Assessment of Influence of Weather Parameters on Mesta (Hibiscus sabdariffa) in North-Coastal Zone of Andhra Pradesh

Fibre productivity of mesta (Hibiscus sabdariffa) in north coastal zone of Andhra Pradesh was analysed in relation to weather parameters which revealed a decrease in productivity during seasons when rainfall exceeded 900 mm and maximum temperature during vegetative period (10 – 16 WAS) remained below 32.0°C. Seasonal rainfall between 600 to 725 mm resulted in high regional average yields. Increased fibre yields were observed with increasing seasonal rainfall during the years when maximum temperatures exceeded 33.5°C. Fibre yield data from a long term (14-year) experiment was found to have a strong positive association with maximum air temperature during vegetative growth (6–16 WAS) period as well as with diurnal temperature range during late vegetative period (11 -19 WAS). A yield prediction model based on generated weather variables involving maximum temperature and rainfall was developed for regional yield estimation.