Journal of Basic and Applied Research International

Yam bean is a lesser-known gem among leguminous tuber crops. It can provide essential key nutrients that the majority of the world's population and their livestock can access. These plants provide a type of food that is less expensive, accessible, and easy to find in comparison to other food sources. Regrettably, in India, this crop is overlooked and not fully utilized. If commercialized, yam bean could address food and nutritional insecurity challenges while expanding the variety of food and feed products available for both humans and livestock. The timing of sowing yam bean significantly influences the growth and yield of yam bean tubers, with sowing primarily occurring at the beginning of the monsoon. Therefore, an experiment on was conducted at Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Dapoli, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli during Kharif season of year 2023-24. Two factors were studied during the investigation using factorial randomized block design (p= .05) viz. sowing dates (D) i.e., D₁-1^st week of June, D₂-3^rd week of June, D3 -1^st week of July, D4 -3^rd week of July and Interval of reproductive pruning (P) P1 – Weekly, P2 –Fortnightly, P3 – No pruning. Result showed that the highest plant height 120 days after sowing was observed in D1P2 (202.17 cm) which was at par with the D1P3 (200.40 cm) whereas, the lowest was recorded in D4P3 (89.00 cm) and average number of leaves was highest in the D2P1 (107.17), whereas the lowest average was found in the D3P3 (71.20). This research offers valuable insights into the growth parameters of Yam Bean, a crop with significant potential for addressing food and nutritional insecurity. It provides critical data on how sowing dates and reproductive pruning affect plant height and leaf number, directly benefiting agricultural practices in similar agro-climatic zones. The study's findings could help optimize the cultivation of this underutilized crop, promoting its commercial viability. Its focus on crop growth in the Konkan region offers a model for farmers in similar climates, helping improve yields and promote better farming practices.