Comparison of the Combined Effect of Intra Row Spacing and Harvesting Interval on Yield and Yield Components of Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris L.)

Abstract

The study was carried out to evaluate the combined effect of intra-row spacing and harvesting interval (frequency) on yield and yield components of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.), variety Ford Hook Giant. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with a 3*3 factorial arrangement in three replications. The factor levels were: 25cm, 30cm and 35 cm for intra-row spacing and 6, 12 and 18 days for harvesting interval.  Statistically significant differences were observed among the treatment combinations on their effects on all parameters evaluated (yield, leaf length, leaf number and plant height) except leaf width. The highest yield (42.51 t/ha) and yield components (32.0cm average leaf length, 8.17 average leaf number/plant, 17.67cm average leaf width and 43.33cm average plant height) were obtained from the combined effects of 35cm intra-row spacing and 18 days harvesting interval. Conversely, the lowest measurements of the same parameters were recorded from the combined effects of 25cm intra-row spacing and 6 days harvesting interval. Growers under Wolkite conditions are therefore recommended to grow Swiss chard in a similar way.

Keywords: Swiss chard, intra-row spacing, harvesting interval, yield and yield components.

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/9-19-06

Publication date:October 31^st 2019