased

fruit weight (41.32 g), fruit length (3.73 cm), fruit diameter (4.42 cm), fruit volume

(39.80 cm3), fresh weight of pulp (39.57 g), dry weight of pulp (6.03 g) and pulp: stone

ratio (20.94) followed by paddy straw and minimum in control in aonla cv. NA-7.

2.2.7 Apple

14

Adam and Ewelin (2004) reported that ‘Jonagored’ apple trees mulched with

pine bark and non-woven polypropylene had higher yields (22.70 and 19.60 kg/tree,

respectively) than trees treated with herbicide (16.7kg/tree). Trees mulched with pine

bark had a significantly higher cumulative yield than those mulched with nonwoven

polypropylene.

Pande et al. (2005) reported that dry grass mulch resulted in the highest fruit

retention (63.18%), maximum yield (15.70 kg/plant) and minimum fruit drop (37.39%).

Physical attributes viz., maximum fruit size (6.52 cm X 5.93 cm), weight (128.26 g),

volume (136.75 ml) and juice content (48.46 %) were reported under dry grass

mulching while the least being recorded under clean cultivation in apple cv. Red

Delicious.

Verma et al. (2005) reported that fruit characteristics like fruit weight (127.08

g), length (7.20 cm), breadth (7.36 cm) and yield (63.26 kg/tree) were recorded

maximum in trees mulched with grass mulched + band application of P and K fertilizers

in apple cv. Red delicious.

Dineshkumar and Hassan (2014) indicated that highest mean fruit weight

(186.30 g) was recorded in half moon water harvesting system + plastic mulch and

minimum was in control plots (146.70 g) in apple cv. Golden delicious. It was 30.86%

higher over control treatment and highest fruit yield (120.36 kg/tree) was recorded in

full moon water harvesting system + plastic mulch while, minimum was in control plot

(61.99 kg/tree).

2.2.8 Plum and Peach

According to Kaur and Kaundal (2009) maximum fruit weight of 37.05 g and

fruit yield of 9.40 kg/plant were recorded with black polythene mulch of 400 gauge in

Plum cv. Satluj Purple over the other treatments.

Wang et al. (2015) revealed that straw mulch (SM) and plastic film mulch

(PFM) in peach markedly increased soil water content particularly during bloom and

fruit expansion. Whereas, the yield increased by 29.00% and 27.90% for Straw mulch

and black plastic film mulching, respectively compared to control.

15

2.2.9 Passion fruit and Kiwi fruit

Gaturuku and Isutsa (2011) conducted a study to know the effect of mulch on

fruit weight and cumulative fruit weight in Purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f.

edulis Sims.). At 54 weeks after planting, wheat straw had the highest fruit number

(87.70 fruits/plant), while black plastic mulch had the highest cumulative fruit weight

(2.80 kg/plant) compared to those of wheat straw and control.

Pratima and Sharma (2014) reported that mulching treatment along with deficit

irrigation at 60 per cent field capacity increased bloom intensity (0.64 %), fruit set

(84.50 %), fruit retention (81.60 %) and increased the superior quality fruits almost near

to the level of well irrigated vines in kiwi fruit cv. Allison.

2.2.10 Strawberry

Singh et al. (2006) revealed that black polyethylene mulch resulted early

flowering and ripening compared to straw mulch in strawberry. Higher fruit size (3.23 x

2.25 cm), fruit weight (13.04 g) and yield (236.10 g/plant) were obtained with the use of

black polythene.

Singh et al. (2007) noted that strawberry plants mulched with black polyethylene

(50µm) have significantly fruited early (29.20 days), produced larger fruit (12.60 g) and

higher yield (172.40 g/plant) which was 24.20 and 17.80% higher yield as compared to

plants mulched with clear polyethylene and paddy straw, respectively.

According to Sureshkumar et al. (2012) days taken for flowering (69.50) was

lower in paddy straw, days taken for fruiting (45.90) was lower in pine mulch and fruit

weight (12.70g), plant yield (178.9 g/plant) was highest in black polythene mulching in

strawberry.

Bakshi et al. (2014) reported that strawberry plants mulched with black

polythene have produced fruit weight (11.83 g), fruit length (3.93 cm), fruit breadth

(3.00 cm), total yield (143.38 g/plant) and number of achenes (317.00/fruit) followed by

transparent polythene.

16

Pandey et al. (2015) reported that, larger fruit length (54.0 mm), fruit width

(42.59 mm), fresh fruit weight (36.74 g), dry fruit weight (2.88 g), number of fruits

(33.55 fruits/plant) and higher fruit yield (536.66 g/plant) under black polythene mulch

compared to white polythene, rice husk and control in strawberry cv. Winter dawn.


2.3.1 Pomegranate

Chattopadhyay and Patra (1993) showed that fruits of pomegranate plants with

black polythene mulch had the highest percentage of TSS and reducing sugar content of

14.00º Brix and 10.80%, respectively, while the highest pulp: seed ratio and juice

percentage of 4.90 and 61.30%, respectively were obtained with sawdust mulch. Fruit

acidity and ascorbic acid content was highest with no soil cover.


compost as organic fertilization under sub surface drip irrigation gave the high TSS

(17.41°Brix), total sugar content(14.48%) and vitamin C (16.89 mg/100g) in

pomegranate.

El-Tawell and Farag (2015) revealed that plant basin mulched with rice straw

gave the highest TSS (15.88° Brix), Vitamin-C (12.79 mg/100g), rind anthocyanin (0.67

mg/100g) and juice anthocyanin (1.39 mg/100g) in pomegranate cv. Wonderful.

Ghosh and Bera (2015) reported that maximum juice content was seen from

black polyethylene mulched plants (74.60%), whereas TSS (14.50º Brix), reducing

sugar (11.80 %) was more when plants mulched with rice straw and rice husk and TSS:

acid ratio (51.80) was seen more in rice husk mulched plants in pomegranate cv. Ruby

as compared to control.

2.3.2 Citrus

Ghosh et al. (2009) reported in sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] cv.

Mosambi that juice recovery (59.67 %), TSS (9.90° Brix), TSS: Acid ratio (46.33), total

17

sugars (6.05 %), reducing sugars (3.35 %) were highest in plants treated with dry leaves

mulch + basin irrigation at 30 l/plant at 20 days interval. Whereas, acidity (0.28 %),

Vitamin-C (78.40 mg/100 ml) was highest in black polythene + basin irrigation at 30

l/Plant at 20 days interval.

Manoj et al. (2015) reported that maximum TSS (8.33° Brix) , minimum acidity

(0.77 %), maximum retention of ascorbic acid (41.66 mg/100g) was recorded in paddy

straw mulch.The maximum juice content (54.58 %) was recorded in black polythene

200μ mulch in kinnow.

2.3.3 Banana and Mango

Srinivas and Hegde (1994) revealed that total soluble solids (22.7° Brix) of

banana were higher with black polythene mulch than with cover crops. Similarly, the

reducing (10.60 %) and non-reducing sugars (7.60 %) were significantly higher with

polythene-mulched banana than with straw-mulched or cover-cropped banana.

According to Bananuka et al. (2000) fruit length (19.90, 18.10 cm), fruit girth

(13.30, 13.90 cm) and pulp to peel ratio was more (1.38, 1.40) in banana cultivars viz.

Siira and Kibuzi plants treated with maize stover, respectively.

According to Kulkarni et al. (2013) mulching with black polythene(100µm) and

Pre harvest application of 4 % Ca(NO3)2 , in mango cv. Keshar was effective in

maintaining the edible quality and marketability of fruits up to 12 days and minimizing

the physiological loss in weight.

2.3.4 Guava

According to Maji and Das (2008) TSS (12.30° Brix), acidity (0.260 %), total

sugar (5.95 %) were maximum in Guava cv L- 49 when mulched with saw dust whereas

Vitamin – C (189.792 mg/100g) was highest in black polythene mulch and reducing

sugar was highest (4.43 %) in paddy straw treated plants.

Dutta et al. (2009) reported that maximum TSS (9.40° Brix), acidity (0.26%),

total sugars (6.80 %) and ascorbic acid (162.20 mg/100g) were obtained in Guava cv.L-

49 mulched with black polythene.

18

Das et al. (2010) reported that mulching with paddy straw in Guava cv L-49

showed maximum fruit diameter (6.40 cm), fruit length (6.03 cm), fruit weight (154.94

g), TSS (8.53° Brix), acidity(0.33%), TSS: acid ratio (26.21), total sugar (6.53 %),

reducing sugar (3.81 %), non-reducing sugar (2.72 %) and Vit-C (149.26 mg/100g) as

compared to other treatments.

Khan et al. (2013) reported that maximum value of length (7.3 cm), breadth

(6.53 cm), weight (161.00 g), TSS (10.30° Brix), acidity (0.65%), vitamin C (44.80 mg

per 100 ml of juice) and firmness (7.46 kg/cm2) in guava.

Singh et al. (2015) reported that improvement in fruit quality in terms of higher

TSS (12.10° Brix), total sugars (6.61%), ascorbic acid (169.2 mg 100 g-1) and reduced

acidity (0.27%) in Guava cv. Allahabad Safeda when treated with 80% pan evaporation

+ Polythene mulching.

2.3.5 Ber, Litchi and Aonla

Singh et al. (2010) reported that highest fruit weight (50.00 g and 43.16 g), fruit

diameter (4.50 cm and 4.25 cm) and length (4.30 and 4.00 cm), TSS (80 and 8.25°

Brix), total phenols (172.50 and 173.450 mg/100g), vitamin C (497.70 and 498.00 mg/

100g) were recorded with paddy straw and maize straw, respectively and minimum was

recorded in control in aonla.

Bal and Singh (2011) reported that maximum TSS (12.16° Brix) was recorded

with black polythene + gramoxone @ 1 l/ha followed by the trees mulched with black

polythene + glyphosate @ 1 l/ha (12.00%). The maximum vitamin C (107.25 mg/100 g

pulp) was recorded in the fruits from the trees mulched with black polythene in Ber.

Joshi et al. (2012) reported that mulching with black polythene +100 %

irrigation + 125.00 % of RDF had a better quality fruits having large fruit size (3.51cm

length and 3.11cm width), higher fruit weight (12.87 g), pulp weight (12.39 g), TSS

(20.80° Brix), acidity (0.57 %) and ascorbic acid (21.70 mg/100 g) in litchi cv. Rose

Scented.

Iqbal et al.(2015) noted in aonla cv.NA-7 that TSS (10.73° Brix), total sugar

(5.71 %), reducing sugar (3.41 %), non-reducing sugar (2.30 %), vitamin- C (495.03

19

mg/100g fruit), chlorophyll content (36.90 %) and TSS: acid ratio (6.54) were higher in

plants mulched with black polythene.

2.3.6 Apple and plum

Pande et al. (2005) reported that black polythene mulch and control treatment

recorded the maximum TSS of 14.20° Brix and 14.30° Brix, respectively. and the

minimum acidity 0.20 % and 0.19 %, respectively and were on par with each other. The

total sugar (9.50%), reducing sugar (6.90%) and TSS: acid ratio (70.80) was highest

under black polythene mulch in apple cv. Red delicious.

Verma et al. (2005) reported that fruit pressure (19.5 lb inch-2) and titrable

acidity (0.22%) were recorded maximum under grass mulched + band application of P

and K fertilizers treatment, whereas total soluble solids (15° Brix) and total sugars

(11.41 %) were recorded maximum in unmulched + broadcasting and mixing of P and

K fertilizers in apple cv. Red delicious.

Kim et al. (2008) noted that mulching ‘Santarosa’ plum with reflective mulch 3

weeks before harvest enhanced fruit TSS (12.20° Brix), acidity (0.47 %) , fruit weight

(88 g), fruit firmness (1.74 kgf) fruit flesh firmness (0.51 kgf) and yield (13.20 t ha-1).

Kaur and Kaundal (2009) reported that mulching with black polythene (400

gauge) in plum cv. Sutlej Purple has maximum TSS (14.21° Brix), lower acidity (0.87

%), TSS: Acid ratio (16.30) and total sugar (9.57%) over other weed management

practises.

2.3.7 Strawberry

Singh et al. (2007) reported that fruits harvested from plants which were

mulched with black polyethylene had better TSS (9.20%), lower acidity (1.09%) and

higher ascorbic acid content (42.70 mg/100 g pulp) than fruit obtained from plants

mulched either with clear polyethylene or paddy straw in strawberry.

Sureshkumar et al. (2012) noted that fruits harvested from strawberry plants

which were mulched with black polythene recorded better TSS (8.18° Brix), lower

acidity (0.93 %), higher ascorbic acid content (52.50 mg/100 g pulp), reducing sugar

20

(2.81 %) and anthocyanin (25.33 mg/100 g) than fruit obtained from plants mulched

with other materials.

Bakshi et al. (2014) reported that maximum TSS (7.63° Brix), acidity (0.64%),

total sugar (7.00 %), ascorbic acid (57.77 mg/100g) and crude protein (9.64%) were

recorded from strawberry plants mulched with black polythene followed by transparent

polythene.

Pandey et al. (2015) reported that TSS (7.30° Brix), total sugar (5.15 %),

reducing sugar (4.01%), vitamin-C (52.54 mg/100g) were maximum in black polythene

treated plants whereas acidity (1.45%), TSS: acid ratio (4.97), anthocyanin (45.51 mg

100 g-1) was maximum in plants mulched with black polythene and grown under

naturally ventilated polyhouse in strawberry.

2.4 Influence of different type of mulches on weed parameters

2.4.1 Pomegranate

Mal et al. (2006) reported that lowest weed growth in terms of fresh weight of

60.00, 35.55, 102.80 and 29.60 g was found in the month of February, March, April and

May, respectively by the use of black polythene in pomegranate cv.Ganesh.

El-Tawell and Farag (2015) revealed that plant basin mulched with bare soil

gave the highest values of cut grass weight (80.75 g) while mulching with rice straw,

palm fronds residues, transparent polythene and gravel were superior in reducing the

growth of grass (0.00 g) and also increased moisture and soil temperature in

pomegranate cv.Wonderful.

Ghosh and Bera (2015) noted that there was no weed growth in the plant basin

where black polyethylene was mulched in pomegranate cv. Ruby while, maximum

weed growth was noted under white polyethylene mulching (8.98 g) followed by Napier

grass mulching (180 g) and control (186 g).

2.4.2 Citrus and Grape

21

Hegazi (2000) elucidated that mulching with black polythene efficiently

controlled weeds in Flame Seedless vineyard followed by dry banana leaves and

maximum weed was seen in transparent polythene in earlier months of the treatment

then weeds were gradually reduced, whereas manual hoeing and control treatments have

highest weed infestation.

Merwin et al. (2007) reported that black and white geotextile mulch both

reduced weed cover and biomass substantially in grape cv Pinot Noir throughout 2004

and 2005 season compared with other treatments and bark mulch also reduced major

perennial weeds Cirsium arvense (Canada thistle), Asclepias syriaca (milkweed),

Digitaria sanguinalis (crabgrass), and Elytrigia repens (quackgrass) compared with the

control treatment.

Abouziena et al. (2008) reported that the greatest control (94%–100%) of weeds

occurred with the black plastic mulch (200 or 150 mm). Covering soil with cattail or

rice straw mulch (two layers) gave 85% to 98% control of weeds. Control treatment

resulted in maximum number of weeds caused a significant reduction in yield and fruit

quality and decreased the yield/tree by 62% compared with hand hoe treatment in

Balady mandarin (Citrus reticulate Blanco).

Chan et al. (2010) reported that by use of composted high mulch treatment (153

m3/ha) in vineyard was most effective in controlling the weeds over control. The

percentage of weed control over three year (2006, 2007 and 2008) was 93 %, 72 % and

52 %, respectively.

According to Nonnecke et al. (2015), the overall percentage weed cover in

Marechal Foch grapevines was lowest in straw mulch and living mulch (Festuca rubra

L.) plots and highest in cultivated plots.

2.4.3 Plum and Strawberry

Kaur and Kaundal (2009) reported that black polythene mulch was found to be

the most effective in controlling (6.0/m2 after 90 days) many of the weed species like

Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., Cyperus rotundus L., Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.,

22

Dactyloctenium aegyptiacum (L.) Wild, Euphorbia hirta L. etc. in Japanese plum

(Prunus salicina Lindl.) orchard followed by glyphosate @ 1.6 l/ha and Diuron @ 2.40

kg/ ha. (54.30, 69.30/m2 after 90 days).

Sharma and Kathiravan (2009) conducted an experiment to know the effect of

different mulching treatments for the control of weed growth in plum exhibited the

following order: Black Polythene > Bicoloured Polythene > Pine needle > Grass Mulch

> no mulch > Transparent Polythene for controlling weed population. The treatments of

Black Polythene and bicoloured polythene significantly reduced the weed growth as

compared to all other treatments.

Bakshi et al. (2014) reported that plants mulched with black polythene (0.00

weeds) and transparent polythene mulch (0.00 weeds) showed significant superiority in

reducing weed population at 30, 60, 90 days after planting followed by cut grass and

paddy straw in strawberry cv. Chandler.

2.5 Influence of different types of mulch on soil moisture

2.5.1 Pomegranate

Mal et al. (2006) revealed that, black polythene mulch recorded maximum soil

moisture from December 2001 to March 2002 while, white polythene gave higher

moisture retention in the months of April and May in pomegranate cv. Ganesh.

Maximum moisture content in the soil was recorded from the plants mulched

with rice straw (19.70 %) and minimum from the un mulched plants (14.50 %). Among

the inorganic mulch materials, the black polyethylene mulch conserved more moisture

(18.30 %) as compared to white polyethylene mulch (15.70 %) in pomegranate cv.

Ruby (Ghosh and Bera, 2015).

2.5.2 Citrus

Shirgure (2012) reported that conservation of soil moisture was found highest,

26.55% (2000) and 31.84% (2001) in black polyethylene mulch (100 μ) at 20 cm depth.

23

Amongst the organic mulches grass mulch conserved higher moisture of 25.40% and

30.16 % during the year 2000 and 2001, respectively in acid lime.

Vijaykumar et al. (2014) revealed that increase in soil moisture content after

mulching treatment was significant at both the depths of soil (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm).

The higher soil moisture content was observed in black polyethylene mulch at both the

depths during the year 2009 and 2011 and minimum soil moisture content was recorded

in the basins of rainfed control trees in Kinnow.

2.5.3 Grape

Srinivas et al. (1990) reported that black polythene mulch resulted in higher

water use efficiency followed by straw mulch and no mulch, more soil moisture was

noticed in 15-30 cm and 30-45 cm compared to 0-15 cm soil depth in grape cultivation.

Chan et al. (2010) reported that surface soil water content (0–15 cm) was higher

under the composted mulch at the rate of 7.50 cm depth (153 m3/ha) when compared to

the control in the beginning of the season in grapes vineyards.

2.5.4 Aonla, litchi and sapota

Reddy and Khan (1998) reported that 200 and 400 gauge black polythene film

treatments conserved higher soil moisture at 0-30, 30-60 and 60-90 cm depths, after 12

and 18 months of treatment imposition. Whereas, control recorded the least soil-

moisture percentage in sapota cv. Kalipatti.

Prakash et al. (2007) reported that in-situ soil moisture status increased during

summer and winter season under different mulches in comparison to control. The higher

per cent of soil moisture increase was recorded under glyricidia green leaves over the

other treatments (black polythene and chann grass mulch (Saccharurn spontaenum L.)

in litchi cv. Bombai.

Singh et al. (2010) reported that increase in soil moisture content from 50 to 260

days after mulching treatment was significant at both depths of soil (0-15 cm and 15-30

24

cm). The higher soil moisture content was recorded in all the organic mulches than

control at 0-15 cm and 16-30 cm depth during the year 2005 and 2006 after 50 days of

mulching at both depths. Among the organic mulches evaluated, soil moisture content

was recorded highest with paddy straw in aonla cv. NA-7.

Dubey et al. (2015) reported that live sunhemp mulch significantly retarded both

runoff and soil loss besides significantly improved the moisture conservation over

control. Notably, sunhemp mulch recorded significantly higher improvement in

moisture conservation over all other live mulches in aonla cv. NA-7.

3. MATERIAL AND METHODS

The field experiment “Studies on the influence of different types of mulch on

growth, yield and quality of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa” was

25

conducted during 2015-16. The details of the material used and methods adopted during

the course of investigation are presented in this chapter.

3.1 Location of the experimental site

The field experiment was conducted at Department of Fruit science, Sector 70,

University of Horticultural Sciences, Udyanagiri, Bagalkot. It is situated in the Northern

Dry Zone (Zone-3) of Karnataka. The centre is located at 16o 10' North latitude, 75o 42'

East longitude with an altitude of 542 m above the mean sea level (Plate 1).

3.2 Soil and climate

The soil possessed alkaline pH (7.70) with EC of 0.44 dS/m and having red soil.

The major nutrients viz., N, P2O5 and K2O were 239.17 kg/ha, 40.90 kg/ha and 217.98

kg/ha, respectively and were medium in availability.

The annual rainfall of 305.80 mm was recorded during the year 2015-16 as

against the average rainfall of 540 mm. Mean relative humidity of morning and evening

were 73.36 per cent and 55.77 per cent, respectively. The mean maximum and

minimum temperatures were 33.06 0C and 19.35 0C, respectively. The climatic

parameters prevailed during the cropping period were recorded and presented in

Appendix I.

3.3 Experimental design

3.3.1 Design and layout

The experiment was laid out in randomized block design and replicated thrice.

Layout of the experiment is depicted in Fig. 1.

N

26

RI RII RIII

T1 T3 T5

T5 T5 T1

T7 T7 T4

T3 T4 T6

T4 T1 T3

T6 T2 T7

T2 T6 T2

Fig. 1. Layout plan of the experiment

27

The experiment consists of seven treatments and are as detailed below.

Legend:

28

T1: Black polythene mulch (100 microns)

T2: Silver polythene mulch (100 microns)

T3: White polythene mulch (100 microns)

T4: Paddy straw mulch (6" thickness)

T5: Sugarcane trash mulch (6" thickness)

T6 : Maize stover mulch (6" thickness)

T7 : Control (without mulch)

3.3.2 Other details

Plot size : Gross plot 8.0 m × 4 m = 32 m2

Spacing : 4.0 m × 2 m

Number of plants/treatment : Four

Number of Replication : Three

Design : Randomized Block Design

Cultivar : Bhagwa

Recommended dose of fertilizer: 200: 100:100. N: P2O5:K2O g/plant

3.4 Description of mulching

Mulching of soil is an old practice aimed primarily to conserve moisture in soil

and reduce the intensity of emergence of weed flora, thus increasing yield and quality of

fruit in cultivated plants. In addition, mulching changes temperature conditions of the

soil and of the air lying immediately above soil, facilitates the movement in the field,

and reduces the level of soil erosion. Applying organic mulch (straw, leaves, compost,

or similar), further benefits achieved are the increase of organic matter in soil and the

stimulation of development of soil micro- and macro-flora. In addition to natural

30

materials, plastic foils is used for mulching more and more often, because of their

simple application, ease of manipulation and removal from the field.

31

Mulching is a practice, which helps in proper growth and development of the

plants by modifying soil temperature, by providing better nutrient availability and by

better moisture conservation (Kher et al., 2010).

In the present investigation, both organic and inorganic mulches were used.

Organic mulches like paddy straw, maize stover, sugar cane trash were uniformly

collected locally and applied to base of 4 plants in a replication to a thickness of 6 (15

cm). For application of one square meter area with organic mulches 16 kg paddy straw,

7 kg maize stover and 6.5 kg sugarcane trash were used.

Inorganic mulches like black, silver and white polythene of 100 microns (400

gauges) of width 1.5 m having dual colour black on lower side and respective colours

on the upper side of the sheet were applied to the base of plant and edges were buried in

the soil. One kg of polythene was used for five plant (200 g of polythene mulch was

required for each plant). Before mulching entire plant basin was weeded, cleaned and

mulches were applied after the pruning and other practises were followed as per the

package of practises of University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot.

The basic idea of this study was to evaluate the different mulching materials on

pomegranate production, productivity and quality. It aims to understand the use of

different mulching materials, which may solve many of the problems related to

production of quality fruits by the farmers through efficient use of this technology.

3.5 Salient features of the variety used for the study

Bhagwa, a promising variety of pomegranate for dry regions. It fetches better

market price which is 2-3 times higher than that of Ganesh. This fruit is having

increasing demand for export markets particularly in United kingdom, Holland, other

European and gulf countries etc. Fruits are attractive red in colour with smooth and

glossy peel having bold and cherry red coloured arils, which are suitable for both table

and processing purposes. Fruits are also suitable for long distant transport due to thick

peel (Less weight loss, less possibility of damage due to bruises). The optimum ripe

fruits have the TSS of 14-15° brix. The fruits will be ready for harvest between 170-180

days after blooming, this variety gives high yield (30-40 kg/tree) in case of better

management. Fruits have better keeping quality than any other varieties (10-15 days at

room temperature).

32

Proper plant protection during early stages of fruit development is required for

harvesting healthy fruits. The orchards of this cultivar usually exhibit healthy, uniform

dark green and moderate thick canopy. It has more leaf area that may help for better

photosynthesis. Normally fruit yields from the mature orchard of 4-6 year old ranges

from 18-20 tons per hectare.

3.6 Cultural practices

The pruning was done to the optimum level on 12th August 2015, followed by

spray of Bordeaux mixture of 0.50 % concentration. On 14th August 2015, ethrel spray

was carried out with a concentration of 1000ppm. After defoliation, irrigation was given

to the orchard through drip system with recommended discharge rates of water. The

plant protection measures were taken up periodically to manage the pests and diseases.

3.6.1 Mulching treatments

Seven mulching treatments were used during the experiment (Plate.2). T1-Black

polythene mulch (100 microns), T2-Silver polythene mulch (100 microns) , T3-White

polythene mulch (100 microns), T4-Paddy straw mulch (6" thickness), T5-Sugarcane

trash mulch (6" thickness), T6-Maize stover mulch (6" thickness) and T7-Control

(without mulch)

3.6.2 NPK fertilization

Standard recommended dose of fertilizer: 750: 300: 300. N: P2O5:K2O kg/ha was

applied.

3.6.3 Harvesting

Fruits were harvested at the end of February month i.e., after five months of

blooming,

3.7 Observations recorded

The observations on vegetative growth parameters like shoot length, number of

leaves leaf area and total leaf chlorophyll content and were recorded at monthly

33

intervals after imposing the treatments. While, yield attributes quality parameters and

post harvest observations were made after the harvesting of fruits from each treatments.

3.7.1 Growth parameters

3.7.1.1 Leaf area (cm2)

Leaf area was recorded by using graph at monthly intervals.

3.7.1.2 Shoot length of current season (cm)

Newly developed shoot from the base was measured and expressed in cm.

3.7.1.3 Total leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD units)

Chlorophyll content of leaves of each plant was measured with a portable meter

(SPAD502®, Minolta, Japan) at monthly intervals.

3.7.1.4 Number of leaves per shoot

Leaves developed on the new shoot were also counted at monthly intervals

3.7.2 Yield and yield attributes

From each treatment, fruits were randomly selected for studying the yield

attributes wherein following physical characters were studied.

3.7.2.1 Number of fruits per plant

The number of fruits per plant was physically counted after maturity and were

expressed as numbers per tree.

3.7.2.2 Fruit weight (g)

Five randomly selected pomegranate fruits were weighed using digital analytical

balance and the average value of fruit was expressed in grams

3.7.2.3 Diameter of the fruit (mm)

34

Fruit diameter in each treatment was measured with the help of digital vernier

calipers at widest middle point where maximum girth was noticed and it was expressed

in millimeters (mm).

3.7.2.4 Length of the fruit (mm)

Fruit length in each treatment was measured with the help of vernier calipers and

it was expressed in millimeters (mm).

3.7.2.5 Fruit Yield (kg/plant)

The fruit yield was recorded at the time of harvest and expressed in kilograms per

plant.

3.7.2.6 Fruit Yield per hectare (tonnes/ha)

The fruit yield per hectare was computed by multiplying the yield per plant with

the number of plants that were accommodated in one hectare and was expressed in

tonnes per hectare.

3.7.2.7 Weight of 100 arils (g)

Weight of hundred arils from each treatment was recorded and expressed in

grams.

3.7.2.8 Rind thickness (mm)

Rind thickness in each treatment was measured with the help of vernier calipers

and it was expressed in millimeters (mm)

3.7.3 Quality parameters

3.7.3.1 Total soluble solids (° Brix)

Randomly selected arils were taken for juice extraction and total soluble solids

of the juice was determined by using digital refractrometer and expressed in ° Brix.

35

3.7.3.2 Acidity (%)

The acidity was determined in terms of tartaric acid by diluting the juice

extracted from five gram of sample and filtered through muslin cloth and made up to

known volume with distilled water (25ml) then titrating the same against standard

NaOH using phenopthaline as an indicator. The appearance of light pink colour was

recorded as the end point. The result was explained in terms of per cent acidity of the

fruits (Anon., 1960).

3.7.3.3 Juice pH

pH of pomegranate juice was estimated by using digital pH meter having

combined electrode as described by Jackson (1973).

3.7.3.4 Total sugars

The total sugar content of the pomegranate arils was estimated by anthrone

reagent method. The values obtained were expressed as percentage on fresh weight

basis.

3.7.3.5 Reducing sugars

The reducing sugars in the juice was determined by Dinitro-Salicylic acid

(DNSA) method (Miller, 1972). A known volume of alcohol extract was taken and

allowed to evaporate the alcohol completely. Clear solution was taken for estimation of

reducing sugar-using DNSA-reagent by following above method and results were

expressed in percentage.

3.7.3.6 Non reducing sugars

The non-reducing sugar was determined by subtracting the per cent reducing

sugar from the per cent total sugar and multiplying the same with 0.95 as given below

(Somogyi, 1952)

Non-reducing sugars (%) = (Per cent total sugar – per cent reducing sugar) x 0. 95

36

3.7.3.7 Sugar to acid ratio

Sugar to acid ratio was calculated by dividing the value of total sugars (%) with

the value of titrable acidity (%). This was expressed as an absolute value.

3.7.4 Post harvest parameters

3.7.4.1 Physiological loss in weight (PLW in room temperature)

The initial weight of fruits was recorded on electric top pan balance in each

treatment. Thereafter, the weights of fruits under each treatment were recorded at four

days interval after storage. The cumulative losses in weight were calculated and

expressed as per cent physiological loss in weight.

Following formula was used in calculating PLW

Initial weight of fruits – Final weight of fruits PLW (%) = ----------------------------------------------------------- x 100

Initial weight of fruits

3.7.4.2 Shelf life (days)

Shelf life of fruits was decided based on the appearance and marketability of the

fruits. When the fruits attained beyond edible ripe stage and shrivelled, then those fruits

were considered to have reached the end of their shelf life (Turner, 1997).

3.7. 5 Weed parameters

3.7.5.1 Weed flora

Among the different weeds prevailed in the experimental field the most common

monocotyledonous weeds comprised Cynodon dactylon (L) Pers., Cyperus rotundus L.,

Digitaria sanguinalis (L) Scop., Panicum isachine L., Setaria sps while, common

dicotyledonous weeds were Amarantus viridis Linn., Celosia argentia L., Euphorbia

hirta L., Parthenium hysterophorus Linn., Euphorbia prostrata L., Denebra retroflexa

J., Cynotis Cuculata R., and Lactuca runcinata L.

37

3.7.5.2 Weed count /m2

A quadrat of 0.5 m x 0.5 m was placed at random inside the each treated plot.

The total number of weeds present in the quadrat frame was counted at 30 days interval

after initiation of treatment. The weed count per one square metre was then worked out.

The sum of total weeds was recorded as total weeds per square metre.

3.7.5.3 Dry weight of weeds (g/m2)

A quadrat of 0.5 m x 0.5 m was placed at random inside each treated plot. The

above ground portion of the weeds in the quadrat was removed from each plot at 30, 60,

90, 120 and 150 days after treatment. The weed samples were air-dried and later oven

dried to constant weight at 65º C and dry weight was recorded as the total dry weight in

grams. These dry weights were converted to dry weight per one square meter.

3.7.6 Soil parameters

Soil sampling was taken before imposition (Appendix II) of the treatments (At

the time of pruning) and after that subsequent sample was taken at end of the

experiment in February, at a depth of 0-30 cm with the help of soil augar to know the

nutrient status of soil. Then samples were shade dried, processed to pass through 2 mm

sieve and used for nutrient analysis.

3.7.6.1 Soil moisture (%)

Soil samples were collected using core sampler at 15 days interval in each

treatment and soil moisture were determined using gravimetric method and expressed in

percentage.

Fresh weight – Dry weight % Soil moisture = -------------------------------------- × 100

Dry weight

3.7.6.2 Soil temperature

Soil temperature was recorded by inserting the probe of soil thermometer to a

depth of 10 cm at every four days intervals and expressed in °C.

38

3.7.6.3 Organic carbon

Approximately two gram of sieved soil sample was powdered to <0.2 mm using

agate pestle and mortar. A known weight of finely powdered sample was taken in a

conical flask and known excess volume of standard K2Cr2O7 (10ml) was added. Then,

20 ml of concentrated H2SO4 was added, swirled gently and kept undisturbed for 30

mins. The unused K2Cr2O7 was measured by back titrating with standard ferrous

ammonium sulphate in presence of ferroin indicator (Walkley and Black, 1934).

3.7.6.4 Soil reaction (pH)

The soil pH was determined for 1:2.5 soil and water suspension by

potentiometric method using pH meter (Model Systronics 361) with glass electrode

(Jackson, 1973).

3.7.6.5 Electrical conductivity (dS m-1)

Electrical conductivity of soil water suspensions (1:2.5) was measured using EC

meter (Model Elico CL 180) as elaborated by Jackson (1973). These EC2.5 values were

converted later to saturation paste value (EC) using the formula as suggested by Dasog

(1975).

3.7.6.6 Nitrogen (kg/ha)

Alkaline permanganate method developed by Subbiah and Asija (1958) was

used to determine available nitrogen content in soil. A known weight of soil was

distilled with 0.32 per cent KMnO4 and 2.5 per cent NaOH using semi- automated N-

distillation unit. The ammonia trapped in 2 per cent boric acid + mixed indicator was

titrated against standard H2SO4 solution for determining available nitrogen content in

soil.

3.7.6.7 Phosphorus (kg/ha)

Available phosphorus from soil was extracted using Olsen’s extractant. The

blue colour was developed by ascorbic acid method and the intensity was read at 660

nm using spectrophotometer and calculated referring to P-standard curve (Jackson,

1973).

39

3.7.6.8 Potash (kg/ha)

Available potassium was extracted from soil using neutral normal ammonium

acetate at 1:5, soil to extractant ratio and the concentration of potassium in the extract

was determined using Flame photometer (Jackson, 1973).

3.8 Economics of the technology

To calculate the economics, cost of each treatments, total quantity of mulch

material required per vine was worked out. The price of inorganic mulches like black

polythene was 179.69 Rs/kg, silver polythene mulch 230.92 Rs/kg and white polythene

mulch 256.615 Rs/kg. Whereas, price of organic mulches were 1.5 Rs/kg for sugarcane

trash and maize stover and paddy straw mulch each at Rs 3/Kg. Mulching cost for one

hectare area was calculated and added to total cost of production per hectare and labour

charges incurred for weeding (28000/ha) was deducted in all the mulching treatments

except control and economics was worked out.

3.9 Statistical analysis

The design adopted was randomized block design. The data on all the growth

parameters, yield and quality parameters and nutrient content was tabulated and

subjected to statistical analysis using method of analysis of variance (ANOVA) for

randomized complete block design (RCBD) by Fisher and Yates (1963). Whenever ‘F’

test was found significant for comparing the means of two treatments, critical difference

(C. D. at 5%) were worked.

40

4. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

The results of present investigation on “Studies on the influence of different

types of mulch on growth, yield and quality of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv.Bhagwa” conducted during September 2015 to February 2016 at Department of Fruit

science, Sector 70, University of Horticultural Sciences, Udyanagiri, Bagalkot, are

presented in this chapter under the following sub headings.


The data on effect of different types of mulch on shoot length, number of

leaves/shoot, leaf area and leaf chlorophyll content at different stages of crop growth are

presented in Table 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively.

4.1.1 Shoot length (cm)

The data with respect to shoot length varied significantly at 30, 60, 90, 120 and

150 days after pruning during hasta bahar flowering and are presented in Table 1.

Highest shoot length of 63.44 cm at 30 days after pruning was recorded in plant

mulched with black polythene and it was significantly superior to the plants mulched

with white polythene (59.41 cm), sugarcane trash mulch (56.80 cm), maize stover

mulch (53.22 cm) and unmulched (control) plants (52.98 cm). However, plants mulched

with black polythene was on par with silver polythene mulch (62.00 cm) and paddy

straw mulch (60.13 cm). Similar trend was also recorded at 60 days after mulching.

Highest shoot length of 77.13 cm at 90 days after pruning was noticed in plants

mulched with black polythene and it was significantly superior over plants mulched

with sugarcane trash (65.21 cm), maize stover mulch (57.44 cm) and unmulched

(control) plants (55.28 cm). However, plants mulched with black polythene was on par

with silver polythene mulch (75.71 cm), paddy straw mulch (72.13 cm) and white

polythene mulch (69.02 cm). Similar trend was also recorded at 120 days after

mulching.

At 150 days after mulching, highest shoot length (88.41 cm) was noticed in

plants mulched with black polythene mulch, and it was significantly superior over all

41

Table 1. Length of shoot at different stages of plant growth in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

Shoot length (cm) Treatments

30 Days 60 Days 90 Days 120 Days 150 Days

T1 - Black polythene mulch (100 µ) 63.44 (16.49) 71.81 (25.80) 77.13 (28.33) 83.26 (27.85) 88.41 (23.32)

T2 - Silver polythene mulch (100 µ) 62.00 (14.55) 69.14 (22.94) 75.71 (26.98) 81.24 (26.05) 86.66 (21.77)

T3 - White polythene mulch (100 µ) 59.41 (10.82) 62.53 (14.79) 69.02 (19.91) 73.05 (17.77) 77.91 (12.99)

T4 - Paddy straw mulch (6" thickness) 60.13 (11.89) 65.51 (18.67) 72.13 (23.36) 78.93 (23.89) 83.78 (19.09)

T5 - Sugarcane trash mulch (6" thickness) 56.80 (6.72) 58.33 (8.66) 65.21 (15.23) 68.30 (12.05) 74.42 (8.91)

T6 - Maize stover mulch (6" thickness) 53.22 (0.45) 56.31 (5.38) 57.44 (3.76) 61.41 (2.18) 71.04 (4.57)

T7 - Control (Without mulch) 52.98 53.28 55.28 60.07 67.79

S Em ± 1.27 2.59 2.76 4.15 1.37

CD @ 5% 3.90 7.97 8.49 12.80 4.22

Values in parenthesis are per cent increase over control

41

42

other treatments except silver polythene mulch (86.66 cm). The lowest shoot length

(67.79 cm) was recorded in unmulched (control) plants which was on par with maize

stover mulch (71.04 cm).

The percentage increase of shoot length in plants mulched with black polythene

was 16.49, 25.80, 28.33, 27.85 and 23.32 at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150days after mulching,

respectively over unmulched (control) plants.

4.1.2 Number of leaves per shoot

The data on number of leaves per shoot at 30, 60, 90, 120 and150 days after

imposing the treatments are presented in Table 2.

At 30 days after imposing the treatments, the maximum number of leaves per

shoot (109.33) was recorded in plants mulched with black polythene which was

significantly superior over unmulched (control) plant (94.33) and on par with other

treatments.

At 60 days after imposing the treatments, the maximum number of leaves per

shoot was recorded in plants mulched with black polythene (115.67), which was on par

with silver polythene mulch (114.33), paddy straw mulch (113.33), sugarcane trash

mulch (112.00) and white polythene mulch (111.00). However, plants mulched with

black polythene was significantly superior over other treatments namely, maize stover

mulch (105.67) and unmulched (control) plant (100.33). Similar trend was also noticed

at 90 days after mulching.

At 120 days, maximum number of leaves per shoot (136.00) was recorded in

plants mulched with black polythene which was on par with plants mulched with silver

polythene (128.00), paddy straw mulch (127.00) and minimum numbers of leaves per

shoot (114.33) were recorded in unmulched (control) plant. Similarly at 150 days the

maximum number of leaves per shoot (145.00) were recorded in plants mulched with

black polythene which was statistically significant over all other treatments except

silver polythene mulch (136.33). While, the minimum numbers of leaves per shoot

(122.00) were recorded in unmulched (control) plant which was on par with maize

stover mulch (127.00) and sugarcane trash mulch (129.00).

43

Table 2. Number of leaves per shoot at different stages of plant growth in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

Number of leaves/shoot Treatments









S Em ± 2.06 2.32 2.25 3.18 3.09

CD @ 5% 6.36 7.13 6.93 9.79 9.54


43

44

The percentage increase of 13.72, 13.26, 10.74, 15.93 and 15.86 with respect to

number of leaves/shoot was recorded in plants mulched with black polythene at 30, 60,

90, 120 and 150days after mulching, respectively over unmulched (control) plants.

4.1.3 Leaf area (cm2)

Leaf area was significantly varied with different mulching treatments at all the

stages of plant growth viz., 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days after pruning during Hasta

Bahar flowering and are presented in Table 3.

The maximum leaf area (8.08cm2) at 30 days after mulching was recorded in

plants mulched with black polythene which was on par with silver polythene mulch

(7.60 cm2). Whereas, the minimum leaf area (6.79 cm2) was recorded in control which

was on par with maize stover mulch (7.27 cm2).

At 60 days after mulching, the maximum leaf area (10.93cm2) was recorded in

plants mulched with black polythene and was on par with silver polythene mulch (10.85

cm2), paddy straw mulch (10.78cm2), white polythene mulch (10.21 cm2) and sugarcane

trash mulch (9.97 cm2). Whereas, the minimum leaf area (8.65 cm2) was recorded in

control which was on par with maize stover mulch (9.70 cm2).


plants mulched with black polythene which was on par with silver polythene mulch

(11.14cm2), paddy straw mulch (10.99cm2) and white polythene mulch (10.80 cm2).

Whereas, the minimum leaf area (9.65cm2) was recorded in unmulched (control) plants

which was on par with maize stover mulch (9.93 cm2).


plants mulched with black polythene, which was statistically on par with silver

polythene mulch (13.43cm2) and paddy straw mulch (13.10cm2). Whereas, the

minimum leaf area (10.79cm2) was recorded in control which was on par with maize

stover mulch (11.03 cm2) and sugarcane trash mulch (11.57 cm2).


plants mulched with black polythene which was significantly superior over all other

treatments. However, plant mulched with black polythene was on par with silver

45

Table 3. Leaf area at different stages of plant growth in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

Leaf area (cm2) Treatments









S Em ± 0.17 0.36 0.24 0.40 0.12

CD @ 5% 0.53 1.10 0.75 1.25 0.36


45

46

polythene mulch (14.60cm2). While, the minimum leaf area (11.87 cm2) was recorded in

control.

The percentage increase of leaf area in plants mulched with black polythene was

15.97, 20.86, 15.28, 20.84 and 20.12 at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150days after mulching,

respectively over unmulched (control) plants.

4.1.4 Total chlorophyll content of the leaves (SPAD units)

The chlorophyll content of leaves varied significantly at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150

days after pruning during Hasta Bahar flowering and the data with respect to leaf area

are presented in Table 4.

The maximum leaf chlorophyll content (60.58 SPAD units) at 30 days after

mulching was recorded in plants mulched with black polythene, which was on par with

silver polythene mulch and paddy straw mulch (59.71 SPAD units and 58.57 SPAD

units, respectively). The minimum leaf chlorophyll content (54.67 SPAD units) was

recorded in unmulched (control) plants which was on par with maize stover mulch

(55.48 SPAD units), sugarcane trash mulch (55.66 SPAD units) and white polythene

mulch (56.88 SPAD units).

At 60 days after mulching, the maximum leaf chlorophyll content (64.21 SPAD

units) was recorded in plants mulched with black polythene, which was statistically on

par with silver polythene mulch (63.12 SPAD units), paddy straw mulch (62.80 SPAD

units), white polythene mulch (60.69 SPAD units) and sugarcane trash mulch (59.93

SPAD units). Whereas, the minimum leaf chlorophyll content (55.40 SPAD units) was

recorded in control which was on par with maize stover mulch (58.34 SPAD units).

At 90 days after mulching, significantly the maximum leaf chlorophyll content

(72.85 SPAD units) was recorded in plants mulched with black polythene which was

significantly different overall other treatments and the minimum leaf chlorophyll

content (60.69 SPAD units) was recorded in control which was on par with maize stover

mulch (61.95 SPAD units), sugarcane trash mulch (62.93 SPAD units) and white

polythene mulch (63.78 SPAD units).

47

Table 4. Chlorophyll content at different stages of plant growth in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

Chlorophyll content (SPAD units) Treatments


T1 - Black polythene mulch (100 microns) 60.58 (9.76) 64.21 (13.72) 72.85 (16.69) 76.03 (13.55) 83.89 (13.66)

T2 - Silver polythene mulch (100 microns) 59.71 (8.44) 63.12 (12.23) 66.59 (8.86) 73.90 (11.06) 81.36 (10.98)

T3 - White polythene mulch (100 microns) 56.88 (3.89) 60.69 (8.72) 63.78 (4.84) 72.60 (9.46) 80.06 (9.53)

T4 - Paddy straw mulch ( 6") 58.57 (6.65) 62.80 (11.78) 66.64 (8.93) 73.16 (10.16) 80.53 (10.06)

T5 - Sugarcane trash mulch ( 6") 55.66 (1.78) 59.93 (8.10) 62.93 (3.56) 70.83 (7.20) 77.13 (6.09)

T6 - Maize stover mulch ( 6") 55.48 (1.46) 58.34 (5.04) 61.95 (2.05) 70.50 (6.77) 78.31 (7.51)


S Em ± 0.93 1.34 1.52 1.09 1.42

CD @ 5% 2.85 4.13 4.68 3.37 4.39


47

48


units) was recorded in plants mulched with black polythene, which was on par with

silver polythene mulch (73.90 SPAD units) and paddy straw mulch (73.16 SPAD units).

Whereas, the minimum leaf chlorophyll content (65.73 SPAD units) was recorded in

unmulched (control) plants.


units) was recorded in plants mulched with black polythene which was on par with

silver polythene mulch (81.36SPAD units), paddy straw mulch (80.53 SPAD units) and

white polythene mulch and (80.06 SPAD units). Whereas, the minimum leaf

chlorophyll content (72.43 SPAD units) was recorded in control.

The percentage increase in chlorophyll content of the leaves in plants mulched

with black polythene was 9.76, 13.72, 16.69, 13.55 and 13.66at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150

days after mulching, respectively over control.


The data obtained shows the comparison between different mulches (Black

polythene mulch, silver polythene mulch, white polythene mulch, paddy straw mulch,

sugarcane trash mulch and maize stover mulch) and control on yield and yield attributes

viz., number of fruits per plant, yield per plant, yield per hectare, fruit weight, fruit

length, fruit width, hundred aril weight, total aril weight and rind thickness are

presented in Table 5a and 5b.

4.2.1 Number of fruits per plant

The number of fruits per plant varied significantly among the treatments (Table

5a). The maximum number of fruits per plant (79.67) was noticed in black polythene

mulch which was significantly different over all other treatments. Whereas, unmulched

(control) plants recorded the least number of fruits (50.11).

4.2.2 Yield per plant (kg)

Significant difference was found with respect to yield per plant between the

treatments (Table 5a). The highest yield per plant (20.87 kg/plant) was recorded in

49

Table 5a. Number of fruits per plant and fruit yield in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

Yield Treatments Number of fruits/plant

(kg/plant) (t/ha)

T1 - Black polythene mulch (100 µ) 79.67 (37.10) 20.87 (45.04) 26.08 (45.05)

T2 - Silver polythene mulch (100 µ) 68.33 (26.66) 17.23 (33.43) 21.53 (33.44)

T3 - White polythene mulch (100 µ) 64.67 (22.51) 14.57 (21.28) 18.21 (21.31)

T4 - Paddy straw mulch (6" thickness) 66.33 (24.44) 16.46 (30.32) 20.57 (30.34)

T5 - Sugarcane trash mulch (6" thickness) 63.67 (21.30) 13.51 (15.10) 16.88 (15.11)

T6 - Maize stover mulch (6" thickness) 63.33 (20.87) 13.34 (14.02) 16.68 (14.09)

T7 - Control (Without mulch) 50.11 11.47 14.33

S Em ± 3.63 0.63 0.79

CD @ 5% 11.20 1.94 2.43


49

50

plants mulched with black polythene while, the lowest yield (11.47 kg/plant) was

recorded in control.

4.2.3 Total yield per hectare (t/ha)

The data with respect to yield per hectare varied significantly among the

treatments (Table 5a). The highest yield (26.08 t/ha) was recorded in plants mulched

with black polythene with the percentage increase of 45.05 over control while, the

minimum fruit yield (14.33 t/ha) was obtained in control.

4.2.4 Fruit weight (g)

The weight of fruit differed significantly among the treatments (Table 5b). The

maximum fruit weight (299.42 g) was recorded in plants mulched with black polythene,

which was on par with silver polythene mulch (290.83g), paddy straw mulch (279.50g)

and white polythene mulch (269.00 g).The minimum fruit yield (224.48g) was obtained

in unmulched (control) plants.

4.2.5 Fruit length (mm)

Length of the fruit differed significantly among the treatments (Table 5b). The

maximum fruit length (81.44 mm) was recorded in plants mulched with black

polythene, which was on par with silver polythene mulch (79.53 mm). The minimum

fruit length (74.52 mm) was obtained in control.

4.2.6 Fruit width (mm)

Width of the fruit differed significantly among the treatments (Table 5b). The

maximum fruit width (82.13 mm) was recorded in plants mulched with black polythene,

which was on par with silver polythene mulch (81.41 mm) and paddy straw mulch

(80.62 mm). The minimum fruit width (75.43mm) was obtained in unmulched (control)

plants.

4.2.7 Hundred aril weight (g)

Weight of 100 arils in a fruit differed significantly in different types of mulch

(Table 5b). The maximum hundred aril weight (37.17 g) was recorded in plants

51

Table 5b. Fruit yield attributing characters in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

Treatments Fruit weight (g)

Fruit length (mm)

Fruit width (mm)

100 aril weight (g)

Total aril weight of fruit (g)

Rind thickness

(mm)

T1 - Black polythene mulch (100 µ) 299.42 81.44 82.13 37.17 193.78 4.18

T2 - Silver polythene mulch (100 µ) 290.83 79.53 81.41 36.20 182.03 4.12

T3 - White polythene mulch (100 µ) 269.00 77.17 79.25 33.07 177.92 3.36

T4 - Paddy straw mulch (6" thickness) 279.50 78.21 80.62 36.03 180.49 3.52

T5 - Sugarcane trash mulch (6" thickness) 262.42 76.39 78.22 32.93 173.51 3.42

T6 - Maize stover mulch (6" thickness) 253.75 76.49 76.72 32.47 156.91 3.32

T7 - Control (Without mulch) 224.48 74.52 75.43 32.87 141.56 2.94

S Em ± 10.68 0.87 0.85 0.37 5.14 0.18

CD @ 5% 32.93 2.69 2.62 1.15 15.83 0.55

51

52

mulched with black polythene which was on par with silver polythene mulch (36.20 g)

and paddy straw mulch (36.03 g). The minimum weight of 100 arils (32.87 g) was

noticed in control.

4.2.8 Total aril weight (g)

The aril weight per fruit differed significantly among the treatments (Table 5b).

The black polythene mulch recorded highest aril weight per fruit (193.78 g), which was

on par with silver polythene mulch (182.03 g) and paddy straw mulch (180.49 g). The

lowest aril weight (141.56 g) was noticed in control.

4.2.9 Rind thickness (mm)

The rind thickness was significantly influenced by different mulches (Table5b).

Highest rind thickness (4.18 mm) was recorded in plants mulched with black polythene,

which was significantly different over all other treatments except silver polythene

mulch (4.12 mm). The lowest rind thickness (2.94 mm) was observed in unmulched

(control) plants.


The perusal data on effect of different types of mulch with respect to the total

soluble solids (TSS), acidity and juice pH are presented in Table 6a. While, total sugars,

reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars and sugar/acid ratio are presented in Table 6b.

4.3.1 Total Soluble Solids (TSS) (° Brix)

The significant difference was noticed in the total soluble solids with different

mulching treatments (Table 6a). The highest level of total soluble solids (15.89°Brix)

was recorded in plants mulched with black polythene which was statistically on par with

silver polythene mulch (15.75°Brix), paddy straw mulch (15.71°Brix) and white

polythene mulch (15.63°Brix). The lowest level of TSS (14.58°Brix) was recorded in

unmulched (control) plants.

53

Table 6a. Total soluble solids, Acidity and Juice pH of pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

Treatments TSS

(º Brix)

Acidity

(%) Juice pH

T1 - Black polythene mulch (100 µ) 15.89 0.76 3.57

T2 - Silver polythene mulch (100 µ) 15.75 0.80 3.51

T3 - White polythene mulch (100 µ) 15.63 0.85 3.45

T4 - Paddy straw mulch (6" thickness) 15.71 0.82 3.49

T5 - Sugarcane trash mulch (6" thickness) 15.31 0.86 3.43

T6 - Maize stover mulch (6" thickness) 15.26 0.88 3.40


S Em ± 0.18 0.02 0.04

CD @ 5% 0.56 0.08 0.11

53

54

4.3.2 Acidity (%)

The results presented in the Table 6a revealed that there was a significant

difference among the treatments with respect to acidity. Lowest acidity (0.76 %) was

recorded in plants mulched with black polythene which was statistically on par with

silver polythene mulch (0.80 %) and paddy straw mulch (0.82 %). The highest acidity

(0.96 %) was recorded in control.

4.3.3 Juice pH

The significant difference was noticed in juice pH with different mulching

treatments (Table6a). The highest juice pH (3.57) was recorded in plants mulched with

black polythene, which was statistically on par with silver polythene mulch (3.51). The

lowest juice pH (3.34) was recorded in control.

4.3.4 Reducing sugars (%)

The reducing sugars in fruits were significantly influenced by different types of

mulch (Table 6b). The highest reducing sugars (12.44 %) was recorded in plants

mulched with black polythene which was on par with silver polythene mulch (11.83 %),

paddy straw mulch (11.71%), and sugarcane trash mulch (11.57%). The lowest level of

reducing sugars (9.78 %) was observed in unmulched (control) plants.

4.3.5 Non-reducing sugars (%)

There was no significant difference among the mulching treatments with respect

to non-reducing sugars in fruits (Table 6b).However, the highest non-reducing sugars

(3.07 %) was recorded in unmulched (control) plants and the lowest (1.87 %) was

recorded in plants mulched with black polythene.

4.3.6 Total sugars (%)

The total sugars in the fruits differed significantly with different types of mulch

(Table 6b). The highest total sugars (14.40%) was recorded in plants mulched with

black polythene, which was statistically on par with all other treatments except maize

stover mulch (13.27%) and control (13.02 %).

55

Table 6b. Reducing sugars, Non reducing sugars, Total sugars and Sugar/Acid ratio in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

Treatments Reducing sugars (%)

Non-reducing sugars (%)

Total sugars (%) Sugar/Acid ratio

T1 - Black polythene mulch (100 µ) 12.44 1.87 14.40 19.07

T2 - Silver polythene mulch (100 µ) 11.83 2.38 14.33 17.94

T3 - White polythene mulch (100 µ) 11.58 2.17 13.86 16.27

T4 - Paddy straw mulch (6" thickness) 11.71 2.14 13.96 17.20

T5 - Sugarcane trash mulch (6" thickness) 11.57 2.06 13.74 15.99

T6 - Maize stover mulch (6" thickness) 10.67 2.47 13.27 15.15

T7 - Control (Without mulch) 9.78 3.07 13.02 13.61

S Em ± 0.37 0.43 0.23 0.60

CD @ 5% 1.58 NS 0.99 1.85

NS= Non significant

55

56

4.3.7 Sugar/acid ratio

The perusal of results from Table 6b revealed that sugar/acid ratio was

significantly highest (19.07) in plants mulched with black polythene which was on par

with silver polythene mulch (17.94). The lowest sugar/acid ratio (13.61) was found in

control.

4.4 Influence of different types of mulch on Physiological loss in

weight (PLW)

The data on effect of different types of mulch on shelf life and physiological loss

in weight are presented in Table 7.

4.4.1 Physiological loss in weight (%)

Physiological loss in weight of pomegranate fruits at 4th , 8th , 12th, 16th and 20th

days after storage under room temperature as influenced by different types of mulch are

furnished in Table 7.

4.4.1.1 PLW (%) at 4th day after storage

Lowest percentage of physiological loss in weight of pomegranate fruits (4.83

%) was recorded in plants mulched with black polythene which was significantly

superior over other treatments. Whereas, highest PLW was recorded in unmulched

(control) plants (7.01 %) and was on par with maize stover mulch (6.59 %) and

sugarcane trash mulch (6.38%).


Lowest percentages of PLW of pomegranate fruits (6.67 %) was recorded in

plants mulched with black polythene mulch which was significantly superior over other

treatments. Highest percentage of PLW (12.25 %) was recorded in unmulched (control)

plants, which was on par with maize stover mulch (11.88 %), white polythene mulch

(11.64 %) and sugarcane trash mulch (11.45 %).

57

Table 7. Shelf life and Physiological loss in weight of pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

Physiological loss in weight (%) Treatments Shelf life

(DAS) 4 DAS 8 DAS 12 DAS 16 DAS 20 DAS Mean

T1 - Black polythene mulch (100 µ) 27.85 4.83 6.67 11.35 18.33 25.28 13.29

T2 - Silver polythene mulch (100 µ) 26.53 5.66 9.54 12.15 18.78 28.39 14.90

T3 - White polythene mulch (100 µ) 24.80 6.01 11.64 14.28 21.82 31.24 16.99

T4 - Paddy straw mulch (6" thickness) 25.61 5.68 10.62 13.46 19.92 29.25 15.78

T5 - Sugarcane trash mulch (6" thickness) 23.33 6.38 11.45 14.62 23.11 31.80 17.47

T6 - Maize stover mulch (6" thickness) 23.22 6.59 11.88 15.12 23.79 32.52 17.98

T7 - Control (Without mulch) 21.84 7.01 12.25 17.09 25.50 33.45 19.06

S Em ± 0.47 0.24 0.35 0.40 0.47 0.58 -

CD @ 5% 1.46 0.73 1.08 1.24 1.46 1.80 -

DAS= Days after storage

57

58


Lowest percentage of PLW in pomegranate fruits (11.35 %) was recorded in

plants mulched with black polythene mulch, followed by silver polythene mulch (12.15

%) and were on par with each other and significantly superior over rest of the


plants.



plants mulched with black polythene mulch, followed by silver polythene mulch (18.78

%) and were on par with each other and significantly superior over rest of the


plants.



black polythene mulch and was significantly superior over all other treatments. Highest

percentage of PLW was noticed in unmulched (control) plants (33.45%), maize stover

mulch (32.52 %) and sugarcane trash mulch (31.80 %) which were significantly inferior

over other treatments and on par with each other.

4.4.2 Shelf life

Significant differences were obtained among the different treatments. Black

polythene mulch extended its shelf life up to a maximum of 27.85 days (Table 7), which

was statistically on par with silver polythene mulch (26.53 days) whereas least number

of days of shelf life was recorded in unmulched (control) plants (21.84 days).

4.5 Influence of different types of mulch on weed parameters

The perusal data on the effect of different types of mulch with respect to the

weed population and dry weight are presented in Table 8 and 9, respectively.

59

4.5.1 Weed population

The data on weed population recorded at different stages of crop growth are

compiled in Table 8.


to weed population (Table 8) at the initial stage (Before imposition of the treatments).

However, the highest weed population (38.63) was recorded in control and the lowest

(28.62) was recorded in plants mulched with black polythene.

At 30days after imposition of treatment, significantly maximum weed

population (165.28) was registered in unmulched (control) plants, and was significantly

increased compared to maize stover mulch (28.39), sugarcane trash mulch (24.15) and

paddy straw mulch (16.36). Whereas, weed population was nil (0.00) in plants mulched

with black polythene, silver polythene mulch and white polythene mulch at all the

growth stages. Similar trend was also noticed in 60, 90, 120 and 150 days after

imposition of treatments.

4.5.2 Dry weight of weeds (g)

The perusal of results from Table 9 revealed that, dry weight of weeds

significantly varied with different mulching treatments.


to dry weight of weeds (Table 9) at the initial time (Before imposition of treatments).

At 30 days after imposition of treatments significantly maximum dry weight

(33.16g) was registered in unmulched (control) plants, and was significantly superior

over rest of the treatments. However, dry weight of weeds was nil in black polythene

mulch, silver polythene mulch, white polythene mulch. However dry weight of weeds

of 3.79g, 3.25g and 2.62g was recorded in maize stover mulch, sugarcane trash mulch

and paddy straw mulch respectively. Similar results were also obtained at 60, 90, 120

and 150 days after mulching.

60

Table 8. Weed population at different stages of growth in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

Weed count /m2

Treatments Initial

(05.09.15) 30 Days

(05.10.15) 60 Days

(05.11.15) 90 Days

(05.12.15) 120 Days (05.01.16)

150 Days (05.02.16)

T1 - Black polythene mulch (100 µ) 28.62 (5.284)* 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701)

T2 - Silver polythene mulch (100 µ) 32.46 (5.852) 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701)

T3 - White polythene mulch (100 µ) 34.30 (6.444) 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701)

T4 - Paddy straw mulch (6" thickness) 30.16 (6.169) 16.36 (4.918) 12.63 (4.437) 17.68 (5.194) 18.11 (5.012) 20.68 (5.375)

T5 - Sugarcane trash mulch (6" thickness) 33.54 (6.122) 24.15 (5.532) 20.86 (5.175) 23.19 (5.349) 25.29 (5.705) 27.92 (5.803)

T6 - Maize stover mulch (6" thickness) 35.13 (6.130) 28.39 (5.936) 24.19 (5.550) 27.58 (5.853) 30.46 (6.086) 33.55 (6.160)

T7 - Control (Without mulch) 38.63 (6.390) 165.28 (13.201) 187.53 (13.905) 190.65 (14.09) 186.59 (13.833) 188.75 (13.805)

S Em ± 0.18 0.19 0.02 0.21 0.18 0.21

CD @ 5% NS 0.58 0.68 0.63 0.56 0.63

* Values in parenthesis are square root transformed NS= Non significant

60

61

Table 9. Dry weight of weeds at different stages of growth in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

Weed dry weight (g/m2)

Treatments Initial

(05.09.15) 30 Days

(05.10.15) 60 Days

(05.11.15) 90 Days

(05.12.15) 120 Days (05.01.16)

150 Days (05.02.16)

T1 - Black polythene mulch (100 µ) 0.86 (0.969)* 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701)

T2 - Silver polythene mulch (100 µ) 1.15 (1.232) 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701)

T3 - White polythene mulch (100 µ) 6.35 (2.329) 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701) 0.00 (0.701)

T4 - Paddy straw mulch (6" thickness) 4.20 (1.996) 2.62 (1.829) 1.96 (1.730) 2.64 (1.890) 2.86 (1.897) 3.21 (1.929)

T5 - Sugarcane trash mulch (6" thickness) 7.27 (2.779) 3.25 (2.173) 2.92 (2.018) 3.15 (2.089) 3.54 (2.161) 3.89 (2.200)

T6 - Maize stover mulch (6" thickness) 7.86 (2.874) 3.79 (2.219) 3.11 (2.011) 3.36 (2.099) 3.75 (2.176) 3.97 (2.198)

T7 - Control (Without mulch) 8.63 (3.024) 33.16 (6.188) 52.65 (7.609) 68.12 (8.515) 66.35 (8.454) 67.85 (8.477)

S Em ± 0.073 0.085 0.072 0.061 0.072 0.087

CD @ 5% NS 0.256 0.218 0.185 0.216 0.262

* Values in parenthesis are square root transformed NS= Non significant

61

62

4.6 Influence of different types of mulch on soil parameters

The data on effect of different types of mulch on soil moisture, soil temperature,

organic carbon, pH, EC, initial and final NPK are presented from Table 10 to16.

4.6.1 Influence of soil moisture at fortnight intervals (0-15 cm depth)

Soil moisture percentage in experimental pomegranate orchard at fortnight

intervals starting from September 2015 as influenced by different types of mulch at

depth of 0-15 cm are furnished in Table 10.

4.6.1.1 Soil moisture (%) before imposition of treatments

The data revealed that soil moisture percentage found to be non significant

before the imposition of treatments.

4.6.1.2 Soil moisture (%) at first fortnight interval starting from 15-09-2015

At first fortnight interval, soil moisture percentage significantly varied among

the treatments. Higher soil moisture (21.25 %) was recorded in plants mulched with

black polythene followed by silver polythene mulch (18.36 %) and they were on par

with each other. While, black polythene mulch was significantly superior over

unmulched (control) plants (11.43 %).

4.6.1.3 Soil moisture (%) at second fortnight

At second fortnight, soil moisture percentage was significantly varied among the

treatments. Higher soil moisture (18.24 %) percentage was recorded in plants mulched

with black polythene followed by silver polythene mulch (17.30 %) and paddy straw

mulch (16.67%) and were on par with each other. While, black polythene mulch was

significantly superior over unmulched (control) plants (12.54 %).

4.6.1.4 Soil moisture (%) at third fortnight

At third fortnight, soil moisture percentage was significantly varied among the

treatments. Higher soil moisture (19.92 %) was recorded in plants mulched with black

polythene followed by silver polythene mulch (18.91 %), paddy straw mulch (18.86 %)

63

Table 10. Soil moisture from 0 to 15 cm depth fortnight intervals in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

Soil moisture (%) at 0-15 cm depth

Treatments Before imposition

of treatments

1st FN 2nd FN 3rd FN 4th FN 5th FN 6th FN 7th FN 8th FN 9th FN 10th

FN Mean

T1 - Black polythene mulch (100 µ) 20.59 21.25 18.24 19.92 16.96 14.34 15.77 15.69 21.03 18.38 15.78 17.99

T2 - Silver polythene mulch (100 µ) 19.15 18.36 17.30 18.91 15.56 14.14 14.74 14.59 20.74 17.70 14.70 16.89

T3 - White polythene mulch (100 µ) 17.51 15.81 15.29 18.49 13.68 12.97 12.91 13.50 17.55 15.96 12.89 15.09

T4 - Paddy straw mulch (6" thickness) 18.37 16.55 16.67 18.86 14.32 13.62 13.08 14.08 18.86 16.65 13.80 15.89

T5 - Sugarcane trash mulch (6" thickness) 17.80 13.74 14.82 15.78 12.44 11.96 11.40 11.90 16.95 14.29 11.88 13.68

T6 - Maize stover mulch (6" thickness) 15.12 13.24 14.78 15.24 12.29 11.57 11.29 11.84 16.53 14.10 11.10 13.37

T7 - Control (Without mulch) 12.10 11.43 12.54 13.89 10.37 10.46 10.28 10.34 14.52 12.09 10.21 11.60

S Em ± 1.68 0.98 0.74 0.90 0.53 0.53 0.70 0.51 0.83 0.85 0.69 -

CD @ 5% NS 3.02 2.27 2.77 1.62 1.62 2.17 1.56 2.56 2.63 2.12 -

NS: Non significant FN- Fortnight

63

64

and white polythene mulch (18.49 %) and were on par with each other. Whereas, black

polythene mulch was significantly superior over unmulched (control) plants (13.89 %).

4.6.1.5 Soil moisture (%) at fourth fortnight

At fourth fortnight, soil moisture percentage was significantly differed among


black polythene followed by silver polythene mulch (15.56 %) and were on par with

each other. While, black polythene mulch was significantly superior over unmulched

(control) plants (10.37 %).

4.6.1.6 Soil moisture (%) at fifth fortnight

At fifth fortnight, soil moisture percentage was significantly differed among the





4.6.1.7 Soil moisture (%) at sixth fortnight

At sixth fortnight, soil moisture percentage was significantly differed among the


polythene followed by silver polythene mulch (14.74 %) and were on par with each

other. While black polythene mulch was significantly superior over unmulched (control)

plants (10.28 %).

4.6.1.8 Soil moisture (%) at seventh fortnight

At seventh fortnight, soil moisture percentage was significantly differed among

the treatments. Higher soil moisture was recorded in plants mulched with black

polythene (15.69 %) followed by silver polythene mulch (14.59 %) and were on par

with each other. While, black polythene mulch was significantly superior over

unmulched (control) plants (10.34 %).

65

4.6.1.9 Soil moisture (%) at eighth fortnight

At eighth fortnight, soil moisture percentage was significantly varied among the

treatments. Higher soil moisture was recorded in plants mulched with black polythene

(21.03 %) followed by silver polythene mulch (20.74 %) and paddy straw mulch (18.86

%) and were on par with each other. While, black polythene mulch was significantly

superior over unmulched (control) plants (14.52 %).

4.6.1.10 Soil moisture (%) at ninth fortnight

At ninth fortnight, soil moisture percentage was significantly varied among the





4.6.1.11 Soil moisture (%) at tenth fortnight

At tenth fortnight, soil moisture percentage was significantly varied among the


polythene followed by silver polythene mulch (14.70%) and paddy straw mulch (13.80



4.6.2 Influence of soil moisture at fortnight intervals (15-30 cm depth)

Soil moisture percentage of experimental pomegranate orchard at fortnight

intervals starting from September 2015 as influenced by different types of mulch at a

depth of 0-15 cm are furnished in Table 11.

4.6.2.1 Soil moisture (%) before imposition of treatments

The data revealed that soil moisture percentage found to be non-significant

before the imposition of treatments.

66

Table 11. Soil moisture from 15 to 30 cm depth at fortnight intervals in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

Soil moisture (%) at 15-30 cm depth

Treatments Before imposition

of treatments

1st FN 2nd FN 3rd FN

4th FN 5th FN 6th

FN 7th FN

8th FN 9th FN 10th FN Mean








S Em ± 1.61 0.54 0.57 0.75 0.66 0.57 0.54 0.84 0.93 0.56 0.73 -

CD @ 5% NS 1.67 1.76 2.32 2.03 1.61 1.65 2.59 2.88 1.74 2.26 -

NS: Non significant FN- Fortnight

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4.6.2.2 Soil moisture (%) at first fortnight interval starting from 15-09-2015

At first fortnight interval, soil moisture percentage significantly varied among


black polythene was significantly superior over all other treatments. While, unmulched

(control) plants recorded the minimum moisture (13.78 %).

4.6.2.3 Soil moisture (%) at second fortnight

At second fortnight, soil moisture percentage was significantly varied among the



and white polythene mulch (18.86 %) and were on par with each other. While, black


4.6.2.4 Soil moisture (%) at third fortnight

At third fortnight, soil moisture percentage was significantly varied among the



other. Whereas, black polythene mulch was significantly superior over unmulched


4.6.2.5 Soil moisture (%) at fourth fortnight

At fourth fortnight, soil moisture percentage was significantly differed among

the treatments. Higher soil moisture (18.42 %) as recorded in plants mulched with black

polythene followed by silver polythene mulch (17.15 %) and paddy straw mulch (16.62



4.6.2.6 Soil moisture (%) at fifth fortnight

At fifth fortnight, soil moisture percentage was significantly differed among the



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other. Whereas, black polythene mulch was significantly superior over unmulched


4.6.2.7 Soil moisture (%) at sixth fortnight

At sixth fortnight, soil moisture percentage was significantly differed among the



other. While black polythene mulch was significantly superior over unmulched (control)

plants (11.46 %).

4.6.2.8 Soil moisture (%) at seventh fortnight

At seventh fortnight, soil moisture percentage was significantly differed among


black polythene followed by followed by silver polythene mulch (16.47 %) and paddy

straw mulch (15.82 %) and were on par with each other. While, black polythene mulch

was significantly superior over unmulched (control) plants (11.64 %).

4.6.2.9 Soil moisture (%) at eighth fortnight

At eighth fortnight, soil moisture percentage was significantly varied among the



other. While, black polythene mulch was significantly superior over unmulched


4.6.2.10 Soil moisture (%) at ninth fortnight

At ninth fortnight, soil moisture percentage was significantly varied among the


polythene which was significantly superior over all other treatments. While, unmulched

(control) plants recorded the minimum moisture (10.79 %).

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4.6.2.11 Soil moisture (%) at tenth fortnight

At tenth fortnight, soil moisture percentage was significantly varied among the


polythene followed by silver polythene mulch (16.65 %) and paddy straw mulch (15.83



4.6.3 Soil Temperature (ºC)

The soil temperature as influenced by different types of mulch are presented in

Table 12.

4.6.3.1 Soil temperature (ºC) at 10 cm depth in the month of October

The data indicated that, soil temperature was found to be significant with

different types of mulch. Among the various treatments, plants mulched with black

polythene recorded highest soil temperature (24.64°C) and it was on par with silver

polythene mulch (22.44°C). While, black polythene mulch was significantly superior

over paddy straw mulch (20.51°C), white polythene mulch (18.34°C), sugarcane trash

mulch (17.65°C), maize stover mulch (17.48°C) and unmulched (control) plants

(17.04°C).

4.6.3.2 Soil temperature (ºC) at 10 cm depth in the month of November

The data revealed that, soil temperature was found to be significant with


polythene recorded highest soil temperature (22.86°C) which was significantly superior

to plants mulched with silver polythene (21.34°C), paddy straw mulch (20.37°C), white

polythene mulch (19.58°C), sugarcane trash mulch (17.56°C), maize stover mulch

(17.21°C) and unmulched (control) plants (16.83°C).

4.6.3.3 Soil temperature (ºC) at 10 cm depth in the month of December

The data revealed that, soil temperature was found to be significant with



70

Table 12. Soil temperature after pruning at monthly intervals in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

Soil temperature (°C)

Treatments October

2015 November

2015 December

2015 January 2016 February 2016 Mean








Mean 19.72 19.39 17.77 22.95 26.03 -

S Em ± 0.73 0.49 0.54 0.71 0.54 -

CD @ 5% 2.26 1.50 1.65 2.18 1.68 -

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4.6.3.4 Soil temperature (ºC) at 10 cm depth in the month of January



polythene recorded highest soil temperature (27.35°C) and it was on par with silver

polythene mulch (25.35°C). While, black polythene mulch was significantly superior

over paddy straw mulch (23.19°C), white polythene mulch (22.14°C), sugarcane trash

mulch (21.68°C), maize stover mulch (21.32°C) and unmulched (control) plants

(19.67°C).

4.6.3.5 Soil temperature (ºC) at 10 cm depth in the month of February







4.6.4 Soil pH and EC (dsm-1)

The data on pH and EC influenced by different types of mulch are presented in

(Table 13 and 14, respectively).

Soil pH did not varied significantly in any of the treatments. However, the

maximum mean value of soil pH was noticed in control (7.85) and minimum was

recorded in white polythene mulch and sugarcane trash mulch (7.51 each).

Mulching treatments did not showed any significant effect on soil EC. However,

maximum soil EC was recorded in paddy straw mulch (0.54 dsm-1) and minimum was

recorded in control (0.43dsm-1).

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Table 13. Soil pH at 15 days interval in pomegranate plot cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

Soil pH

Treatments Initial

(15.09.15)

15 days

(30.09.15)

30 days

(15.10.15)

45 days

(30.10.15)

60 days

(15.11.15)

75 days

(30.11.15)

90 days

(15.12.15)

105 days

(31.12.15)

120 days

(15.01.16)

135 days

(30.01.16)

150 days

(15.02.16) Mean








S Em ± 0.29 0.30 0.22 0.30 0.21 0.21 0.16 0.18 0.22 0.17 0.19 -

CD @ 5% NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS -

NS= Non significant

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Table 14. Soil EC at 15 days interval in pomegranate plot cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

EC (dsm-1)

Treatments Initial

(15.09.15)

15 days

(30.09.15)

30 days

(15.10.15)

45 days

(30.10.15)

60 days

(15.11.15)

75 days

(30.11.15)

90 days

(15.12.15)

105 days

(31.12.15)

120 days

(15.01.16)

135 days

(30.01.16)

150 days

(15.02.16) Mean








S Em ± 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.04 -

CD @ 5% NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS -

NS= Non significant

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4.6.5 Soil organic carbon (%)

The data related to percentage of soil organic carbon in different mulching

treatments are furnished in Table 15.

4.6.5.1 Soil organic carbon content (%) in the month of October

The data revealed that, organic carbon content in soil was found to be significant

with different types of mulch. Among the various treatments, plants mulched with

paddy straw recorded highest soil organic carbon content (1.67%) and it was on par

with sugarcane trash mulch (1.55%). While, paddy straw mulch was significantly

superior over maize stover mulch (1.44 %), silver polythene mulch (0.93 %), white

polythene mulch (0.75 %), black polythene mulch (0.63 %), unmulched (control) plants

(0.60 %).

4.6.5.2 Soil organic carbon content (%) in the month of November



paddy straw recorded highest soil organic carbon content (1.26 %) and it was on par

with sugarcane trash mulch (1.20 %) and maize stover mulch (1.18 %). While paddy

straw mulch was significantly superior over black polythene mulch (0.54 %), silver

polythene mulch (0.52 %), unmulched (control) plants (0.45 %) and white polythene

mulch (0.43 %).

4.6.5.3 Soil organic carbon content (%) in the month of December



paddy straw recorded highest soil organic carbon content (1.31 %) and was significantly

superior over sugarcane trash mulch (1.13 %), maize stover mulch (1.10 %), black

polythene mulch (0.56 %), silver polythene mulch (0.52 %), white polythene mulch

(0.49 %) and unmulched (control) plants (0.41 %).

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Table 15. Soil organic carbon content at monthly intervals in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

Organic carbon (%)

Treatments October

2015 November

2015 December

2015 January

2016 February

2016 Mean








S Em ± 0.06 0.06 0.05 0.05 0.04 -

CD @ 5% 0.18 0.19 0.16 0.16 0.13 -

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4.6.5.4 Soil organic carbon content (%) in the month of January





polythene mulch (0.59 %), silver polythene mulch (0.57 %), white polythene mulch


4.6.5.5 Soil organic carbon content (%) in the month of February





polythene mulch (0.75 %), white polythene mulch (0.74 %), silver polythene mulch


4.6.6 Available nitrogen, phosphorus and potash in soil (kg/ha) after

harvest of the crop

The results presented in the Table16 revealed that there was no significant

difference between the treatments with respect to available NPK after harvest of the

crop.

The final available N, P and K of soil in plants mulched with black polythene

was 198.01 kg/ha, 28.65 kg/ha and 218.67 kg/ha, respectively while available in control

was 187.38 kg/ha, 25.39 kg/ha and 196.17 kg/ha, respectively.


The economics of different types of mulch treatments has been calculated and

presented in Table 17. The data indicated that higher B: C ratio was obtained in plants

mulched with black polythene (4.72), followed by silver polythene mulch (3.75), paddy

straw mulch (3.35), Sugarcane thrash (3.32), maize stover mulch (3.26) and white

polythene mulch (3.12). Whereas, lower B: C ratio was obtained in control (without

mulch) plants (2.93).

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Table 16 Available Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (Kg/ha) of soil in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

Treatments Available nitrogen after harvest of the crop

Available phosphorus after harvest of the crop

Available potassium after harvest of the crop

T1 - Black polythene mulch (100 µ) 198.01 28.65 218.67

T2 - Silver polythene mulch (100 µ) 195.12 26.80 212.89

T3 - White polythene mulch (100 µ) 193.14 26.69 194.46

T4 - Paddy straw mulch (6" thickness) 216.91 34.92 208.96

T5 - Sugarcane trash mulch (6" thickness) 206.38 32.72 201.22

T6 - Maize stover mulch (6" thickness) 201.28 30.41 209.98


S Em ± 7.72 2.66 5.97

CD @ 5% NS NS NS

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Table. 17 Economics of different types of mulch in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa

Treatments Yield(t/ha) Gross income (Rs/ha)

Total cost (Rs/ha)

Net return (Rs/ha)

Benefit: Cost ratio

T1 - Black polythene mulch (100 µ) 26005 1170225 247890 922335 4.72

T2 - Silver polythene mulch (100 µ) 21530 968850 258650 710200 3.75

T3 - White polythene mulch (100 µ) 18210 819450 262596 556854 3.12

T4 - Paddy straw mulch (6" thickness) 20570 925650 276010 649640 3.35

T5 - Sugarcane trash mulch (6" thickness) 16880 759600 228540 531060 3.32

T6 - Maize stover mulch (6" thickness) 16680 750600 230125 520475 3.26

T7 - Control (Without mulch) 14330 644850 219760 425090 2.93

Selling price at Rs 45 per kg

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5. DISCUSSION

Pomegranate occupies a place of great importance among the most important

subtropical fruits of the world. It has valued for its attractive colour and long keeping

quality. The quality standards of both domestic and international markets can be met by

using proper cultural practices including mulching of plants from various sources.

Efficient mulching of plants by using inorganic and organic sources forms the basis for

improving the productivity and quality of pomegranate.

Water is a scarce commodity and its availability is dwindling in the recent years.

Hence, water use efficiency is the major concern for improving the crop productivity.

Mulch is one of the methods to be adopted to increase water use efficiency by plants. It

plays a vital role in crop production due to its essentiality in moisture regulation.

Besides, in addition to affecting growth, mulching also plays a major role in efficient

recycling of crop residues. They can tremendously boost horticultural crop yield and

improve the quality and post-harvest life of horticultural produce. Keeping this in view,

an attempt was made to know the “Studies on the influence of different types of mulch

on growth, yield and quality of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa”. The

results obtained on different types of mulch are discussed in this chapter with the

available scientific reasoning and supportive literature.


The results of various growth parameters viz., shoot length (cm), number of

leaves per shoot, leaf area (cm2) and total chlorophyll content in leaf (SPAD units) as

influenced by different types of mulch during the crop growth are discussed.

The increase in growth parameters in the mulching treatments might be due to

better root activity and conservation of soil moisture, further reduced the rate of

evaporation. Reduction in runoff and erosion may have helped in improving the

structure of the soil by minimising the competition for water and nutrients to the plants,

the action of the mulch would have been bring the feeder roots up to the soil: plastic

interface (Jaganath, 1998). Mulches also help in maintaining soil temperature for better

uptake of water and nutrients by plants.

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5.1.1 Shoot length (cm) and number of leaves/shoot

Increase in length of the shoot and number of leaves per shoot was significantly

influenced by different types of mulch. The maximum shoot length of 63.44 cm, 71.81

cm, 77.13 cm, 83.26 cm and 88.41 cm at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days after mulching,

respectively (Table 1) and also number of leaves per shoot at 30, 60,90, 120 and 150

days after mulching were 109.33, 115.67, 121.00, 136.00 and 145.00, respectively was

recorded in plants mulched with black polythene (Table 2). Higher vegetative growth in

black polythene may be due to adequate moisture in the soil, which is vital for plant

growth and in turn helps to increased intensive metabolic processes, better nutrient

uptake and translocation of nutrients. These results are in confirmation with Bakshi et al. (2014) who reported that black polythene mulched plants increased number of leaves

due to more plant growth and development under micro-climatic condition in

strawberry and Mahmoud and Sheren (2014) also reported that sub surface drip

irrigation along with plastic sheet as mulching gave the higher shoot length and number

of leaves per shoot in pomegranate.

The shoot length of 52.98 cm, 53.28cm, 55.28cm, 60.07 and 67.79cm and

number of leaves of 94.33, 100.3, 108.00, 114.33 and 122.00 at 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150

days after mulching was lower in unmulched (control) plants (Table 1). Which is

because of deficit soil moisture, profuse weed growth which competed with the crop for

water and nutrients and also may be evaporation from the soil.

5.1.2 Leaf area (cm2)

The leaf area significantly increased at all the stages of crop growth (Table 3;

Fig. 1) due to application of different types of mulch. The maximum leaf area of 8.08

cm2, 10.93 cm2, 11.39 cm2, 13.63 cm2 and 14.86 cm2 was recorded in black polythene

mulch at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days after mulching, respectively. It may be attributed

to better soil hydrothermal regimes, better moisture conservation and suppression of

weeds in plants mulched with black polyethylene. Thus, plants mulched with black

polythene might have got better nutrient supply and resulted in maximum leaf area.

Singh et al. (2006) also reported that black polythene mulch significantly increased the

leaf area which aided by weed free environment and higher nutrient uptake. Higher leaf

81

Fig. 1. Leaf area at different stages of plant growth in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch

T1- Black polythene mulch (100 µ) T5 - Sugarcane trash mulch (6" thickness) T2 - Silver polythene mulch (100 µ) T6 - Maize stover mulch (6" thickness) T3 - White polythene mulch (100 µ) T7 - Control (Without mulch) T4 - Paddy straw mulch (6" thickness)

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area (11.56 cm2) under polythene mulch and organic fertilization in pomegranate was

also recorded by El-Tawell and Farag (2015).

5.1.3. Leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD units)

The leaf chlorophyll content was also maximum in the plants mulched with

black polythene. The chlorophyll content of 60.58 SPAD units, 64.21 SPAD units,

72.85 SPAD units, 76.03 SPAD units and 83.89 SPAD units at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150

days after mulching, respectively (Table 4; Fig. 2). This may be due to decreased thickness

of leaf parenchyma tissues by solar radiation restriction as showed by high values

contributed to the highest values of leaf chlorophyll on covered plants. This result was

also confirmed by changes in leaf anatomy and increased chlorophyll content under

protected cultivation to compensate the light restriction by plastic film as showed by

Chavarria et al. (2012) in grapevine. Present investigation findings are in line with the

results of Mahmoud and Sheren (2014) who reported that sub surface drip irrigation

along with plastic sheet as mulch gave the higher percentage of leaf chlorophyll content

in pomegranate.

5.2 Influence of different type of mulches on yield parameters

The fruit yield is an outcome of various biological interactions which involves

morphological, physiological and biochemical changes that are taken place during the

growth and development of a tree (Donald, 1962).

5.2.1 Fruit Yield (kg/plant and t/ha)

Higher fruit yield (20.87 kg/plant) and (26.08 t/ha) was recorded in plants

mulched with black polythene (Table 5a; Plate. 2). This was due to increase in number

of fruits per plant (79.67), average fruit weight (299.42 g), fruit length and breadth

(81.44 mm and 82.13 mm, respectively), total aril weight (193.78 g) and also better

plant growth in plants mulched with black polythene. The increase in fruit yield may

also be by conserving soil moisture, regulating temperature and suppressing weed

growth. While, the unmulched plants (Control) recorded the minimum yield (11.47

kg/plant and 14.33 t/ha) because of less number of fruits per plant (50.11), less fruit

weight (224.48 g), less fruit length and breadth (74.52 mm and 75.43 mm, respectively)

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Fig. 2. Chlorophyll content at different stages of plant growth in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch


83

84

Fig. 3. Fruit yield in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch


84

85

and total aril weight (141.56 g). The results in the present investigation are in line with

the results of Chattopadhyay and Patra (1993) who reported that mulching with black

polythene in pomegranate recorded higher fruit yield (164 q/ha)

Bakshi et al. (2014) also reported higher fruit yield (143.38 g/plant) in

strawberry cv. Chandler when plants mulched with black polythene. This might be due

to the better nutrient uptake by crop, better soil moisture and weed free environment.

5.2.2 Number of fruits per plant

Higher number of fruits (79.67) per plant (Table 5a; Fig. 4) was recorded in

plants mulched with black polythene. This may be attributed to higher number of

hermaphrodite flowers and increased fruit set due to increased available water in the

root zone of the crop, less evaporation losses and better weed control. While, minimum

number of fruits per plant (50.11) was recorded in control. The results are in line with

the findings of Mal et al. (2006) who reported that more number of flowers recorded in

plants under black polythene mulch in pomegranate cv. Ganesh. Bakshi et al. (2014)

also reported highest number of fruits per plant in black polythene mulch in strawberry

cv. Chandler.

5.2.3 Length (mm), breadth (mm) and fruit weight (g)

The beneficial effect of black polythene mulching resulted in increase of

individual fruit length (81.44 mm), width (82.13 mm) and fruit weight (299.42 g) (Table

5b; Plate. 3) and it was increased due to increment in rind thickness (4.18 mm) and aril

weight per fruit (193.78 g) in black polythene mulch. The unmulched plants (control)

recorded the minimum fruit length (74.52 mm), fruit width (75.43 mm) and fruit weight

(224.48 g), which was due to higher weed population, less soil moisture conservation,

decreased rind thickness (2.94 mm), aril weight per fruit (141.56 g) and may also be due

to decreased soil microbial activity.

The organic and inorganic mulching provided consistently improved available

soil moisture in plant basin due to which the plant roots remained probably active

throughout the irrigation season resulted in optimum availability of nutrient and proper

translocation of food materials which accelerate the fruit growth and development. The

86

Fig. 4. Fruit weight and number of fruits per plant in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch


86

88

results are in line with the findings of Chattopadhyay and Patra (1993) who reported

that larger fruit size in terms of (length 7.34cm and breadth 7.47) were obtained under

black polythene mulch which was due to more plant growth and development under

micro-climate condition resulting in better nutrient uptake in pomegranate

Bakshi et al. (2014) also recorded the maximum fruit length (3.40cm) and

breadth (2.34cm) under black polythene mulch in strawberry. Higher fruit breadth was

recorded in plants mulched with black polythene in pomegranate was also reported by

Gosh and Bera (2015).

5.2.4 Aril weight (g) and Rind thickness (mm)

Hundred aril weight (37.17 g), total aril weight per fruit (193.78 g) and rind

thickness (4.18 mm) were maximum in plants mulched with black polythene while,

minimum hundred aril weight (32.87 g), total aril weight per fruit (141.56 g) and rind

thickness (2.94 mm) were recorded in control (Table 5b). This may be attributed to

larger size of fruits produced by the plants provided with black polythene mulch, due to

increased fruit weight and also creation of favourable soil temperature for fruit

development. These observations are in conformity with the results obtained by

Chattopadhyay and Patra (1993) who recorded 102g of aril weight in pomegranate

under black polythene mulch.

The improved rind thickness of fruit resulted by mulching treatments may be

due to improved internal physiology of developing fruit in terms of better supply of

water, nutrients and other compounds vital for their proper growth and development in

peach (Yadav et al., 2013).


In addition to high yielding ability of a pomegranate cultivar, it must also

possess better quality to meet the requirement of the consumers. The various quality

parameters of pomegranate as influenced by mulches are discussed below.

89

5.3.1 Total soluble solids (° Brix)

Plants mulched with black polythene significantly increased the quality of aril

through increase in TSS (15.89° Brix) by reducing the acidity content which was

significantly superior over other treatments (Table 6a; Fig. 5). Increase in TSS is due to,

increased soil temperature (25.37° C) and maximum nutrient uptake (198.01 kg/ha of

Nitrogen and 218.67 kg/ha of Potash) under black polythene mulch treatment. Mulching

ensured higher values of soil moisture as a result of reducing water evaporation from the

soil surface. The changes occurred in the soil water regime had an obvious effect on

fruit quality. Thus, soil maintenance systems by mulching might have a positive

influence on the TSS. The unmulched plants (control) recorded the minimum TSS

(14.58° Brix). Similar findings were obtained by Mal et al. (2006) who reported that

higher TSS is related to weed free environment, higher moisture conservation and

maximum nutrient uptake under black polythene mulch in pomegranate. Bakshi et al.

(2014) also recorded the higher TSS (7.63 ° Brix) in Strawberry under black polythene

mulch.

5.3.2 Acidity (%) and juice pH

The decrease in acidity under black polythene mulching (0.76%) was due to

increase in TSS and Sugar/acid ratio which resulted in good quality fruits. Acidity was

maximum in control (0.96 %). Whereas, maximum juice pH (3.57) was recorded in

plants mulched with black polythene and minimum (3.34) in unmulched plants

(Table 6a).

Maximum acidity was obtained in control may be due to reduced cell size and

cell division due to less turgor pressure and internal auxin content. Highest percentage

of acidity was also recorded by El-Tawell and Farag, 2015 in unmulched plants of

pomegranate. Monteiro and Lopes (2007) also opined that cover crops decreased total

acidity content of vine as compared with soil tillage and increased the soluble sugars,

sugar to acid ratio in red grape varieties.

Considerable decrease in the acidity during ripening of the fruit due to their

conversion into sugar. Acids could be consider as reserve source of energy to the fruit

90

Fig. 5. Total soluble solids and sugar:acid ratio of pomegranate cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch


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and would therefore, be expected to decline during the greater metabolic activity that

occurs on ripening (Gupta and Acharya, 1994) in strawberry.

5.3.3 Sugars

5.3.3.1 Total sugars (%) and reducing sugars (%)

The sugar content of arils was significantly influenced by mulching except non-

reducing sugar content (Table 6b). The plant mulched with black polythene recorded

significantly higher total sugars (14.40%), reducing sugar (12.44 %). This might be due

to high TSS and greater utilization and assimilation of carbohydrates favoured by better

hydrothermal regime of soil and higher absorption of nutrients, conservation of soil

moisture, regulated temperature and suppression in weed growth. Whereas, unmulched

(control) plants recorded minimum total sugars (13.02 %) and reducing sugar

(09.78 %).

Total sugars can be related to positive changes in factors such as soil

temperature and moisture as well as improvements in plant growth parameters (leaf

area, fruit width, and water use efficiency). Moisture in the mulched treatments might

have helped in better nutrient uptake which was more influenced by the physical

conditions of the soil (temperature and moisture) and availability of nutrients in the soil.

These observations are in conformity with the results obtained by

Chattopadhyay and Patra (1993) who recorded higher percentage of total sugars (10.8

%) in pomegranate under black polythene mulch.

Mulching also elevates fruit yield and sugar content, which was influenced by

environmental conditions at flowering, fruit set and the early stages of fruit

development (Singh et al., 2006) in strawberry.

5.3.3.2 Non- reducing sugars (%)

The data revealed that non reducing sugars found to be non-significant with

different types of mulch (Table 6b). However, maximum non-reducing sugars

(3.07 %) was recorded in unmulched (control) plants. Kaur and Kaundal (2009) opined

92

that fruits are not mediated significantly through the mechanism of mulch uses to

influence on sugar accumulation in plum.

5.3.4 Sugar/acid ratio

Sugar/acid ratio (Table 6b; Fig. 5) was found to be maximum (19.07) in plants

mulched with black polythene and minimum Sugar/acid ratio was recorded in control

(13.61). The increase Sugar/acid ratio in black polythene mulching was due to increase

in TSS content and reduction in acid content of the arils.

Sugars are important in attaining pleasing fruit flavours through a sugar to acid

balance, attractive colour and wholesome texture Mahmoud and Sheren (2014) and

Gosh and Bera (2015) also recorded the higher sugar acid ratio in plants mulched with

black polythene in pomegranate.

5.4 Influence of different types of mulch on post-harvest

parameters

5.4.1 Physiological loss in weight (%) and shelf life

The result pertaining to physiological loss in weight (PLW) differed

significantly among the treatments (Table 7). Physiological loss in weight (13.29 %)

was minimum in black polythene mulch while maximum in control (19.06 %). While,

shelf life was also higher (27.85 days) in black polythene mulch and lower in control

(21.84 days). Minimum physiological loss in weight (PLW) of fruit was recorded after

4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 days after storage obtained in plants mulched with black polythene,

which might be due to good response in terms of growth, flowering and quality traits in

the present study. The decrease in weight loss by the application of mulches may be due

to its role in the maintenance of fruit firmness, retardation of respiratory rates as well as

transpiration and delayed senescence.

Per cent reduction in PLW as influenced by mulching treatments may lead to

increase in shelf life of fruits. Mulching might be responsible for firmness and

maintenance of structure and function of cell wall, leading to enhanced shelf life and

also controlled disintegration of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. Lang et al.

93

(2001) reported that mulching the plants helps to better calcium uptake by the tree

which will be reflected in storage potential of the fruit in apple.

Mulching of plants results in many of the chemical and physical effects that

occur during ripening of fruits and are attributed to enzyme action. Softening of fruits

during storage is closely associated with an increase in pectin esterase and

polygalactouronase activites Bakshi et al. (2014) in Strawberry.


5.5.1 Weed population /m2 and dry weight (g)

The data pertaining to number of weeds and their dry weight was significantly

influenced by mulch treatments (Table 8; Fig. 6). Weeds free (0.00) was recorded in

plants mulched with black polythene, silver polythene and white polythene. Unmulched

plants recorded the maximum number of weeds .Dry weight was nil (0.00 g) because of

weed free in plants mulched with black polythene, silver polythene and white polythene

(Table 9). Control treatment recorded the maximum dry weight at all the intervals.

Among the different mulching treatments, polythene mulches showed significant

superiority in reducing weed population. This effect may be due to smothering effect

and causing physical barrier to photosynthetic activity in weeds imparted by polythene

mulches. Weed diminution by mulching in orchard was due to hindrance of light

penetration which is essential for weed growth. This might also be due to increased soil

temperature in polythene mulched plants (Table 12). Antil (1988) also reported that

increased soil temperature resulted in killing of the embryo in weed seeds in apple.

The identical results were also reported in grape cv. Flame seedless by Hegazi

(2000) who revealed that mulching with black polythene and dry banana leaves reduced

weeds significantly due to lack of light and unfavourable conditions for emergence and

growth of weeds.

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Fig. 6. Weed population at different intervals in pomegranate plot cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different types of mulch


94

95


5.6.1 Soil moisture (%)

The data revealed that the soil moisture status was found to be significant with

mulching treatments. The maximum moisture of 17.99 % and 19.95 % at 0-15 cm

(Table 10; Fig. 7a) and 15-30 cm depth (Table 11; Fig. 7b), respectively was recorded in

black polythene mulch. The minimum moisture of 11.60 % and 12.84 % at 0-15 cm and

15-30 cm, respectively was recorded in unmulched plants (Control).

The higher soil moisture content below the mulches in various mulching

treatments may be owing to reduction of water erosion, reduction in soil surface

evaporation, suppression in extreme fluctuation of soil temperature, resulting in more

stored soil moisture. The minimum soil moisture in control plot may be due to higher

evaporation from the bare soil surface of the basin. Plants mulched with black

polyethylene resulted in better soil moisture retention followed by other mulching

materials at both the depths in the months (December to February) of no rainfall

(Appendix I).

Shirgure (2012) also reported that higher soil moisture was recorded in black

polythene and white polythene at 20cm depth in acid lime. Identical results were

obtained by Vijay Kumar et al. (2014) who opined that organic and inorganic mulching

provided consistently improved available soil moisture in plant basin at 0-15 and 15-30

cm depth in Kinnow, due to which the plant roots remained probably active throughout

the cropping period resulting in optimum availability of nutrient and proper

translocation of food materials which accelerate the fruit growth and development.

5.6.2 Soil temperature (ºC)

The perusal of data revealed that the soil temperature was significantly

influenced by mulching treatments (Table 12). The mean maximum soil temperature

(25.37 ºC) was recorded in black polythene mulch and minimum was recorded in

control (18.18 ºC). This might be due to the characteristic nature of black polythene

mulch which absorbs most UV, visible and infrared wavelength of incoming solar

radiation by which soil temperature has been increased.

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Fig. 7a. Soil moisture status from 0 to 15 cm depth at fortnight intervals in pomegranate plot cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different

types of mulch


96

97

Fig. 7b. Soil moisture status from 15 to 30 cm depth at fortnight intervals in pomegranate plot cv. Bhagwa as influenced by different

types of mulch T1- Black polythene mulch (100 µ) T5 - Sugarcane trash mulch (6" thickness) T2 - Silver polythene mulch (100 µ) T6 - Maize stover mulch (6" thickness) T3 - White polythene mulch (100 µ) T7 - Control (Without mulch) T4 - Paddy straw mulch (6" thickness)

97

98

Black plastic mulches are more effective in increasing soil temperature due to a

greater net radiation under the mulch compared to bare soil and soil heat flux will be

greater under this mulch (Mal et al. 2006). The result of the present study is in close

agreement with their results.

5.6.3 pH and EC (dsm-1)

The soil pH and EC were not varied significantly in any of the treatments

throughout the growth period (Table 13 and 14). This might be due to accumulation of

organic acids and salts in all the treatments.

Rao and Pathak (1998) also reported that addition of organic matter after

decomposition of mulches will release organic acids and dissolve them from their

soluble form in aonla. Slight increase in soil EC after imposition of mulches could be

due to dissolution of salts in the soils and also added from the mulches in fig (Moslem

et al., 2012). Capillary action under the polythene mulch promoted the upward

movement of the salts which contributed to increase in the soil EC in aonla

(Vijaykumar, 2014).

5.6.4 Organic carbon (%)

The organic carbon content was significant with mulching treatments (Table 15).

Organic carbon content in soil was found highest in all mulched treatments compared to

control (0.50%). This might be due to covering the soil with different type of mulches,

which improved the environmental condition for soil organisms by preventing water

and wind erosion, inhibiting drastic variation in humidity, temperature and by

increasing organic matter as a source of nutrition thus, resulted in high organic carbon

content. However, the maximum organic carbon was recorded in paddy straw (1.35).

This might be due to the increased accumulation of starch and lignin compounds in

paddy straw which affected over the soil organic carbon.

Covering the soil with different type of mulches can improve environmental

condition for soil organism by preventing water erosion, inhibiting drastic variation in

humidity, temperature and by increasing organic matter as a source of nutrition in aonla

99

(Vijaykumar, 2014). The result of the present study is in close agreement with his

results.

5.6.5 Available Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash after harvest of the crop

The results on available Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash of soil after harvest of

the crop as influenced by different types of mulch were recorded and there was no

significant difference between the treatments (Table 16). This may be due to better

nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium ion concentrations in soil throughout the growth

period.

Mahmoud and Sheren (2014) also reported that increase in the soil mineral

content with organic and inorganic mulches may be due to addition of nutrients from

the organic mulches by decomposition and more favourable condition created inside the

mulch like higher soil temperature and moisture, upon decomposition of organic

mulches releases certain organic acids to soil resulting in low pH which may increase

the availability of nutrients in soil.


The data indicated (Table.17) that higher B: C ratio was obtained in plants

mulched with black polythene mulch (4.72) followed by silver polythene mulch (3.75).

Highest benefit cost ratio in black polythene mulch was due to the higher fruit yield

accompanied with low cost of cultivation as compared to other polythene mulches.

Even though silver polythene has recorded higher yield, benefit cost ratio was lower in

silver polythene which was due to high cost of polythene mulch. However, lowest B: C

ratio (2.93) was obtained in control (unmulched) plants which was due to lower yield

per hectare.

Future line of work

In the light of the results obtained from the investigation, the following

suggestions are made for formulating future research programme.

100

1. Studies on the influence of frequency of irrigation through drip and polythene

mulch in different varieties of pomegranate

2. Studies on growth and development in different varieties of pomegranate as

influenced by fertigation and polythene mulch

3. Studies on the influence of bio mulches and drip irrigation on yield and quality

in different varieties of pomegranate

101

6. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

The present investigation on “Studies on the influence of different types of

mulch on growth, yield and quality of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa”

conducted during September 2015 to February 2016 at Department of Fruit science,

Sector 70, University of Horticultural Sciences, Udyanagiri, Bagalkot are presented in

this chapter under the following sub headings.


Growth parameters like shoot length, number of leaves, leaf area and leaf

chlorophyll content were significantly influenced by the mulching treatments. The

maximum shoot length (88.41 cm), number of leaves per shoot (145.00), leaf area

(14.86cm2) and leaf chlorophyll content (83.89 SPAD units) were recorded in plants

mulched with black polythene Whereas, the minimum shoot length (67.79 cm), number

of leaves per shoot (122.00), leaf area (11.87 cm2) and leaf chlorophyll content (72.43

SPAD units) were recorded in unmulched (control) plants.


Significant difference was found with respect to fruit yield and yield attributes.

Higher number of fruits per plant (79.67), fruit yield (20.87 kg/plant and 26.08 t/ha),

fruit weight (299.42 g), fruit length (81.44 mm), fruit width (82.13 mm), hundred aril

weight (37.17 g), total aril weight (193.78 g/fruit) and rind thickness (4.18 mm) were

recorded in plants mulched with black polythene while number of fruits per plant

(50.11), fruit yield (11.47 kg/plant and 14.33 t/ha), fruit weight (224.48 g), fruit length

(74.52 mm), fruit width (75.43 mm), hundred aril weight (32.87 g), total aril weight

(141.56 g /fruit) and rind thickness (2.94 mm) recorded in unmulched (control) plants.


TSS (15.89° Brix), juice pH (3.57), total sugars (14.40%), reducing sugars

(12.44 %) and sugar/acid ratio (19.07) in fruits found maximum in plants mulched with

black polythene and minimum TSS (14.58° Brix), juice pH (3.34), total sugars (13.02

%), reducing sugars (9.78 %) and sugar/acid ratio (13.61) was recorded in unmulched

102

(control) plants and acidity (0.96%) was higher in unmulched (control) plant as

compared to other treatments.

6.4 Influence of different types of mulch on post-harvest parameters

Minimum physiological loss in weight (13.29 %) was recorded in black

polythene mulch and maximum in control (19.06 %). Whereas higher shelf life of 27.85

days was recorded in black polythene mulch and lower in unmulched (control) plants

(21.84 days).


Weed free plot (0.00) and nil dry weight (0.00 g) were recorded in plants

mulched with black, silver and white polythene mulches. The maximum weed

population of 165.28, 187.53, 190.65, 186.59 and 188.75 at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150

days, respectively and dry weight of 33.16g, 52.65g, 68.12g, 66.35g and 67.85g at 30,

60, 90, 120 and 150 days, respectively was registered in unmulched (control) plants

after imposition of treatments.


Soil moisture, soil temperature and soil organic carbon varied significantly with

the mulching treatments. Moisture at 0-15 cm depth (17.99 %), 15-30 cm (19.95 %) and

soil temperature (25.37 °C) was highest in plants mulched with black polythene and

lowest moisture at 0-15 cm depth (11.60%), 15-30 cm (12.84%) and soil temperature

(18.18 °C) in unmulched (control) plants.

The maximum soil pH (7.85) was recorded in control and minimum was noticed

each in white polythene and sugarcane trash mulch (7.51). While, the maximum EC

(0.54) was recorded in paddy straw mulch and minimum EC (0.43) in unmulched

(control) plants.

Higher soil organic carbon (1.35%) was found in paddy straw mulch and

minimum soil organic carbon (0.50%) was registered in unmulched (control) plants.

103

Available NPK after harvest of the crop did not differed significantly by

different mulching treatments


Highest B: C ratio was obtained in plants mulched with black polythene (4.72),

followed by silver polythene mulch (3.75). Whereas, lower B: C ratio was obtained in

control (without mulch) plants (2.93).

Conclusion

In the present study, it could be inferred that mulching is better for plant growth

and fruit production by maintaining soil moisture, temperature, weed control and soil

nutrients. Highest fruit yield was recorded in black polythene mulch followed by silver

polythene mulch as compared to other mulches. Therefore, use of polythene mulch in

pomegranate orchard has been found to be most effective because of its durability. It

could be recommended that growers may adopt either black polythene mulch or silver

polythene mulch for pomegranate orchard to obtain better yield with good economic

returns.

104

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113

APPENDIX- I

Meteorological data recorded at Agriculture Research Station, Bagalkot. Karnataka during the period of experimentation (2015-2016)

Temperature (°C) Relative humidity (%) Months

Maximum Minimum Morning Evening

Rainfall (mm)

April, 2015 35.90 22.12 73.73 41.04 38.80

May, 2015 38.58 22.87 70.87 41.90 0.00

June, 2015 33.56 23.69 75.10 55.60 25.90

July, 2015 31.30 23.06 77.29 60.16 0.00

August, 2015 29.04 18.84 68.87 15.26 41.70

September, 2015 29.74 19.95 77.07 59.90 150.40

October, 2015 32.35 19.55 78.06 74.97 46.00

November, 2015 30.93 18.09 78.87 68.87 3.00

December, 2015 31.66 14.91 70.32 67.19 0.00

January, 2016 30.30 12.26 65.81 57.87 0.00

February, 2016 35.87 16.15 70.28 67.85 0.00

March, 2016 37.58 20.73 74.13 58.74 0.00

Mean 33.06 19.35 73.36 55.77 305.80

114

APPENDIX- II

pH, EC, Available nitrogen, Available Phosphorus, and Available potassium of the soil before the imposition of the treatments in the experimental plot of pomegranate cv. Bhagwa.

Soil chemical properties

Treatments pH

EC (1:2.5)

dS/m

Available Nitrogen (kg/ha)

Available Phosphorus

(kg/ha)

Available Potassium (kg/ha)

T1 - Black polythene mulch (100 µ) 7.62 0.41 257.00 41.66 228.17

T2 - Silver polythene mulch (100 µ) 7.49 0.55 240.68 42.00 230.40

T3 - White polythene mulch (100 µ) 7.82 0.40 228.37 43.43 208.03

T4 - Paddy straw mulch (6" thickness) 7.78 0.46 256.43 41.51 215.42

T5 - Sugarcane trash mulch (6" thickness) 7.60 0.42 226.75 39.04 219.54

T6 - Maize stover mulch (6" thickness) 7.68 0.41 232.80 40.78 220.07


S Em ± 0.29 0.03 10.31 2.44 5.62

CD @ 5% NS NS NS NS NS

NS = Non Significant

11

4

115

STUDIES ON THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT TYPE OF MULCH ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF POMEGRANATE (Punica granatum L.)

cv. BHAGWA

YOGARAJ, S. 2016 Dr. D. R. PATIL Major Advisor

ABSTRACT A field experiment on ‘Studies on the influence of different type of mulches on

growth, yield and quality of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa’ was

carriedout at Department of Fruit Science, Sector 70, University of Horticultural

Sciences, Udyanagiri, Bagalkot during 2015-16. The experiment was laid out in a

randomized block design with seven types of mulch (Black polythene mulch, silver

polythene mulch, white polythene mulch, paddy straw mulch, sugarcane trash mulch,

maize stover mulch and control-without mulch).

Among the different type of mulches, black polythene mulch found to be

superior over others with respect to growth parameters viz., shoot length (88.41 cm),

number of leaves per shoot (145.00), leaf area (14.86 cm2) and total chlorophyll content

in leaf (83.89 SPAD units). Yield parameters viz., number of fruits (79.67/ plant), fruit

yield (20.87 kg) per plant, fruit weight (299.42 g), fruit length (81.44 mm) and fruit

width (82.13 mm) were found to be highest in black polythene mulch followed by silver

polythene mulch. Among the qualitative characters, the higher total soluble solids

(15.89º Brix), total sugars (14.40 %) and lower titratable acidity (0.76 %) with

maximum shelf life (27.85 days) and minimum physiological loss in weight (13.29 %)

recorded in the black polythene mulch. No weeds were noticed in polythene mulches

(Black polythene mulch, silver polythene mulch and white polythene mulch). Black

polythene mulch recorded the maximum soil temperature (25.37 ºC) and the maximum

soil moisture of 17.99 % and 19.95 % at 0-15 and 15-30 cm depths respectively.

From the present investigation, it found that mulching is a novel technique to

obtain higher yield and quality fruits in dry regions where water is a scarce resource.

116

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