Title of Research Paper - “Performance of Basella (Basella alba L.) under different growing conditions and various trelling systems”

Introduction

Indian spinach belongs to the family Basellaceae and is widely known by several common names, including Chinese spinach, vine spinach, climbing spinach, Malabar spinach, Ceylon spinach, and Indian spinach (Deshmukh et al., 2014) [1] . In traditional Indian systems of medicine, it is also referred to by various regional and Ayurvedic names such as Upodika, Potaki, Malvaa, and Amritvallari. In Siddha medicine and Tamil usage, it is commonly called Vaslakkirai (Khare, 2004) [2] . Basella rubra and Basella alba were identified as two distinct species of Indian spinach based on their chromosomal differences and morphological characteristics. Basella rubra has a chromosome number of 2𝑛 = 44, whereas Basella alba has 2𝑛 = 48. These two species can be distinguished primarily by the colour of their stems and leaves. Basella rubra possesses reddish stems, while Basella alba has thicker green stems and green foliage. Basella is a perennial climbing vine characterized by fibrous roots. Its stem is soft, fleshy, slender, smooth, and glossy, while the leaves are arranged spirally along the stem. The plant also produces side branches and, when not pruned, can grow up to approximately 8-10 m in length. The petiole is short, and the leaves are oblong in shape. Flowers of Basella alba may appear white, red, or pink depending on the variety. The fruits are usually dark red or black in colour. Its seeds possess a shiny, rough outer surface and are black or brown, enclosed within a thick seed coat. Under favourable storage and environmental conditions, the seeds may remain viable for as long as four years (Almeida, 2003; Mahr, 2014) [3,4] . Basella alba is widely cultivated in countries and regions including Malaysia, the Philippines, tropical Africa, the Caribbean, tropical South America, and southeastern Brazil (ECHO, 2006) [5] . Owing to its adaptability to different soil conditions and climates, Basella is regarded as one of the most valuable tropical leafy vegetables grown around the world (Palada et al., 1999) [6] .

Material and Methods

The present investigation entitled, "Performance of Basella (Basella alba L.) under different growing conditions and various trelling systems" was undertaken with the aim of developing an improved production technique for Basella under the agro-climatic conditions of the Konkan region, at the College of Horticulture, . For each treatment, the raised bed of size 2.7 m × 1.2 m was prepared under a FRBD design comprising 9 treatment combinations with three replications. The research work was conducted from December 2025 to May 2026. To record biometric observations, 5 plants were randomly chosen from each net plot. The selected plants were labelled properly. The data obtained from the experiment were subjected to statistical analysis using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) appropriate for Factorial Randomized Block Design. The significance of differences among the treatment means was tested according to the procedure described by Panse and Sukhatme (1985).

Results and Discussion

The different growing conditions had significant effect on shoot length (cm), stem girth (mm), average leaf size (cm 2 ), number of leaves and number of branches as shown in Table 1. The highest shoot length was observed under the G 1 treatment (201.30 cm), while the lowest shoot length was recorded in G 3 (126.50 cm). The significant variation in shoot length among various growing conditions may be due to differences in microclimate, soil moisture and nutrient availability. The similar results were also reported by Deogirikar et al. (2005) [7] in isabgol, Rajasekar et al. (2013) [8] in amaranths, Mahajan et al. (2017) [9] in coriander, Habib et al. (2020) [10] in Indian spinach, Akter et al. (2022) in Indian spinach.

Treatment combination

multi-storeyed trays of plants in open field

The highest stem girth (13.45 mm), was reported in G 1 , whereas, lowest stem girth was observed in G 3 (10.60 mm). Overall, the results indicated that the maximum stem girth was observed in G 1 , as the coconut garden condition at various growth stages might be due to availability of favourable environment with moderate light intensity, reduced temperature, higher relative humidity, and better soil moisture conservation. The similar results were also reported by Chávez-Servín et al. (2017) [11] in amaranths, Pawar (2019) [12] in amaranths, Khan et al. (2024) [13] in Indian spinach, Osinaike et al. (2024) [14] in Indian spinach. The highest average leaf size (30.69 cm 2 ) was registered in G 1 , while G 3 recorded the lowest (21.97 cm 2 ) average leaf size. The significant variation in average leaf size may be attributed to differences in light availability, temperature, humidity and moisture conditions under the different growing environments. Similar findings were recorded by Kotadia et al. (2012) [15] in spinach, Akter et al. (2022) in Indian spinach, Osinaike et al. (2024) [14] in Indian spinach. The maximum number of leaves (93.86) were reported in G 1 , while the lowest was observed in G 2 (63.29). The superior leaf production under coconut garden, may be attributed to favourable light intensity, temperature and moisture availability in coconut garden, which enhanced photosynthetic activity and vegetative growth. Similar observations had been reported by Dixit (2007) [16] in spinach, Kotadia et al. (2012) [15] in spinach, Rajasekar et al. (2013) [8] in amaranths, Isaac (2015) [17] in coriander, Gowtham et al. (2018) [18] in coriander, Akter et al. (2022) in Indian spinach, Managa et al. (2023) [19] in amaranths, Osinaike et al. (2024) [14] in Indian spinach. The maximum number of branches were observed under the G 3 treatment (4.49) which was at par with G 1 (3.98), whereas, the minimum number of branches were recorded in G 2 (3.16). The higher number of branches under open-field conditions may be attributed to greater exposure to natural sunlight, better air circulation, and adequate space for lateral shoot development. The similar results were also reported by Akter et al. (2022) in Indian spinach.

Effect of trelling systems (T)

The different trelling systems had a significant effect on shoot length (cm), stem girth (mm), average leaf size (cm 2 ), number of leaves and number of branches as shown in Table 2. The longest shoot length (181.54 cm) was recorded in T 2 which was at par with T 1 (177.81 cm), while the shortest shoot length (111.94 cm) was reported in T 3 . The highest shoot length recorded under vertical trelling (T 2 ), may be attributed to the availability of adequate vertical growing space and continuous support for the climbing habit of Basella. The similar results were also reported in ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula L. Roxb) by Hilli et al. (2009) [20] , in bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) by Kalyanrao et al. (2012) [21] and in bitter gourd by Singh et al. (2014) [22] , Ahmed et al. (2021) [23] in ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula L. Roxb), Agnihotri et al. (2025) [24] in Indian spinach. The highest stem girth (12.36 mm) was observed in T 2 , whereas, T 1 recorded the lowest stem girth (11.07 mm). The maximum stem girth under (T 2 ) -vertical trelling, might be due to better canopy organization, improved sunlight exposure and air circulation, which enhanced the photosynthesis and assimilate production. These assimilates are efficiently utilized for stem growth thickening. The highest average leaf size (30.39 cm 2 ) was reported in T 1 , while the lowest average leaf size (25.66 cm 2 ) was recorded in T 3 . The larger leaf size under T 1 -small bowers, may be attributed to better exposure to light, improved air circulation, and greater availability of space for leaf expansion. Similar findings were recorded in Hamayoun et al. (2018) [25] in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). The highest number of leaves (84.11) were registered in T 1 , whereas the lowest was observed in T 3 (65.89). The higher number of leaves in T 1 -small bowers, can be attributed to better support and wider canopy spread due to the available space and support which promoted efficient light penetration, enhanced photosynthesis and vegetative growth, resulting in greater leaf production. Similar findings were observed in ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula L. Roxb) by Hilli et al. (2009) [20] , in cucumber by Hamayoun et al. (2018) [25] and in Indian spinach by Agnihotri et al. (2025) [24] . The highest number of branches (4.71) were recorded in T 2 , while the lowest were reported in T 3 (2.58). The higher number of branches under vertical trellising (T 2 ), may be due to better support and vertical distribution of shoots, which might have improved light interception and encourages lateral branching. Similar findings were recorded by Hilli et al. (2009) [20] in ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula L. Roxb), Singh et al. (2014) [22] in bitter gourd, Kapuriya et al. (2017) [26] in cucumber, Agnihotri et al. (2025) [24] in Indian spinach.

Interaction effect (GXT)

The different growing conditions and trelling systems had a significant effect on shoot length (cm), stem girth (mm), average leaf size (cm 2 ), number of leaves and number of branches as shown in Table 3. Among the treatment combinations, G 1 T 2 registered the highest shoot length (251.43 cm), while the lowest shoot length (99.47 cm) was reported in G 2 T 3. Vertical support allowed better and unrestricted shoot elongation, better exposure to sunlight increased photosynthesis and vegetative growth, efficient use of available space, moisture and nutrients promoted vigorous growth, improved air circulation and reduced shading favoured healthy shoots. The highest stem girth (13.77 mm) was recorded in G 1 T 1 which was at par with G 1 T 2 (13.76 mm) and G 2 T 2 (13.47 mm), whereas the lowest stem girth (9.85 mm) was reported in G 3 T 2 . As the effect of trelling system and growing conditions was significant. It is obvious that their interaction found was also significant. The maximum stem girth in G 1 T 2 -coconut garden with vertical trelling, may be due to better light availability, favourable microclimate, improved canopy organization, efficient utilization of water and nutrient availability which enhanced photosynthesis and assimilate accumulation for stem development.

The highest average leaf size (36.98 cm 2 ) was registered in G 1 T 1 which was at par with G 2 T 1 (33.13 cm 2 ), while G 3 T 2 recorded the lowest average leaf size (19.56 cm 2 ). The higher leaf size in G 1 T 1small bowers of plants in coconut garden, may be attributed to better light interception, improved air circulation, and reduced competition among plants, which promoted photosynthetic activity and leaf expansion. Among the treatment combinations, the highest number of leaves (101.02) was recorded in G 1 T 1 which was at par with G 1 T 2 (92.15), G 1 T 3 (88.41), G 2 T 1 (86.02) and G 3 T 2 (84.44), while the lowest number of leaves (47.51) was reported in G 2 T 3 . The higher number of leaves in G 1 T 1 -small bower in coconut garden, may be due to better light availability, favourable microclimate and greater growing space in coconut orchard which enhanced vegetative growth and availability of sunlight affected photosynthesis. The highest number of branches (6.40)

Conclusion

Based on the present investigation, it can be concluded that the growing conditions and trelling systems influenced the growth parameters of Indian spinach (Basella alba L.). Among the different growing conditions, G 1 -coconut garden was found to be superior in terms of growth. Among various trelling systems, T 1 -small bower was superior. Hence, the treatment combination of small bower of plants in coconut garden (G 1 T 1 ) found to be beneficial for Konkan agro-climatic conditions.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgementThe authors express their sincere gratitude to the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Dapoli, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra, India, for providing the facilities and support for this experiment. The authors also extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Y. R. Parulekar for his valuable guidance and constructive suggestions during the preparation of the manuscript.

References

1. Deshmukh SA, Gaikwad DK. A review of the taxonomy, ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Basella alba (Basellaceae). Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science. 2014;4(0):153-165.
2. Khare CP. Encyclopedia of Indian Medicinal Plants. SpringerVerlag, Berlin, Heidelberg. 2004.
3. Almeida MR. Flora of Maharashtra. Blatter Herbarium, St. Xavier's College, Mumbai. 2003;4:278.
4. Mahr S. Malabar Spinach, Basella alba. Master Gardener Program, Division of Extension. 2014.
5. ECHO, Inc. Malabar Spinach (Ceylon Spinach, Poi Sag) -Basella alba, Basella rubra. ECHO Plant Information Sheet. 2006.
6. Palada MC, Crossman SMA. Evaluation of tropical leaf vegetables in the Virgin Islands. In Perspectives on New Crops and New Uses, ASHS Press, Alexandria, VA, pp. 388-393. 1999.
7. Deogirikar AA, Kale PB, Patil SM. Effect of greenhouse and shade net on isabgol crop. Journal of Agrometeorology. 2005;7(2):279-283.
8. Rajasekar M, Arumugam T, Kumar SR. Influence of weather and growing environment on vegetable growth and yield. Academic Journals. 2013;5(10):160-167.
9. Mahajan RD, Patgaonkar DR, Garande VK, Pawar RD, Dhumal SS, Sonawane PN. Response of coriander cultivars under different shade net intensities during summer. The Asian J. Horticulture. 2017;12(2):211-217.
10. Habib ZB, Hassan MR, Naher N, Halim A. Study on the effect of shading on performance of leafy vegetables. Journal of Scientific Research and Reports. 2020;26(10):8-24.
11. Chávez-Servín JL, Cabrera-Baeza HF, Jimenez Ugalde EA, Mercado-Luna A, de la Torre-Carbot K, Escobar-García K, Garcia-Gasca T. Comparison of chemical composition and growth of amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) between greenhouse and open field systems. International Journal of Agriculture and Biology. 2017;19(3):577-583.
12. Khan S, Sangma JA, Acharyya P. Growth and yield of Basella alba L. in relation to the propagation method and the growth media. 2024.
13. Osinaikea TS, Oguna ML, Adebayoa AO, Mamudua MM, Omolokuna KT, Sharaibia OJ. Effect of light intensity on the morphological growth and nutritional compositions of malabar spinach. Nigerian journal of horticultural science (njhs). 2024;28(2):46.
14. Kotadia HR, Patil SJ, Bhalerao PP, Gaikwad SS, Mahant HD. Influence of different growing conditions on yield of leafy vegetables during summer season. The Asian Journal of Horticulture. 2012;7(2):300-302.
15. Dixit A. Performance of leafy vegetables under protected environment and open field condition. The Asian Journal of Horticulture. 2007;2(1):197-200.
16. Gowtham T, Mohanalakshmi M. Influence of growing environment on growth and yield parameters of coriander under shade net and open field condition. Madras Agriculture Journal. 2018;105(9):332-335.
17. Hilli JS, Vyakarnahal BS, Biradar DP, Hunje R. Influence of method of trailing and fertilizer levels on seed yield of ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula L. Roxb.). Karnataka Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 2009;22(1):47-52.
18. Ahmed I, Ahmed N, Waheed A, Khan MA, Khan N, Ahmed F. Impact of growing methods and direction of sowing on the plant growth and seed production of ridge guard (Luffa acutangula Roxb). Sarhad Journal of Agriculture. 2021;37(3):747-753.
19. Agnihotri DM, Parulekar YR, Haldavanekar PC, More VG, Dalvi NV, Kakade SM. Effect of spacing and trailing system on growth and yield of Indian spinach (Basella alba L.). International Journal of Agriculture and Food Science. 2025;7(9):388-392.
20. Hamayoun H, Darwiash MO, Tajzadh AW, Akramzoi I, Aslami Z. Response of growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) to staking and plant spacing under protected culture. e-Planet. 2018;16(2):147-152.
21. Kapuriya VK, Ameta KD, Teli SK, Chittora A, Gathala S, Yadav S. Effect of spacing and training on growth and yield of polyhouse grown cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences. 2017;6(8):299-304.
22. Akter M, Islam MA, Hossain MM, Sultana N, Khanam JS, Basunia AK. Performance of bio-slurry and inorganic fertilizer on growth, yield and quality of Indian spinach (Basella alba L.). 2021.
23. Panse VG, Sukhatme PV. Statistical methods for Agricultural Workers. ICAR Publication, New Delhi. 1995. International Journal of Agriculture and Food Science https://www.agriculturaljournals.com 26648458, 2026, 8(10), Downloaded from https://www.doi.org/10.33545/2664844X.2026.v8.i10c.2017 by International Journal of Agriculture and Food Science on [07/10/2026]. See the Terms and Conditions (https://www.agriculturaljournals.com) for rules of use; OA articles are governed by the applicable Creative Commons License
24. T P, Haldavanekar PC, Parulekar YR, Rajemahadik VA, Dalvi NV. Effect of Different Planting Material and Methods of Planting on Growth and Yield of Indian Spinach (Basella rubra L.). Asian Research Journal of Agriculture. 2024;17(4):410-416.
25. How to cite this article: Lawate YB, Parulekar Y, Saitwal Y, Mali P, More V, Patil S. Title of Research Paper -"Performance of Basella (Basella alba L.) under different growing conditions and various trelling systems". International Journal of Agriculture and Food Science. 2026;8(10):179-183. doi: https:// www.doi.org/10.33545/2664844X.2026.v8.i10c.2017 International Journal of Agriculture and Food Science https://www.agriculturaljournals.com 26648458, 2026, 8(10), Downloaded from https://www.doi.org/10.33545/2664844X.2026.v8.i10c.2017 by International Journal of Agriculture and Food Science on [07/10/2026]. See the Terms and Conditions (https://www.agriculturaljournals.com) for rules of use; OA articles are governed by the applicable Creative Commons License