Performance of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) in response to planting methods and seed rates under north-western Indian conditions

The study was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 201617 and 201718 at Ludhiana, Punjab with the objective to evaluate the effect of sowing methods and seed rates on productivity, quality and economics of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.). The experiment was laid out in split-plot design keeping sowing methods, i.e. bed (1 row), bed (2 rows), ridge (1 row), ridge (2 rows), flat (60 cm) and flat (30 cm), in main plots and seed rates, i.e. 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 and 1.25 kg/ha, in subplots. Results revealed that, the higher plant population under bed (2 rows) and better yield attributes under ridge (1 row) resulted in the highest root yield and net returns. Although crop sown as flat (30 and 60 cm) also gave root yield similar to former sowing methods but roots obtained under flat sowing were physically distorted, i.e. forked and cracked. Growth, photosynthetic parameters and root yield and benefit: cost ratio showed increasing trend only up to 1.0 kg/ha seed rate but shoot yield increased linearly up to 1.5 kg/ha seed rate. Final plant population, plant height at harvesting, root length and shoot yield had direct positive effect on root yield but dry matter of root at harvesting had positive indirect effect on root yield via. plant population