Effect of Organic Sources on Vegetative Growth, Fruit Quality and Yield of Phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis D.C.)

Abstract

Phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis D.C.) is a native plant with nutritionally rich fruits, yet it faces challenges like uneven ripening and small fruit size. This study assessed the efficacy of organic nutrient sources, including Farm Yard Manure (F.Y.M.), Poultry Manure, and Jeevamrit, in improving Phalsa growth and fruit quality. Results revealed that the combination of F.Y.M. and Poultry Manure with Jeevamrit significantly enhanced vegetative growth, increasing shoot length, number of shoots per plant, and inter-nodal length. These benefits are attributed to the nutrient-rich organic sources, which stimulate cell elongation and division, leading to accelerated plant growth. Furthermore, organic sources positively impacted fruit yield, with the highest yield observed under F.Y.M. and Poultry Manure with Jeevamrit treatment. Additionally, there were increased fruiting nodes and extended harvesting periods, contributing to enhanced fruit production. Phalsa fruit size and quality improved substantially due to organic source applications, resulting in larger fruit dimensions and elevated total soluble solids content. Jeevamrit and F.Y.M. facilitated better nutrient transport to developing fruits, enhancing metabolic processes and fruit size. Regarding sugar content, organic sources significantly influenced non-reducing and reducing sugars. F.Y.M. with Jeevamrit yielded higher non-reducing sugar content, while reducing sugar content increased with F.Y.M. and Jeeva Ghanamrit. Phalsa fruit acidity was not significantly affected by organic sources, but there was a non-significant increase in ascorbic acid content under various combination treatments. Economically, the benefit-cost ratio was most favourable with F.Y.M. and Poultry Manure combined with Jeevamrit, showcasing the economic viability of these organic nutrient sources in Phalsa cultivation. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the positive impact of organic nutrient sources, particularly F.Y.M., Poultry Manure, and Jeevamrit, on Phalsa plant growth, fruit yield, and fruit quality. These findings provide valuable insights into sustainable and organic methods for enhancing Phalsa cultivation, potentially leading to increased production and improved fruit quality in this indigenous crop. Further research should explore the applicability of these organic sources in different crops and regions.