Effect of Irrigation Intervals on Growth and Production of Roselle (Hibiscus Sabdariffa)

Abstract

Water deficit is a limiting factor in the production of many field crops. The water stress causes different morphological, physiological and biochemical changes including reduction in leaf area, senescence and restricts cell development. This study was carried out to investigate the influence of irrigation intervals on growth and production of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa ) at the Ornamental Horticulture Nursery, Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture, and Peshawar during the year 2018. Randomized Complete Block Design was used having single factor i.e., irrigation intervals (T 1 :6, T 2 :8 and T 3 :10 days). The irrigation interval significantly affected various growth and production attributes of roselle. Irrigation of roselle plants at 6 days intervals resulted in maximum plant height, stem diameter, number of branches plant(-1) , number of leaves plant(-1) and number of calyces plant(-1) as well as days to flowering in roselle plants. It was concluded that irrigation of roselle plants at 6 days intervals was more effective as compared to irrigation intervals of 8 and 10 days.