Effect of plant geometry on vegetative growth, tuber and seed yield of burdock (Arctium lappa L.)

The present investigation was aimed to find out the geometric effect on vegetative growth, tuber and seed yield in Burdock (Arctium lappa L.). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with four replications and 5 levels of spacing (T1-50 cm x 50 cm; T2-60 cm x 60 cm; T3-60 cm x 75 cm; T4-75 cm x 60 cm and T5-75 cm x 75 cm). All traits pertinent to vegetative growth and herbage yield were significantly influenced by different plant density. Gradual increase in all parameters with increased plant spacing was observed. The maximum plant height (192.43 cm), collar diameter (3.32 cm), plant spread (105.93 cm), number of branches/plant (24.80), number of leaves/plant (87.62), tuber length (47.15 cm), leaf area (1230.48 cm2), herbage yield (11.37 kg), marketable yield (155.21 q/ha), total number of fruit/plot (1817.41), total number of seeds/plant (9795.45) were recorded at (75 cm x 60 cm) 22,222 plants/ha and minimum at 27,777 plants/ha with a spacing of 60 cm x 60 cm. The findings of present investigation revealed that spacing of 75 cm x 60 cm (22,222 plants/ha) to be optimum for obtaining highest marketable tuber and seed yield in burdock under agroclimatic conditions of Garhwal Himalayas.