Growth behaviour and yield of five water chestnut varieties under waterlogged condition

Five local varieties of water chestnut; two green fruit type (Haldipada green and Balasore green) and three red fruit type (Haldipada red, Balasore red and KNP red) grown in waterlogged condition showed different growth patterns. The leaf area development was quicker in green type varieties and the decline of leaf area was also quicker in these types. The red fruit varieties, however, maintained leaf area for relatively longer duration. The elongation ability of water chestnut varieties with increase in water depth was also found positive (from r = 0. 83 to up to r = 0.98*) indicating their suitability for cultivation in flood prone areas. The green types flowered and fruited earlier than red types, but red types picked up towards later part. The total yield, however, was greater in green varieties.