EVALUATION OF MORINGA OLEIFERA VARIETIES FOR POD YIELD AND SPACING IN ARID WESTERN RAJASTHAN, INDIA

Cultivation of moringa is restricted mainly to southern parts of India, even though it is a potential plant for arid and semi arid region, because of its adaptability, multipurpose and nutrient value which can aid in combat malnutrition, unemployment, deforestation, land degradation, fodder shortage and migration problem.To fully harness the benefits of the moringa plant, it is essential to evaluate different varieties and optimal spacing for higher yields in arid and semi-arid areas.The experiment was conducted at ARS Keshwana, Jalore, Rajasthan in a Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replication, eight varieties, five spacing and forty treatment combinations.Data on stem diameter (cm), height (m), number of branches/plants, pod/ plant, pod weight (kg/tree), yield (t/ha), income (lakhs/ha) and Benefit cost ratio was calculated.All data collected were pooled and subjected to two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).As per the result obtained variety V 4 (ODC 3) showed highest value for pod yield and B/C ratio fallowed by V 1 (PKM 1) and V6 (Bhagya) which was statistically superior to other varieties.S1 (3.0 m X 1.5 m) showed highest value for growth and yield parameters fallowed by S2 (2.5m X 2.5m).V4S1, V4S2 and V1S1 and V6S1 showed higher pod yield and B/C ratio.Varieties ODC 3 (V4), PKM 1(V1) and Bhagya (V6) performance was good under the spacing S1-3m X 1.5m in arid Rajasthan condition and can be recommended for cultivation in arid Rajasthan for pod production.