Mulch Based Soil Moisture Conservation and Weed Management Strategies for enhancing Flower Yield of Crossandra (Crossandra infundibuliformis) under Semi-Arid conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out during 2024-2025 at Sri Krishnadevaraya College of Horticultural Sciences, Ananthapuramu andhra Pradesh, India, to evaluate the influence of different mulching materials on growth, flowering, yield, quality, weed control, water use efficiency and economics of Crossandra infundibuliformis (L) Nees. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) comprising seven treatments and four replications: control (no mulch), straw mulch (5 cm and 10 cm), compost mulch (5 cm and 10 cm), polyethene mulch and biodegradable mulch. Results indicated that mulching significantly enhanced all the growth and yield parameters compared to the control. Polyethene mulch (T₆) recorded the maximum plant height (40.50 cm), number of branches per plant (5.63), leaf area index (1.85), chlorophyll content (38.21 SPAD) and dry matter production (184.09 g plant^-1). The same treatment also resulted in early flowering (45.02 days to first flowering), extended flowering duration (57.02 days) and the highest flower yield (5015.04 kg ha^-1). Superior flower quality was observed under polyethene mulch with the greatest flower length (4.45 cm), diameter (4.45 cm), flower weight (32.87 g/100 flowers), vase life (12.40 days) and anthocyanin content (0.72 mg g^-1 FW). Moreover, polyethene mulch effectively reduced weed density (30.01 no. m^-2) and increased weed control efficiency (71.91%). It also conserved soil moisture (23.56%) and improved water use efficiency (20.06 kg ha^-1 mm^-1). The economic analysis revealed that polyethene mulch provided the highest net return (₹156,175 ha^-1) and benefit-cost ratio (3.25), followed by straw and compost mulches, while the control recorded the lowest profitability. The findings suggest that polyethylene mulch is the most effective for enhancing growth, yield, flower quality and profitability of Crossandra infundibuliformis under semi-arid conditions, though biodegradable alternatives may be explored for sustainable production.