Effect of Various Training Systems on Growth, Agro-Morphological Traits and Yield of Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica (Roem)) L.

Four training methods, namely the bower system (T1), single plant training (T2), netting (T3), and ground trailing (T4 check), were compared to study the effect of above ground training methods on the yield and morphological parameters of the sponge gourd. The pooled analysis of variance showed significant differences among all the treatments. The mean performance of yield and fruit morphological parameters revealed that maximum yield, fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit width and vine length were achieved in T1, followed by T3, T2 and T4. The average fruit weight was maximum in T2, followed by T1, T3 and T4. The percent increase in yield of T1, T3, and T2 over T4 (check) was 7.88, 71.36 and 29.81%, respectively. The study of inter-association among the traits revealed that yield per hectare showed significant positive correlation with fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit width and average fruit of the weight, suggesting an increase in yield with the increase in value of these traits. Hence, training of vines on above-ground structures improves morphological parameters of fruit as well as total yield.