Seed yield of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) with integrated nutrient management

The field investigation was conducted during 2009–10 to assess the influence of varying sources of nutrients on the seed yield and quality in bitter gourd. Seed yields were highest (1093 kg ha⁻¹) with a nutrient dose of 150% of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF). The yields were on par with the treatments receiving 25% substitution of chemical fertilizer with vermicompost and poultry manure and recorded 57% more seed yield than the organically grown crop. The net return and benefit: cost ratio were also higher in this treatment. Among the organic treatments, 100% recommendation was more economic than the higher dose, on account of the better seed yields in the former treatment. The seed quality parameters, viz. 100-seed weight and vigour index although not significant, were comparatively higher for the organically raised seeds.