Performance of Bottle gourd [ Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.] under different nutrient management

An experimental study was conducted during 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 at Horticulture Research Station, Mon-douri, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Monhanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, India, to find out the combined effect of organic manure, chemical fertilizers and bio fertilizers in an integrated manner for yield maximization and quality improvement in bottle gourd cv. Pusa Naveen. The experiment was consisted of eleven nutrient based treatment combinations, including different level of applications of inorganic fertilizers (Urea, Single Super Phosphate and Muriate of Potash), organic manure (Vermicompost) and bio fertilizers (Azotobacter and PSB). Present investigation clearly indicated the beneficial effect of integrated nutrient management on yield and quality characters of bottle gourd. Keeping view on yield sustainability, balance in ecosystem, soil health and good health of human beings it may be suggested that vegetable growers particularly new alluvial zone of West Bengal may supplement 25-50 % recommended dose of nitrogen through vermicompost instead of applying full recommended dose of nitrogen from inorganic source in bottle gourd along with biofertilizers, viz., Azotobacter and PSB.