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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    STUDY ON THE VEGETATIVE PROPAGATION OF GUAVA (Psidium guajava L.) THROUGH AIR AND STOOL LAYERING.
    (ANDHRA PRADESH HORTICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, 2009-07) HEIPLANMI RYMBAI; Dr. G. SATHYANARAYANA REDDY
    The present experiments were carried out at Horticultural Research Station, Sangareddy, Medak district, Andhra Pradesh, from the first week of May to first week October for stool layering and 15th June to 15th December, 2008 for air layering on guava cv. L-49. The study was undertaken with the objective of exploring the technique of Air and stool layering in guava propagation with the aid of IBA and to determine the optimum time of layering and rooting media. For air layering the operation was done in 3 months i.e. 15th June, 15th July and 15th August and the period of observations were 75 days after layering. In stool layering, heading back was done in the first week of May and mounding with moist soil was done in August first week. The observations were made at 60 days after mounding. In both the experiments observations for establishment percentage was taken at 45 days after transplanting. Treatment with IBA at 4000 ppm in 15th August and wet sphagnum moss as rooting media resulted highest percentage of successful layers, maximum number of primary and secondary roots and their mean length of longest roots, maximum fresh and dry roots weight, and maximum percentage of establishment of rooted air layers both under Open and poly house conditions. In stool layeing, IBA at 7000 ppm treated shoots recorded the maximum percentage of successful layers, more number of primary and secondary roots, maximum mean length of longest roots, highest fresh and dry roots weight, and maximum percentage of establishment of rooted air layers both under Open and poly house conditions.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    STUDIES ON EFFECT OF DIFFERENT FERTIGATION LEVELS ON GROWTH, YIELD AND FLORAL PRESERVATIVES ON VASE LIFE OF GERBERA CULTIVARS GROWN UNDER POLYHOUSE CONDITIONS
    (ANDHRA PRADESH HORTICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, 2009-09) ZEHRA SALMA; Dr. M. PRATAP
    A field experiment, “Studies on effect of different fertigation levels on growth, yield and floral preservatives on vase life of gerbera cultivars grown under polyhouse conditions” was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, College of Horticulture, Andhra Pradesh Horticulture University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during the year 2008-09. The experiment was carried out with various fertigation treatments comprising of water soluble fertilizers (WSF) and straight fertilizers (SF) each at three levels 100%, 80%, 60% of RDF( NPK @ 20:20:20 g/m2/month at vegetative stage and 15:10:30 g/m2/month at reproductive stage) with two gerbera cultivars V1- Amelia and V2- Galelio totally comprising of twelve treatments. The treatments were laid in factorial randomized block design and replicated thrice. Further, a second experiment was conducted with the cut gerbera flowers harvested from each of the fertigation experimental plots (Experiment1) and were kept for post harvest studies using 3 floral preservatives viz., control (distilled water), 4% sucrose + 300ppm Al2 (So4)3 and 4% sucrose +50ppm Dichlorophen comprising of thirty six treatments. The treatments were laid out in factorial completely randomized design. The results enumerated from the first experiment revealed that among the different fertigation treatments, growth parameters viz., plant height (50.43cm), number of leaves(24.12), leaf area (5334.72 cm2) were highest with 100% WSF treatment and was on a par with 100% SF. Among the cultivars, cv.Amelia proved to be superior in the above parameters tested. But the interaction effect of fertigation with cultivars was found to be non significant. Further in the studies enumerated for quality parameters, it was observed that fertigation with 100% WSF showed earlier bud opening (9.67 days), longer stalk length (60.33 cm), longer ray floret length (4.45 cm), maximum stalk diameter (0.76 cm), flower diameter (10.48 cm) and disc diameter (2.58 cm). This treatment was on a par with 100 % SF. Among the cultivars, quality parameters viz., stalk diameter (0.70 cm) and disc diameter (2.40 cm) were significantly maximum in cv. Galelio while, cv. Amelia was found superior in stalk length (54.40 cm) and ray floret length (3.72 cm). No significant effect of cultivars was observed on days to bud opening and flower diameter parameters. Regarding yield parameters, flower yield per plant (5.13) and flower yield per square meter per month (36.15) recorded highest with 100% WSF fertigation treatment and was on a par with 100% SF. Among the cultivars, Cv. Amelia recorded highest flower yield per plant (3.88). But, flower yield per square meter in a month was not significantly influenced by the cultivars. With regard to interaction effects of fertigation with cultivars, flower yield per plant was highest in 100% WSF and 100% SF with cv. Amelia. However, quality parameters and flower yield per square meter per month was not significantly influenced by the interaction effect of fertigation levels with cultivars. For the investigation to the post harvest studies, vase life and water uptake recorded was highest with 100% WSF (10.61 days, 49.94 ml respectively) and was on a par with 80% WSF and 100% SF. Minimum stalk bending recorded in 80% WSF and 80% SF. No effect of cultivars was observed on vase life. But cv. Amelia recorded highest water uptake (45.37 ml) and cv.Galelio recorded minimum stalk bending. Comparatively floral preservative containing 4% sucrose + 300 ppm Al2 (So4)3 recorded highest vase life (9.50 days), minimum stalk bending and maximum water uptake (46.53 ml) over the rest of the treatments. Interaction effect of fertigation levels and cultivars showed highest vase life (10.78 days) and water uptake (56.33 ml) with 100% WSF in cv. Amelia and was on a par with 80% WSF and 100% SF in both the cultivars. Whereas, interaction effect of fertigation with floral preservatives revealed that treatment combination of 100% WSF, 80% WSF and 100% SF with 4% sucrose+300 ppm Al2 (So4)3 recorded highest vase life. Water uptake was highest in 80% WSF with 4% sucrose + 300 ppm Al2 (So4)3 (57.33 ml).However, interaction of cultivars with floral preservatives was non significant on vase life (mean days) and water uptake (ml).
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    DEVELOPMENT OF RAPID REGENERATION PROTOCOL IN BRINJAL (Solanum melongena L.)
    (ANDHRA PRADESH HORTICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, 2009-08) VIVEK HEGDE; Dr. K. RAVINDER REDDY
    Brinjal is the one of the most important vegetable crop in India as well as tropical countries of the world. In the present study the rapid regeneration protocol of brinjal was conducted. In which the hypocotyl and shoot tip explants from the in vitro grown sterile seedling were used to obtain callus and adventitious buds. The MS culture medium with BAP at 2.5 mg/l + IAA at 0.3 mg/l induced highest callus growth in hypocotyl (1.43 cm) as well as in shoot tip (1.14 cm) and also highest shoot regeneration was observed in both the explants from shoot tip (2.13) and hypocotyl (1.88). The highest shoot length (1.67 cm) and also more number of leaves (2.83) recorded in shoot tips cultured in the MS medium containing same concentration of BAP and IAA i.e. 2.5 mg/l and 0.3 mg/l respectively after 28 days of culture period. The callus obtained from both the explants (shoot tip and hypocotyl) were sub-cultured on responding treatments i.e. MS medium containing BAP at 2.5 mg/l + IAA at 0.2 mg/l and BAP at 2.5 mg/l + IAA at 0.3 mg/l. After sub-culturing, the highest number of shoots (3.59), shoot length (3.16 cm) and more number of leaves (3.66) were recorded on the medium containing BAP at 2.5 mg/l + IAA at 0.3 mg/l after 28 days of culture period. Root induction frequency was highest in full strength MS medium with IAA at 0.5 mg/l. The full strength MS medium supplemented with IAA at 0.5 mg/l recorded more number of roots (14.06), root length (6.99 cm), as well as more number of leaves (6.27). Hardening of rooted plantlets were carried out initially (14 days) under lab condition in plastic cups containing different potting mixtures (substrates). The highest survival percentage (100 per cent), shoot length (7.23 cm) and more number of leaves (6.52) were observed in cups filled with cocopeat, FYM and vermiculite in 1:1:1 ratio. The development of rapid regeneration protocol in brinjal reported here that took less time, i.e. 3 to 4 months from initiation to establishment. The acclimatized plantlets were planted under shade house after 28 days of hardening. They have reached to mature stage and fruits have been harvested and was also observed that all plants were morphologically similar.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    INFLUENCE OF DATES OF PLANTING ON GROWTH, YIELD, BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES AND POST HARVEST KEEPING QUALITY IN DIFFERENT GLADIOLUS (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) VARIETIES
    (ANDHRA PRADESH HORTICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, 2009-10) PAVANI. U; Dr. M. PRATAP
    A field experiment, “Influence of dates of planting on growth, yield, biochemical changes and post harvest keeping quality in different gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) varieties” was conducted at College of Horticulture, Andhra Pradesh Horticulture University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during the year 2008-09. The first experiment was laid out in Split plot design comprising sixteen treatments, with main treatment as varieties consisting of four varieties – Advance, Spic and span, White knight and Peter pears; sub-treatments as dates of planting consisting of four dates of planting- 15th September, 15th October, 15th November and 15th December. In the susequent experiment spikes obtained from the first experiment were used for vase life studies using distilled water as control (T0), sucrose 4% + Aluminium sulphate 300ppm (T1) and sucrose 4% + Dichlorophen 50ppm (T2). It was laid out in completely randomised design with factorial concept. The entire field and lab treatments were replicated thrice. The results of the experiment revealed that among the cultivars, Advance recorded earliest sprouting and White knight the late sprouting. 15th September planting resulted in earliest sprouting of corms while 15th December in late sprouting. The Advance produced tallest plants with more number of leaves and leaf area among the varieties. Among the planting dates, planting on 15th September recorded highest plant height, number of leaves and leaf area. Corm weight per plant and size was highest in Advance and it was comparable with White knight. September 15th planting resulted in maximum weight and size of corms. Maximum number and weight of cormels per plant was also recorded by Advance and least by White knight. 15th September and 15th December recorded maximum and minimum number and weight of cormels respectively. Maximum dry matter accumulation was recorded at harvest with Advance and with 15th September planting. Earliness in basal floret opening, spike initiation and 50% flowering was observed in Spic and span and in 15th September planting. Duration of flowering was maximum in White knight. Late planting increased the duration of flowering. Spike quality attributes like spike length, weight of spike, number of florets per spike and number of florets remained open at a time were also more for the Advance among the cultivars and 15th September planting among the planting dates. The same trend was recorded for biochemical changes like carbohydrate content, Nitrate reductase activity and N, P, K content. The three factors viz., cultivars, planting dates and vase chemicals also influenced the post harvest performance of gladiolus spikes. Spike from 15th December planting have shown better performance for all observations. Among the vase solutions, sucrose 4% + Aluminium sulphate 300ppm (T1) recorded maximum vase life of spikes.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFECT OF GAMMA IRRADIATION AND ANTIOXIDANTS ON SHELF LIFE OF GUAVA (Psidium guajava L.) cv. ALLAHABAD SAFEDA
    (ANDHRA PRADESH HORTICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, 2009-11) T.SUKUMAR REDDY; Dr. J.DILIP BABU
    A set of four experiments were conducted in the Post Harvest Technology Laboratory, College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad from November 2008 to January 2009. Investigations were carried out to understand the Effect of various post harvest treatments like Gamma irradiation and Antioxidants on shelf life of guava cv. Allahabad Safeda by exposing the fruits to irradiation of different doses and treating the fruits with antioxidants at both ambient and low temperature conditions. All the experiments were carried out in CRD with factorial concept and the treatments were replicated thrice. Physico-chemical characters were recorded at 3 days intervals to study the shelf life of guava fruit under ambient conditions with different irradiation doses. Further the synergy of antioxidants & irradiation doses in enhancing the shelf life of guava fruit both at ambient and low temperature conditions was also studied. It was observed that the physiological loss in weight, colour index, spoilage rates increased and fruit firmness decreased in all the experiments irrespective of the treatments with the advancement of duration. Total Soluble Solids, brix acid ratio, reducing sugars and total sugars increased initially and then decreased towards the end of the storage period. In the first experiment, the fruits were exposed to irradiation doses of 0.20 kGy, 0.40 kGy, 0.60 kGy, 0.80 kGy and 1.0 kGy with the help of gamma chamber 5000. Among these treatments, lower doses at 0.20 kGy followed by 0.40 kGy recorded lower physiological loss in weight, colour development, spoilage, acidity and higher firmness, Total Soluble Solids, ascorbic acid, brix acid ratio, reducing sugars, total sugars and thereby recorded more shelf life (11.33 and 10.33 days) over control. Antioxidant activity decreased with the increase in irradiation dose and storage period. Control recorded higher antioxidant activity and was followed by 0.20 kGy. With increase in doses of irradiation titrable acidity increased, where as Total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, brix acid ratio, reducing sugars and total sugars decreased. Total soluble solids, brix acid ratio, reducing sugars and total sugars increased initially and decreased towards the end of the storage period. In the second experiment, the fruits were treated with antioxidants ascorbic acid (500&1000ppm), benzyl adenine (50&100 ppm) and sodium benzoate (500&1000ppm). Among antioxidants, BA 100 ppm followed by BA 50 ppm recorded lower physiological loss in weight, colour index, spoilage, acidity and higher firmness, Total Soluble Solids, ascorbic acid, brix acid ratio, reducing sugars, total sugars and thereby increased shelf life (11 days) of guava and proved to be the best antioxidant treatments. The best two treatments from the experiment I (0.20 & 0.40 kGy) and experiment II (BA 50 & 100 ppm) were combined to study their synergy at ambient temperature and 100C in the third and fourth experiments respectively. The combination treatment of benzyl adenine 100 ppm+0.20 kGy increased the shelf life upto 13 days compared to control (5.33 days) at ambient temperature and 28 days compared to control (20.33 days) at 100C .In all the combination treatments of benzyl adenine(50&100 ppm)+ irradiation dose(0.20&0.40 kGy), fruit firmness, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, brix acid ratio, reducing sugars and total sugars were found to be higher when compared to control both at ambient and 100C storage conditions.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFECT OF INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ON GRWOTH, FLOWERING, CORM AND CORMEL PRODUCTION IN GLADIOLUS (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.)
    (Dr.Y.S.R HORTICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, 2009-05) P.MAYA MADHAVAN; Dr.A.MANOHAR RAO
    A field experiment, “Effect of integrated nutrient management on the growth, flowering, corm and cormel production in gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.)” was conducted at AICRP on floriculture, Agriculture Research Institute, College of Horticulture, Andhra Pradesh Horticulture University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during the year 2008-09. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatments consisting of T1-100% recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers (RDF) 100:60:60 kg of N P K ha-1, T2- 75% RDF + FYM (10 t ha-1) + Vermicompost (3 t ha-1), T3- 75% RDF + FYM (10 t ha-1) + Vermicompost (3 t ha-1) + Azospirillum (5 kg ha -1) + PSB (5 kg ha-1), T4-75%RDF + Neem cake (2 t ha-1), T5-75%RDF + Neem cake (2 t ha-1) + Azospirillum (5 kg ha-1) +PSB (5 kg ha1), T6-50%RDF+ FYM (20 t ha-1) + Vermicompost (6 t ha-1), T7-50% RDF + FYM (20 t ha-1) +Vermicompost (6 t ha-1) + Azospirillum (5 kg ha-1) + PSB (5 kg ha-1), T8-50% RDF + Neem cake (4 t ha-1), T9- 50% RDF + Neem cake (4 t ha -1) + Azospirillum (5 kg ha-1) + PSB (5 kg ha-1) replicated thrice. The results of the experiment revealed that among the different treatments, plant height (60.74 cm), number of leaves per plant (8.20), leaf area (687.30 cm2) and dry matter accumulation at harvest (27.24 g plant-1) were the highest with the application of T3 comprising of 75% RDF + FYM (10 t ha-1) + Vermicompost (3 t ha-1) + Azospirillum (5 kg ha -1) + PSB (5 kg ha-1). Further, it was observed that application of 75% RDF + FYM (10 t ha-1) + Vermicompost (3 t ha-1) + Azospirillum (5 kg ha -1) + PSB (5 kg ha-1) resulted in early flowering (56.53 days), 50% flowering (67.58 days), increased spike length (78.84 cm), maximum number of florets per spike (16.73), maximum corm diameter (4.98 cm), fresh weght of corms (37.79 g) and cormels (7.30 g). No significant effect of the treatments was observed on the floret size. Non significant difference were observed for the characters like yield of spikes hectare1 and yield of corms hectare-1 however, yield of spikes hectare-1 (248000), yield of corms hectare-1 (250000) were highest with T3 treatment, 75% RDF + FYM (10 t ha-1) + Vermicompost (3 t ha-1) + Azospirillum (5 kg ha -1) + PSB (5 kg ha-1). No significant effect of the treatments was observed on the post harvest perameters such as vase life and durability of basal floret The highest uptake of nutrients suchas N (0.904 g/plant), P (0.114 g/plant) and K (1.022 g/plant) were recorded in T3 treatment comprising 75% RDF + FYM (10 t ha-1) + Vermicompost (3 t ha-1) + Azospirillum (5 kg ha -1) + PSB (5 kg ha-1) followed by 75% RDF + FYM (10 t ha-1) + Vermicompost (3 t ha-1). Economics of production revealed that the higher net returns (Rs.990165 ha-1) were obtained in T3 treatment, 75% RDF + FYM (10 t ha-1) + Vermicompost (3 t ha-1) + Azospirillum (5 kg ha -1) + PSB (5 kg ha-1). Highest benefit cost ratio (1.49) was obtained with 75% RDF + FYM (10 t ha-1) + Vermicompost (3 t ha-1) + Azospirillum (5 kg ha -1) + PSB (5 kg ha-1).
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    PROCESSING OF POMEGRANATE (cv.BHAGWA) FRUITS FOR VALUE ADDITION
    (ANDHRAPRADESH HORTICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, 2009-11) P. CHANDANA; Dr J.DILIP BABU
    Pomegranate is one of the most favourite table fruits grown in India. It was not given due importance for preparing value added products. Blending is a convenient alternative to have value added fruit drinks which are of high quality in respect of sensory and nutritional aspects. The present study was conducted for the preparation of fruit juice RTS blended with the combination of pineapple, guava and grape. Arils are highly perishable and have a shelf life of less than 24 hours. Hence, the low temperature storage in combination with Radiation Processing is taken up to prolong their shelf life. Initially nine blends of pomegranate with pineapple, guava and grape were prepared in addition to RTS beverage. Based on organoleptical scores three blends were selected and storage studies were conducted. The products were analyzed at every 15 days interval for their physicochemical, organoleptic characteristics and microbial load. The increase in TSS, pH, Total sugars was observed in all the blends at ambient and low temperature. Ascorbic acid and titrable acidity decreased in blends and RTS at both ambient and low temperatures. The RTS stored well up to 60 days at ambient and 90 days at low temperature. Increase in microbial load with the storage was observed in all the RTS beverages .The overall results indicated that RTS beverages can be stored up to 3 months at low temperature and 2 months at ambient temperature. In case of radiation processed arils the TSS initially increased up to 6 days and thereafter declined. There was a decline in ascorbic acid content, titrable acidity and total sugars during storage. The antioxidant activity decreased with increase in radiation dose and storage period. The microbial growth appeared from 6th day of storage in all the arils except those irradiated at 4kGy. Irradiation at 2kGy and storage at 5°C was found to be good compared to other treatments in terms of quality. The overall acceptability of processed arils decreased with increase in storage period.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    STUDIES ON GENETIC DIVERGENCE IN TOMATO (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)
    (2009-11) RAJEEV KUMAR NAROLIA; Dr. R.V.S.K. REDDY
    The present investigation was undertaken to estimate the genetic divergence in tomato and to carry out yield component analysis through correlation and path analysis. Fifty five genotypes were sown in a randomized block design with two replications, during rabi 2008-2009 at Vegetable Research Station, Agriculture Research Institute, APHU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. The objective of the experiment was to identify divergent genotypes to use as donor parents in hybridization programmes. The D2 analysis was carried out for thirteen characters which partitioned the fifty five genotypes into twelve clusters. The maximum genetic divergence was observed between clusters IX and XII followed by between clusters V and IX. The maximum intra cluster distance was shown by cluster V. The characters viz., acidity content followed by shelf life, plant height, TSS, ascorbic acid content, average fruit weight and number of fruits per plant contributed greatly towards diversity. The clusters showed high genetic divergence that could be effectively utilized in heterosis breeding programme. If a breeding programme is used at improving nutritional characters, then cluster VII showing maximum ascorbic acid that can be utilized in breeding programme. Therefore, a plant breeder may keep in mind the above aspects to obtain superior hybrids and good recombinants. The analysis of variance revealed significant difference for thirteen characters studied suggesting considerable amount of variability exists among the genotypes. Wide range of variability was observed for plant height, number of flower clusters per plant, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, ascorbic acid and fruit yield per plant indicating the scope for selection of suitable initial breeding material for further improvement. GA as percent of mean, GCV and PCV values are on par with each other for most of the characters that the influence of the environment on the trait (s) was very very negligible. The values observed are not confounding with the environment. It is a true to the reflection of the homeostasis effect or buffer reaction of the gene. Thus, the true reflection of the trait is exhibited. In a true agreement with the GCV and PCV values in the present investigation for the 12 characters was noticed, indicating additive genetic variance governing the high heritability with genetic advance as percent of mean. Thus a breeder can employ a simple selection process which will be a rewarding one to improve the characters viz., plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of flowers per cluster, number of fruits per plant, number of flower clusters per plant, average fruit weight, number of locules per fruit, acidity, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, shelf life and fruit yield per plant. For days to 50 per cent flowering, high heritability with low GA as per cent of mean indicates non additive action controlling the traits. Thus, selection for days to 50 per cent flowering may not be rewarding. From correlation studies it was observed that fruit yield per plant has exhibited highly significant positive association with average fruit weight and shelf life. Path analysis revealed that maximum positive direct effect on fruit yield per plant was exhibited by average fruit weight followed by number of fruits per plant. Therefore, it is emphasized to lay attention on these traits like average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant and shelf life in crop improvement programme of tomato in future. On the basis of the mean performance of the genotypes among traits studied, the following were identified as promising lines for further crop improvement in tomato viz., EC-163611, EC-257580, EC-162508, EC-165749, EC-157568, EC-145622, EC-164863, EC-177393, LE-54, LE-55, LE-59, LE-60, LE-61, LE-63, LE-65 and LE-67.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    STUDIES ON THE EFFECT OF INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ON GROWTH, YIELD AND VASE LIFE OF CHINA ASTER (Callistephus chinensis L. Nees)
    (ANDHRA PRADESH HORTICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, 2009-10) SWATHI KAVALA; Dr. A. S. PADMAVATHAMMA
    A field experiment, “Studies on the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and vase life of china aster (Callistephus chinensis L. Nees)” was conducted at All India Coordinated Research Project on Floriculture, Agricultural Research Institute, Andhra Pradesh Horticultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during the year 2008-09. The experiment was carried out with eleven treatments comprising of inorganic fertilizers, organic manures such as vermicompost, neem cake and biofertilizers (Azospirillum and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria). The treatments were laid in Randomized Block Design and replicated thrice. The results of the experiment revealed that among the different treatments, growth parameters viz., plant height (60.87 cm), number of branches per plant (22.50), plant spread (27.17 cm), leaf area (586.41 cm2), and total dry matter production (44.57 g) were highest with the combined application of 5 t ha-1 vermicompost, PSB and Azospirillum each at 5kg ha-1 along with 75 per cent Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF). Further in the studies enumerated for floral characters, it was observed that application of 5 t ha-1 vermicompost, PSB and Azospirillum each at 5 kg ha-1 along with 75 per cent Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF) showed early flower bud initiation (60.96 DAT), 50 per cent flowering (80.02 DAT), early flower opening (69.12 DAT), maximum stalk length (29.77 cm), maximum flower diameter (6.57 cm) and maximum vase life (8.23 days). Regarding yield parameters, maximum number of flowers per plant (48.72), flower yield per plant (128.59g) and flower yield per hectare(11.74 t ha-1) were achieved by the application of 5 t ha-1 vermicompost, PSB and Azospirillum each at 5 kg ha-1 along with 75 per cent Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF). Plants receiving 5 t ha-1 vermicompost, PSB and Azospirillum each at 5kg ha-1 along with 75 per cent Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF) recorded significantly higher uptake of nutrients (N -186.03 kg ha-1, P-26.71 kg ha-1, K-103.87 kg ha-1). Similarly, significantly higher available nutrients in soil such as nitrogen (326.48 kg ha-1), phosphorus (59.93 kg ha-1) and potassium (300.90 kg ha-1) were recorded in the same treatment consisting of 75 per cent Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF), 5 t ha-1 vermicompost, PSB and Azospirillum each at 5 kg ha-1. The economic results clearly indicated that net returns per hectare and benefit-cost ratio was highest in the plots treated with 5 t ha-1 vermicompost, PSB and Azospirillum each @ 5 kg ha-1 along with 75 per cent Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF) and this finding can be used in making china aster production more profitable.