Performance of mix population of cashew hybrids in association with weather factors under Konkan region of Maharashtra

A long term study was conducted with view to assess the effect of various weather parameters on the yield performance of mixed population of cashew hybrids under Konkan region of Maharashtra during 2000–01 to 2013–14. The various weather factors, viz., minimum temperature, maximum temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and rainy days were recorded during the period of investigation. The yield data for 14 years of 400 trees of mixed population of hybrids spaced at 7 m x 7 m and planted in 1984 at Cashew farm, RFRS, Vengurle was recorded and correlated with various weather factors. Statistical analysis was done as per Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient formula for 1% and 5% significance level. The rainy days showed significant positive correlation with yield. The correlation coefficient analysis confirmed the role of rainy days as the most important determinant of yield. The relationship between monthly rainy days during June with yield was significant whereas, the rainy days in other months had poor relationship with yield of cashew hybrids. The maximum temperature during October and November had significantly positive correlation with yield of hybrids. Similarly, minimum temperature prevailed during July had strongly positive association with the yield.