EFFECT OF FOLIAR SPRAY OF MICRONUTRIENTS ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF BROCCOLI (Brassica oleracea var. italica) cv. PUSA KTS-1
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Date
2012
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Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University
Abstract
The present investigation was conducted at Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU, Varanasi. There were six micronutrients taken namely, ammonium molybdate {(NH4)2MoO4)}, boric acid ((H3BO3), copper sulphate (CuSo4), ferrous sulphate (FeSo4), manganese sulphate (MnSo4) and zinc sulphate (ZnSo4) with three concentrations (0.15%, 0.30%, and 0.45%) of each along with control and was replicated thrice during both the years of 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 in winter season. Fresh solution of micronutrients was applied as foliar spray to run off stage. Spraying was done at 25 days after transplanting and subsequently second and third spraying was done 45 and 65 days after transplanting. Experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications, and the data were analyzed statistically.
On the basis of the experimental findings described above, foliar application of ZnSO4 @ 0.45% was proved as most effective treatment to improve growth characteristics regarding, plant height, plant spread, root length, stalk length and leaf size. Foliar application of boric acid @ 0.3% was found as most effective treatment to increase the yield of broccoli. Application of boric acid @ 0.3% effectively reduce the days to 50% curd initiation, curd maturity and days to curd maturity and enhance the fresh weight and volume of curd. Foliar application of ZnSO4 @ 0.45% effectively improved the values of ascorbic acid, chlorophyll and phenol content. Soluble protein content was recorded highest with ammonium molybdate @ 0.3%, and the values of rest of the qualitative attributes viz., non-reducing, reducing and total sugar, carbohydrate, shelf life and TSS recorded highest with boric acid @ 0.3%.Highest yield (q/ha) and highest B/C ratio were recorded with the foliar application of boric acid @ 0.3%.
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Keywords
Broccoli, foliar spray, micronutrients, growth, yield and quality