Evaluation of High Yielding Yard Long Bean Varieties

Field experiments were conducted for two crop seasons during 2019–20 to assess the performance of high yielding yard long bean varieties (Manjari and Githika) in KVK cluster areas of Kottayam district. The trials were conducted at 10 farmers’ plots each during two crop seasons and compared with cultivated variety (Vellayani Jyothika). Observations on pod length (cm), number of seeds per pod, number of pods/kg and average pod yield (q/ha) were recorded in addition to sensory evaluation. The results indicated the superiority of variety Githika in terms of pod length (51.0 cm), number of seeds per pod (20.2) with least number of pods per kg (42) and average yield (259 q/ha). The acceptance of varieties evaluated through sensorial characteristics using a 9 point hedonic scale revealed significantly greater acceptance of variety Githika over other two varieties in terms of colour (7.70), appearance (7.20), aroma (6.70), tenderness (8.70) and overall acceptability (7.20). On the basis of superior performance on yield and sensory evaluation, it could be concluded that variety Githika is suitable for large scale cultivation in Kottayam district.