Influence of nitrogen and spacing on the performance of Maroi Napakpi (Allium hookeri Thw.) under Manipur conditions

Abstract

A study was undertaken to find out the effect of nitrogen and spacing on Maroi Napakpi (Allium hookeri Thw.) with three levels of nitrogen and six levels of spacing. Though higher growth was recorded with 75 kg/ ha nitrogen (N3), higher marketable leaves per plant and leaf yield was recorded with 60 kg/ ha nitrogen (N2) during the first year and 75 kg/ ha in the second year. Closer spacing (S1) recorded lengthier and narrow leaves than in wider spacing (S6). However, higher weight of the leaf was recorded in wider spacing (S6) than closer spacing (S1). Higher number of marketable leaves per plant was recorded in wider spacing (S6) and lower number of leaves in closure spacing (S1). Though higher leaf yield (16.7 t/ ha) was recorded in N2 during first year, N3 recorded higher yield (44.2 t/ ha) in second year may be due to increased number of suckers during the second year. Closure spacing (S1) recorded higher leaf yield. Highest leaf yield of 61.1 t/ ha was recorded with 75 kg/ ha nitrogen at S1 in the second year. Although higher number of marketable leaves per plant and hence yield was observed with increased spacing yet it could not compensate the yield gain due to more plant population.