MORPHO-YIELD RESPONSE AND QUALITY CHARACTERIZATION OF BOTTLE GOURD (LAGENARIA SICERARIA) VARIETIES TO NITROGEN FERTILIZATION.

The morpho-yield and quality traits of bottle gourd varieties were tested in response to nitrogen (N) nutrition during the year 2020 at the horticulture research area of Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam. The study was performed by applying Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The two varieties Anmol and Long green were tested by applying six N rates that included (0 Kg N, (control), 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 Kg N ha-1). Both the varieties exhibited positive response to nitrogen fertilization. The maximum vine length, branches vine-1 were noted in plants, fertilized with increasing N rates (150 and 125 kg ha-1). In contrast shorter plants with less branches were noted when they were not fertilized with N nutrition.). The N nutrition also had a positive effect on fruit traits. The maximum fruit number with greater length and weight was recorded in plants supplied with increasing N fertilization. The N fertilization had beneficial influence on plant quality characteristics. The maximum pH, TSS, moisture and ash content in plants were observed, nourished with increasing N supply. The varietal comparison indicates that fruits of "Long green" had lower pH (5.88 vs. 6.0), higher in TSS (5.39 vs. 4.28%), moisture (67.74 vs. 55.52%), ash contents (19.96 vs. 19.01%), fruit yield (18178 vs. 17123 kg ha-1) than variety "Anmol". In general, vines fertilized at 150 kg ha-1 N performed better than those fertilized at lower N levels for entire studied attributes, and "Long green" did better than "Anmol" among the evaluated varieties. The data clearly indicated severe soil N deficiency; and with each increment in applied N, the crop response was positive and significant (p<0.05). Hence, the farmers are suggested that "Long Green" bottle gourd variety may preferably be adapted with N at 150 kg ha-1 due to intense performance under agro-ecological conditions of Tandojam Sindh, Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]