Performance of baby corn in variable planting densities and nutrient levels under rainfed condition of North east India

Abstract

Under the hill rainfed ecosystem of north eastern India, maize is the second important staple crop after rice. Due to high adaptability under variable climatic conditions, shorter duration and dual purpose of baby corn is gaining momentum and can be a potential crop in this region. A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2020-21 to identify the most suitable baby corn variety under different planting densities and nutrient levels. Four varieties of baby corn were tested in two different planting densities (100000 and 125000 plants/ha with 50 cm × 20 cm and 40 cm × 20 cm plant spacing, respectively) and two nutrient levels (RDF i.e. 120:60:60 and 150% RDF i.e. 180:90:90 N:P:K kg/ha) in split-split plot design replicated thrice. The variety CMVL BC2 recorded the maximum plant height (209.5 cm), highest plant population (101100 plants/ha), shortest duration to first picking (51.3 days) and maximum number of pickings (6.08) than the other varieties. There was no variation in planting densities and nutrient levels on the yield and economic return of the baby corn. However, CMVL BC2 outperformed the baby corn yield with husk (12487 kg/ha) under RDF application and green fodder yield (33681 kg/ha) under higher planting density. Higher planting population and application of RDF in CMVL BC2 recorded the highest net return (275035 Rs./ha) and B:C (4.69). Thus, it can be concluded that the variety CMVL BC2, with a high planting density of 125,000 plants/ha and a nutrient level of 120:60:60 NPK kg/ha, is suitable for attaining higher yield and economic benefits under rainfed conditions of north east India.