Effect of spacing and organic manure on yield and quality of Indian spinach (Basella rubra L.)

Abstract:

Basella (Basella rubra), commonly known as Ceylon spinach, Malabar spinach, Indian spinach, or vine spinach, is a climbing perennial plant that is sometimes grown as an annual vegetable. It is a resilient plant with the ability to withstand the high rainfall typical of the Konkan region, a condition that no other leafy vegetable can tolerate, especially between June and September. Despite its potential, Basella has remained underutilized due to the lack of standardized production practices. Experimental results showed that the combination of treatment S3M1 (50 × 60 cm spacing and FYM at 10 t/ha plus 100:50:50 kg/ha NPK) resulted in the highest total herbage yield per plant and dry matter content, while the S3M3 treatment (50 × 60 cm spacing with poultry manure at 4 t/ha) yielded the best shelf life.