RESPONSE OF BIDI TOBACCO ( Nicotiana tabacum L .) TO PLANTING METHODS AND PLANTING GEOMETRY UNDER RAINFED CONDITIONS IN VERTISOLS OF ANDHRA PRADESH

Abstract

A field experiment was undertaken at Regional Agriculture Research Station, Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh from 2014-15 to 2017-18 on vertisols under rainfed condition to find out the response of bidi tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) to suitable method of planting and planting geometry for higher cured leaf yield. The treatments consisted of two planting methods (Ridge method and flat bed method) and four planting geometry (60 cm x 50 cm, 60 cm x 75 cm, 75 cm x 50 cm and 75 cm x 75 cm) in factorial randomized block design and replicated thrice. The bidi tobacco variety used for experimentation was Nandyal Pogaku-1. Pooled analysis of the results indicated that ridge planting method recorded significantly higher leaf length (38.6 cm) and cured leaf yield (1657 kg ha-1) against flat bed method planting (37.6 cm and 1417 kg ha-1). Significantly higher cured leaf yield was recorded with planting geometry of 60 cm x 75 cm (1721 kg ha-1) and was on par with 75 cm x 50 cm (1593 kg ha-1). Higher leaf length (40.0 cm) and leaf width (16.2 cm) was observed at 75 cm x 75 cm planting geometry. Interaction effect of planting method with planting geometry found non significant. Higher net returns was observed in ridge method (Rs 87,785/ ha) with BCR of 2.96 whereas planting at 60 cm x 75 cm geometry recorded net returns of Rs 94,405/ha with BCR of 3.18.