2.4 Measurement of trees growth and yield attributes
Twelve plants of sapota in each treatment were randomly chosen to
evaluate growth, productivity and biometric parameters which were
determined annually (2018-2020). Collar diameter (mm), tree height (m),
canopy spread (m) for both direction east-west and south-north were
measured in selected tree following procedure developed by West (2009).
To determine fruit set, the flower buds were labeled and the number of
flowers was recorded weekly, noting any increases or decreases in number
of flower and conversion in to fruit. Fruit drop was calculated by
counting initial fruit set and number of fruits retained after two
months of fruit set. Average annual fruit yield (kilograms per tree and
tons per hectare) was determined by weighing fruits in each harvest.
Rain water productivity (RWP) was calculated by dividing fruit yield by
average rainfall.