Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of teasel gourd (Momordica Subangulata SSP Renigera) cv Arka Bharath
Abstract
Teasel gourd (Momordica subangulata ssp. renigera) is an underutilized perennial cucurbitaceous vegetable with considerable potential for nutritional security, crop diversification and sustainable vegetable production. However, standardized nutrient management practices for enhancing productivity and fruit quality in teasel gourd are limited. Hence, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management involving inorganic fertilizers, farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost and biofertilizers on growth, yield and fruit quality of teasel gourd. Fifteen nutrient management treatments comprising two levels of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), FYM, vermicompost and their combinations with reduced levels of inorganic fertilizers were evaluated in a randomized block design with two replications. Among the treatments, T10 (75% RDF2 + 25% N through vermicompost) recorded superior performance for most of the growth, yield and quality parameters. T10 recorded the highest vine length (199.00 cm), vine girth (3.16 cm), branches vine-1 (5.70), leaves vine-1 (130.00) leaf area (198.90 cm2) and leaf area index (2.87). It also recorded the highest fruit weight (58.56 g), fruit length (6.98 cm), fruit diameter (37.87 mm), number of seeds per fruit (29.50), fruits vine-1 (50.50), fruit yield vine-1 (3.05 kg), fruit yield per plot (20.20 kg) and fruit yield per hectare (28.06 t ha−1). Among quality parameters, T10 recorded the highest fruit firmness (39.40 N), Titratable acidity (0.86 %), TSS (5.99 °Brix), total sugars (4.84%), reducing sugars (3.16%), non-reducing sugars (1.69%), carotenoids (130.63 µg 100 g−1), ascorbic acid (3.74 mg 100 g−1), iron (5.70 mg 100 g−1), fibre (2.42%) and fat (1.75%). Protein content was highest in T3 (1.75%), while moisture content was highest in T14 (87.53%). The results indicated that integration of inorganic fertilizer with vermicompost was more effective than sole application of inorganic fertilizer or organic nutrient sources. Therefore, T10 may be considered a promising nutrient management practice for enhancing growth, yield and fruit quality of teasel gourd.
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Introduction
Teasel gourd (Momordica subangulata ssp. renigera) is an underutilized cucurbitaceous vegetable with potential for diversification of vegetable production systems. The crop is perennial in nature and is traditionally cultivated in different regions of India. Because of its edible fruits and adaptation to tropical and subtropical conditions, teasel gourd has potential for wider cultivation and commercialization. The crop also exhibits considerable variability for important morphological and fruit characters, indicating opportunities for crop improvement and development of improved production technologies. (John et al., 2007; Chattopadhyay et al., 2016) [2,1] . Nutritional and morphological variability in teasel gourd has been reported among available germplasm, demonstrating the importance of systematic evaluation of growth, yield and quality traits. The crop has received comparatively less research attention than major cucurbits such as cucumber, bottle gourd and bitter gourd, and consequently, standardized production technologies, particularly nutrient management practices, are still limited. Nutrient management is one of the most important factors determining vegetative growth, reproductive development, yield and quality of vegetable crops. Nitrogen promotes vegetative growth and chlorophyll formation, phosphorus contributes to energy transfer and reproductive development, while potassium plays an important role in enzyme activation, carbohydrate translocation, water relations and fruit development. Therefore, balanced nutrient availability throughout crop growth is essential for achieving higher productivity and quality. (Chattopadhyay et al., 2016; Raniya et al., 2026) [1,3] . Integrated nutrient management combines inorganic fertilizers with organic manures and biofertilizers to achieve efficient nutrient supply and improve soil health. Organic nutrient sources such as FYM and vermi compost provide nutrients gradually, contribute organic matter and improve soil physical and biological properties, whereas inorganic fertilizers provide nutrients in readily available forms. The combined use of these sources can improve nutrient availability and nutrient-use efficiency compared with sole application of either source. Similar responses have been observed in several cucurbitaceous crops, including cucumber and bottle gourd. (Narayanamma et al., 2010; Anjanappa et al., 2012; Ahmad et al., 2019) [5,6,4] . In cucumber, FYM or vermicompost combined with biofertilizers and reduced levels of inorganic fertilizer increased yield compared with recommended fertilizer alone. Integrated treatments also improved vitamin C, total carotene and β-carotene contents, demonstrating that INM can influence both productivity and nutritional quality. (Narayanamma et al., 2010) [5] . Similarly, Anjanappa et al. (2012) [6] reported that integrated application of 75% RDF with FYM, Azotobacter, phosphobacteria and Trichoderma enhanced vine length, number of leaves, branches, fruit number, fruit weight, fruit yield, TSS and ascorbic acid in cucumber. (Anjanappa et al., 2012) [6] . Bottle gourd studies have also demonstrated the effectiveness of combining organic and inorganic nutrient sources. Ahmad et al. (2019) [4] reported superior vine growth, fruit set and yield with integrated application of reduced chemical fertilizer, FYM, vermicompost, Azotobacter and PSB. Patle et al. (2019) [7] similarly reported higher fruit number, fruit yield and plant nutrient status under integrated nutrient management in bottle gourd. Recent research further confirms the importance of INM in cucurbits. Wadiwa et al. (2025) [8] reported that 75% RDF combined with vermicompost, Azotobacter, PSB and KSB significantly improved vegetative growth and yield attributes of bottle gourd. Similarly, integrated nutrient management involving vermicompost and seaweed extract along with recommended fertilizers improved fruit number, fruit weight, yield and quality attributes in snake gourd. Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken to evaluate different combinations of inorganic fertilizers, FYM, vermicompost and biofertilizers and to identify a suitable integrated nutrient management practice for improving growth, yield and fruit quality of teasel gourd.
Material and Methods
Experimental site and crop
The field experiment was conducted at the Vegetable Research Station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, during summer and kharif season (March-October) 2025, to evaluate the influence of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of teasel gourd (Momordica subangulata ssp. renigera). The experiment involved different combinations of inorganic fertilizers, farmyard manure, vermicompost and biofertilizers.
Experimental design
The experiment consisted of 15 treatments with two replications. The crop was planted at a spacing of 1.8 m × 0.50 m. The treatments comprised two recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF 1 @ 100:60:40 NPK kg ha -1 and RDF 2 @ 120:80:80 NPK kg ha -1 ), organic substitution of nitrogen through FYM or vermicompost, and an FYM-based treatment supplemented with biofertilizers.
Treatment details
Source of planting material
The planting material of teasel gourd cv. Arka Bharath was collected from Central Horticultural Experiment Station, Chettalli, Karnataka.
Observations recorded
Observations on vegetative growth parameters, including vine length, vine girth, number of branches per vine, number of leaves per vine, leaf area and leaf area index (LAI), were recorded during crop growth. Yield and yield-attributing parameters included fruit weight, fruit length, fruit girth, number of fruits per vine, fruit yield per vine, fruit yield per plot and fruit yield per hectare. Quality parameters included fruit firmness, TSS, total sugars, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, iron, fibre, fat, protein and moisture. Observations were recorded using standard procedures for the respective parameters.
Statistical analysis
The experimental data were subjected to statistical analysis appropriate for the experimental design. Treatment means were compared using the standard error of the mean (SEM) and critical difference (CD) at the 5% level of significance, wherever applicable. (Panse et al., 1985) [9]
Results and Discussion
Growth parameters
Considerable variation was observed among the nutrient management treatments for growth parameters of teasel gourd. T 10 , comprising 75% RDF 2 + 25% N through vermicompost, recorded the highest vine girth (3.16 cm), number of branches (5.70 vine -1 ), number of leaves (130.00 vine -1 ) leaf area (198.90 cm 2 ) and leaf area index (2.87). The superior vegetative growth under T 10 may be attributed to the balanced and continuous availability of nutrients resulting from the combined application of inorganic fertilizer and vermicompost. Inorganic fertilizers provide readily available nutrients during periods of high crop demand, while vermicompost contributes organic matter and nutrients and may improve nutrient availability and soil biological activity. The resulting improvement in root growth and nutrient uptake may have increased photosynthetic capacity and vegetative development. (Narayanamma et al., 2010; Anjanappa et al., 2012; Ahmad et al., 2019) [5,6,4] . The present findings are in accordance with Anjanappa et al. (2012) [6] , who reported maximum vine length, leaves and branches in cucumber under integrated nutrient management involving inorganic fertilizer, FYM and biofertilizers. Similarly, Wadiwa et al. (2025) [8] reported significant improvement in vine length and primary branches of bottle gourd through an integrated treatment involving 75% RDF and vermicompost along with biofertilizers. (Anjanappa et al., 2012; Wadiwa et al., 2025) [6,8] . The improvement in leaf area index under T 10 could have contributed to greater light interception and photosynthetic activity. A larger photosynthetic surface provides greater assimilate production for subsequent fruit development. Thus, improved vegetative growth under T 10 may have contributed directly to its superior yield performance.
Yield attributing and yield characters
Nutrient management significantly influenced fruit characteristics. T 10 recorded the highest fruit length (6.98 cm) fruit girth (37.87 mm), number of seeds per fruit (29.50) and fruit weight (58.56 g). Improved fruit development under integrated nutrient management may be attributed to adequate availability of macro-and micronutrients during fruit initiation and enlargement. The combined availability of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium under T 10 may have enhanced cell division, cell expansion and translocation of assimilates to developing fruits. Potassium in particular plays an important role in carbohydrate translocation and regulation of water relations, which are important processes during fruit development. (Narayanamma et al., 2010; Anjanappa et al., 2012) [5,6] . Similar improvement in fruit weight and fruit dimensions through INM has been reported in bottle gourd. Wadiwa et al. (2025) [8] observed the highest fruit length, fruit diameter and average fruit weight under 75% RDF combined with vermicompost and biofertilizers. The highest number of fruits per vine (50.50), fruit yield per vine (3.05 kg), fruit yield per plot (20.20 kg) and fruit yield per hectare (28.06 t ha -1 ) were recorded in T 10 (75% RDF 2 + 25% N through vermicompost). The superior yield under T 10 may be attributed to the cumulative effect of improved yield-attributing characters, particularly higher fruit number and fruit weight, along with vigorous vegetative growth and greater leaf area index. The combined application of inorganic fertilizer and vermicompost might have ensured better nutrient availability and uptake during different stages of crop growth, thereby enhancing assimilate production and its translocation towards reproductive sinks. Similar increases in fruit yield through integrated nutrient management have been reported in cucumber, bottle gourd and ridge gourd, where combinations of inorganic fertilizers with FYM, vermicompost and biofertilizers improved crop productivity compared with individual nutrient sources. ( [7,10,11]
Quality parameters
Fruit firmness
Fruit firmness is an important quality characteristic because it affects fruit handling, transportation and postharvest storage. T 10 recorded the highest fruit firmness of 39.40 N. The higher firmness under T 10 may be associated with balanced nutrient availability and adequate potassium nutrition. Balanced nutrition can improve structural development of fruit tissues and reduce excessive water accumulation, thereby contributing to better firmness.
Titratable acidity
The highest titratable acidity of 0.86 per cent was recorded in T 10 (75% RDF 2 + 25% N through vermicompost). The higher acidity under T 10 may be attributed to the balanced supply of nutrients through inorganic fertilizers and vermicompost, which might have influenced organic acid synthesis and accumulation in developing fruits. Similar improvements in fruit quality attributes in response to integrated nutrient management have been reported in cucurbitaceous vegetables such as cucumber and bitter gourd (Anjanappa et [6,5] .
Total soluble solids
T 10 recorded the highest TSS of 5.99 °Brix. Increased TSS under integrated nutrient management may be attributed to improved photosynthetic activity and enhanced translocation and accumulation of soluble solids in fruits. Anjanappa et al. (2012) [6] also observed improvement in TSS in cucumber under integrated nutrient management involving FYM, inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers. In another cucumber study, the combined application of 75% RDF, FYM and vermicompost improved TSS compared with the control. (Anjanappa et al., 2012; Singh et al., 2020) [6,11] .
Total, reducing and non-reducing sugars
The highest total sugars (4.84 %), reducing sugars (3.16%) and nonreducing sugars (1.69%) were recorded in T 10 . Higher sugar accumulation may be associated with enhanced photosynthetic activity, improved nutrient uptake and efficient translocation of assimilates from source leaves to developing fruits. Potassium is particularly important in carbohydrate metabolism and assimilate translocation, while adequate nitrogen promotes development of a healthy photosynthetic canopy. The balanced supply of these nutrients under T 10 may therefore have contributed to greater sugar accumulation in fruits.
Carotenoids
The highest carotenoid content (130.63 µg 100 g -1 ) was recorded in T 10 . Increased carotenoid accumulation may be related to improved nutritional status and physiological activity of the crop under balanced nutrient supply. Narayanamma et al. (2010) [5] reported higher total carotene and βcarotene contents in cucumber fruits produced under integrated nutrient management than under RDF alone or organic manures alone. This supports the present observation that appropriate integration of organic and inorganic nutrients can improve not only yield but also nutritional quality. (Narayanamma et al., 2010) [5] .
Ascorbic acid
The highest ascorbic acid content (3.74 mg 100 g -1 ) was recorded under T 10 . The increase in ascorbic acid may be associated with improved nutrient availability and physiological activity under balanced nutrition. Anjanappa et al. (2012) [6] reported higher ascorbic acid content in cucumber under integrated nutrient management involving 75% RDF, FYM and biofertilizers. Similarly, Narayanamma et al. (2010) [5] observed improved vitamin C content under integrated nutrient management compared with individual application of organic manure or RDF. (Anjanappa et al., 2012; Narayanamma et al., 2010) [6,5] .
Protein content
The highest protein content (1.75%) was recorded in T 3 . Nitrogen is a major component of amino acids and proteins, and its adequate availability can therefore influence protein synthesis in plant tissues. The variation in protein content among treatments indicates that the source and level of nitrogen supply can influence nutritional composition independently of total fruit yield. Similar treatment-dependent variation in nutrient composition has been observed in vegetable crops subjected to different integrated nutrient management practices. (Narayanamma et al., 2010; Patle et al., 2019) [5,7] .
Iron content
T 10 recorded the highest iron content of 5.70 mg 100 g -1 . Improved micronutrient accumulation under integrated nutrient management may be associated with improved soil conditions, nutrient cycling and root activity. Rathod et al. (2019) [10] reported that integrated nutrient management improved micronutrient content and uptake, including iron, manganese, copper and zinc, in ridge gourd. The treatment also enhanced soil microbial populations and fruit yield, demonstrating the relationship between integrated nutrient supply, soil biological activity and nutrient uptake. (Rathod et al., 2019) [10] .
Fibre and fat
T 10 recorded the highest fibre content (2.42%) and fat content (1.75%). Variation in proximate composition among nutrient management treatments may be attributed to differences in nutrient availability and plant physiological activity.
The influence of nutrient management on quality characteristics has been documented in cucurbitaceous crops. Integrated nutrient management can modify fruit biochemical composition through its influence on nutrient uptake, photosynthesis and assimilate partitioning.
(Narayanamma et al., 2010; Anjanappa et al., 2012) [5,6] .
Moisture content
The highest moisture content (87.53%) was recorded in T 14 . Moisture content is influenced by genotype, fruit maturity, environmental conditions and nutrient availability. Differences among treatments may therefore reflect variations in fruit development and water accumulation. Anjanappa et al. (2012) [6] also observed treatment differences in moisture content of cucumber fruits under integrated nutrient management, demonstrating that nutrient management can influence several physical and biochemical characteristics of cucurbit fruits. (Anjanappa et al., 2012) [6] .
Conclusion
The present investigation demonstrated that integrated nutrient management had a marked influence on growth, yield and fruit quality of teasel gourd. Among the 15 nutrient management treatments, T 10 (75% RDF 2 + 25% N through vermicompost) was superior for most growth, yield and quality parameters. It recorded the highest vine length, vine girth, branches, leaves, leaf area index, fruit weight, fruit dimensions, number of fruits per vine, fruit yield per vine and fruit yield per hectare.
T 10 also recorded superior fruit quality, including firmness, TSS, total sugars, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, iron, fibre and fat. Protein content was highest under T 3 , while moisture content was highest under T 14 . The superior performance of T 10 can be attributed to the complementary effects of inorganic fertilizer and vermicompost, which may have ensured balanced nutrient availability and improved nutrient-use efficiency.
The results are consistent with findings from cucumber, bottle gourd, snake gourd and ridge gourd, where integrated nutrient management involving inorganic fertilizers, FYM, vermicompost and biofertilizers improved growth, yield and/or quality compared with individual nutrient sources. (Narayanamma et al., 2010 [5] ; Anjanappa et al., 2012 [6] ; Ahmad et al., 2019 [4] ; Patle et al., 2019 [7] ; Wadiwa et al., 2025) [8] . Therefore, T 10 (75% RDF 2 + 25% N through vermicompost) may be considered a promising integrated nutrient management practice for obtaining higher productivity and superior-quality fruits in teasel gourd under the conditions of the present investigation. Further multilocation and multi-season validation is recommended before making a generalized production recommendation.
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- How to cite this article: Alekhya V, Prabhakar DBN, Narayana DDL, Vijaya DD, Kumari DDA, Goud DRP, et al. Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of teasel gourd (Momordica Subangulata SSP Renigera) cv Arka Bharath. International Journal of Research in Agronomy. 2026;9(10):274-281. doi: https://www.doi.org/10.33545/2618060
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