Assessing the Economic Viability of GA3 and Ethrel Combinations at Varying Concentrations for Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) cv. ASN-115
Mokkala Siva Prasad
Department of Vegetable Science, Dr. YSPUHF, Nauni, Solan - 173 230, India.
Satheesh Bhavanasi *
Department of Horticulture, College of Agricultural Science and Applied Research (CASAR), B.E.S.T Innovation University, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Uggumudi Sai Nishitha
Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – 641003, India.
Khushwant Singh
Department of Vegetable Science, Dr. YSPUHF, Nauni, Solan - 173 230, India.
Pratibha Singh
Department of Vegetable Science, Dr. YSPUHF, Nauni, Solan - 173 230, India.
Vinay Kumar Nagar
Department of Vegetable Science, Dr. YSPUHF, Nauni, Solan - 173 230, India.
Makvana RahulKumar Haksinhbhai
Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP)-173230, India.
K. Hari
Department of Horticulture, Adhiyamaan College of Agriculture and Research, Hosur, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study evaluates the economic viability of different combinations of gibberellic acid (GA3) and Ethrel at varying concentrations for muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) cv. ASN-115. The experiment, conducted from February to May 2021 at the Horticulture Research Farm, SHUATS, Prayagraj, focused on the effects of GA3 and Ethrel on fruit yield, gross return, net return and benefit-cost ratio. Results indicated that T2 (GA3 60 ppm + Ethrel 150 ppm) recorded the highest yield of 27.61 tons per hectare, with a gross return of ₹276,164 and a net return of ₹166,170, achieving a benefit-cost ratio of 2.51, the highest among all treatments. T1 (GA3 60 ppm + Ethrel 100 ppm) and T3 (GA3 60 ppm + Ethrel 200 ppm) also showed significant improvements in yield and profitability, with benefit-cost ratios of 1.75 and 1.70, respectively. All treatments, including the control, demonstrated positive economic feasibility, with a benefit-cost ratio greater than 1. The study concludes that the application of GA3 and Ethrel, particularly T2, is economically viable and highly effective for improving muskmelon yield and profitability. This research provides valuable insights into optimising muskmelon cultivation through the strategic use of plant growth regulators.
Keywords: Muskmelon, gibberellic acid, ethrel, benefit-cost ratio, economic viability