Research Proposal: Topic: PERFORMANCE OF TOMATO CULTIVARS AS INFLUENCED BY NUMBER OF SIDE DRESSES IN RAINY-WINTER SEASON UNDER PLASTIC ROOFING CONDITION IN FAR- WESTERN TERAIPrincipal Investigator: Mr. Krishna Prashad Tiwari , M.Sc. Ag (Horticulture). (R2006-HRT- 02M)Temporary Address: Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS) Rampur, Chitwan, NepalPermanent address:Dhangadhi-5, Kailali, Nepal Phone No. +977-9749008423E-mail: tiwari527@gmail.com :krishnatiwari_27@hotmail.com Research Location:Vijayanagar ex-kamaiya rehabilitation area, Tikapur, Kailali Major Advisor: Moha Dutta Sharma, Ph. D. (Professor) Department of Horticulture , IAAS, RampurCollaboration: Vijayanagar Ex-kamaiya Vegetable Farmers Group, Vijayanagar, Tikaur, Kailali.Duration:6 months Starting Date:July, 2011Expected Date of Termination: December, 2011Total Budget: NRs. 72886.00/- (In words: Seventy two thousand eight hundred and eight six rupees only.)

1. INTRODUCTION1.1 Background of information:Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is one of the major commercial vegetable crops and widely grown both in the plains and hills of Nepal. The area under tomato in Nepal is about 1077 ha with a production of 155088 MT and productivity of 14.93 MT/ha (VDD, 2007). Conventionally, tomato is grown popularly as winter crop in plains. In the plains, tomato can be produced successfully as winter to spring season crop and as off-season in two growing seasons, spring (slightly later) and rainy to autumn (slightly earlier). The gradual and ever increasing year round demand of tomato for fresh consumption and processing resulting from increasing urbanization, hotels, tourism, nutritional awareness of the people, etc. is making avenue to the off-season production (Bhurtyal, 2000). Although the adoption of this crop has greatly increased employment opportunities, tomato production during rainy season in open field condition is very difficult (Pandey et al., 2006). Tomato occasionally incurs poor growth and fruit-set under hot-dry or hot-wet season in the tropics and sub-tropics, is the major bottleneck impeding summer production (Chen et al., 2003). Production in summer and rainy season is extremely limited by high temperature and shortage of moisture in early summer and high temperature along with excessive moisture in rainy summer (Kuo et al., 1979). At this time bacterial wilt and high temperature affect the plant drastically cutting down the yield (Villareal, 1979) and, as a result the price increases many folds. Tomato production inside plastic house during rainy season is a new and modest technology to many of the farmers in Nepal. Some of the progressive farmers in Banke, Khajura area have been involved in autumn season tomato production since past 10 years or more (personal communication, Amar Ghimire, Agriculture Extension officer of DADO, Banke). Also, some farmers are producing early tomato that fetches high prices during Deepawali festival at October at first harvest in Kailali district. But in these areas farmers are facing many production problems related to varietal selection especially for heat tolerance during fruit set; and supply of nutrients for optimizing their produce (personal communication: Padam Gharti Magar, a tomato producer in Banke) since variation in number of side dressing and amount of major fertilizer application is prevailing in individual farmer practices. The trend of F1 hybrid seed usage in vegetable crops is increasing globally in term of species, cultivars and volume of seed used. Most of the seed of our main vegetables including tomato, sweet pepper, eggplant, cucumber, brassicas, and onion in developed countries are of F1 hybrid cultivars. Hybrid tomato cultivars offer several potential advantages over open pollinated cultivars such as greater yield, earliness and nutrient utilization. They have improved disease, pest, or virus tolerance / resistance. In real sense, locations cannot be compared by just looking at the range of yields actually reported. The relative differences in performance among varieties are realistic, and can be used to identify best performing varieties (AAMU and AU, 2006). 1.2. Statement of the ProblemTomato is very important commercial vegetable crop in Nepal and it possesses relatively higher return to growers with the year round demand in the vegetable market. Its demand in the market is higher in Nepal especially in the autumn season as the major Nepalese festivals Dashain, Deepawali, Chhath Parva and Teej fall within this season which ultimately leads to increase in price and gains a peak in annual price curve at this time period. In fact, it is due to the co-effect of decreased supply and increased consumption during this time. Tomato production inside the plastic house during rainy season in hilly areas has become very popular and profitable where there is market access (Pandey et al., 2006) but such production areas are far from the cities of Terai region in the sense of geographical hindrances and lack of transportation. Production in summer and rainy season is extremely limited by high temperature and shortage of moisture in early summer and high temperature along with excessive moisture in rainy summer (Kuo et al., 1979). At this time bacterial wilt and high temperature affect the plant drastically cutting down the yield (Villareal, 1979). High temperature induces floral drop, low fruit set, poor growth and development of fruit causing poor quality and production. Heat, blight and bacterial wilt susceptible varieties cannot be cultivated during rainy season. In addition to blight and wilt diseases, reduced fruit set due to high ambient temperature are also one of the important problems directly related to yield. Maximum day and minimum night temperature above 320C and below 210C respectively are known to limit fruit set due to an impaired physiological process in flower and fruit setting and or abscission (Bhattarai and Subedi 1996). The general ambient temperatures during summer in western Terai exceed this range and during monsoon the temperature fluctuates much more.Documents and works carried out on the variety and crop management targeted for early production and harvest to catch price peaks in the market, performance of varieties suitable during the season in plains and crop management for optimizing yield are vary scanty. Some farmers are cultivating tomato in autumn season in plain areas of Nepal using heat tolerant hybrid varieties but they are still facing lower yields. Such lower yield is probably due to inappropriate combination of various factors like variety selection, supply of nutrients to the entire season through splits addressing nutritional load on the fruiting plant. 1.3 Justification of the studyTomato production inside the plastic house during rainy season has become very popular and profitable where there is market access (Pandey et al., 2006). There is great opportunity of year round production of tomato by utilizing diverse microclimates and resources. Rainy season tomato is a major source of income to the growers of tomato in the very limited areas in plains of Nepal. A large quantity of this vegetable is imported from India (Prasad, 2000 cited in Pun and Pandey, 2004). Therefore, there is a high potential of growing tomato in off season to meet the domestic demand in western part of Nepal. Off-season vegetables could be produced with the introduction of heat and rain tolerant hybrids or open pollinated varieties especially for rainy season production (Pandey, 2004). There are many reports on varietal selection and crop management in hills of Nepal for off season and/or wherever in main season, rainy season tomato production has been found as a remunerative enterprise; plastic house technology was found highly successful. Though the technology is highly successful, seed availability and varietal option has became major constraints in hills. Majority of tomato hybrid seed is imported from India and other countries and there is no certainty and varietal sustainability in the seed market (pandey, et al., 2006). On the other hand, lack of season specific fertilizer management (number of side dressing) information to have good fruit yield in Terai condition may have created some difficulties in expansion of rainy to autumn season tomato production. To provide alternative option of varieties and their selection as well as season and location specific fertilizer management; evaluation of different varieties and fertilizer splitting options in farmer's field in different areas under plastic house condition seems necessary.

2. GOAL, PURPOSE, AND OBJECTIVESThe main goal of this work is to reduce poverty through increased income of vegetable farmers by offseason tomato production. And, the study proposes mainly the introduction of innovative technology for tomato production in rainy to autumn season that ultimately secures food and nutrition of small farmers. General Objective:The general objective of this study is to evaluate the response of three tomato cultivars in rainy season in western Terai region with respect to fertilizer management and yield.Specific Objectives: To appraise the yield and yield attributing characteristics of three heat tolerant and bacterial wilt resistant tomato cultivars. To assess the optimum number of NPK mix fertilizer side dressing for rainy season tomato. To document the suitable cultivars and better ways of fertilizer management with their yields in rainy season condition in Terai condition. To introduce and encourage offseason tomato cultivation in Terai region

3. HYPOTHESESNull hypothesis (H0): The performance of tomato cultivars will be same in combination with varying number of side dressing under plastic roofing in rainy-autumn season.Alternative hypothesis (H1): The performance of tomato cultivars will be different in combination with varying number of side dressing under plastic roofing in rainy-autumn season. 4. LITERATURE REVIEW4.1 Scope of off season tomato production Tomato farming in off season is slowly gaining popularity among farmers in the areas which are accessible to market; and is becoming a source of income generation especially to poor and/ or subsistent farmer (Chaudhary, 1998). Zaman et al. 2006) reported B: C ratio more than 3.3 (based on total cost) for summer hybrid tomato cultivated under transparent polythelene sheet tunnel in Banglladesh. Seasonally limited supplies and high prices are widely regarded as the main factors limiting vegetable production. Relatively low yields, high production costs and restricted environmental adaptation limits the production (AVRDC, 1993). 4.2 Heat tolerant varietiesVarietal differences in capacity to set fruit at higher temperatures were reported by Went (1944) and Doubney (1961). Rick and Dempsey (1969) showed that it was possible to select cultivars capable of setting fruits under relatively high temperature condition. AVRDC started tomato varietal selection program in 1972 with the aim of enhancing tomato adaptation to hot and humid tropics (Opena et al., 1989), and after second phase of the program some promising and pioneering genotypes having heat and bacterial wilt tolerance were developed. Generally, when temperatures exceed 350C germination of seeds, seedling growth, flowering, fruit set and ripening are adversely affected in tomato (Kalloo, 1991). The popularity of F1 hybrid cultivars is due to their vigor, uniformity, disease resistance, stress tolerance and good horticultural traits including earliness and long shelf-life expressed and therefore giving consistent stable high yield. According to Villareal and Lai (1979) expression of heat tolerance in a genotype is influenced by several external environmental factors. Therefore, heat tolerant lines should be tested at various locations and environments.To the date there are several bacterial wilt, heat, and late blight resistant/ tolerant varieties found in the Nepalese market that are traded by many of the international seed companies. NCL1 is the one open pollinated variety released in Nepal having ability to set fruit under hot weather (VDD, 2007; NARC, 2009). Surya111, Makis, Xina, Dalila, Indom9502, Indom 9802, Manisha and few others have shown their positive response in adaptation to hot and humid conditions with bacterial wilt resistance in Nepalese farmers' fields and these are easily available to farmers in Nepal (Personal communication: Kedar Budhathoki, Senior Scientist, Horticulture; 15 June, 2011). Cultivar performance and agronomic practices have differential response to the proportion of the assimilating leaf area of the axillary shoots in relation to whole plant which can constitute one third to half of the entire plant weight or leaf area; and in accordance, their contribution to yield is considerable (Bos et al., 1993). 4.3 Fertilizer managementNitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potash (K) nutrition influences crop in many ways and the best effects can only be obtained through good combinations and splitting doses. N promotes vegetative growth and flower and fruit set but excess N delays maturity and decreases fruit size (Rajgopal and Rao, 1974) which is counteracted by K that helps to increase fruit size, earliness, rectifies many disorders and affects pigmentation of fruits (Trudel and Ozbun, 1970). P in combination with N and K improves peel color, taste, hardiness and Vit. C content, and hastens maturity (Su, 1974).Tomatoes are heavy feeders once they start growing and therefore, are side dressed with complete fertilizer packages (Tomatone, for example) 5-10-5 or similar complete fertilizer mixtures (mixtures of N: P: K) which will increase the amount and quality of fruit. Make the first application when fruit begins forming; repeat 4-6 weeks later (Hicks Nurseries, 2001). Many works have been done in different climatic conditions for optimum NPK fertilizer combinations to maximize yield. Hua and Lin (2010) stated that fertilizers are supplied as side dressing after basal application, at 20, 40, 60, 85, 105 days after transplanting; and during fruit set and enlarging side dressing should be more frequent. Zaiadn (1998) recommended application of compound fertilizer containing the three macro elements: N, P, K is utilized during the entire season. He further suggested the compound fertilizer such as 5: 3: 10 or 5: 3: 8 can be utilized at different stages depending on the season and plant age and variety; two weeks after planting. Hanson et al. (2000) recommended that half of the fertilizer should be applied as a basal dose and the remaining fertilizer be added at first fruit-set in case of the tropics, where common fertilizer application rates are 60120: 60-140:60:120 kg N: P2O5: K2O /ha in tomato. In Nepalese condition, tomato production during rainy season under plastic house should be side dressed thrice each of one tea spoon full urea, DAP and MoP (5:10:5 gm/plant respectively) after transplanting; first after 25-30 and later at 20 days interval (SSMP, 2007). The individual plants should be top dressed with a spoon of mix fertilizer in 3, 4 weeks and 6, 7 weeks after transplanting (LWF, 2010). The works on the number of side dressing in rainy season tomato under plastic house condition are very scanty and at farmers level; and the number of side dressing to tomato is self decided by farmers rather on the experimentation result basis.4.4 Weather extremity and fertilizer affects fruit growth and developmentFruit set, subsequent fruit growth and development of tomato is positively correlated with fertilizer application continuously throughout the flowering and fruiting period. The development of axilary shoot is influenced by mineral nutrients and other factors (Lukyan, 1988). The growth and nature of the fruit following fertilization consist predominately of the cell enlargement accompanied by massive influx of organic and inorganic materials with water (Wolf and Rudich, 1988). Several findings in the past indicate that carbohydrates are essential for normal anther development and their deficiency leads to microspores degeneration and pollen sterility (Howlet, 1939). Marre and Murneek (1953) also demonstrated the importance of carbohydrates on the growth of tomato ovaries; the developing ovaries actively synthesized required carbohydrates after 48-72 hours of pollination. These facts reflect the importance of fertilizer applications especially through splitting in case of crops having long fruiting periods like tomato.

5. MATERIALS AND METHODSThe detail of materials to be used and methods to be employed in the course of experimentation is briefly described here under:5.1. Location and time of studyEvaluation of vegetative growth and yield parameters of tomato with application of mix fertilizers at different times through side dressing (no. of side dressing) will be carried out at a farmer field in Vijayanagar, Tikapur municipality from May to September, 2011. Vijayanagar is located in the tropical, Terai region of Nepal at 28 29' 40'' north latitude and 81 02 58'' east longitudes and 148masl (Google earth, 2010). 5.2. Agro-meteorological features of the StudyThe meteorological information like maximum-minimum temperature, average temperature, rainfall and relative humidity will be recorded from the agro-meteorological station of Tikapur Airport Station, Kailali and it will also be recorded from the temperature recording under the plastic constructed for the research.5.3. Experimental materialsDifferent cultivars of tomato from Nepal and imported in Nepal will be collected from the agro-market and introduced at research location to assess their performance under plastic house condition in rainy season. All the plants will receive uniform cultural operation during the field trial accept the treatment differences. Only 3 (one OP and others hybrid) cultivars will be evaluated during the study period.

5.4. Experimental design and Layout of the experimental area:Two factor - Factorial Randomized Block Design (RCBD). Total no. of treatments: 12.Factor 1: Varieties: Dalila, Surya111, and NCL1 Factor 2: No. of Side dressing: (1.) 1 time: at 30 DAT (2.) 2 times (30 DAT and 50 DAT)(3.) 3 times (30 DAT, 50 DAT, and 70 DAT), and (4.) Four times (30 DAT, 50 DAT, 70 DAT, and 90 DAT)Total no. of treatments: 12

Rep. 3Rep. 2Rep. 1Replication: Each treatment will be replicated thrice. One block is represented as one replication or as one plastic house.

5.5. Procurement of input and construction of plastic houseBamboo logs of essential numbers will be calculated and will be procured in participation of involved vegetable from the vegetable group after detail group discussion and selection of five tomato growers for active involvement in the work. Other input materials and chemicals needed for harvesting, watering, fertilizer application, seeds of concerned variety are procured form the Tikapur and Dhangadhi (within the district).Plastics of 200 micron thickness to be used as glazing material and net to keep under plastic roofing for controlling extreme temperature will be procured in time. The dimensions and outside view of plastic house is shown in figures 1-3 above.5.6. Agronomic PracticesNecessary plant protection measures and application of macro and micro nutrients along with growth hormones followed as standard for plastic house cultivation by commercial off season tomato growers.Seed sowing: Separate nurseries near experimental field will be made which will be of 15 cm raised bed, having spacing of 8-10 cm between rows and 3-4 cm between seeds. Transplanting: seedlings having 4 true leaf stage (18-22 DAS) will be transplanted over the pits (50 cm depth and 20-25 cm diameter) made before a week and mixed with 2 kg well rotten FYM and basal fertilizer. Spacing: the plants will be spaced with 60 cm X 45 cm distance between rows and plants respectively.Fertilizer doses and application method: all the plants in each treatment will be equally fertilized at basal and side dress amounts of mix fertilizer. The NPK mix fertilizer contains 5:10:5 gm of Urea: DAP: MoP which will be mixed first in a bucket and used per plant basis. The fertilizer will be kept in circular rings of 8-10 cm apart from the root around each plant for side dressing and at basal application they will be mixed with the soil in each pit. Irrigation: it will depend on the moisture status of the soil under experimentation. Water will be provided with the help rose cane in nursery stage and by buckets and jug at vegetative stage and by garden pipe at later stage on the furrows between rows will be performed as and when needed. Training and Pruning: the plants will have single to only two stem in the entire cropping period. Pruning of side shoots will be done which arise from the axil of leaf and main stem. All the side shoots and root suckers up to first fruiting truss will be removed. Harvesting: harvesting of fruits will be performed on yellow color or breaking stage with the help of rust proof still scissors.

5.6. Observations to be taken:1. Vegetative growth parameters:1.1. Plant height: Height of each treatment will be measured with the help of measuring tape.1.2. Stem diameter:Girth/ Circumference of Plant at the 3rd to 4th inter node will be measured for each treatment with the help of measuring tape.1.4. Leaf area index (LAI):Margins of six representative leaves from 2 plants of each treatment at the middle portion of plant will be taken on graph paper and area covered by leaves will be calculated. The number of leaves of all observational plants will be counted and LAI will be calculated. 1.5. Height of first truss initiation1.6. Number of leaves between two consecutive trussesThe height of first truss from the ground level, difference between two successive trusses and total number of truss per plant will be observed.

1.7. Growth habitThe growth habit of the plants will be categorized in indeterminate, semi-determinate and determinate on the basis of growing nature of the shoot tip, number of leaves between two successive trusses. 2. Earliness/maturity and harvesting period2.1. Days to first truss initiation2.2. Days to 50% flowering2.3. Days to 75% flowering2.4. Days to 100% flowering 2.5. Days to fruit harvest (color turning red/ pink stage)2.6. Days from first harvest to final harvest3. Yield parameters:3.1. Fruit charactersWhen fruit will be mature from each plant of different treatments, they will be harvested and ten fruits will be sampled randomly from each lot. Following parameters will be observed during the study period. 3.1.1. Average fruit weight (gm) Average weight of ten fruits will be calculated at the time of laboratory analysis using electronic balance.3.1.2. Fruit shape Shape of the fruit will be taken in 1 to 3 scales (1 Round, 2 Ovoid, 3 Pear shaped) 3.1.3. Fruit length (cm)Average length of 10 fruits will be measured using vernier calipers between base and apex (cm). 3.1.4. Fruit diameter (cm)Average diameter of 10 fruits will be measured at equatorial region using vernier calipers and expressed in centimeters.3.1.5. Fruit length/ diameter ratio (L/D)This will be calculated by dividing fruit length by fruit diameter.3.1.6. Number of Locules per fruitThe ten fruits will be cut horizontally and average number of locules/segments will be calculated.3.2. Truss (flowering/ fruiting cane) charactersNumber of flowers per truss, number of fruits per truss, average length of truss in a plant for each treatment will be observed. Lower five and upper five flowering/fruiting cans will be taken as the representative for the truss characters. 3.4. Fruit set percentage: It will be calculated by the ratio of total number of flowers to the total number of fruits set in a truss (5 trusses from lower part and 5 from upper part will be taken) 3.6. Production and Productivity: Total fruit yield in terms of weight and number will be recorded for each plant of each treatment (production per plant) and it is then expressed in Ton/hectare (yield).4. Taste: An organoleptic test will be performed to mark the taste and preference of tomato fruits harvested from each treatment for different purposes (Chutney, curry, air-dried chips). 5. B: C ratio:

The gross benefit includes both the variable and fixed costs.The benefit cost ratio will be calculated after the completion of field trial with the following formula: B: C ratio =Total benefitGross cost

5. STATISTICAL ANALYSISRecorded data will be compiled using Ms Excel. Data from all the observations will be entered on DMRT/ MSTATC and their means will be compared. Finally, the result will be interpreted with supporting Tables and figures.

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) TableSource of varianceDegree of freedomSum of squaresMean squaresComputed FTabular F

5%1%

Replicationr-1=2

Treatmentab-1=11

Variety (A)a-1=2

Fertilizer (B)b-1=3

A x B(a-1)(b-1)=6

Error(r-1)(ab-1)=22

Totalrab-1=35

6. EXPECTED OUTCOMES Heat tolerant tomato cultivars with respect to vegetative and yield attributing characters in hot and humid rainy season condition of Terai will be assessed. The most economic number of top dressing for fertilizer management in rainy season tomato under plastic house condition will be found out. At least 5 farmers will be benefited by "Learning by doing" as they will know innovative technology. Research findings will be published in the form of thesis, research article on IAAS or other journal.

7. BENEFICIARIES The primary beneficiaries are the semi-commercial and commercial vegetable growers in the entire Terai and inner Terai region (Hot and humid tropics) of Nepal. The secondary beneficiaries are the researchers, academicians, extension agents and development workers within and outside the country who are involved in research and development of offseason vegetable production (esp. tomato). The upstream beneficiaries are the people involved in the marketing of tomato who act as collectors, retailers, wholesaler, distributors, and up to the consumers for whom fresh tomato will be easily available in the market.

8. RISK AND ASSUMPTIONS: The research will successfully result output if weather as well as lab conditions during the study period remain conductive. Similarly, good coordination of farmers for the agronomic practices and availability of plant protection measures (agro-chemicals, hormones) for the research is equally important for the success of the study.

9. BUDGET SUMMARY

S.N.Activity/ ItemsUnitNumberRateTotal (Npr.)

1Plastic House ConstructionPlastic house31059031770

1.1Bamboo logs (average length: 25 ft)pieces151402100

1.2RopeKg5120600

1.3Plastic sheet (glazing + cover)Kg8.52201870

1.6Cartoon tapepieces560300

1.7Net under glazing materialsq. meter260225720

Sub- total10590

2Tools and ImplementsSet134303430

2.1ScissorNo. 3100300

2.2Buckets (20 lit.) and jugsSet3260780

2.3Measuring Tape and rulerpieces1350350

2.4Knap-sack Sprayer (support)No. 116501650

2.5Rose cane (plastic made, 5 lit.)pieces1350350

Sub-total3430

3Other Essentials 175607560

3.1Fertilizer (N, P, K, Ca, B, Zn)Lump sum130003000

3.2Hormones and plant protection Lump sum115001500

3.3SeedLump sum110001000

3.4StationaryLump sum1700700

3.5Iron nail (Metal pin)Kg2180360

3.7Communication Lump sum110001000

Sub-total7560

4Travel cost (Tickets/ fuel/ Hire)Lump sum160006000

5Publication (Report, Drafts, Thesis)Lump sum11250012500

6 Advisory Visit (Monitoring)Lump sum150005000

7Total 66260

8Over head @ 10% of Total6626

Grand Total (NRS.)72886

LOGICAL FRAMEWORKNarrative summaryOVIMOVRisk and Assumptions

Goal: Poverty reduction by improved income of offseason vegetable farmers. By the end of 2014, living standard of off season tomato farmers in far-western Terai will be increased considerably.HHs survey report,Progress report of DADO Kailali and Banke.Farmers will adopt the technology.Extension workers will disseminate the results obtained.

Purpose:Through the increased production and productivity of tomato in Terai region of Nepal. Identification of suitable tomato varieties and appropriate number of mix fertilizer side dressing in rainy season tomato production Terai region By the end of Nov. 2012, the best performing varieties in hot and humid condition will be assessed.

Research Report, Thesis.No climatic hazards like storm occur during flowering and fruiting period.The farmers will cooperate on research activities.

Outputs: 1. The best tomato cultivar under the plastic roofing in rainy season of far-western Terai will be assessed.

2. Optimum number of side dressing of mix fertilizer for better yield will be found out.

3. Research findings will be published and disseminated.

By the end of Nov. 2012, the best heat tolerant cultivar will be identified with respect to the yield and earliness.

By the end of Nov. 2012, at least 5 farmers will be familiar with optimum number of side dressing for fertilizer management. By the end of 2012, one thesis report and a research article will be published.Thesis report, IAAS journal article, Field and HHs survey.

Related biotic and a biotic factors remain favorable.

Funds will be available in time.

Activities:1.1. Seed sowing and nursery establishment.2.1. Procurement equipments, materials for plastic house construction and agrochemicals.2.2. Transplanting of seedlings 2.3. Observation for vegetative, reproductive, maturity, and yield attributing parameters.2.4. Fruit harvesting and observation2.5. Observation of physical parameters of fruit 2.6. Organoleptic taste observation. 3.1. Tabulation and Analysis of data.4.1. Preparation and Submission of thesis report.Budget (NRs.72826.00/-)Observation sheet, field visit report, procurement bills.Funds will be available in time.

Chemicals and other materials available in time in market.

Farmers will cooperate with all the activities to be performed.

GANTT CHARTActivityDescriptionJulyAugSeptOctNovDecJanFebAugNov

1.1 Year2011

Seed sowing and nursery establishment.

2.1 Procurement equipments, materials for plastic house construction and agrochemicals.

2.2Transplanting of seedlings

2.3Observation for vegetative, reproductive, maturity, and yield attributing parameters.

2.4Fruit harvesting and yield observation

2.5Observation of physical parameters of fruit

2.6

Organoleptic taste observation.

3.1Tabulation and Analysis of data.

4.1Preparation and Submission of thesis report.

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