Studies on Storage Behaviour of Bitter Gourd as Influenced by Liquid Organic Manures

The influence of liquid organic amendments on bitter gourd was investigated to determine their effect on storage behaviour. Bitter gourd was raised in field by 48 treatment combinations comprising of different varieties and liquid organic manures at different levels. The results revealed that shelf life and physiological loss in weight of bitter gourd were significantly influenced by liquid organic manures and the better selection of variety and nutrient combination can eventually reduce the post-harvest physiological loss in weight (PLW) and increase the shelf life. The treatment combination Gangajal-1, three sprays of each panchagavya 3% at 20, 40 and 60 DAS and vermiwash 10% at 25, 50 and 75 DAS emerged as best in increasing the shelf life; and the treatment combination Pundibari Local, panchagavya 3% at 30 and 60 DAS, vermiwash 10% at 25, 50 and 75 DAS emerged as best in decreasing the physiological loss in weight after 4 and 6 days of storage at room temperature.