Author(s): B. R. JANA

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted at ICAR –RCER, Research Centre Makhana, Darbhanga, Bihar during 2015-16 for standardization of water depth for gorgon nut or makhana cultivation and associated weed control. The makhana crop was grown at different depth of water bodies ranging from 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 cm and > 50 cm following randomized block design and observation taken on weed appearance and their control. It had been found that more the depth of water accounted for more vigorous vegetative growth of makhana plant. Makhana growing in field system, where growths of plant were significantly reduced which were the positive traits for horticultural practices due to reduction in water column. At field having 30 cm water produced the medium leaf diameter (104.84 cm) and pod having (82.50) bold seeds. The maximum test weight of the raw seed was 97.12 g found in 30 cm water containing plot. The maximum number of fruits (12.66) and yield of 23.83 Q ha^-1 were found in field having 30 cm water. Weed population were increased in shallow depth of water. The common weeds at Darbhanga were Cyperus defformis, Cyperus rotundous, Hydrilla verticillata, Aeschynomene aspera and Sagittaria guayanesis. Weed management was excellent when field was well pulverized with rotavator followed by application of castor and neem cake in equal poportion [2T (50:50) ha^-1]. Butachlor spraying was ineffective for aquatic weed control as irrigation of 30-40 cm water was given after herbicide application. We concluded from the present study that Makhana performed well under field condition giving yield of 23.83Q ha^-1 when 30 cm water column was maintained throughout its life span and when weeds were controlled by the application of organic cakes (2tha^-1).

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