This study explored increasing yields in Luffa cylindrica (smooth patola) through pruning and high density planting. Seedlings were pruned at either the 4-leaf stage (Type I) or the 2-leaf stage followed by pruning of primary branches at the 2-leaf stage (Type II). Plants were grown at various branch densities from 30 to 106,666 branches per hectare. Type I pruning resulted in earlier flowering and first harvest compared to Type II pruning, but pruning treatments did not significantly affect fruit yield or characteristics. Pruning reduced plant size and led to earlier branching, which can allow for higher density planting and increased yields per unit area.

1. SEMINAR IN CROP SCIENCE
Jewel Marie B. Grona

2. Increasing Yield in Luffa cylindrica
(L.,) by pruning and High Density
Planting
Minh Tam I.. Aurin and Eufemio T. Rasco, Jr.
Institute of Plant Breeding
UP at Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031

3. INTRODUCTION
Smooth Patola (Luffa cylindrica L.,) is usually
planted at a spacing of approximately 2 x 2 m. It
has been observed that in an undisturbed plant,
branching usually occurs in the higher node
positions along the main stem (Aurin, 1987).
Fruits obtained from branches are now borne in
the lower nodes unlike in the main stem.

4. Earlier branching could be induced by pruning
and should reduce plant size, allow higher density
planting, and increase yield/unit area.
This experiment was conducted to explore
the possibility of increasing fruit yield in patola by
two methods of pruning and increasing branch
density. These treatments were is simple,
practical and required very little additional cost.

5. OBJECTIVES
• To explore the possibilities of increasing yield
in Luffa cylindrica (L.,) using simple and
practical procedure. Plants were grown on
table type trellis.
• To have an intimate knowledge of the growing
and branching habit of the plant.

6. MATERIALS AND METHODS
• Seeds of smooth patola
• 5 x 1.5 m plots were planted to 1 row of 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
& 15 hills with 2 plants/hill.
• Branch populations achieved:
30, 36,42,54,70 and 80 branches/plot equivalent to 40, 000;
56,000; 72,000; 93,333 and 106,666 branches/ha respectively.
• PRUNING TYPES USED:
Type I -shoots of seedlings were pruned at the 4-leaf stage

7. Type II-seedling were pruned at the 2-leaf stage and
then pruned again when the primary branches
attained the 2-leaf stage.
•Complete fertilizer applied 2 weeks after emergence
at the rate of 20g/hill/application.
•Urea applied 4x at two week intervals starting from 2
weeks after planting (1 week after emergence) at the
rate of 5 g/hill/application.

8. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Pruning the shoot tip resulted in 3 vigorous
and uniform branches per plant. Plants in all
treatments were healthy in the early stage but at
the flowering stage. Yield from the first fruiting
cycle, however, seemed not affected due to late
and a slow development of the disease. Insect
infestation was minimal. The crop grew satisfac-
torily with the table type trellis.

9. SUMMARY
• The type 1 pruning treatment resulted in
earlier flowering and days to first harvest
compared to the type of pruning treatments.
There were no significant differences in fruit
yield and fruit characteristics between type I
and type II pruning treatments.

10. CONCLUSION
• Pruning in the early stage of plant growth
resulted in early ranching, more branches per
plant, and reduced plant size at fruiting stage.
• Pruning treatment affected plant size and
maturity.
• Fruit size and girth were not affected by the
pruning treatment nor by increased branch
population densities.

11. Thank You !!!
-jmbg