An Investigation on “Evaluation of underutilized leafy vegetables for yield and nutritional value” was conducted at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam, TNAU during 2018- 2019 to determine the performance of underutilized leafy vegetables for growth, foliage yield and their nutritional content. Fifteen underutilized green vegetables used by the native people were collected and studied for their development, yield, and nutritional parameters. The results showed significant variations for different characters. The highest fresh foliage yield was registered in the Alternanthera bettzickiana. Ascorbic acid content was highest in Acalypha indica with lower fiber content. Carotenoid content and sodium content were recorded maximum in Hibiscus cannabinus. Total phenolic content was detected highest in G13 Sauropus androgynus. Potassium and copper content was showed a maximum in Cardiospermum halicacabu. Magnesium and manganese content was noticed highest in Talinum fruticosum. Zinc and calcium content was registered maximum in G15 Solanum trilobatum. Iron content was observed maximum in Alternanthera sessilis

An experiment on evaluation of cluster bean genotypes was conducted at the department of vegetable crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam. Fifty genotypes of gum type of cluster bean from NBPGR, Regional Station Jodhpur, two varieties viz., Thar Bhadavi and the check variety Pusa Navbahar were collected for the study. The collected fifty two (Ct - 1 to Ct - 52) genotypes were evaluated for their growth, yield and gum content for three seasons from November 2013 to February 2015. The data collected from the 52 genotypes. The three seasons data were pooled and statistically analysed. From the above study it is concluded that the variety Pusa Navbahar (Ct – 52 check variety) recorded highest total fruit yield per plant, fruit length, number of seeds per fruit and seed yield per plant than other genotypes taken for evaluation. The same genotype Ct - 52 also recorded the highest guar gum content of 13.44 per cent followed by 12.94 per cent in Ct – 39 and the lowest gum yield of 5.79 per cent was observed in Ct - 47.

Field experiments were conducted to study the effect of foliar spray and fertilizer levels on growth and yield of vegetable cowpea (PKM 1) during kharif season of the years 2015 and 2016 at Western block, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam. Results revealed that in general vegetable cowpea responded well to the increased dose of fertilizers along with foliar spraying of 2 % DAP and pulse wonder during flowering and pod formation stages. Application of 125 % RDF along with 2 % DAP spray at flowering and pod formation stages recorded significantly higher plant height (59.3 cm), more number of branches per plant (10.8), increased root bio mass per plant (0.85 g) and shoot bio mass per plant (7.8 g) and more number of flowers per plant (58) resulted in increased green pod yield of 17.40 t /ha as compared to 100 % RDF. Lowest yield and economics was recorded with 75 % RDF. Application of 125 % RDF along with 2 % DAP spray at flowering and pod formation stages recorded higher net returns and BC ratio of Rs.117120/-and 3.06 respectively followed by 125 % RDF + Pulse wonder @ 5 kg ha -1 at flowering. The available nutrient status of the post harvest soil sample viz., N (287 kg/ha), P (10.6 kg/ha) and K (217 kg/ha) also increased significantly with the application of 125 % RDF along with 2 % DAP spray at flowering and pod formation stages.

Research study on effect of foliar application of biostimulants on yield and quality of annual moringa for leaf production was conducted at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam between October 2014 to September 2016. Annual moringa Var PKM -1 seeds were sown @ 40 cm x 20 cm spacing. Foliar application of different concentrations of humic acid, Vermiwash and sea weed extract were given as per the treatment schedule. Harvesting of moringa leaves was done starting from 60 days after sowing leaving 45 cm stem from the ground level at every 45 days interval. Fresh and dry leaf yield per plot was recorded in each harvest and the data were analyzed statistically. Cost benefit ratio for each treatment was calculated. Among the different treatment combinations, application of humic acid 0.2% + vermiwash 4% + sea weed extract 4% @ 10 days after each harvest recorded the highest dry leaf yield of 18.24 t/ha followed by the application of humic acid 2 ml/lit + vermiwash 4% + sea weed extract 4% @ 10 and 25 days after each harvest along with recommended dose of fertilizer. The highest benefit cost ratio of 1:2.45 was observed in the treatment of foliar application of humic acid 2 ml/lit + vermiwash 4% + sea weed extract 4% @ 10 days after each harvest along with recommended dose of fertilizers.

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