Effect of various protected structures on yield and yield attributing traits in cucurbitaceous and solanaceous vegetables under mid hill conditions of central Himalayas

Effect of different green house models and open field was studied on the yield and yield attributing traits of cucurbitaceous (Yellow Zucchini, Green Zucchini, Pumpkin, Cucumber) and solanaceous (Tomato, Capsicum) vegetables during summer season (February-July) at Defence Institute of Bio energy Research, Field Station, Pithoragarh in 2017–18. Protected structures provide favorable environment for crop growth thereby achieving greater yield and high quality produce. Glass house, poly house, poly carbonate house & polythene mulching are different types of protected cultivation structures, which are commonly adopted for crop cultivation. The effects of temperature on plant growth and yield of vegetables in green houses and open field condition were investigated. The air temperature in the open field condition was lower than in the green house treatments throughout the growth period. Poly house was found more suitable for better plant growth and yield of solanaceous vegetables while cucurbitaceous vegetables performed better in polythene mulching. Zucchini: Swarnim (13.0kg), Zucchini: Begum (12.230kg), Cucumber: BSS 784 (8.150kg), Pumpkin: Inderjeet (17.0kg) exhibited maximum yield/plant in Red Mulch. Tomato: BSS 99 (10.0kg) and Capsicum: KSP 1070 (4.300kg) showed maximum yield/plant in poly house condition. The superiority in the fruit yield in poly house may be attributed to the more number of fruits per plant with comparatively heavier weight inside this structure compared to open condition and other structures. These findings suggest that protected structures of any kind are better over open fields in hill region for vegetable production.