This chapter describes the materials and methods which were used in the field to conduct the experiment during the period from 28 October 2015 to 15 January 2016. It comprises a short description of experimental site, soil and climate, variety, growing of the crops, experimental design, treatments and collection of data presented under the following headings:
3.1 Description of the experimental site 3.1.1 Experimental site
The experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangia Nagar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The experimental site is situated between 23074'N latitude and 90035'E longitude and at an elevation of 8.4 m from sea level (Anon., 1989).
3.1.2 Climatic condition
The experimental area is situated in the sub-tropical climate zone, which is characterized by heavy rainfall during the months of April to September (Kharif season) and scanty rainfall during the months from October to March (Rabi season) and storage during the months from March to July (Kharif season) of the year. Details of weather data in respect of temperature (oC), rainfall (mm) and relative humidity (%) for the study period was collected from Bangladesh Meteorological Department, Agargoan, Dhaka-1207 (Appendix I).
3.1.3 Characteristics of soil
The soil of the experimental field belongs to the Tejgaon series under the Agro ecological Zone, Madhupur Tract (AEZ- 28) (Appendix II) and the general soil type is Shallow Red Brown Terrace soil. A composite sample was made by collecting soil from several spots of the field at a depth of 0-15 cm before the initiation of the experiment. The collected soil was air-dried, grind and passed through 2 mm sieve and analyzed at Soil Resources Development Institute
(SRDI), Khamarbari, Farmgate, Dhaka for some important physical and chemical properties. The soil was having a texture of silty clay with pH and organic matter 5.8 and 1.16 respectively. The results showed that the soil composed of 27% sand, 43% silt and 30% clay, which have been presented in Appendix Il.
3.2 Plating material
The hybrid variety of "Gray zucchini" squash was used in the experiment. The seeds of the hybrid variety were collected from Masud Seed Company, 174, Siddique Bazar, Dhaka-lOOO.
3.3 Treatment of tbe experiment
The experiment comprised of two factors Factors A: 3 Different mulches
i) ~- No mulch (control) ii)M1- Rice straw
iii)MrBlack polythene Factor B:Phosphorus (31evels)
i) Po - 0 kg
P
20s/ha (control)There were in total 9 (3x3) treatment combinations such as MoPo.
MoPJ,
MoP2,1Y1IPo.M}J>I,MJP2,M2J>O.M2J>1.1Vl2J>2
3.4 Design and layout of the experiment
The two factorial experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (ReBD) with three replications. The total area of the experimental plot was 178.08 m2 with length 21.2 m and width 8.4 m. The total area was divided into three equal blocks. Each block was divided into 9 plots where 9 treatments
combination was distributed randomly. There were 27 unit plots altogether in the experiment. The size of each plot was 1.8m x 1.8m. The distance maintained between two blocks and two plots were I m and 0.5 m, respectiveJy. The plots were raised up to 10 cm. In the plot with maintaining distance between plant to plant were 90 em. The layout of the experiment is given below:
\
RI R2 R3
MoPo
I I M
1P) , I M
2P
O NI 1 I I
M)P
1MaP
oMoP
2W
E M
oP
2I I M
2P
OI I
M2P2'S
M2PO
I I
MoPII I
M'IPoI I I
LegendM1PO
I
M1P2 M2PO»
Plot size:1.8mX 1.8m
M
2P
2I I MoP
2I I MoP
o»
Plot spacing:0.5mXO.5m
»
Total seedling: 108 MoPII I M
2P
OI I M,P,
M2Po
I I M
2P
2I I
MoP,M,P
2I 'I MIP
oI I
M1P2Fig. 1. Field layout of the' experiment
Treatments
Factor A: Mulch materials Factor B: Phosphorus levels
~ Mo=
Control~ M1=Rice straw
»
M2=
Black polythene)' Po= Control
)0 P1= 60kg P20s/ha
~ P2
=
90kg P20s/ha3.5 DetaiJs of the field experiment 3.5.1 Polybag preparation
Polybag was prepared on 28 October 20 IS for raising seedlings of squash and the size of the polybag was 8-inch length and 5-inch breadth. Loose soil was used for polybag preparation. Cow dung was mixed with so.il in polybag for better growth of plant. The soil was treated by Sevin 50WP @ 5kglha to protect the seed and young pJants from the attack of ants.
3.5.2 Seed treatment
Seeds were treated by Provax 200WP @ 3g/kg seeds to protect some seed borne diseases.
3.5.3 Seed sowing
Seeds were sown on 30 October 2015 in the polybag. Seeds were sown at a depth of 2cm and covered with a fine layer of soil followed by Jight watering by water can. Two seed was sown in each polybag. Regular watering was done by water cane. When the seeds were germinated, shade by white polythene was provided to protect the young seedlings from scorching sunshine and rain.
3.5.4 Raising of seedlings
Light watering and weeding were done several times. No chemical fertilizers were applied for raising of seedJings. Seedlings were not attacked by any kind of insect or disease. Healthy and 15 days old seedlings (plate.1) were transplanted into.the experimental field on 21 November 2015.
Plate 1. A photograpb showing IS days old seedling of squash 3.5.5 Land preparation
The plot selected for conducting the experiment was opened in the 1st week of November 2015 with a power tiJ1er and left exposed to the sun for a week.
After one week the land was harrowed, ploughed and cross-ploughed several times followed by laddering to obtain good tilth. Weeds and stubbJes were removed and finally obtained a desirable tilth of soil
was
obtained for transplanting of seedling. In order to avoid water logging due to rainfall during the study period, drainage channels were made around the land. After that 4 pit were made in each plot by using spade for transplant seedlings. The soil was treated with Furadan 5G @ ]5 kglha when the plotwas
finally ploughed to protect the young seedlings from the attack of cut worm. Experimental Jand was divided into unit plots following the experimental design.3.5.6 Application of mulches materials
j
Two types of Mulches material; viz., black polythene and rice straw mulch were used. The black polythene sheet (plate. 2) with small opening which was made for maintaining proper plant to plant distance before placing over the plot and the rice straw (plate. 3) was chopped into small pieces (5 em) and sun dried for three days before placing. The rice straw mulch materials were maintained at 5 cm approximately.
Plate 2. A photograph showing black po)ythene mulch
Plate 3. A photograph showing rice straw mulch
3.5.7 Fertilizer application
Following dose and method of application was folJowed insquash field:
Application (%) at Fertilizer and
Doselha
Manures ]5 30 45
Basal
DAT DAT OAT
Cowdung 10 tons 100
- - -
Urea 365 kg (N:]68 kg)
-
33.33 33.33 33.33MP 223 kg(K:134 kg) 50 16.67 16.67 16.67
125 kg (P20S:60 kg) 100
- - -
TSP
] 87.5 kg(P20S:90 kg) ]00 -
- -
Urea, triple super phosphate (TSP), muriate of potash (MP), were used as a source of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium respectively. Cow dung, urea, muriate of potash (MP), were applied at the rate of 10 tons/ha 365 kg/ha, 223 kglha respectively fol1owing some research work above squash was done in abroad and BARf recommendation for cucurbitaceous crop. Phosphorous were applied as per treatment. An Cowdung and TSP and ~ MP (111.5 kg/ha) were applied as basal dose before three days of transplanting. Total urea and Y2 MP
(111.5 kg/ha): was applied in three equaJ installments at 15, 30 and 45 days after transplanting.
3.5.8 Transplanting of seedlings
The seedbed was watered before uprooting the seedlings to minimize the damage of roots. Fifteen days old healthy seedlings were transplanted (plate. 4) at the spacing of 90 cm x 90 em in the experimental plots on 21 November 2015. Thus the four plants were accommodated in each unit plot. Planting was done in the afternoon and light irrigation was given immediately after transplanting around each seedling for their better establishment. Watering was done up to five days until they became capable of establishing on their own root system.
Plate 4. A pbotograph showing transplanting of seedling of squash
3.5.9 Intercultural operations 3.5.9.1 Gap filling
Very few seedlings were damaged after transplanting and new seedlings from the same stock were replaced these.
3.5.9.2 Weeding
The plants were kept under careful observation. Weeding was done at two times. First weeding was done two weeks after transplanting. Another weeding was done after 30 days of first weeding. No weed
was
found in the plotscovered by black polythene, while a few weeds were noticed inplots covered by rice straw.
3.5.9.3 Irrigation
Light irrigation was given immediately after transplanting around each seedling for their better establishment. Watering was done up to five days until they become capable of establishing on their own root system. Irrigation was given by observing the soil moisture condition. Three times irrigation were done during crop period.
3.5.9.4 Plant protection
Squash is a very sensitive plant to various insect pests and diseases. So, various protection measures were taken. Melathion 57 EC and Ripcord was applied 2 mIll against the insect pests like cucumber beetle, fruit fly, squash fruit borer and other. The insecticide application was made fortnightly from ]0 days after transplanting to a week before first harvesting. During cloudy and hot weather precautionary measures against viral disease like mosaic of squash was taken by spraying Imitaf 20 SL @ 125mllha to control aphid, brown plant hopper, cucumber bettIe etc. Furadan lOG was also applied @ 5 gm/pit during pit preparation as soil insecticide.
3.5.10 General observation
The field was frequently observed to notice any changes in plants, pest and disease attack and necessary action was taken for normal plant growth.
3.5.11 Harvesting
Squash was harvested when fruits was 7-8-inch long, fleshy light green in color, small spine in fruit skin. Harvesting was done eight times at three days interval and col1ect all the fruit of all plant to collect data.
3.6 Collection of data
The data pertaining to fol1owing characters were recorded from three plants selected from each plot except yield of fruits which was recorded plot wise.
3.6.1 Plant heigbt (em)
Plant height was measured from base to the tip of the longest leaf at 15, 25,35 and 45 days after transplanting (OAT). A meter scale
was
used to measure plant height of the plant and expressed in centimeter (em).3.6.2 Number of leaves per plant
The total number of leaves per plant was counted from each selected plant.
Data were recorded as the average of three plants selected at random of each plot at 10 days interval starting from 15 DAT and continued up to 45 DAT.
3.6.3 Stem Diameter (em)
Stem diameter was measured of plant at 15,25 and 35 DAT. A slide calipash was used to measure stem diameter.
3.6.4 Days to 1st male flowering
Number of days from transplanting to 1st 'male flower was recorded for every plant and the average was calculated.
3.6.5 Days to 500/0 male flowering
Number of days from transplanting to 50% male flower was recorded for every plant and the average was calculated.
3.6.6 Days to 1stfemale flowering
Number of days from transplanting to 1st male flower was recorded for every plant and the average was calculated.
3.6.7 Days to 50% female flowering
Number of days from transplanting to 50% female flower was recorded for every plant and the average was calculated.
3.6.8 Days to 1sf fruit harvest
Difference between the dates of transplanting to the date of 1st fruit harvest in a plot was counted as Days to ]st fruit harvest. Days required from transplanting to 1stharvest were counted when fruits were harvested as 1st harvest.
3.6.9 Number of male flowers per plant
The number of male flowers per plant was counted from each plot after flowering and recorded per plant basis. Male flower (plate 5) selected based on the absence of initial oval shape fruit like structure at the base of flower.
t, .:
~ .. '"~/.II
"
1/
'\ F
.
",.-
.
,
Plate 5. A photograph showing male flower of squash 3.6.10 Number of female flowers per plant
The number of female flowers per plant was counted from each plot after flowering and recorded per plant basis. Female flower selected based on the presence of initial oval shape fruit like structure at the base of flower.
3.6.11 Number of fruits set per plant
The number of fruits set per plant was counted by fruits set in plant and recorded per plant basis.
3.6.12 Number of marketable fruits per plant
The number of marketable fruits (plate. 6) per plant was counted after harvesting of fruits and recorded per plant basis.
Plate 6. A photograph showing marketable fruit of squash 3.6.13 Fruit length (em)
The length of individual fruit was measured in one side to another side of fruit from five selected fruits with a meter scale and average of individual fruit length recorded and expressed incentimeter (em),
3.6.14 Fruit diameter (em)
The diameter of individual fruit was measured in several directions from five selected fruits with slide calipash and the average of all directions was finally recorded and expressed in centimeter (em).
3.6.15 weight of individual fruit (g)
The weight of individual fruit was recorded in gram (g) by a digital weighting machine from all fruits of selected three plants and converted individually.
3.6.16 Fruit yield per plant (kg)
Fruit yield per plant was recorded in kilogram (kg) from all fruit weight of selected three plant.
3.6.17 Fruit yield per plot (kg)
Fruit yield of squash per plot was recorded as the whole fruit per plot and was expressed
in
kilogram.3.6.18 Fruit yield per ha (t)
Fruit yield per hectare of squash was calculated by converting the weight of plot yield into hectare and was expressed inton,
3.8 Statistical analysis
The collected data on various parameters under study were statistically analyzed using MST AT ~C computer package programmed. The means for all the treatments were calculated and analysis of variance for all the characters was performed by the
F-
variance test (Gomez and Gomez, 1984).Significance of difference between means was evaluated by Least Significance Difference (LSD) and the probability level 5% and 1% for the interpretation of results.
3.9 Economic analysis ,
Economic analysis was done to find out the cost effectiveness of different treatments like different mulches and levels of phosphorus in cost and return were done in details according to the procedure of Alamet al. (1989).
3.9.1 Analysis for total cost of production of squash
AII the material and non-material input cost, interest on fixed capita1 of land and miscellaneous cost were considered for calculating the total cost of production. The interest was calculated @ 14% for six months per year and miscellaneous cost as 5% of the total input cost. The value of one hectare of land
was
considered to be Tk. 6,00,000/- and the price of one kg squash was considered to be Tk 25/-.3.9.2 Gross income
Gross income was calculated on the basis of sale of marketable fruit. The price of squash
was
assumed to be Tk. 25 /kg basis of current market value of Kawran Bazar, Dhaka at the time of harvesting.3.9.3 Net return
Net return was calculated by deducting the tota] production cost from gross income for each treatment combination.
3.9.4 Benefit cost ratio (BCR)
The economic indicator BCR was calculated by the following formula for each treatment combination.
Gross income per hectare Benefit cost ratio =
Total cost of production per hectare
1 ]
]
1
40