EFFECT OF NITROGEN AND PHOSPHOROUS ON GROWTH AND … · CERTIFICATE - II This is to certify that the thesis entitled, “Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth and flowering

1985

EFFECT OF NITROGEN AND PHOSPHOROUS ON GROWTH AND FLOWERING IN TUBEROSE

(Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. DOUBLE

ThesisThesisThesisThesis

by

ASHUTOSH SHARMA

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of

MASTER OF SCIENCE

(HORTICULTURE)

FLORICULTURE AND LANDSCAPE

ARCHITECTURE

COLLEGE OF HORTICULTURE Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni,

Solan - 173 230 (H.P.), INDIA

2013

Dr. S.V.S. Chaudhary Associate Professor

Department of Floriculture and Landscaping College of Horticulture Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni-Solan – 173 230 (HP)

CERTIFICATE- I

This is to certify that the thesis entitled, “Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus

on growth and flowering in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Double” , submitted in

partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE

(HORTICULTURE) FLORICULTURE AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE to Dr.

Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) is a

record of bonafide research work carried out by Mr. Ashutosh Sharma (H-2010-17-M)

under my guidance and supervision. No part of this thesis has been submitted for any other

degree or diploma.

The assistance and help received during the course of investigations have been fully

acknowledged.

Place: Nauni-Solan (Dr. S.V.S. Chaudhary) Dated: 2013 Chairman

Advisory Committee

CERTIFICATE - II

This is to certify that the thesis entitled, “Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on

growth and flowering in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Double”, submitted by Mr.

Ashutosh Sharma (H-2010-17-M) to Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture

and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of

degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE (HORTICULTURE) FLORICULTURE AND

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE has been approved by the Student’s Advisory

Committee after the thesis viva-voce examination in collaboration with the internal examiner.

Dr. S.V.S. Chaudhary Internal Examiner (Associate Professor) Dr. J.S. Chandel

Chairman, Advisory Committee (Professor) Deptt. of Fruit Science

Members of Advisory Committee

Dr. Y. C. Gupta Dr. D. Tripathi Dr. Anju Thakur

(Professor and Head) (Sr. Scientist) (Professor) Deptt. of Deptt. of SSWM Deptt. of Basic Science

Floriculture & Landscaping

Dean’s Nominee

Dr. N.S. Thakur Professor

Deptt. of Food Science and Technology

Professor and Head Deptt. of Floriculture & Landscaping

Dean

College of Horticulture

CERTIFICATE- III

This is to certify that all the mistakes and errors pointed out by the external examiner

have been incorporated in the thesis entitled, “Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on

growth and flowering in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Double”, submitted to Dr

Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) by Mr. Ashutosh

Sharma (H-2010-17-M) in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of degree of

MASTER OF SCIENCE (HORTICULTURE) FLORICULTURE AND LANDSCAPE

ARCHITECTURE.

________________________________

(Dr. S.V.S. Chaudhary)

Associate Professor Chairman

Advisory Committee

________________________________

(Dr Y.C. Gupta) Professor and Head

Department of Floriculture & Landscaping Dr Y S Parmar UHF, Nauni, Solan (H.P.)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

With limitless humility, I bow in devotion to ‘Lord Shiva’ for bestowed me with physical, mental and spiritual strength to shoulder the responsibilities of life.

“The satisfaction and euphoria for the completion of any work would be incomplete unless we mention the names of people who made it possible, whose constant guidance and encouragement served the beam of light and crowded efforts with success.”

I own this pride place to my Mummy, Papa and my brothers, who always believed in giving a strong educational wing, the most revered personalities in my life, who have always encouraged and supported me at the cost of their comforts.

I express my heartiest veneration and gratitude to my esteemed advisor Dr. SVS

Choudhary, Associate professor of Department of Floriculture and Landscaping Dr. Y.S. Parmar university of Horticulture and forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) for his keen interest, valuable, guidance, unflinching judgement and constant encouragement during the entire course of my study.

I avail this opportunity to express my loyal venerable thanks to Dr. Y C Gupta (Professor and Head, FLS) for this moral support, inspiring advice & innovative suggestions throughout the investigation. I gratefully acknowledge the help rendered by the members of my advisory committee Dr. D. Tripathi (Sr. Scientist, SSWM) and Dr. Anju Thakur (Professor) for their valuable suggestion counsel, supportive attitude and enthusiastic interest in scrutinizing this manuscript.

Thanks are due to all respected teachers of my department, especially Dr. Rajesh Bhalla, Dr. H S Baweja, Dr. BP Sharma, Dr. SR Dhiman, Dr. BS Dilta, Dr. Priyanka Thakur, Dr. Pooja Sharma and Dr. Bharti Kashyap for their ideological contribution and prized suggestions.

I place on record my gratefulness to Dr. BS Dilta for his invaluable guidance during the course of study and thesis writing. I can’t forget the timely help and cooperation from the technical and field staff of the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping.

I would like to own my thanks to respected seniors Dr. Arvinder Singh, Dr. Nomita Laishram, Dr. Rohit Bist, Harish Chandra Raturi, Harpal Singh, Sandeep Kumar Singh, Nidhika Thakur, Gurvinder Kaur, Priyanka Sharma Bhavya Bhargava, Kalkame, Jujhar Singh, Rajkumar Rana and Pratibha Chouchan, friends Palmsey Sangma, Rishu Sharma, Avneesh Banswal, Kishore Thakur, BR Negi, Balkar Singh, Nipun Sharma, Heerendra Sagar, Nitish, Mukesh, Sahil Katoch, Fatteh Singh Meena, Surendra Makar, Geeta Verma, Rakesh Sharma, Yamini Sharma, Chandresh Guleria, Arvind Thakur, Nazan, Neha Dogra, Jagriti Gupta, Sapna, Dasta Giri, Velru Bharghava, Awaneesh Kumar Singh, Rohit Verma for their personal interest and moral support throughout the course of investigation.

Needless to mention errors and omissions are mine.

Place: Nauni, Solan

Date: (Ashutosh Sharma)

CCoonntteennttss

Chapter Title Page(s)

1. INTRODUCTION 1-2

2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE 3-19

3. MATERIALS AND METHODS 20-28

4. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS 29-47

5. DISCUSSION 48-52

6. SUMMARY and conclusions 53-55

7. REFERENCES 56-63

abstract 64

Appendices I-IV

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE TITLE PAGE(S)

MATERIALS AND METHODS

1. Initial physico- chemical analysis of the experimental area

21

EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

1. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on number of days taken for sprouting of bulbs of tuberose (Polianthes

tuberosa L.) cv. “Double”

29

2. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on per cent sprouting of bulbs of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. “Double”

30

3. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on plant height (cm) of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. “Double”

31

4. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on number of leaves per plant of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. “Double”

32

5. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on number of days taken for spike emergence of tuberose (Polianthes

tuberosa L.) cv. “Double”`

33

6. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on number of days taken for basal florets opening of tuberose (Polianthes


34

7. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on spike length (cm) of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. “Double”

35

8. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on number of florets per spike of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. “Double”

36

9. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on rachis length (cm) of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv.“Double”

37

10. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on fresh weight of spike (g) of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. “Double”

38

TABLE TITLE PAGE(S)

11. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on fresh weight of 100 florets (g) of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. “Double”

39

12. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on floret diameter (cm) of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. “Double”

40

13. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on number of flowering stems per plant of tuberose (Polianthes


41

14. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on number of bulbs produced per plant of tuberose (Polianthes


41

15. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on weight of bulbs per plant (g) of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. “Double”

42

16. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on vase life of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. “Double”

43

17. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on available nitrogen (kg/ha) in soil

44

18. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on available phosphorus (kg/ha) in soil

45

19. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on available potassium (kg/ha) in soil

46

20. Economics of different doses of N and P on tuberose cv. Double

47

LIST OF PLATES

Plate Title Between

Pages

1. Pictorial view of the experimental field (Vegetative stage) 25-26

2. Pictorial view of the experimental field at starting of flowering

25-26

LIST OF FIGURE

Figure Title Between

Pages

1. Mean monthly temperature (maximum and minimum), relative humidity and rainfall recorded during 2011

21

ABBREVIATIONS USED

% : Per cent kg/ha : kilogram per hectare

cm : centimeter t/ha : tonnes per hectare

cv. : cultivar EC : Electrical conductivity

et al. : co- workers OC : Organic carbon

g : gram KMnO4 : Potassium permanganate

ha : hectare NaOH : Sodium hydroxide

kg : kilogram H2SO4 : Sulfuric acid

m : meter RBD : Randomized block design

mg : miligram Viz That is namely

Ca : Calcium KH2PO4 : Potassium dihydrogen phosphate

Zn Zinc Na2H PO4 : Disodium hydrogen orthophosphate

mm : millimeter (NH4)2SO4 : Ammonium sulfate

q : quintal NaCl : Sodium chloride

e.g. : for example KCl : Potassium chloride

C : Celcius Sncl2 : Stannous chloride

@ : At the rate dSm-1 : decisiemens per meter

M : Molar ppm : parts per million

mM : millimolar nm : nano meter

F : Fahrenheit Var. : Variety

E : East FYM : Farm yard manure

N : North VAM : Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizas

g/m2 : gram per square meter PSB : Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria

Chapter-1

INTRODUCTION

Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) commonly known as ‘Rajnigandha’

belongs to family Amaryllidaceae and is native to Mexico. It is one of the most

important commercial bulbous ornamentals of sub-tropical and tropical areas and

is always in great demand for its attractive and fragrant spikes as well as for

producing its loose flowers. The generic name Polianthes is derived from the two

Greek words namely ‘Polios’ meaning shining or white and ‘anthos’ which

means a flower, in allusion to the blooms of the common tuberose and species

‘tuberosa’.

Tuberose is one of the most popular and commercial bulbous flower crop

grown in India for its fragrant flowers to mitigate the domestic and export

requirements. The spikes are used as cut flowers for the purpose of vases

decoration and bouquets, while individual flowers as loose flowers are used for

making gajras, venis, garlands, button-holes and crowns etc. The flowers of

tuberose are also a good source of tuberose oil which is one of the constituents of

the expensive raw material for the perfume industry. The cut spikes of tuberose

remain fresh for long time and can also withstand long distance transportation

owning to the reason that tuberose cut flowers have longer vase life.

It is cultivated on a large scale in India and its commercial importance is

mainly confined to Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu,

Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab and Delhi including low

mid hill areas of Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand and Jammu & Kashmir. In India,

about 3500 ha area is under bulbous ornamentals and out of this 800 ha area is

under tuberose cultivation (Desh Raj, 2011).

The increased production of quality flowers and bulbs plant is the main

objective to be reckoned in commercial flower production of tuberose. Though,

the quality of cut flowers is primarily a varietal trait, but is greatly influenced by

2

climatic, geographical and nutritional factors among which the nutrition plays a

very crucial role. The nutritional requirements of tuberose vary with the

prevailing climatic conditions and soil types besides the availability of nutrients

in the soil. The information regarding nutrition of tuberose is very scanty and

exhibited wide variation in terms of quantity of nutrients to be applied for

different tuberose growing areas (Singh and Godara, 1995; Singh et al., 1976;

Yadav et al., 1985).

The tuberose is a voracious feeder of NPK and responds well to the

organic and inorganic nutrient application particularly nitrogenous fertilizers

(Sadhu and Bose, 1973). Among the major nutrients required for the optimum

growth, development and flowering of tuberose, nitrogen (N) has greater

influence right from cell division to the development of vegetative and

reproductive organs. It is an integral component of nucleic acids, proteins,

protoplasm and chlorophyll. It is one of the most mobile of all the mineral

nutrients absorbed by the plants. In determining the yields of flower crops,

phosphorus (P) is also one of the major and crucial limiting factors. Thus, it has

been called as “the key to life” because it is directly involved in most life

processes. It is an essential part of many sugar phosphates involved in

photosynthesis, respiration and other metabolic processes. Deficiency of

phosphorus may adversely affect the plant in maintaining the full supply of N and

K and excess application of P may result in various nutritional problems

including Ca and Zn deficiency.

To date a very little work has been conducted ascertain the efficacy of

fertilizers on commercial bulbous ornamental crops, particularly the tuberose

under mid-hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Therefore, the present study

entitled, “Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth and flowering in

tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Double” was undertaken with the

following objectives:

i) To standardize the doses of nitrogen and phosphorus for tuberose under

mid-hill areas of Himachal Pradesh.

ii) To find out the cost-benefit ratio

Chapter-2

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

The relevant literature on the effect of nitrogen and phosphorus in relation

to growth and flowering characteristics of different bulbous ornamentals in

general and tuberose in particular has been reviewed under subheads:

a) General nutrition

b) Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth and flowering of tuberose

c) Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth and flowering of other

bulbous ornamental crops

2.1. GENERAL NUTRITION Among the major nutrients required for the normal growth and

development, nitrogen (N) has a greater influence right from cell division to

development of vegetative and reproductive organs. It is an integral component of

amino acids and related proteins, which are critical not only as building blocks for

plant tissue but also in the cell nuclei and protoplasm in which heredity control is

vested. Nitrogen is essential for carbohydrate use within the plant (Brady, 1996

and Tisdale and Nelson, 1975) and also stimulates root growth and development

as well as the uptake of other nutrients. Phosphorus on the other hand is an

essential part of many sugar phosphates involved in photosynthesis, respiration

and other metabolic processes and it is also a part of nucleotides (as in RNA and

DNA) and of the phospholipids present in the cell membranes. Phosphorus also

plays an essential role in energy metabolism because of its presence in ATP,

ADP, AMP and pyrophosphate (pi) (Salisbury and Ross, 1992). Phosphorus has

been called as “the key to life” because of its direct involvement in most life

processes. The nucleus of each plant cell contains phosphorus for the reason of

which cell division and growth are not possible without adequate phosphorus

(Donahue et al., 1958 and Troeh and Thompson, 1993).

4

The favorable effects of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth and flower

production of tuberose were emphasized by many workers. Nitrogen is highly

beneficial for increasing leaf numbers, number of spikes and number of florets,

phosphate is also beneficial for good quality flowers. A fertilizer dose of 10-20 g

N, 20-40 g P2O5 and 20-40 g K2O per square meter is suggested by Randhawa and

Mukhopadhyay (1986) for tuberose cultivation. Militu et al. (1970) have found

that nitrogen is the most important factor in controlling flower quality.

2.2. EFFECT OF NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS IN RELATION TO

GROWTH AND FLOWERING OF TUBEROSE Jana et al. (1974), while working with tuberose have found that high

levels of nitrogen and phosphorus proved very effective in increasing the number

of leaves and bulbs. These two elements also increase the number of spikes and

flowers. Deficiency of either of these elements suppresses flowering and low K

reduces the number of flowers in rachis. Similarly, Motial (1973) also suggested

that high doses of nitrogen increase the yield of fresh flowers. Ailincai (1960) has

reported that an application of granular super phosphate at 60 g per square meter

combined with phospho-bacteria increases the number of flowering plants,

number of flowers per inflorescence and also the life of the flowers.

Mukhopadhyay and Banker (1978) have observed that N is the most

important factor in controlling vegetative and floral characters. They reported that

application of N (20 g/m2) has increased plant height and other growth

parameters in tuberose cv. ‘Single’. Banker and Mukhopadhyay (1990) further

studied the effect of NPK on growth and flowering of tuberose and observed that

the higher number of spikes per meter square was obtained with the highest

nitrogen rate and also recommended that for advanced flowering and improving

the growth of tuberose, application of N:P2O5:K2O @ 20:20:20: g/m2 is optimum.

Arora (1998) reported that application of 20 g N and P2O5 per square

meter is optimum for flower production of tuberose. Gowda et al. (1991)

investigated the effect of N, P and K on growth and flowering of tuberose

5

(Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) cv. ‘Double’ and recommended the application of

200, 75 and 125 kg NPK/ha for higher yield and quality flowers.

Nanjan et al. (1980) obtained highest flower production and economic

returns from the plants treated with N, P2O5 and K2O at 200:60:0 kg/ha in

tuberose cv. ‘Single’ in soil characterized by low N and available P but high K.

Yadav et al. (1985) observed that higher application of nitrogen in two

split doses i.e; 300 kg nitrogen and 200 kg phosphorus per hectare proved very

beneficial in increasing the plant growth and yield of the flowers in tuberose.

Studies on nutritional requirement of tuberose under Bangalore conditions

were investigated by Mukhopadhyay and Bankar (1986). The best results with

respect to vegetative and floral parameters were observed at a maximum dose of

N (20 g/m2) and P2O5 (40 g/m2). Application of K2O was found non-significant in

the growth and flowering of tuberose.

In another similar experiment, effect of NPK on growth and flowering in

tuberose cv. ‘Double’ was studied by Bankar and Mukhopadhyay (1990). They

observed that nitrogen application significantly improved growth and flowering

attributes. The content of NPK in leaves was significantly increased with

application of N, P and K doses in proportion to their supply. The nitrogen

application significantly decreased the P and K content of leaves. A positive

correlation was observed with N content of leaves and number of spikes produced

but the content of P and K in leaves was negatively correlated. The dose of 20 g

N, 20 g P2O5 and 20 g K2O/m2 recorded higher yields.

Parthiban and Khader (1991) in an experiment to determine the fertilizer

requirements of Polianthes tuberosa cv. ‘Single’ found that application of 100 kg

N + 75 kg P + 62.5 kg K/ha resulted in the highest number of spikes/plant (1.72),

number of flowers/spike (39.67) and the highest flower yield (3578.6 kg/ha).

Gowda et al. (1991), while studying the effect of N, P and K observed

increase in plant height with increase in nitrogen. N and K2O application

6

influenced the number of days required for flower spike emergence and

increasing P and K2O rates resulted more number of flower spike and flowers per

spike. The highest yield of flowers, longest spikes and duration of flowering were

observed when treated with 200 kg N + 75 kg P2O5 + 125 kg K2O/ ha fertilizers

application.

Parthiban et al. (1992) applied tuberose cv. ‘Single’ plants with 50, 75,

100 or 125 kg N/ha, 25, 50 or 75 kg P/ha and 37.5, 62.5 or 87.5 kg K/ha. They

observed the greatest plant height (58.93 cm) with 125 kg N + 50 kg P + 62.5 kg

K/ha treatment combination. The highest mean number of leaves (41.34) and

number of side suckers/clump were obtained with the 100 kg N + 75 kg P + 62.5

kg K/ha.

Ashok et al. (1995) recorded increase in the plant height, number of

leaves, leaf area and dry matter production in tuberose cv. ‘Single’ with 400 kg

N/ ha application when grown in well drained sandy loam soil.

Gopalakrishnan et al. (1995) studied the effect of N, P and K on the

quality of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) var. Single. N was applied at 60, 90

or 120 kg, P at 30, 45 or 60 kg P2O5 and K at 0 or 30 kg K2O/ha on tuberose

grown for cut flowers. Average number of flowers/spike and flower diameter

were greatest with 120 kg N + 60 kg P2O5 + 30 kg K2O/ha.

Singh and Godara (1995) carried out an experiment on nutritional

requirement of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Single with five levels of

nitrogen (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 kg/ha) and three levels (0, 100 and 200 kg/ha)

each of phosphorus and potash. The increasing levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and

potassium reduced the sprouting period and increased the number of leaves per

plant and plant height significantly. However, potassium did not influence the

sprouting period considerably.

Singh et al. (1996a) studied the effect of NPK on flowering and flower

quality of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. ‘Single’ on a sandy loam soil.

The experiment comprised of 5 rates of N (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 kg/ha) and 3

7

rates each of P and K (0, 100 and 200 kg/ha). Application of high rates of N, P

and K delayed spike emergence and considerably prolonged the flowering period

and shelf-life of florets in both years. Length of spike and rachis increased

significantly in both years at both developmental stages (opening of first floret

and last floret) with increasing doses of N and P fertilizer and increasing K

application increased rachis length at opening of the last floret, but not the first

floret.

Singh et al. (1996b) conducted an experiment to ascertain the effect of

NPK on bulb production in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Single and

observed maximum number of bulbs/plant with highest level of N, P, K and N×P

fertilizer. However, these treatments decreased the average weight of bulbs. The

yield of bulbs increased with increasing levels of fertilizer up to 30 g N, 20 g

P2O5 and 20 g K2O per square meter.

Sita Ram et al. (1997) reported increase in plant height, number of leaves

per plant and other growth characters in tuberose cv. ‘Single’ and ‘Double’ under

Andman conditions. Flowering was advanced by low N application rates i.e. upto

10 g/m2 but delayed by higher rates 15 or 20 g/m2. Flower weight per spike and

number of marketable spikes increased upto 20 g/m2 in both the cultivars of

tuberose. In tuberose, total flower yield increased with increasing N rate reaching

8.20 and 9.48 t/ha at the highest N rate. Increasing P rate also increased flower

yield but K application had only slight effect (Singh and Godara, 1998).

Patel et al. (1997) evaluated the effect of spacing and fertilizer levels on

growth and yield of tuberose cv. ‘Double’. Leaf number was highest with the

widest spacing and highest NPK fertilizer rate. The yield of flower spikes/plant

was similar in all treatments but the yield/ha was highest at the closest spacing

(1,047,503 spikes/ha). Spike length and the number of florets/spike were highest

at the closest spacing with the highest NPK rate. The highest cost: benefit ratio

were obtained with the closest spacing (45 cm x 15 cm) and the highest NPK rate

or organic manure.

8

A multifactor study consisting of 36 treatment combinations in a Factorial

Randomized Block Design viz., four level of nitrogen (0, 100, 200 and 300

kg/ha), three sizes of bulbs (1.5-2.0, 2.1-2.5 and 2.6-3.0 cm) and three planting

distances (20x20cm, 30x20cm and 30x30cm) were tested for their influence on

growth, flowering and yield of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn). The best

performance was projected with the application of 300 kg N/ha, planting larger

bulbs (2.6-3.0 cm) and wider spacing of plants i.e.30 cm apart (Kumar and Singh,

1998)

Singh and Godara (1998) studied the effect of nutritional requirement of

tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. ‘Single’ in a 2 year trial at Hisar. Nitrogen

was applied at 0, 100, 200, 300 or 400 kg/ha and P and K each at 0, 100 or 200

kg/ha. Total flower yield increased with increasing N rate reaching 8.20 at the

highest N rate. Increasing P rate also increased flower yield but K application had

only a slight effect.

Swaminathan et al. (1999) studied the effect of Azospirillum,

Phosphobacteria and inorganic nutrients on the growth and yield of tuberose cv.

‘Mexican Single’. The highest spike length (96.33 cm), number of flower per

spike (23.66), flower yield per plant (10.20 g) and per hectare (2.75 tonnes/ha),

number of bulbs per plant and bulbs weight (866.66 g) were recorded with

treatment NPK 120:65:62.5 + Azospirillum + Phosphobacteria.

Balak-Ram et al. (1999) conducted a field experiment at Lucknow to

determine the N and plant spacing requirements of P. tuberosa, grown in sodic

soil. Application of 180 Kg N/ha with a plant spacing of 45 x 30 cm significantly

influenced growth (plant height, leaf area, number of spikes and spike length) and

was found to be the best treatment for promoting flower yield.

Mohanty et al. (1999) in their study with tuberose observed that 325 kg N

+ 125 kg P2O5 + 125 kg K2O/ha and spacing (30 cm x 30 cm) and its combination

resulted in the highest N, P and K uptake both at 50% flowering and harvesting

stage.

9

The tuberose planted as 6 tubers per hill resulted in the highest number of

shoots, leaves and leaf area per plant while 3 tubers per hill resulted in the highest

plant growth, flower yield and number of spikes. Among the fertilizers rates,

250:200:200 kg NPK/ha doses resulted in the highest number of shoots, leaves

and spikes, maximum plant height and flower yield. Application of 250:200:200

kg/ha and 3 tubers per hill resulted in the highest flower, spikes yield and plant

growth in tuberose cv. ‘Double’ (Patil et al., 1999).

Application of 30:30:15 g/m2 of NPK recorded the highest vegetative

growth of the plants that resulted to high yield of loose flowers however, for cut

flowers 15:90:15 g/m2 of NPK doses were suitable in tuberose. The yield of bulbs

was maximum with 30:60:15 g/m2 NPK treatment (Nair et al., 2000).

Singh et al. (2000) studied the nutrient status of tuberose plants treated

with different N, P and K levels (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg N/ha, 0, 10 and 20 kg

P/ha and 0, 10 and 20 kg K/ha) and observed that the foliar NPK increased with

increase in N, P and K doses of fertilizers respectively. Leaf P and K

concentrations decreased with increasing N fertilizers rate. N, P and K contents in

leaves were higher than those in bulbs. Bulb N increased with increasing rates of

all fertilizers. Bulb P content was affected by N and P fertilizers but not by K

fertilizers and K content also increased with increasing rates of all fertilizers.

Further they applied fertilizers that result in a non significant effect on the

vegetative as well as floral characters except for length of spike and number of

spike per clump. The length of spike at opening of last floret and number of

spikes per clump were highest in the NPK @ 20:20:20 g/m2 treatment over the

control (Singh et al., 2004).

In a pot culture experiment with sandy loam soil to evaluate the effect of

N (0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 ppm as urea) and P (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 ppm as

KH2PO4) on the growth and dry matter yield of tuberose cv. Double, the

application of N and P greatly improved the growth (plant height and number of

leaves) and dry matter yield (dry weight of leaves and spike) and total dry weight

(leaves+spike). Growth and dry matter yield increased up to 180 ppm N and 60

10

ppm P levels; however, further increments in N above 180 ppm and P above 60

ppm adversely affected growth and dry matter yield (Dahiya et al., 2001).

A field investigation was carried out in loamy sand soil to evaluate the

effect of N (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg/ha) and Zn (0, 5, 10, and 20 kg/ha) on

floral characters, bulb production and leaf nutrient content in tuberose.

Application of nitrogen significantly improved the floral characters (spike length,

rachis length, number and weight of florets) at 150 and 200 kg and bulb

production (number of bulbs/plant, weight and size of bulb) at the highest level of

N. Application of zinc significantly improved the floral characters. Leaf N and

Zn content increased with increasing doses of their application. About 2.0% N

and 45 ppm Zn in leaf at flowering stage were recorded optimum for tuberose

cultivation. Leaf P and K content remained unaffected with N and Zinc

application (Yadav et al., 2002).

Mishra et al. (2002) conducted an experiment in Bhubaneswar, Orissa

with tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) cv. Single involving 4 levels of N and 2

spacing. Plant height and number of plants per clump observed after 3 months of

planting were higher (4.45 cm) with 30 g N/m2 followed by 20 g N/m2 as

compared to other treatments. Application of N delayed spike emergence; the

maximum delay of 10 days was noticed in plant receiving 30 g N/m2 compared to

untreated ones. P application showed no appreciable effect on different growth

parameters studied, but flowering attributes such as spike length, rachis length,

and weight of florets per spike and weight of 100 florets improved due to P

application at 20 g or 30 g/m2. Yield of flowers/ha (weight basis) also improved

due to P treatments at 20 or 30 g/m2, but yield of florets per spike (weight basis)

was significantly increased at 30 g/m2.

Planting of whole clumps of tuberose and application of 100:50:50 kg

NPK/ha resulted in the earliest flowering of the crop. However, planting of one

bulb of tuberose per spot and application of 250:200:200 kg NPK/ha obtained the

best flower quality including the largest spike and rachis, widest spike girth,

11

heaviest spike, florets and highest number of florets per spike and spike per plant

(Patil and Reddy, 2002).

Studies on N and P requirements of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn)

cv. ‘Single’ in hilly soil was conducted by Kumar et al. (2002). They found that

application of 40 g N/m2 enhanced the plant height and number of leaves but

delayed the flowering. None of the levels of P2O5 could influence the flowering

but increased the flower production at 24 g P2O5/m2. They were of the opinion

that application of 30 g N and 24 g P2O5/m2 were optimum for growth and

flowering of tuberose cv. Single under hill conditions.

A field investigation was undertaken in loamy sand soil to evaluate the

effect of N (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg/ha) and Zn (0, 5, 10, and 20 kg/ha) on

growth and spike production of tuberose cv. ‘Double’. Application of different

doses of nitrogen and zinc improved the growth and spike production. Addition of

100-150 kg N and 10 kg zinc per hectare was observed optimum for growth

parameters (plant height, number of leaves, length of leaf and leaf area) whereas

200 kg N and 20 kg zinc per hectare was recorded best for spike production viz.,

length and girth of spike (Yadav et al., 2003).

Sharma et al. (2008) conducted nutritional studies in tuberose in sandy

loam soil to ascertain the effect of graded doses of N, P and K on growth,

flowering and bulb production of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn) Double.

Nitrogen was applied @ 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg per hectare with phosphorus

@ 50, 60 and 70 kg P2O5 per hectare and potassium @ 40, 50 and 60 kg K2O per

hectare. Increasing levels of nitrogen up to 200 kg per hectare significantly

increased the plant height, number of leaves per plant, flower yield and quality

over control. Maximum plant height (39.3 cm), spike length (78.1 cm), number of

florets per spike (38.6) was recorded with 200 kg N per hectare treatment. This

level of nitrogen also produced maximum number of bulbs (10.6) and bulb

weight (14.3 g). The plant receiving 70 Kg P2O5 per hectare produced maximum

plant height (37.9 cm) and number of leaves per plant (35.3). Floral characters

like spike length (76.6 cm), spike weight (73.1 g) and number of florets per spike

12

(39.3) were also observed maximum with 70 kg P2O5 per hectare treatment. This

treatment also improved the bulb production. The plants applied with 40 kg K2O

per hectare significantly improved the vegetative growth, floral characters and

bulb production over control, however, this treatment was statistically at par with

higher levels of potassium 200 kg N, 70 kg P2O5 and 40 kg K2O per hectare was

found optimum for tuberose cultivation under Haryana conditions.

Talukdar et al. (2003) found lowest number of days before spike

emergence and opening with the application of 80:40:80 g NPK/m2, whereas,

number of florets per spike, diameter of florets, flowering duration, vase life and

yield of spikes were highest with the application of 80:40:60 g NPK/m2. Floret

diameter, weight of clump and number of bulbs per clump were also highest with

80:40:80 g NPK/m2 application.

Tripathi et al. (2012) conduced a field experiment to determine the

comparative effect of integrated nutrient management on the cut flower

production of tuberose in randomized block design (RBD), having 12 treatments

viz., T1 RDF (240:160:100 kg NPK ha−1), T2 75% RDF ha−1, T3125% RDF ha−1,

T4 75% RDF + 250q FYM ha−1, T5 75% RDF + 500 q FYM ha−1, T6 75% RDF +

125 q Vermicompost ha−1, T7 75% RDF + 250q Vermicompost ha−1, T8 75%

RDF + 250q FYM +125 q Vermicompost ha−1, T9 75% RDF + 250q FYM + 250

q Vermicompost ha−1, T10 75% RDF + 500 q FYM + 250 q Vermicompost ha−1,

T11 75% RDF + 500q FYM + 250 q Vermicompost ha−1 and untreated

(control)which were replicated thrice during spring season 2008 and 2009. All

the treatments had the comparable better floral qualities as well as higher cut

flower production than un-treated control. Among all the treatments, the

maximum number of shoot clump−1 (18.95) and number of leaves shoot−1 (19.44)

were recorded with the application of 75% recommended dose of NPK + 500 q

FYM ha−1 + 250 q Vermicompost ha−1. The maximum spike yield (205030.71

spikes/ha) were recorded with the application of 75% recommended dose of NPK

+ 500 q ha−1 FYM + 250 q ha−1 Vermicompost followed by 75% recommended

dose of NPK + 500 q ha−1 FYM + 125 q ha−1 Vermicompost (199778.50

spikes/ha) although both the treatments did not varied significantly.

13

The effects of N (0, 60, 120, 180 or 240 ppm) as urea and P (0, 20, 40, 60

or 80 ppm) as potassium dihydrogen phosphate on the nutrient content of P.

tuberosa were studied under greenhouse conditions. The leaf N content at harvest

increased with increasing N rate. The highest leaf N content (2.64%) was

obtained with 240 ppm N + 40 ppm P. The leaf P content decreased when N was

applied at 120 to 240 ppm. The leaf P content increased with increasing P level.

The highest leaf P content was obtained with 0 ppm N (0.26%) and 80 ppm P

(0.25%). The leaf K content was reduced from 3.64% (control) to 3.42% with

240 ppm N and from 3.62% (control) to 3.39% with 80 ppm P. The highest spike

N content (2.59%) was recorded for 240 ppm N + 40 ppm P. The highest spike P

content (0.53%) was obtained with 60 ppm N + 80 ppm P. The K content of

spikes was reduced from 2.53% (control) to 2.35% at 240 ppm N

(Mohanasundaram et al., 2003).

Influence of graded levels of nitrogen and sulphur on growth, flowering

and essential oil content in tuberose cultivar ‘Mexican Single’ was studied in a

Factorial Randomized Block Design (Sharma and Mohammad, 2004). The

experiment comprised of 12 treatment combinations viz., four level of nitrogen (0,

100, 200 and 300 kg/ha) and three levels of sulphur (0, 40 and 80 kg/ha)

replicated thrice. Application of 200 kg nitrogen and 80 kg sulphur/ha resulted in

the production of maximum plant height, number of leaves/plant, length of spike

and rachis, number and weight of florets/spike and early flowering as well as

percent essential oil content in flowers.

Desai et al. (2005) conducted an experiment to study the effect of spacing

and fertilizers applications alone or in combination with FYM on growth and

multiplication of tuberose. Plant spacing at 30 x 30 cm and 250:250:250 kg

NPK/ha obtained the tallest plants and highest number of shoots, leaves per plant,

early sprouting of bulbs and bulb quality such as size of the daughter bulb, weight

of bulb and bulblets per clump in tuberose cv. ‘Shringar’.

Singh et al. (2005) found an increase in the number of leaves per plant,

more florets per spike and taller plants with increase in N, P and their

14

combinations (without VAM) over control in tuberose cv. ‘Double’. Further the

application of NPK 30, 30 and 20 g/m2 respectively improved sprouting time,

number of sprout per bulb, leaves per plant, plant height, initiation and length of

spike, duration of flowering, number of spike and spike per clump in tuberose.

A field investigation was carried out in sandy loam soil to evaluate the

effect of nitrogen (0, 10, 20 and 30 g/m2), plant spacing (20×20 cm and 20×30

cm) and bio fertilizers (Azotobacter, Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria and

Azospirilium) on growth parameters of tuberose cv. Double. The growth

parameters (Plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf length and leaf area)

significantly increased with the increasing levels of nitrogen, plant spacing and

with different bio fertilizers. Application of nitrogen 200 kg/ha at 20×30 cm

spacing was observed optimum for growth parameters (Yadav et al., 2005a).

Application of nitrogen 200 kg/ha and 20×30 cm spacing were observed optimum

for bulb production and better root development (Yadav et al., 2005b).

Gupta et al. (2006) conducted field studies to determine the role of

nitrogen (N) at 0, 40 and 80 g/m2 and phosphorus fertilizers (P) at 0, 150 and 300

g/m2 in 4 tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) cultivars, i.e. Single, Double, Semi-

double and Variegated for reproductive growth parameters such as spike

emergence, growth period of bud, total number of flowers per spike and number

of flowers appeared at a time per spike. The variegated cultivar showed positive

response with 80 g N/m2 and 150 and 300 g P/m2 applications.

Kishore and Singh (2006) observed 200 kg N/ha application to yield

taller plants with more number of sprouts per bulb and leaves, length of largest

leaf and width of the longest leaf in tuberose cv. ‘Single’.

Sultana et al. (2006) applied 200 kg N/ha, 45 kg P/ha and 80 kg K/ha

along with 10 t/ha cowdung to the plants of tuberose and observed tallest plant as

compared to other treatments. Patil et al. (2007) observed highest fresh flowers

yield in tuberose cv. ‘Single’ with application of N: P: K @ 200: 50: 50 kg/ha +

12.5 tonnes FYM/ha over other.

15

The application of 150 kg N/ha took minimum days to the sprouting of

bulbs with greatest number of sprouts per bulb and flowers per spike, spike

length, rachis length, spike diameter, weight of largest bulb per clump. The

number days to the opening of florets was lowest for 125 kg N/ha and the highest

number of bulblets per clump was recorded in 100 kg N/ha in tuberose cv.

‘Double’ (Rajwal and Singh, 2006).

Patel et al. (2006) studied the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and spacing

on growth and flowering in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn) cultivar ‘Single’.

The treatments comprised four levels of nitrogen (100, 200, 300 and 400 kg

N/ha), three levels of phosphorus (100, 150 and 200 kg P2O5/ha) and three

spacing (30x20, 30x30 and 30x40 cm). The results revealed that for higher yield

of spikes and bulbs tuber could be planted at a close spacing of 30x20 cm and

fertilized with 400 kg N and 200 kg P2O5 per hectare. Number of days to first

flowering was advanced at higher level of nitrogen. The effect of Phosphorus was

non-significant on vegetative characters while flower characters viz. rachis length

and number of florets/spike were found significant. Bulb yield in terms of clump

weight (t/ha) was also found significant and 200 kg P2O5/ ha recorded the higher

values.

In tuberose cv. ‘Shringar’ plant height, number of leaves per plant,

number of flowers per spike, length of spike, length of rachis, number of spike

per plot and weight of flowers per spike was remarkably increased with N and P

fertilizers alone and in combinations. The weight of flowers per spike were

higher with combination of 20 g N and 12 g P per plot (Yadav, 2007).

Chaudhary (2007) ascertained the response of nitrogen, phosphorus and

bio fertilizers on plant growth and bulb production in tuberose. Treatments

comprised of N (0, 50, 100 and 200 kg/ha) and P (0, 25, 50 and 100 kg/ha) in

combination with bio fertilizers (no bio fertilizer, Azotobacter, PSB and VAM).

Application of bio fertilizers in combination with N at the rate of 100 kg per

hectare and P at the rate of 50 kg per hectare proved to be equally effective to N

at the rate of 200 kg/ha and P at the rate of 100 kg/ha in increasing the plant

16

height, number of leaves per plant, number of bulbs/plant and advancing the

sprouting of bulbs. The higher dose of N and P independently did not effect the

growth, sprouting of bulbs and bulb production in tuberose.

Kadu et al. (2009) conducted field experiments to study the effect of four

levels, each of nitrogen (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1) and phosphorus (0, 100,

150 and 200 kg ha-1) with a fixed level of potassium @ 100 kg ha-1 in tuberose

cv. ‘Single’. Among all the NPK combinations, treatment of 300:150:100 kg

NPK ha-1 showed more spike length (106.32 cm), maximum number of florets

plant-1 (41.58) and number of spikes plant-1 (2.47). Further, its effect was also

good in parameters such as fresh weight of flowers plant-1 (90.89 gm) and yield

of flowers hectare-1 (15.15 tonnes). Treatment of nitrogen, phosphorus and

potassium combination @ 200, 200 and 100 kg ha-1 respectively gave better

results in bulb production as the number of bulbs (25.68) and weight of bulbs

(221.10 gm) plant-1 and weight of bulbs hectare-1 (36.86 tonnes) was observed

maximum.

Devi and Singh (2010) ascertained the effect of nitrogen on growth and

yield of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn) cv. ‘Single’. Application of 220 kg

N/ha recorded maximum number of leaves/plant, number of tillers per plant, plant

height, number of spikes/plant, spike length, rachis length, number of

florets/spike, duration of flowering, number of bulbs per clump and weight of

bulbs/clump. Nitrogen content in the leave increased with the increasing level of

nitrogen. The highest leaf N content (0.77%) was recorded in the treatment

receiving 220 kg N/ha.

2.3 EFFECT OF NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS ON GROWTH

AND FLOWERING OF OTHER BULBOUS ORNAMENTAL

CROPS The application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash plays an important

role on growth, flowering and corm and cormel production in gladiolus. Many

authors (Bhattacharjee, 1981, Borrelli, 1984, Deswal et al., 1983, Shah et al.,

1984 and Sindhu and Arora, 1989) have shown that an increase in nitrogen level

increased the growth and greatly increased the length of flower spike and number

17

of florets/spike. Borelli (1984) reported that increasing nitrogen supply (0, 10, 20

or 30 g/m2) increased the number of corms and cormels produced and higher rate

of nitrogen declined in corm and cormel size associated with close spacing,

however, Cirrito and Vita (1980) found that there was no relation between

planting density and cormel production in gladiolus. The best results were

obtained with 7.5 kg ammonium sulphate, 10 kg super phosphate and 10 kg

muriate of potash per 100 m2 (Mishra and Singh, 1989). Higher rate of nitrogen

delayed the time of flowering and increased the spike length, weight and size of

the corms and number of cormels, where as higher rates of phosphorus and

potash tended to improve flower quality, cormel growth and corm production in

cv. ‘Friendship’ (Bhattacharjee, 1981).

Different response was observed on cormel yield of gladiolus, i.e.

phosphorus @ 100 kg/ha without nitrogen application produced the highest

cormel yield (25 g/plant) in contrast with nitrogen @ 150 kg/ha and without

phosphorus produced the lowest cormel yield (1.95 g/plant). Haider et al. (1981)

found that 50 kg nitrogen/ha gave the highest corm and cormel yield/plant (142

+8.6 and 18 +1.4, respectively) over control. Mukhopadhyay (1984) also found

that yield of corm was higher at 100 kg phosphorus/ ha, i.e. at higher dose.

Research was conducted at the Biology and Environmental Science

Department of the University of Sussex, UK to investigate the influence of

cultivar or nutrients application on the growth and development of the common

hyacinth. Results indicated that the application of (NH4)2SO4 or Na2HPO4

enhanced vegetative growth of hyacinth, plants fertilised with 60-90 mM

(NH4)2SO4 recorded higher vegetative growth, delayed in senescence, and

produced higher bulb and bulblets yield than the control and those fertilised with

Na2HPO4. In general, the application of Na2HPO4 at the rate of 60-90 mM to the

plants resulted in good flower quality (Addai, 2011).

Mahgoub et al. (2006) who worked on Irish bulb reported that plant

height, leaf biomass and inflorescence length increased when the bulb was

fertilised with nitrogen at the rate of 40 g plus 30 g K/m2. It has already been

18

established that (Addai, 2010) after planting, the level of reserved carbohydrates

stored in flower bulbs decreased during and after sprouting. Thus replenishing the

nutrients lost from the bulb during sprouting, through nutrients application is

responsible for the relatively high growth and development of this flower bulb as

compared to the control.

Hamit et al. (2001) also observed that the application of phosphorus

increased the number of spikes, but the number of florets per plant in Freesia

hybrida was not affected.

Effects of various levels of NPK applied after 30 and 45 days of planting

on plant growth and flowering characteristics of Gladiolus hortulanus L. cv.

Wind Song, were studied as a mean of achieving better management, production

and ascertaining NPK utilization by plants. Plant height (cm), number of leaves,

leaf length (cm) and spike length (cm) were maximum with 10:10:5 g pot-1 NPK

whereas emergence of spike, opening of first and last floret, corm diameter and

corm weight were maximum with 5:5:5 g pot-1 NPK. Number of florets per spike

was maximum with 10:5:5 g pot-1 NPK. High nitrogen application rate along with

moderate phosphorus and potassium enhanced vegetative growth characteristics

while moderate doses of NPK exhibited more pronounced effect on floral

characteristics and corm development of gladiolus (Khan and Ahmad, 2004).

Increasing level of N advanced the time of flowering and greatly increased flower

spike length, corm weight and size and number of cormels per plant in gladiolus

(Bhattacharjee, 1981) while Shah et al. (1984) stated that increasing N rates

delayed flowering but augmented plant growth, number of leaves, spike length

and number of florets per spike.

Foliar nutrition with NPK in addition to soil application significantly

affects vegetative growth and floral characters (Roy et al., 1995), whereas, Singh

et al. (1996a) attributed that application of higher rate of fertilizer delayed spike

emergence and considerably prolonged the flowering period and shelf life of

florets. Fertilizer application also affects flower colour of gladiolus but not in a

systematic manner (Devecchi and Barni, 1997). It was observed by Barman et al.

19

(1998) that effect of N and K were much more pronounced than those of P on

number, size and weight of corms and cormels in gladiolus.

Mukesh et al. (2001) reported that application of NPK @ 50:10:20 g/m2

in Gladiolus grandiflorus resulted in maximum spike weight, number of flowers

per spike, flower diameter and size, number and weight of corms

Haitbura and Misra (1999) stated that 30 g N m-2 is best for enhancing

vegetative growth and maximum number of florets per spike of gladiolus. Pandey

et al. (2000) observed that 20 g N and 40 g P/m2 produced maximum number of

leaves of gladiolus. Bhattacharjee (1981) stated that increasing the level of N

advanced the time of flowering. He also observed that increasing the level of N

greatly increased number of florets per spike.

Borrelli (1984) observed that by increasing the supply of nitrogen, the

number of flowering shoots corms and cormels were improved, similarly Deswal

et al. (1983) observed that plants receiving the higher nitrogen rates were tallest

(31.6 cm) and produced the greatest number of florets/spikes (4.9) and

corms/plant (19.5) in gladiolus.

Chapter-3

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present investigations entitled, “Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus

on growth and flowering in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Double”

were carried out at the experimental farm of the Department of Floriculture and

Landscaping, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni,

Solan (H.P.) during 2011. The materials used and methodology adopted for

carrying out these studies has been described in this chapter under different sub

heads as below:

3.1 EXPERIMENTAL SITE

3.1.1 Location and Climate The Research Farm of the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping is

located at 30o52′30″ North Latitude and 77o11′30″ East Longitude at an altitude

of 1276 meters (amsl). The area falls in the mid hill zone of Himachal Pradesh.

The climate is generally sub-temperate to sub-tropical, characterized by mild

summers and cool winters. May and June being the hottest months while,

December and January are the coldest ones. The annual rainfall ranges between

1000-1300 mm and out of it nearly 75% is received during June to September.

Winter rains with occasional hail storms and snow fall are received during the

months of January and February. The mean monthly meteorological data during

the course of the present studies is embodied in Appendix-I

3.1.2 Soil Characteristics

The soil was analyzed for various physico-chemical properties viz., macro

nutrients (NPK), pH, Electrical conductivity (EC) and Organic carbon (OC)

before planting and after harvesting of the crop. The composite surface soil

samples (0-15 cm) were collected from the experimental field. The soil samples

were air dried in shade and ground with the help of wooden pestle and mortar and

Fig. 1. Mean monthly temperature (maximum and minimum), relative humidity and rainfall recorded during 2011

Source: Meteorological Observatory, DepaY.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) 173 230

passed through 2 mm sieve. The processed soil samples were stored in cloth bags

with the suitable labels for further chemical analysis. Si

followed for analyzing the NPK status for different experimental plots after

harvesting the crop. The methods employed and results obtained for NPK status

of the soil of experimental area have been summarized as below.

Table 1 Initial physico- chemical analysis of the experimental area

Chemical Analysis

Available N (kg/ha)

Available P (kg/ha)

Available K (kg/ha)

pH

EC (dSm-1)

OC (%)

21

Mean monthly temperature (maximum and minimum), relative humidity and rainfall recorded during 2011

Meteorological Observatory, Department of Environment Science, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan


with the suitable labels for further chemical analysis. Similar procedure was



of the soil of experimental area have been summarized as below.

chemical analysis of the experimental area Value Obtained Method employed

384.07 Alkaline Potassium Permanganate Method (Subbiah and Asija, 1956)

39.42 Olsen’s Method (Olsen et al., 1954)

127.74 Normal, Neutral ammonium acetate method (Merwin and Peech, 1951)

7.30 Soil-water suspension (1:2 ratio)(Jackson,1973)

0.75 Soil-water suspension (1:2 ratio): (Jackson ,1973)

1.20 Chromic acid titration method (Walkley and Black method, 1934).

Mean monthly temperature (maximum and minimum), relative

rtment of Environment Science, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan


milar procedure was



Alkaline Potassium Permanganate Method (Subbiah and Asija, 1956)

., 1954)

Normal, Neutral ammonium acetate method (Merwin and Peech, 1951)

2 ratio)

2 ratio):

Chromic acid titration method (Walkley and Black method, 1934).

22

3.2 PREPRATION OF BEDS FOR EXPERIMENTAL TRIALS

The field selected for the experimental study was prepared by ploughing

thoroughly with tractor and leveled properly. The stubbles of previous crop,

weeds and grasses were removed and then field was finally leveled to make the

soil pulverized. The beds of the dimensions of 1.00 m x 1.00 m in length and

breadth i.e. 1 sq m were prepared for planting of the bulbs. The bulbs were

spaced 25 x 25 cm apart thereby accommodating 16 bulbs per plot of size one

square meter. Vermicompost @ 2.5 kg/m2 was applied uniformly and mixed well

in to the soil prior to planting.

3.3 PLANT MATERIAL

The bulbs of tuberose used for the experiment were procured from the

experimental farm of the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Dr Y S

Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.). The healthy

and disease free tuberose bulbs of requisite and uniform size were selected and

used for the experimental studies.

3.4 EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS

The trial was laid out in randomized block design (factorial) with four

levels of nitrogen (i.e. 0, 100, 200 and 300 kg/ha) and four levels of phosphorus

(i.e. 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha) replicated thrice. The experiment was comprised

of sixteen different treatment combinations of different doses of nitrogen and

phosphorus. Half dose of nitrogen and full dose of phosphorus were applied as

basal dose just before planting of bulbs while remaining half dose of the nitrogen

was applied after one month of planting (i.e. 30 days after planting). Nitrogen

was applied in the form of urea and phosphorus in form of single super phosphate

(SSP). A uniform dose of potassium @ 150 kg/ha in form of muriate of potash

(MOP) was given as basal dose in all plots including control before the planting

of bulbs.

A. Nitrogen doses (kg/ha): 4

1. N0 : 0 kg N/ha

2. N1 : 100 kg N/ha

23

3. N2 : 200 kg N/ha

4. N3 : 300 kg N/ha

B. Phosphorus doses (kg/ha): 4

1. P0 : 0 kg P2O5/ha

2. P1 : 50 kg P2O5/ha

3. P2 : 100 kg P2O5/ha

4. P3 : 150 kg P2O5/ha

C. Total no. of treatment combinations : 4×4 = 16

D. Number of replications : 3

E. Bulbs per plot : 16

F. Experimental design : R B D (Factorial)

G. Cultivar : ‘Double’

H. Plot size : 1 m x 1 m

I. Spacing : 25 cm x 25 cm

Treatment combinations

T1 N0P0 Control

T2 N0P1 0 kg N/ha +50 kg P2O5/ha



T5 N1P0 100 kg N/ha+0 kg P2O5/ha











T16 N3P3 300 kg N/ha +150 kg P2O5/ha

24

3.5 CULTURAL PRACTICES

A successful tuberose crop stand was raised by following the standard

cultural practices except various treatments of inorganic fertilizers (NPK).

Irrigation twice a week during summer and once a week in winter were applied

while during the rainy season, irrigation was done as and when needed depending

upon weather conditions. From time to time weeding and hoeing of the field was

done. Although, tuberose is not so prone to insects-pests and diseases, yet all the

precautionary measures were taken in to consideration through out the cropping

period.

3.6 OBSERVATIONS RECORDED: The observations on various growth, flowering and bulb production of

tuberose were recorded as per the details given below:

3.6.1 Number of days taken for sprouting of bulbs: This observation was

recorded as the time taken in days from the date of planting of bulbs to the

appearance of cotyledonary leaves.

3.6.2 Per cent sprouting of bulbs: The per cent sprouting of bulbs was

calculated as the number of bulbs sprouted out of the total number of

bulbs planted per bed and multiplied by hundred.

3.6.3 Number of leaves per plant: The total numbers of leaves produced per

plant were counted at the time of spike emergence.

3.6.4 Plant height (cm): This observation was recorded as the length from the

visible base of the plant to the tip of the longest leaf.

3.6.5 Number of days taken for spike emergence: Number of days taken for

appearance of spike were recorded as the time in days from date of

planting of bulbs to the date of appearance of the spike.

3.6.6 Spike length (cm): Length of spike was measured from the base of the

plant to the tip of the floret of the spike.

25

3.6.7 Number of days taken for basal florets opening: The time taken for

basal florets opening was calculated as the time taken in days from the

date of planting of bulbs to the date of opening of basal florets.

3.6.8 Number of florets per spike: The total number of florets per spike was

recorded as the total number of florets produced in a spike.

3.6.9 Rachis length (cm): The distance between the base of the basal floret to

the apex of the top most floret of the spike was measured.

3.6.10 Fresh weight of spike (g): The fresh weight of spike was recorded at

harvesting stage (i.e. basal floret opening stage) by removing the spike

from the plant just above the ground level and the weight was recorded

with the help of digital weighing balance.

3.6.11 Fresh weight of 100 florets: This was recorded by picking one hundred

fully opened florets from the spikes in each treatment randomly at the

time of peak flowering.

3.6.12 Florets diameter (cm): The diameter of fully open florets was recorded

from the spikes in each treatment. The size was recorded with the help of

scale as average of size from north to south and east to west direction.

3.6.13 Number of flowering stems per plant: This was recorded as the total

number of spikes produced per plant during the whole cropping period.

3.6.14 Number of bulbs produced per plant: This observation was recorded as

the total number of bulbs produced per plant and counted at the time

harvesting of the bulbs.

3.6.15 Weight of bulbs per plant (g): After harvesting, the bulbs were separated

carefully without damaging its basal plate and roots. The weight of the

bulbs was measured with the help of digital weighing balance and the

weight of bulbs produced in each plant was recorded accordingly.

3.6.16 Vase life (days): Vase life is the number of days from putting the spike

into the vase containing distilled water up to fading of the last or topmost

floret.

Plate 1. Pictorial view of the experimental field (Vegetative stage)

Plate 2. Pictorial view of the experimental field at starting of flowering

26

3.7 ANALYSIS OF SOIL FOR AVAILABLE N, P AND K CONTENT

3.7.1 Available Nitrogen (Subbiah and Asija, 1956)

Five gram of the soil sample was moistened with 2 ml of distilled water

and was added to Kjeldahl distillation flask. 25 ml of 0.32 % KMnO4 and 25 ml

of 2.5% NaOH solution were added to the assembly and the cork was fitted

immediately. 20 ml of 0.02 N H2SO4 was taken in a conical flask and to it 3 drops

of methyl red indicator was added. Hot plate was switched on to distill ammonia

gas and 30 ml of distillate in 0.02 N H2 SO4 was collected. The excess of H2SO4

collected in the conical flask was titrated against 0.02 N NaOH and the change in

colour (pink to yellow) was noted.

Where,

A = Volume of 0.02 N NaOH used

ppm of available Nitrogen in sample =Available Nitrogen percentage x 10,000

Available Nitrogen kg/ha = ppm x 2.24

3.7.2 Available Phosphorus (Olsen et al., 1954)

One gram of the soil sample was taken in a conical flask and a pinch of

Darco-G 60 and 20 ml of 0.5 N Sodium bicarbonate was added to it. The contents

were shaken for 30 minutes and thereafter filtered to obtain clear filtrate. 5 ml of

the filtrate was taken in which 5 ml of ammonium molybdate was added. The

mixture was thoroughly shaken to remove the CO2 evolved. Then the contents of

the flask were diluted to about 20 ml. One ml of working solution of SnCl2 was

added and its volume was made to 25 ml in the volumetric flask. The contents

were mixed thoroughly and the blue colour intensity was measured after 5

minutes at 660 nm and appropriate blank was also run simultaneously.

ppm of available P in sample = A x Total dilution Where,

A = Concentration of P read from the standard curve.

Available Phosphorus kg/ha = ppm x 2.24

Available Nitrogen percentage = (10-A) x 0.00028

x 100 Weight of soil

27

3.7.3 Available Potassium (Merwin and Peech, 1951)

Available K was extracted with neutral normal ammonium acetate, after

shaking 5 gm of the soil sample in 25 ml of extractant for 5 minutes and then

filtered. Volume the filtrate was made to 100 ml and Available K was determined

on flame photometer. The flame photometer was standardized by feeding

standard solution of known concentration prepared by KCl. The standard curve

was prepared by the standard fed to the equipment and reading of the test sample

was extrapolated.

ppm of available K in the sample = Y x Total dilution

Where,

Y = ppm as read from the standard curve.

Available Potassium kg/ha = ppm x 2.24

3.7.4 Estimation of soil pH

Estimation of pH in soil-water suspension (1:2 ratio) – 20 g of the soil

sample was taken in a 50 ml beaker and 40 ml of the distilled water was added to

it. The beaker was stirred at least four times with in a period of half an hour. This

time is required for the soil and water to attain equilibrium. After half an hour

again the soil suspension was stirred and pH was measured on a digital pH-meter

(Jackson, 1973).

3.7.5 Estimation of electrical conductivity (EC)

20 g of the soil sample was taken in a 50 ml beaker and 40 ml of the

distilled water was added to it. The beaker was stirred intermittently 4-5 times

and left overnight for getting a clear supernatant solution. The Electrical

conductivity (EC) of the supernatant solution was measured by systronic’s

conductivity meter and was expressed in dSm-1(Jackson, 1973).

3.7.6 Organic carbon (OC)

Organic carbon content of the sample was determined by Chromic acid

titration method suggested by Walkley and Black method (1934).

28

3.8 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS All the data pertaining to growth, flowering and bulb production

characters were subjected to statistical analysis as per Randomized Block Design

(Factorial) suggested by Gomez and Gomez (1984).

3.8.1 Analysis of Variance

The statistical analysis was done as per design of the experiment as

suggested by Gomez and Gomez (1984). The analysis of variance table was

prepared as follows:

Source of

variance

df Sum of

squares

Mean sum of

squares

Variance

ratio (V R)

Replications (r) r-1 Sr Sr / r-1= Mr Mr / Me Treatments Nitrogen (N) (n-1) Sn Sn/(n-1)=Mn MN/Me

Phosphorus (P) (p-1) Sp Sp /(p-1)=Mp MP/Me Interaction (N×P) (N×P) SI Si /(N×P)=Mi Mi/Me Error (e) (r-1) (t-1) Se Se/(r-1)(t-1)= Me

Where,

r = Number of replication N = Nitrogen P = Phosphorus N×P = Interaction

Critical difference was calculated as follows: For nitrogen = 2.074* sqrt (2*Mss due to error/12)

For phosphorus = 2.074* sqrt (2*Mss due to error/12)

For interaction = 2.074* sqrt (2*Mss due to error/3)

Partitioning of degree of freedom for analysis of variance table is given below:

Source of variation Degree of freedom

Replications 2 Treatments Water Depth 2 Irrigation Interval 3 Interaction 6 Error (e) 22

Chapter-4

EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

The results of the present study entitled, “Effect of nitrogen and

phosphorus on growth and flowering in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv.

Double” carried out during the year 2011 have been presented in this chapter.

The analysis of variances for various parameters under study have been given in

Appendix-II

4.1 Days taken for sprouting of bulbs

Data pertaining to the effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on number of

days taken for sprouting of bulbs of tuberose have been presented in Table-1 and

the corresponding analysis of variance is embodied in Appendix-II.

Perusal of data in Table-1 exhibited significant influence of N, P and their

interaction on number of days taken for sprouting of bulbs. Among the different

doses of nitrogen tested, minimum number of days taken for sprouting (14.74

days) were recorded with the application of N3 (300 kg N/ha) whereas, maximum

number of days (21.57 days) for sprouting of bulbs was recorded in the control

(N0).

Table 1. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on number of days taken for

sprouting of bulbs of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv.

“Double”

P N

Days taken for sprouting of bulbs (days)

P0 P1 P2 P3 Mean

N0 23.17 22.91 20.56 19.64 21.57

N1 19.48 19.71 15.58 15.34 17.53

N2 18.60 18.98 15.33 15.00 16.98

N3 17.03 16.29 12.92 12.73 14.74

Mean 19.57 19.47 16.10 15.68

CD0.05 N = 0.37 P = 0.37 NxP = 0.73

30

As regards the effect of phosphorus, minimum time (15.68 days) for

sprouting of bulbs was recorded with the application of P3 (150 kg P2O5/ha) and

was found to be significantly higher over all other treatments. Whereas,

maximum time (19.57 days) taken for sprouting of tuberose bulbs was recorded

in control (P0) which was found to be at par with P1 (19.47 days).

The interaction, N×P was found to be significant. Minimum days (12.73

days) for sprouting were recorded with the treatment combination, N3P3 (i.e. 300

kg N/ha + 150 kg P2O5/ha) and found to be statistically at par with N3P2 (12.92

days). However, maximum number of days (23.17 days) for sprouting were

recorded with N0P0 (control) and found to be at par with N0P1 (22.91 days).

4.2 Per cent sprouting of bulbs

Data pertaining to the effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on per cent

sprouting of tuberose bulbs have been presented in Table-2 and the corresponding

analysis of variance has been embodied in Appendix-II. Perusal of data revealed

that per cent sprouting of bulbs was significantly influenced by nitrogen,

phosphorus and their interaction. As regards the effect of nitrogen, plant raised

with the application of N2 (200 kg N/ha) observed maximum per cent sprouting

(99.97%) followed by (99.81%) in N3 (300 kg N/ha). However, both the

treatments were statistically at par with each other. The minimum per cent

sprouting (91.37%) was recorded in control (N0).

Table 2. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on per cent sprouting of bulbs of

tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. “Double”

P

N

Per cent sprouting of bulbs (%)

P0 P1 P2 P3 Mean

N0 92.77 (9.68)* 90.47 (9.56) 91.55 (9.62) 90.68 (9.58) 91.37 (9.61)

N1 95.80 (9.84) 95.73 (9.84) 97.97 (9.95) 96.95 (9.90) 96.61 (9.88)

N2 99.97 (10.05) 99.90 (10.05) 100 (10.05) 100 (10.05) 99.97 (10.05)

N3 99.93 (10.05) 99.30 (10.02) 100 (10.05) 100 (10.05) 99.81 (10.04)

Mean 97.12 (9.90) 96.35 (9.87) 97.38 (9.92) 96.90 (9.89)

CD0.05

N = (0.04) P = (0.04) NxP = (0.04)

*Values in parenthesis are the square root transformation of the original values

31

As regards the effect of phosphorus, plant raised with P2 (100 kg P2O5/ha)

recorded maximum per cent sprouting (97.38%) which was found to be

statistically at par with P0 (0 kg P2O5/ha) and P3 (150 kg P2O5/ha) recording 97.12

and 96.90% sprouting, respectively. Whereas, minimum per cent sprouting

(96.35%) was observed in P1 (150 kg P2O5/ha) which was statistically at par with

P3 (96.90%).

Interaction between N x P showed that maximum (100%) per cent

sprouting was noticed with N2P2, N2P3, N3P2 and N3P3. These interactions were

found to be statistically at par with N2P0, N3P0, N2P1, and N3P1, respectively.

Minimum per cent sprouting (90.47%) of bulbs was observed in N0P1 followed

by N0P3 (90.68%) and N0P2 (91.55%).

4.3 Plant height (cm)

The data recorded on plant height as influenced by different nitrogen and

phosphorus doses are presented in Table-3 and the corresponding analysis of

variance follows in the Appendix-II. Results indicated that the effects of nitrogen

and phosphorus on plant height were found to be significant. Perusal of data

revealed that maximum plant height (48.07 cm) was recorded with 200 kg N/ha

(N2) which was found to be at par with N3 (300 kg N/ha).The minimum plant

height (42.65 cm) was recorded with control (N0).

Table 3. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on plant height (cm) of tuberose

(Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. “Double”

P

N

Plant height (cm)

P0 P1 P2 P3 Mean

N0 41.89 42.02 43.22 43.45 42.65

N1 44.07 44.32 45.54 45.55 44.87

N2 47.85 47.97 48.38 48.06 48.07

N3 47.65 47.77 48.00 48.02 47.86

Mean 45.37 45.52 46.29 46.27

CD0.05

N = 0.60 P = 0.60 NxP = NS

32

As regards the effect of phosphorus, tallest plants (46.29 cm) were

produced with 100 kg P2O5/ha i.e. (P2) which was found to be statistically at par

with 150 kg P2O5/ha (P3). However, minimum plant height (45.37 cm) was

recorded with control (P0) which was statistically at par with P1 (45.52 cm).

The interaction effects were found to be non significant. However,

maximum plant height (48.38 cm) was noticed in treatment combination N2P2

followed by 48.06 cm and 48.02 cm in the treatment combinations N2P3 and N3P3,

respectively. The minimum plant height (41.89 cm) was noticed with N0P0.

4.4 Number of leaves per plant


leaves per plant of tuberose have been presented in Table-4. The corresponding

analysis of variance follows in Appendix-II. Significantly highest number of

leaves produced per plant (46.98) were recorded with the application of 200 kg

N/ha (N2) which was found to be at par with 300 kg N/ha (N3).The minimum

number of leaves were recorded (36.45) with control (N0).

Table 4. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on number of leaves per plant of

tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. “Double”.

P N

Number of leaves per plant

P0 P1 P2 P3 Mean

N0 35.20 35.29 37.60 37.69 36.45

N1 39.12 39.14 43.68 43.76 41.43

N2 46.39 46.53 47.59 47.42 46.98

N3 46.73 47.09 47.01 46.90 46.93

Mean 41.86 42.01 43.97 43.94

CD0.05

N = 0.78 P = 0.78 NxP = 1.56

Perusal of data in Table-4 showed that highest number of leaves (43.97) was

recorded with 100 kg P2O5/ha (P2) which was found to be statistically at par with

150 kg P2O5/ha (P3) and minimum numbers of leaves (41.86) were recorded with

P0 which was statistically at par with P1 (42.01).

33

The interaction N×P was found to affect number of leaves per plant

significantly. Maximum number of leaves per plant (47.59) were recorded with

treatment combination N2P2 and found to be at par with N2P3, N3P1, N3P2, N3P3,

N3P0, N2P1 and N2P0. The minimum number of leaves per plant (35.20) were

observed with control (N0P0).

4.5 Number of days taken for spike emergence


days taken for spike emergence has been presented in Table-5 and the

corresponding analysis of variance has been presented in Appendix-II.

An appraisal of Table-5 elucidated that N, P and N×P differed

significantly with respect to number of days taken for spike emergence. Among

the different doses of nitrogen tested, minimum time taken to spike emergence

(99.21 days) was recorded with N2 (200 kg N/ha) and found to be at par with N3

(300 kg N/ha) whereas, maximum number of days (112.14 days) for spike

emergence were observed in N0 (control).


spike emergence of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. “Double”`

P

N

Number of days taken for spike emergence (days)

P0 P1 P2 P3 Mean

N0 113.77 113.43 110.57 110.77 112.14

N1 107.53 107.87 103.37 103.92 105.67

N2 99.67 99.37 98.81 98.99 99.21

N3 99.06 99.77 99.10 99.83 99.44

Mean 105.01 105.11 102.96 103.38

CD0.05

N = 0.84 P = 0.84 NxP = 1.69

Minimum number of days (102.96 days) taken for spike emergence were

recorded with P2 (100 kg P2O5/ha) which was found statistically at par with P3

(103.38 days). Maximum number of days for spike emergence (105.11 days)

were found in P1 (50 kg P2O5/ha) and found to be statistically at par with the

control.

34

N×P interaction indicated that minimum number of days taken for spike

emergence were recorded in N2P2 (98.81 days) and found to be at par with N2P3,

N3P0, N3P2, N2P1, N2P0, N3P1 and N3P3, respectively. However, N0P0 registered

maximum number of days (113.77 days) taken for spike emergence.

4.6 Number of days taken for basal florets opening

The time taken for basal florets opening of tuberose was found to be

significantly affected by various levels of N, P and N×P. The corresponding

analysis of variance has been embodied in Appendix-II.

An inquisition of data in Table-6 indicated minimum time (120.21 days)

for basal florets opening with the application of 200 kg N/ha (N2) followed by N3

and N1. However, maximum number of days taken for basal florets opening

(124.07 days) were observed in case of control (N0).


basal florets opening of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv.

“Double”

P

N

Number of days taken for opening of basal florets (days)

P0 P1 P2 P3 Mean

N0 124.40 124.31 123.60 123.97 124.07

N1 122.40 122.14 122.11 122.15 122.20

N2 121.78 120.79 119.10 119.16 120.21

N3 121.68 119.95 120.52 120.64 120.70

Mean 122.57 121.80 121.33 121.48

CD0.05 N = 0.44 P = 0.44 NxP = 0.88

As regards the effect of phosphorus minimum number of days taken for

basal florets opening (121.33 days) were recorded with application of 100 kg

P2O5/ha (P2) and found to be statistically at par with P3 (150 kg P2O5/ha).

However, maximum number of days taken for basal florets opening (122.57

days) were recorded in control.

35

In case of interaction between N and P, minimum time taken for basal

florets opening (119.10 days) was registered with combined dose of 200 kg N/ha

and 100 kg P2O5/ha (N2P2) which was found to be statistically at par with N2P3

(119.16 days) and N3P1 (119.95 days). The maximum number of days taken for

basal florets opening (124.40 days) was recorded under control.

4.7 Spike Length (cm)

The data pertaining to spike length of tuberose as influenced by various

levels of N, P and N×P have been summarized in Table-7 and their corresponding

analysis of variance are embodied in Appendix-II.

A cursory glance of data in Table-7 indicated that maximum spike length

(80.24 cm) was recorded with 200 kg N/ha (N2) and found to be statistically at

par with 300 kg N/ha (N3). However, the minimum spike length (73.72 cm) was

found in control (N0).

Table 7. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on spike length (cm) of


P

N Spike length (cm)

P0 P1 P2 P3 Mean

N0 72.56 73.41 74.53 74.36 73.72

N1 74.55 75.45 77.99 77.55 76.39

N2 79.65 79.91 80.88 80.53 80.24

N3 79.67 79.68 80.23 80.01 79.90

Mean 76.61 77.11 78.41 78.11

CD0.05

N = 0.58 P = 0.58 NxP = 1.17

Plants supplied with 100 kg P2O5/ha (P2) noticed maximum spike length

(78.41 cm) which was statistically at par with 150 kg P2O5/ha (P3) whereas,

minimum (76.61 cm) spike length was noticed in case of control (P0).

The interaction effect of nitrogen and phosphorus (NxP) on spike length

was found to be significant. Data revealed that maximum spike length (80.88 cm)

was registered with application of N2P2 which was statistically at par with N2P3

36

(80.53 cm), N3P2 (80.23 cm) N3P3 (80.01) and N2P1 (79.91 cm), respectively.

However, minimum spike length (72.56 cm) was observed under control (N0P0).

4.8 Number of florets per spike

The Table-8 indicated the data on the effect of nitrogen and phosphorus

with respect to number of florets produced per spike and the corresponding

analysis of variance has been presented in Appendix-II.

Various levels of N, P and their interactions affected the number of florets

per spike significantly. The application of 200 kg N/ha (N2) resulted in maximum

number of florets per spike (30.17) followed by N3 (29.96). However, minimum

(25.80) number of florets per spike was recorded in control (N0).

Table 8. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on number of florets per spike

of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. “Double”

P

N Number of florets per spike

P0 P1 P2 P3 Mean

N0 25.33 25.87 26.03 25.95 25.80

N1 26.51 27.08 27.90 27.57 27.27

N2 29.85 29.91 30.48 30.44 30.17

N3 29.75 29.95 30.12 30.00 29.96

Mean 27.86 28.20 28.63 28.49

CD0.05

N = 0.12 P = 0.12 NxP = 0.24

As regards the effect of phosphorus, plant supplied with 100 kg P2O5/ha

(P2) registered maximum number of florets per spike (28.63) followed by P3

(28.49) whereas, minimum (27.86) number of florets per spike were observed in

control (P0).

The interaction between nitrogen and phosphorus (N×P) revealed that

treatment combination of 200 kg N/ha and 100 kg P2O5/ha (N2P2) recorded

maximum number of florets per spike (30.48) which was statistically at par with

N2P3. However, minimum number of florets per spike (25.33) were recorded in

control (N0P0).

37

4.9 Rachis length (cm)

Data pertaining to the effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on rachis length

of tuberose have been embodied in Table-8 and the corresponding analysis of

variance has been presented in Appendix-II.

Among the various nitrogen levels tested, N2 (200 kg N/ha) produced

maximum rachis length (28.54 cm) which was found to be at par with N3 (28.45

cm). However, minimum rachis length (24.39 cm) was observed in N0 (control).

As regards the effect of phosphorus, maximum rachis length (27.53 cm)

was recorded with P2 (100 kg P2O5/ha) which was statistically at par with P3

(27.22 cm). Whereas, minimum rachis length (26.10 cm) was found in control.

Table 9. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on rachis length (cm) of

tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv.“Double”

P

N Rachis length (cm)

P0 P1 P2 P3 Mean

N0 23.64 24.52 24.81 24.57 24.39

N1 25.15 25.33 26.32 26.16 25.74

N2 27.41 27.07 29.95 29.74 28.54

N3 28.18 28.20 29.03 28.39 28.45

Mean 26.10 26.28 27.53 27.22

CD0.05

N = 0.50 P = 0.50 NxP = 1.00

Nitrogen and phosphorus (N×P) interaction was found to be significant

with respect to rachis length. N2P2 (200 kg N/ha and 100 kg P2O5/ha) treated

plants resulted in maximum rachis length (29.95 cm), which was at par with N2P3

(29.74 cm) and N3P2 (29.03 cm) whereas minimum rachis length (23.64 cm) was

recorded with N0P0 (control).

4.10 Fresh weight of spike (g)

Perusal of data in Table-10 revealed that application of N2 (200 kg N/ha)

recorded maximum fresh weight (69.73 g) of spikes and was statistically at par

38

with N3 (69.53 g) whereas, fresh weight of spike was recorded minimum (65.09

g) in N0.

As regards the effect of phosphorus, plants supplied with 100 kg P2O5/ha

(P2) recorded maximum fresh weight (68.57 g) of spike and found to be at par

with P3 (68.22 g). However, minimum fresh weight of spike (67.02 g) was

noticed in P0.

Table 10 . Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on fresh weight of spike (g) of


P

N

Fresh weight of spike (g)

P0 P1 P2 P3 Mean

N0 64.06 64.66 65.93 65.70 65.09

N1 66.00 66.38 67.45 67.05 66.72

N2 68.68 68.73 70.89 70.62 69.73

N3 69.35 69.27 70.00 69.49 69.53

Mean 67.02 67.26 68.57 68.22

CD0.05

N = 0.40 P = 0.40 NxP = 0.80

In case of interaction between nitrogen and phosphorus, maximum fresh

weight of spike (70.89 g) was observed with N2P2 which was found to be at par

with N2P3 (70.62 g). However, minimum fresh weight of spike (64.06 g) was

recorded in N0P0 (control).

4.11 Fresh weight of 100 florets (g)

The data recorded on the fresh weight of 100 florets have been

summarized in Table-11 and the corresponding analysis of variance follows in

Appendix-II.

The effect of N, P and their interaction (N×P) on fresh weight of 100

florets was found to be significant. Perusal of data presented in Table-11 revealed

that maximum fresh weight of 100 florets (178.99 g) was recorded with N2 (200

kg N/ha), being at par with N3 (178.91 g) while N0 (control) recorded minimum

fresh weight of 100 florets (156.93 g).

39

Table 11. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on fresh weight of 100 florets

(g) of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. “Double”

P

N Fresh weight of 100 florets (g)

P0 P1 P2 P3 Mean

N0 150.79 153.19 161.97 161.77 156.93

N1 164.07 167.09 173.92 173.37 169.61

N2 177.96 178.75 179.71 179.54 178.99

N3 178.45 179.00 179.14 179.06 178.91

Mean 167.82 169.51 173.69 173.44

CD0.05

N = 1.06 P = 1.06 NxP = 2.12

Among the various phosphorus levels tested, P2 (100 kg P2O5/ha)

recorded maximum fresh weight of 100 florets (173.69 g) followed by P3 (173.44

g). However, minimum fresh weight of 100 florets (167.82 g) was observed in P0

(control).

The interaction between nitrogen and phosphorus revealed maximum

fresh weight of 100 florets (179.71 g) with N2P2 and was found to be at par with

N2P3, N3P2, N3P3, N3P1, N2P1, N3P0 and N2P0. However, minimum fresh weight of

100 florets (150.79 g) was recorded in the control.

4.12 Floret Diameter (cm)

Data embodied in Table-12 revealed significant effects of nitrogen,

phosphorus and their interaction (N×P) on floret diameter (cm) in tuberose and its

corresponding analysis of variance has been embodied in Appendix-II.

The maximum floret diameter (3.35 cm) was recorded with N2 (200 kg

N/ha) which was found to be at par with N3 (300 kg N/ha) whereas, minimum

floret diameter (3.25 cm) was observed in N0 (control).

Maximum floret diameter (3.41 cm) was recorded with P2 (100 Kg

P2O5/ha) and found to be at par with P3 (3.37 cm). However, the minimum floret

diameter (3.19 cm) was observed in P0 (control).

40

Table 12. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on floret diameter (cm) of


P

N Floret diameter (cm)

P0 P1 P2 P3 Mean

N0 3.16 3.24 3.31 3.29 3.25

N1 3.17 3.24 3.39 3.33 3.29

N2 3.19 3.25 3.51 3.45 3.35

N3 3.22 3.26 3.44 3.40 3.33

Mean 3.19 3.25 3.41 3.37

CD0.05

N = 0.04 P = 0.04 NxP = 0.07

The interaction between nitrogen and phosphorus was found to be

significant. Maximum floret diameter (3.51 cm) was recorded with the treatment

combination N2P2 and found to be statistically at par with N2P3 (3.45 cm) and

N3P2 (3.44 cm). Whereas, the minimum floret diameter (3.16 cm) was observed

in N0P0 (control) and found to be at par with N1P0 (3.17 cm), N2P0 (3.19 cm) and

N3P0 (3.22 cm).

4.13 Number of flowering stems per plant

The data presented in Table -13. It revealed significant effect of N, P and

N×P on number of flowering stems per plant. Among the different doses of

nitrogen, N2 (200 kg N/ha) treated plants produced maximum number of

flowering stems per plant (2.13), which was statistically at par with N3 (300 kg

N/ha) producing (2.12) number of flowering stems. Whereas, minimum number

of flowering stems per plant (1.72) were produced in N0 (control).

In case of phosphorus, P2 (100 kg P2O5/ha) raised plant produced

maximum number of flowering stems per plant (2.04), which was found to be at

par with P3 (2.03). However, minimum number of flowering stems per plant

(1.93) were produced in P0 which was statistically at par with P1 (1.93).

The interaction (N×P) was found to be significant. Maximum number of

flowering stems per plant (2.23) produced in N2P2 followed by N2P3 (2.19)

41

whereas, minimum number of flowering stems per plant (1.62) was noticed in

N0P0 (control) which was statistically at par with N0P1 (1.68).

Table 13. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on number of flowering stems

per plant of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. “Double”

P

N Number of flowering stems per plant

P0 P1 P2 P3 Mean

N0 1.62 1.68 1.77 1.82 1.72

N1 1.91 1.94 1.99 1.96 1.95

N2 2.07 2.03 2.23 2.19 2.13

N3 2.12 2.08 2.15 2.13 2.12

Mean 1.93 1.93 2.04 2.03

CD0.05 N = 0.03 P = 0.03 NxP = 0.06

4.14 Number of bulbs produced per plant Significant differences were observed among different treatments for

number of bulbs produced per plant in Table-14. Maximum number of bulbs

produced per plant (16.28) were recorded with N3 (300 kg N/ha) which was

found to be at par with N2 (200 Kg N/ha). Whereas, minimum number of bulbs

produced per plant (10.52) were recorded with control (N0).

Table 14. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on number of bulbs produced

per plant of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. “Double”

P

N

Number of bulbs produced per plant

P0 P1 P2 P3 Mean

N0 9.51 9.57 11.61 11.40 10.52

N1 11.73 11.76 12.88 12.85 12.31

N2 15.55 15.58 16.68 16.38 16.05

N3 16.19 16.20 16.30 16.43 16.28

Mean 13.25 13.28 14.37 14.27

CD0.05

N = 0.40 P = 0.40 NxP = 0.81

On the other hand, different doses of phosphorus also produced

significant differences with regards to number of bulbs produced per plant. Plant

42

supplied with P2 (100 kg P2O5/ha) recorded maximum number of bulbs produced

per plant (14.37) which was found statistically at par with P3 (14.27) and

minimum (13.25) were recorded in P0 (control) followed by P1 (13.28).

The interaction (N×P) effect was also recorded significant. Maximum

number of bulbs produced per plant (16.68) were recorded with N2P2 and found

to be statistically at par with N2P3, N3P3, N3P2, N3P1 and N3P0 whereas, N0P0

registered minimum number of bulbs produced per plant (9.51) which was

statistically at par with N0P1 (9.57).

4.15 Weight of bulbs per plant (g)

The data contained in Table-15 revealed that the weight of bulbs per plant

were influenced by different doses of N, P and their interaction (N×P). The effect

of different nitrogen doses was found to be significant. Maximum weight of bulbs

per plant (263.42 g) were observed in N3 (300 kg N/ha) whereas, the minimum

weight of bulbs per plant (143.34 g) were observed in N0 (control).

The phosphorus levels showed significant effects on weight of bulbs

produced per plant. P2 (100 kg P2O5/ha) recorded the maximum weight of bulbs

produced per plant (224.07 g). However, the minimum weight of bulbs (197.06 g)

were recorded in control (P0).

Table 15. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on weight of bulbs per plant

(g) of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. “Double”

P

N Weight of bulbs per plant (g)

P0 P1 P2 P3 Mean

N0 124.38 126.65 162.72 159.60 143.34

N1 170.45 175.14 194.11 192.01 182.93

N2 230.30 231.42 276.03 268.51 251.56

N3 263.12 263.30 263.43 263.84 263.42

Mean 197.06 199.13 224.07 220.99

CD0.05 N = 1.18 P = 1.18 NxP = 2.37

43

The interaction of N×P had significant effect on weight of bulbs per plant.

The maximum weight of bulbs per plant (276.03 g) were recorded with N2P2 (200

kg N/ha + 100 Kg P2O5/ha). However, the minimum (124.38 g) weight of bulbs

per plant were recorded in N0P0 and found to be at par with N0P1 (126.65 g). [

4.16 Vase life (days)

Data for vase life as influenced by various levels of nitrogen, phosphorus

and their interaction have been presented in Table-16 and the corresponding

analysis of variance follows in Appendix-II.

Perusal of data in Table-16 depicts that application of 0 kg N/ha (N0)

recorded maximum vase life (9.77) followed by N1 (8.89 days) whereas,

minimum vase life (6.88 days) was recorded with N3.

Spikes from 150 kg P2O5/ha (P3) treatment were kept longest vase life

(8.80 days) which was found to be at par with P2 (8.61 days) and minimum vase

life (7.96 days) was noticed in P0 which was statistically at par with P1 (8.18

days).

Table 16. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on vase life of tuberose

(Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. “Double”

P

N

Vase life

P0 P1 P2 P3 Mean

N0 9.45 9.56 10.01 10.05 9.77

N1 8.53 8.57 9.10 9.36 8.89

N2 7.75 7.90 8.12 8.23 8.00

N3 6.09 6.68 7.19 7.57 6.88

Mean 7.96 8.18 8.61 8.80

CD0.05 N = 0.30 P = 0.30 NxP = NS

Effect of N×P interaction on vase life of cut flowers of Polianthes

tuberosa cv. ‘Double’ was found to be non significant.

44

4.17 Available Nitrogen (kg/ha)

It is apparent from Table-17 revealed nitrogen and phosphorus levels

exerted significant influence on the available nitrogen content in soil.

Nitrogen had shown remarkable effect on available nitrogen content in

soil. The maximum amount of available nitrogen (457.55 kg/ha) was recorded in

N3 (300 kg N/ha) which was followed by N2 (424.50 kg/ha). Whereas, minimum

amount of available nitrogen (304.98 kg/ha) was recorded in N0 (control).

Amongst the phosphorus levels, the maximum amount of available

nitrogen (398.74 kg/ha) was noticed in P3 (150 kg P2O5/ha) followed by P2

(391.32 kg/ha). However, the minimum amount (370.99 kg/ha) of available

nitrogen in P0 (control).

The interaction effect between nitrogen and phosphorus levels on

available nitrogen in soil was found to be significant. Maximum (462.71 kg/ha)

amount of available nitrogen was observed in N3P3 (300 kg N/ha + 150 kg

P2O5/ha) followed by N3P2 (461.83 kg/ha) and N3P1 (458.69 kg/ha). Whereas,

minimum amount of available nitrogen (298.43 kg/ha) was recorded on N0P0

(control).

Table 17. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on available nitrogen (kg/ha)

in soil

P

N

Available nitrogen (kg/ha) P0 P1 P2 P3 Mean

N0 298.43 303.06 306.54 311.89 304.98

N1 337.46 353.93 360.27 371.32 355.75

N2 401.08 411.25 436.63 449.02 424.50

N3 446.97 458.69 461.83 462.71 457.55

Mean 370.99 381.73 391.32 398.74

CD0.05 N = 0.77 P = 0.77 NxP = 1.54

4.18 Available Phosphorus (kg/ha) It is evident from Table-18 that available P contents were significantly

influenced by application of N, P and N×P interaction.

45

Effect of different nitrogen doses depicted that maximum amount

available phosphorus (63.55 kg/ha) was recorded with N2 (200 kg N/ha) followed

by N3 (56.41 kg/ha) whereas, minimum amount of available phosphorus (35.81

kg/ha) was noticed in N0.

The effect of phosphorus indicates that plant raised in P3 (150 kg P2O5/ha)

were recorded maximum amount of available phosphorus (53.21 kg/ha) which

was statistically at par with P2 (52.62 kg/ha) and minimum amount of available

phosphorus (46.65 kg/ha) was recorded in P0 (control).

Table 18. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on available phosphorus

(kg/ha) in soil

P

N

Available phosphorus (kg/ha) P0 P1 P2 P3 Mean

N0 32.66 35.09 36.37 39.14 35.81

N1 40.65 43.54 48.26 49.49 45.48

N2 62.37 63.00 66.39 62.44 63.55

N3 50.93 53.49 59.48 61.75 56.41

Mean 46.65 48.78 52.62 53.21

CD0.05 N = 0.74 P = 0.74 NxP = 1.47

Interaction between N×P showed that maximum amount of available

phosphorus (66.39 kg/ha) content was noticed in N2P2 followed by N2P1 (63.00

kg/ha), N2P3 (62.44 kg/ha) and N2P0 (62.37 kg/ha), respectively. However,

minimum amount of available phosphorus (32.66 kg/ha) was observed in N0P0

(control).

4.19 Available Potassium (kg/ha)

Data registered for available potassium (K2O) in soil as affected by

various levels N, P and their interaction have been presented in Table-19. It

revealed that the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and N×P on available potassium

in soil were found to be significant.

An application of 200 kg N/ha (N2) resulted in the maximum amount of

available potassium (185.20 kg/ha) in soil followed by N3 (164.12 kg/ha)

46

whereas, the minimum amount of available potassium (124.44 kg/ha) was found

in N0 (control).

In case of phosphorus application the maximum amount of available

potassium (160.97 kg/ha) was recorded with 150 kg P2O5/ha (P3) followed by P2

(158.13 kg/ha) whereas, the minimum amount of available potassium (149.08

kg/ha) was found in P0 (control).

Table 19. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on available potassium (kg/ha)

in soil

P

N

Available potassium (kg/ha) P0 P1 P2 P3 Mean

N0 117.39 121.99 126.32 132.04 124.44

N1 138.76 145.13 151.19 157.45 148.13

N2 179.82 182.07 192.52 186.40 185.20

N3 160.34 165.68 162.50 167.98 164.12

Mean 149.08 153.72 158.13 160.97

CD0.05

N = 1.50 P = 1.50 NxP = 2.99

Interaction N×P was found to be significantly affects the available

potassium (K2O) in soil. Maximum amount of available potassium (192.52 kg/ha)

was recorded in combined dose of 200 kg N/ha and 100 kg P2O5/ha (N2P2)

followed by N2P3 (186.40 kg/ha) and N2P1 (182.07 kg/ha) whereas, minimum

amount of available potassium (117.39 kg/ha) was noticed in N0P0 (control).

4.20 Economics of different treatments (per m2) It is evident from the Table-20 that the highest benefit cost ratio (2.69)

was recorded with T11 (200 kg N/ha+100 kg P2O5/ha) and followed by (2.61) in

T12 (200 kg N/ha+150 kg P2O5/ha). However, all the other treatments also

superior over the control. The lowest cost benefit ratio was recorded in control T1

(1.24). The labour charges of Rs 120/day have been taken an average basis

however, these charge vary from region to region and place to place but the

procedure for benefit cost ratio is same. The maximum net return (Rs. 246.53/m2)

and benefit cost ratio (2.69) was recorded with T11 (200 kg N/ha+100 kg P2O5/ha)

followed by T12 and least cost net return (Rs.113.00/m2) and benefit cost ratio

(1.24) recorded in T1 (control).

47

Table 20. Economics of different doses of N and P on tuberose cv. Double

Treatment Marketable Yield

(Numbers)

Total cost of

cultivation

treatment wise

(Rs/m2)

Gross income

(Rs/m2 )

Total gross

income (a+b)/m2

(Rs/m2)

Net profit

(Rs/m2)

B:C

Ratio

Spikes Bulbs Spike (a) Bulbs (b)

T1 (control) 25.92 152.16 91.00 51.84 152.16 204.00 113.00 1.24

T2 (0kg N/ha+ 50kg P2O5/ha) 26.88 153.12 91.24 53.76 153.12 206.88 115.64 1.27

T3 (0kg N/ha+ 100kg P2O5/ha) 28.32 185.76 91.48 56.64 185.76 242.40 150.92 1.65

T4 (0kg N/ha+ 150kg P2O5/ha) 29.12 182.40 91.72 58.24 182.40 240.64 148.92 1.62

T5 (100kg N/ha+ 0kg P2O5/ha) 30.56 187.68 91.12 61.12 187.68 248.80 157.68 1.73

T6 (100kg N/ha+ 50kg P2O5/ha) 31.04 188.16 91.36 62.08 188.16 250.24 158.88 1.74

T7 (100kg N/ha+ 100kg P2O5/ha) 31.84 206.08 91.60 63.68 206.08 269.76 178.16 1.94

T8 (100kg N/ha+ 150kg P2O5/ha) 31.36 205.60 91.84 62.72 205.60 268.32 176.48 1.92

T9 (200kg N/ha+ 0kg P2O5/ha) 33.12 248.80 91.23 66.24 248.80 315.04 223.81 2.45

T10 (200kg N/ha+ 50kg P2O5/ha) 32.48 249.28 91.47 64.96 249.28 314.24 222.77 2.44

T11 (200kg N/ha+100kg P2O5/ha) 35.68 266.88 91.71 71.36 266.88 338.24 246.53 2.69

T12 (200kg N/ha+150kg P2O5/ha) 35.04 262.08 91.95 70.08 262.08 332.16 240.21 2.61

T13 (300kg N/ha+ 0kg P2O5/ha) 33.92 259.04 91.35 67.84 259.04 326.88 235.53 2.58

T14 (300kg N/ha+ 50kg P2O5/ha) 33.28 259.20 91.59 66.56 259.20 325.76 234.17 2.56

T15 (300kg N/ha+100kg P2O5/ha) 34.40 260.80 91.83 68.80 260.80 329.60 237.77 2.59

T16 (300kg N/ha+150kg P2O5/ha) 34.08 262.88 92.07 68.16 262.88 331.04 238.97 2.60

Chapter-5

DISCUSSION

The experimental results of the present study entitled “Effect of nitrogen

and phosphorus on growth and flowering in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa

L.) cv. Double” have been elaborated in the preceding chapter. In this chapter

attempt has been made for discuss the experimental results in the light of

available literature and classical knowledge under following heads:

1. Vegetative growth parameters

2. Floral parameters

3. Underground Parameters

4. Available soil nutrient N, P and K

5. Cost of cultivation of tuberose per m2

1. GROWTH PARAMETERS

Sprouting period of bulbs was significantly reduced with the application

of increasing doses of nitrogen (5-6 days) and phosphorus (2-3 days) in alone and

in combination (9-10 days) over the control. Early sprouting in tuberose with

high doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and their interaction might be due to the

stimulation of bulbs by comparatively high nutrient availability (N and P) and

their respective absorption through bulbs surface and primary roots. The findings

of the research are in agreement with the research of Bankar and Mukhopadhyay,

(1990) and Singh et al. (1976). Dahiya et al. (2001) also opined the same reason

for the hastening of sprouting in tuberose with increased application of nitrogen

and phosphorus doses.

The per cent sprouting of tuberose bulbs increase significantly with the

increasing doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and their interaction which may be due

to the higher availability of nitrogen and phosphorus which resulted in maximum

sprouting of tuberose bulbs. These findings are in close agreement with the

earlier findings of Sukhda (1999) when he has worked on biofertilizers.

49

The application of nitrogen and phosphorus exhibited positive correlation

with the plant height and consequently the plant height increased with the

increasing doses of nitrogen and phosphorus in alone as well as in combination.

Nitrogen, a constituent of protein and is essential for formation of protoplasm,

cell division and cell enlargement and also increase the chlorophyll content in

leaves, while phosphorus a part of nucleic acids and also responsible for root

development and hence the combined effect of higher availability of both

nutrients in plant vicinity enhance the vegetative growth of the plant. The present

findings get the support of work of Dahiya et al. (2001) and Yadav et al. (2005a).

Application of nitrogen and phosphorus interacted positively with the

plant height and number of leaves per plant. The increase in the doses of nitrogen

and phosphorus significantly enhanced the plant height and number of leaves per

plant of tuberose. Nitrogen, a constituent of protein is essential for formation of

protoplasm, cell division and cell enlargement and also increase the chlorophyll

content in leaves, while phosphorus a part of nucleic acids and also responsible

for root development and hence the combined effect of higher availability of both

nutrients in plant vicinity enhanced the vegetative growth of the plant. The results

are in line with the findings of Dahiya et al. (2001), Yadav et al. (2005a) and

Devi and Singh (2010).

2. FLORAL PARAMETERS

Spike emergence in tuberose hastens with the increased level of nitrogen,

phosphorus and their respective combinations. Least time for spike emergence

(98.81 days) was taken with the treatment 200 kg N/ha and 100 kg P2O5/ha which

was significantly less than that of the control i.e. N0P0 (113.77 days). The earlier

emergence of spikes with higher doses of nitrogen and phosphorus in alone and

in combination might be due to the higher absorption of nitrogen and phosphorus

by bulbs or primary roots leading for the more stimulation of bulb metabolism

and hence the early emergence. According to Marschner (1983) a balanced

supply of nitrogen and phosphorus promotes the translocation of phytohormones

to the shoots, which probably induced the early flower initiation/spike

emergence. The results are in agreement with the work of Bankar and

50

Mukhopadhyay (1990). Similar results have also been documented by Kashyap

(2010) who reported better floral attributes with the application of nitrogen,

phosphorus and biofertilizers alone or in combination in tuberose cv. ‘Double’.

Various levels of nitrogen and phosphorus application and their

interaction resulted in reduction variation in the number of days taken for the

basal floret opening in comparison to control. The treatment N2P2 (200 N + 100

P2O5 kg/ha) reduced time taken for the basal floret opening (i.e. 119.10 days)

significantly over the control i.e. N0P0 treatment (124.40 days). Reason for earlier

basal floret opening must be increased phytostimulation by the higher nitrogen

and phosphorus levels in alone and in combination and ultimately leading for fast

growth and flowering in less time. The present results got support from the work

of Jana et al. (1974), Gowda et al. (1991) and Singh et al. (2005) in tuberose. The

similar results have been documented by Daft and Okuryna (1973) in petunia, our

findings are also in close agreement with the earlier work of Kashyap (2010) and

Tripathi et al. (2012) in tuberose cv. ‘Double’.

Spike length, rachis length and number of florets per spike are also

positively influenced by the increasing doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and their

interactions. Maximum values for these parameters were recorded with the

application of N2P2 (200 N + 100 P2O5 kg/ha). The enhanced spike length, rachis

length and increased number of florets per spike might be due to the

improvement in plant metabolism i.e. higher amino acid production, chlorophyll

formation at faster rate, transformation of carbohydrates, translocation of

phytoharmones more quickly and efficiently and stimulation of more nutrient

absorption through primary roots. There more growth because of higher

availability of nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil particularly in the vicinity

plants. Similar results have also been reported by Kumar and Singh (1998),

Sharma et al. (2008), Tripathi et al. (2012) and Devi and Singh (2010) in

tuberose.

The higher levels of N, P and combination of both positively influenced

the fresh weight of spike as well as weight of the 100 florets and recorded higher

51

values with the treatment N2P2 (70.89 g and 179.71 g, respectively). Similar

trends of increase in weight of spikes and weight of 100 florets were also

reported by Sharma et al. (2008), Singh et al. (1976), Yadav et al. (1985) and

Chaudhary et al. (2007) in tuberose. Significant increase in the fresh weight of

spike and weight of 100 florets may be due to the higher availability of nitrogen

and phosphorus that induced positive growth both vegetative as well as the floral.

Floral diameter and number of florets per plant also followed similar

trends i.e. maximum floret diameter and flowering stems per plant were observed

with the application of N2P2 (3.51 cm and 1.44). Most probable reason for the

increased floral size and flowering stems per plant is the positive influence of

higher N, P and their interaction on the growth and development of plants. The

results are in conformity to those of Nanjan et al. (1980), Gowda et al. (1991)

and Parthiban and Khader (1991).

Maximum vase life of cut spikes of tuberose cv. ‘Double’ was noticed

without application of nitrogen. It may be due to the fact that the higher doses of

nitrogen increased ABA concentration in the leaves and the petals which

probably resulted in poor vase life. The results are in conformity with the finding

made by Joiner and Smith (1962), Rober (1971) and Lodhi et al. (1991) for

various cultivars of chrysanthemum. Beneficial effects of nitrogen on vase life of

cut flowers have been reported by other workers viz, Viradia and Singh (2002)

and Gaurav et al. (2002) in roses and gerberas. Maximum vase life of cut spikes

of tuberose cv. ‘Double’ was achieved with P3 (150 kg/ha). Lodhi et al. (1991)

observed the longer life of cut flowers of chrysanthemum cv. ‘Flirt’, with the

higher doses of phosphorus. However, the differences observed in the rate of

phosphorus applications for the above flowering parameters seemed to be due to

variety of soils in use and also variation in Physico-chemical properties.

3. UNDERGROUND PARAMETERS

The number and weight of bulbs per plant increased significantly with the

increasing levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in alone and in combination.

Maximum number of bulbs and maximum weight of bulbs per plant were

recorded with the application of N2P2 (i.e. 16.68 bulbs per plant and 276.03 g

52

bulb weight per plant) which is significantly higher than that of control N0P0 (i.e.

9.51 bulbs per plant and 124.38 g bulbs weight per plant).

The increase in weight and number of bulbs per plant with the increase in

dose N, P and their combination may be because both principle inorganic

nutrients are structural and physiological constituent of plant and with increased

availability of those to the plant enhanced the vegetative plant growth which in

turn leads to superior bulb quality. Similar trends have also been reported earlier

by Devi and Singh (2010), Singh et al. (1996b), Yadav et al. (2005b) and Sharma

et al. (2008) in tuberose.

4. AVAILABLE N, P AND K NUTRIENT CONTENT IN THE SOIL

The availability of N, P and K increased with the increasing levels of

nitrogen, phosphorus and their combination. Availability of nitrogen in soil was

reported maximum for the treatment N2P2 (461.71 kg/ha) which is in the medium

range. Availability of phosphorus in the soil also showed same progression i.e.

maximum for treatment N2P2 (66.39 kg/ha) which is in extremely higher range.

Increased availability of the nitrogen and phosphorus is due to their higher

application in soil besides being attributed by the environmental fixations in case

of nitrogen as well as action of natural microflora of soil both on nitrogen and

phosphorus sources applied to soil. The results are in agreement with the findings

reported by Singh et al. (2000) and Bankar and Mukhopadhyay (1990) in

tuberose.

5. COST OF CULTIVATION OF TUBEROSE PER M2

Higher cost (Rs. 91.95/m2) was incurred with (200 kg N/ha+150 kg

P2O5/ha) and minimum (Rs. 91.00/m2) in control followed by T5. This was due to

the fact that cost of nitrogen and phosphorus is very high as compared to other

treatments because the dose of nitrogen and phosphorus is more so that the cost

of treatment is also more. Consequently, net profit gained was also higher in

treatments T11 as compared to control. Maximum sale returns (Rs. 338.24/m2)

and maximum net profit (Rs. 246.53/m2) was gained in T11 and minimum sale

returns (Rs. 204.00/m2) as well as net profit (Rs. 113.00/m2) in control.

Chapter-6

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

The present investigation entitled “Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus

on growth and flowering in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. ‘Double”

was conducted at the department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Dr. Y.S.

Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) during 2011.

The experiment comprises of sixteen treatments laid out in a factorial randomized

block design with three replications.

The results obtained from the present investigation and conclusion drawn

are summarized as under:

1. Increasing levels of nitrogen and phosphorus had reduced the sprouting

period of tuberose. Minimum number of days taken for sprouting was

recorded in N3P3 (300 kg N/ha + 150 kg P2O5/ha). This treatment was

statistically at par with N3P2 (300 kg N/ha + 100 kg P2O5/ha).

2. Per cent sprouting of bulbs were increased with application of nitrogen

and phosphorus. Maximum per cent of bulbs was noticed with N2P2 (200

kg N/ha + 100 kg P2O5/ha) which was statistically at par with N2P0, N3P0,

N2P1and N3P1. However, minimum per cent sprouting of bulbs was

observed with N0P1 (0 kg N/ha + 50 kg P2O5/ha).

3. The application of nitrogen N2P2 (200 kg N/ha + 100 kg P2O5/ha) was the

most efficacious in enhancing growth characteristics. Maximum plant

height (48.38 cm) and number of leaf per plant (47.59) were recorded in

this combination and minimum plant height (41.89 cm) and minimum

number of leaves per plant (35.20) were noticed with control.

4. Days taken for spike emergence and number of days taken for basal

florets opening was decreased with the application of nitrogen and

phosphorus. Minimum days taken for spike emergence (98.81 days) and

54

number of days taken for basal florets opening (119.10 days) were

recorded in N2P2 (200 kg N/ha + 100 kg P2O5/ha). Whereas, maximum

days taken for spike emergence in (113.77 days) and number of days

taken for basal florets opening (124.40 days) was observed with control.

5. Maximum spike length (80.88 cm), number of florets per spike (30.48)

and rachis length (29.95 cm) was observed with N2P2 (200 kg N/ha + 100

kg P2O5/ha). Maximum fresh weight of spikes (70.89 g) and fresh weight

of 100 florets (179.71 g) were also recorded with the same treatment.

6. An increase in N and P doses increased the floret diameter and number of

flowering stem per plant significantly. The longest floret diameter (3.51

cm) and maximum number of flowering stem per plant (2.23) was noticed

with N2P2 (200 kg N/ha + 100 kg P2O5/ha).

7. The average number of bulbs produced per plant and weight of bulbs per

plant were increased with increasing level of nitrogen and phosphorus.

Maximum number of bulbs (16.68) produced and weight of bulb per plant

(276.03 g) was obtained with N2P2 (200 kg N/ha + 100 kg P2O5/ha) and

minimum in control (N0P0).

8. Maximum vase life (10.05 days) was recorded with N0P3 (0 kg N/ha +

150 kg P2O5/ha). However, minimum vase life (6.09 days) was noticed in

N3P0 (300 kg N/ha + 0 kg P2O5/ha).

9. The maximum amount of available nitrogen (462.71 kg/ha), phosphorus

(66.39 kg/ha) and potassium (192.52 kg/ha) were obtained with the

application of N2P2 (200 kg N/ha + 100 kg P2O5/ha). However, minimum

amount of available N, P and K was noticed in control (N0P0).

10. The maximum net return (Rs. 246.53/m2) and benefit cost ratio (2.69) was

recorded with T11 (200 kg N/ha+100 kg P2O5/ha) followed by T12 and

least cost net return (Rs.113.00/m2) and benefit cost ratio (1.24) recorded

in T1 (control)

55

CONCLUSION

Application of nitrogen and phosphorus increased most of the vegetative

growth, flowering, multiplication of bulbs and maximum benefit cost ratio

besides increasing the availability of macro nutrient in the soil. So, from the

present investigation it can be concluded that nitrogen and phosphorus at

optimum dose should be applied to get the desired results.

The application of 200 kg N/ha + 100 kg P2O5/ha (N2P2) was found to be

optimum for the most of the characters of tuberose under evaluation.

Chapter-7

REFERENCES

Addai I K. 2010. Growth and biochemistry of the common hyacinth (Hyacinthus

orientalis L.) and the lily (Lilium longiflorum L.). PhD Thesis, Biology, University of Sussex, UK.

Addai I K. 2011. Influence of cultivars or nutrients application on growth, flower production and bulb yield of the common Hyacinth. American Journal of

Scientific and Industrial Research 2(2): 229-245.

Ailincai N. 1960. The influence of some fertilizers on flowering of Polianthes

tuberosa. Lucrari Stintifica Institutional Agronomy 355-360

Arora J S. 1998. Bulbous plants. In: Introductory Ornamental Horticulture. Kalyani Publishers, New Delhi.138-148p.

Ashok S H, Sujatha K and Prabhakar M. 1995. Growth, yield, water relation and its use in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) as influenced by irrigation regime and nitrogen level. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 65 (12): 866-869.

Balak Ram, Katiyar R S, Tewari S K and Singh C P. 1999. Effect of nitrogen and plant spacing on the growth and flower yield of tuberose (Polianthes

tuberosa) cv. ‘Single’ on sodic soils. Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic

Plant Sciences 21(4): 959-962.

Bankar G J and Mukhopadhyay A.1990. Effect of NPK on growth and flowering in tuberose cv. ‘Double’. Indian Journal of Horticulture 47(1): 120-126.

Barman G, Chanda S and Roychoudhary N. 1998. Production of Corms and Cormels of Gladiolus through application of N, P and K. Horticulture Journal 11: 87–92.

Bhattacharjee S K. 1981. Influence of Nitrogen phosphorus and potassium fertilization on flowering and corm production in gladiolus. Singapur Journal

of Primary Industries 9(1):23-27.

Borrelli A. 1984. Planting density and nitrogen fertilizing in the cultivation of gladiolus in summer and autumn. Horticultural Abstract 57 (6):440-445.

Brady N C. 1996. Nitrogen and sulphur economy of soils. In: Nature and Properties of Soils. Tenth edition. Prentice-Hall of India Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi.110001. 315pp.

Chaudhary S S. 2007. Effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and bio-fertilizer application on plant growth and bulb production in tuberose. Haryana

Journal of Horticultural Sciences 36(1/2): 82-85.

57

Cirrito M and Vita M De. 1980. A comparison of three different planting densities for increasing the size of gladiolus corms. Ann. Dell. Inst. Speri.

Flori. 11(1): 169-194.

Daft M J and Okusnya B O. 1973. Effect of endogene mycorrhizas on plant growth VI: Influence of infection on the anatomy and reproductive development in four hosts. New Phytologist 72: 1333-1339.

Dahiya S S, Mohansundram S, Singh S and Dahiya D S. 2001. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth and dry matter yield of tuberose (Polianthes

tuberosa L.). Haryana Journal of Horticultural Sciences 30(3/4): 198-200.

Damke M M, Jadhao B J, Hedau C V and Patil S V. 1997. Effect of nitrogen phosphorus fertilization on post harvest life of chrysanthemum

(chrysanthemum Coronarium) cv. Yellow Bijali. P K V Research Journal 21(2):188-190.

Desai N, Vasundhara M and Biradar S L. 2005. Studies on rate of bulb multiplication in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Shringar as affected by spacing and fertilizer levels. Mysore Journal of Agricultural Sciences 39(3): 379-384.

Desh Raj. 2011. Ornamental bulbous plants. In: Floriculture at a glance. Kalyani Publishers, Ludhiana, India. 268-280 pp.

Deswal K S, Patil V K and Anserwadekar K W. 1983. Nutritinal and plant population studies in gladiolus. Indian Journal of Horticulture 40(3/4): 254-259.

Devecchi M. and Barni E.1997. Effect of fertilizers on the colour of gladiolus spikes. Culture Protette 26: 79–82.

Devi K L and Singh U C. 2010. Effect of nitrogen on growth, flowering and yield of tuberose (Polianthes tuberose L.) cv. Single. Journal of Ornamental

Horticulture 30(3):228-232.

Donahue R L, Shickuna J C and Robertson L S. 1958. Soils and plant nutrition. In: Soils–An introduction to soils and plant growth. Third edition, Prentice – Hall Inc. Englez Wood Cliffs, New Jersey 222-241p

Gomez K A and Gomez A A. 1984. Statistical procedures for agricultural research. John Wiley and Sons. Inc., New York pp. 357-427.

Gopalakrishnan M, Sadawarte K T, Mahorkar V K, Jadhao B J and Golliwar V J. 1995. Effect of N, P and K on the quality of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. ‘Single’. Journal of Soils and Crops 5(2): 148-150.

Gowda J V N, Jacob S and Huddar A G. 1991. Effect of N, P and K on growth and flowering of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) cv. ‘Double’. Indian

Perfumer 35(2): 100-101.

Gupta R R, Shukla M and Kumar S. 2006. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on flowering of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.). Crop Research Hisar 32(3): 539-541.

58

Gurav S B, Singh B R, Katwate S M and Yadav E D. 2002. Standardization of fertilizer does for flower production of gerbera under protected condition. In: Floriculture Research Trend in India (ed.), 313-314pp.

Haider M M, Rai M V and Murthy A S.1981. Effect of nitrogen on growth and development of gladiolus. Indian Journal of Horticulture 38(3/4): 241-245.

Haitbura P and Misra R L. 1999. Effect of nitrogen sources on vegetative and floral characters of gladiolus cv. Dhanvantari. Journal of Ornamental

Horticulture New Series 2: 111–114.

Hamit Altay, Canan Öztokat, Mürsel Güven. (2001). Effect on Yield and Quality of varying Applications of nitrogen and phosphorus to Greenhouse Cultivation of Freesia Hybrida. Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University.

Jackson M L. 1973. Soil Chemistry Analysis Prentice Hall of India Private Limited, New Delhi, India, pp.151-154.

Jana B K, Roy S and Bose T K. 1974. Studies on the nutrition of ornamental plants. III. Effect of nutrition on growth and flowering of dahlia and tuberose. Indian Journal of Horticulture 31(2): 182-185.

Joiner J N and Smith T C. 1962. Effect of nitrogen and potassium levels on growth and flowering response on chrysanthemum morifolium cv. ‘Blue Chip’ grown in sand culture. Proceedings American Society for Horticultural

Science 80: 571-580.

Kadu A P, Kadu P R and Sable A S. 2009. Effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on growth, flowering and bulb production in tuberose cv. ‘Single’. Journal of Soils and Crops 19(2): 367-370.

Kashyap R. 2010. Integrated nutrient management studies in tuberose (Polianthes

tuberosa L.) M Sc. Thesis Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.), India.

Khan M A and Ahmad I. 2004. Growth and flowering of Gladiolus hortulanus L. cv. Wind Song as influenced by various levels of NPK. International Journal

of Agriculture and Biology 6(6): 1037-1039.

Kishore G R and Singh P V. 2006. Effect of N, P and K fertilization on vegetative growth of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. ‘Single’. Plant

Archives 6(1): 377-378.

Kumar R, Gobind S and Yadav D S. 2002. Studies on N and P requirement of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) cv. Single in hilly soils. Haryana

Journal of Horticultural Sciences 31(1/2): 52-54.

Kumar S and Singh R P.1998. Effect of nitrogen, bulb size and spacing on bulb and bulblet production of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.). South Indian

Horticulture 46(3/6): 294-298.

Lodhi A K S, Tewari G N and Pathak R K. 1991. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus application on vase-life of cut flowers of chrysanthemum

(chrysanthemum morifolium Ram). The Hort. J. 4(1):49-51.

59

Mahgoub H M, Rawia A E and Lila B H A. 2006. Response of Iris bulbs grown in sandy soil to Nitrogen and potassium fertilization. Journal of applied

science research 2(11):899-903.

Marschner H. 1983. Introduction to the mineral nutrition of ornamental plants. Hand book Plant physiol. 154: 31-38.

Merwin H D and Peech M. 1951. Exchangeable of soil potassium in the sand, silt and clay fractions as influenced by nature of the complimentary exchangeable cations. Soil Science American Proceedings 15: 125-128.

Militu A, Vierasu E and Iliescu.1970. The influence of chemical fertilizers on flower quality and bulb production in tuberose growing. Lucrari Stintifica,

Institutional Agronomic ‘N. Balacesen, B 13:115-20.

Mishra M, Mohapatra A and Mohanty C R.2002. Effect of N, P and spacing on tuberose. In: Proceedings of the National Symposium on Indian Floriculture

in the New Millennium, Lal Bagh, Bangalore, 25-27-February. 338-339pp.

Mishra R L and Singh B. 1989. Gladiolus. In: Commrcial Flowers, Eds., Bose, T K. and Yadav, L. P. Naya.

Mohanasundaram S, Dahiya S S and Singh S. 2003. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on the nutrient content of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.). Haryana Journal of Horticultural Sciences 32(1/2): 64-66.

Mohanty B K, Sankar C R and Dayanand T. 1999. Effect of NPK and spacing on nutrient content of leaves and uptake in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.). South Indian Horticulture 47(1/6): 327-330.

Motial V S. (1973). Report of the work on tuberose presented at the Second Workshop in Floriculture (ICAR).

Mukesh K, Chattopadhyay T K and Kumar M. 2001. Effect of NPK on yield and quality of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus) cv. Tropic sea. Environment

and Ecology 19: 868–871.

Mukhopadhyay A and Banker G J. 1978. Effect of N, P and K on flower and bulb production and keeping quality of flowers and bulbs of tuberose (Polianthes

tuberose Linn.). XX International Horticultural congress, Sydney, Australia. 15:23 Abstract No. 1913.

Mukhopadhyay A and Banker G J. 1986. Studies on nutritional requirement of tuberose. South Indian Horticulture 34(3): 167-172.

Mukhopadhyay A. 1984. Nutritional studies in gladiolus cv. Vink’s Glory. All India Coordinated Floriculture Improvement Project. ICAR, New Delhi, India.

Nair S A, Attri B L and Sharma T V R S. 2000. Effect of N and P on growth and flowering of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.). Journal of Tropical

Agriculture 38(1/2): 66-68.

60

Nanjan K, Nambisan K M P, Veeraragavathatham D and Krishnan B M.1980. The effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash on the yield of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.). National Seminar on Production Technology for

Commercial Flower Crops. 76-78.

Olsen S R, Cole C V, Watanabe F S and Dron L A. 1954. Estimation of available phosphorus by extraction with sodium with bi-carbonate. USDA. Circular. 939: 19.

Pandey R K, Rathore P, Singh M K and Rathore P. 2000. Effect of different levels of N and P on growth of Gladiolus under Agra conditions. Journal of

Ornamental Horticulture 3: 60–61.

Parthiban S and Khader M A.1991. Effect of N, P and K on yield components and yield in tuberose. South Indian Horticulture 39(6): 363-367.

Parthiban S, Khader M A and Thamburaj S. 1992. Effect of N, P and K on growth and development of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.). South Indian

Horticulture 40(3): 166-171.

Patel B M, Patel B N and Patel R L. 1997. Effect of spacing and fertilizers levels on growth and yield of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Double. Journal

of Applied Horticulture 3(1/2): 98-104.

Patel M M, Parmar P B, Parmar B R.2006. Effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and spacing on growth and flowering in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. ‘Single’. Journal of Ornamental Horticulture 9(4): 286-289.

Patil K D, Dabake D J and Gokhle N B. 2007. Integrated plant nutrient management in tuberose cv. Single in lateritic soil of Konkan. Journal of

Maharashtra Agricultural Universities 32(2): 189-191.

Patil P R and Reddy B S. 2002. Flowering and flower quality in tuberose as influenced by community planting and fertilizer levels. Journal of

Mahasashtra Agriculture Universities 27(1): 31-34.

Patil P R, Reddy B S, Patil S R and Kulkarni B S. 1999. Effect of community planting and fertilizers levels on growth and flower yield of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Double. South Indian Horticulture 47(1/6): 335-338.

Rajwal N and Singh R K.2006. Effect of different levels of nitrogen on the performance of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. ‘Double’. International

Journal of Plant Sciences 1(1): 111-112.

Randhawa G S and Mukhopadhya A.1986. Commercial Floriculture.In: Floriculture in India.34/1 Meanee Avenue Road, Bangalore 560042. 344 – 425pp.

Rober R. 1971. Gartenbauwiss. 36:189-200.

Roy R K, Sharma S C, and Sharga A N. 1995. Effect of foliar nutrition on vegetative and floral characters of gladiolus. Journal of Ornamental

Horticulture 31: 41–44.

61

Sadhu M K and Bose T K. 1973. Tuberose for most artistic gardens. Indian

Journal of Horticulture 18(3): 17-21.

Salisburry F B and Ross C W.1992. Mineral nutrition. In: Plant physiology. Fourth edition. Cengage Learning India Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi – 110092.

Shah A, Lal S D and Seth J N.1984. Effect of different level of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth, flowering and corm yield of of gladiolus cv. Vinks Glory. Progressive Horticulture 16(3-4):305-307.

Sharma J R, Panwar R D, Gupta R B and Singh S. 2008. Nutritional studies in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.). Haryana Journal of Horticultural Sciences 37(1/2): 85-86.

Sharma R K and Mohammad S. 2004. Influence of graded levels of nitrogen and sulphur on growth, flowering and essential oils content in tuberose cultivar Maxican Single. Journal of Ornamental Horticulture 7(1):52-57.

Sidhu, G S and Arora J S. 1989. Response of gladiolus varieties to nitrogen application. Indian Journal of Horticulture 46 (2): 250-54.

Singh A and Godara N R.1995.Studies on the nutritional requirement of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. ‘Single’ during growth. Haryana Agricultural

University Journal of Research 25: 171-174.

Singh A and Godara N R.1998. Effect of nutritional requirement of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. ‘Single’ on flower yield characters. Haryana

Agricultural University Journal of Research 28(1): 15-20.

Singh A, Godara N R and Gupta A K. 2000. Effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash application on N.P.K. content in leaves and bulbs of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.). Haryana Journal of Horticultural Sciences 29(1/2): 27-29.

Singh A, Godara N R and Kumar A.1996a. Effect of NPK on flowering and flower quality of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. ‘Single’. Haryana

Agricultural University Journal of Research 26(1): 43-49.

Singh A, Godara N R and Kumar A.1996b. Effect of NPK on bulb production in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv.‘Single’. Haryana Agricultural

University Journal of Research 26(3): 187-190.

Singh R S, Motial V S and Singh L B.1976. Effect of nitrogen, phosphorous and potash fertilization on tuberose. Indian Journal of Horticulture 33:289-294.

Singh S R P, Kumar D and Singh V K.2004 Effect of NPK combinations on growth and flowering of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. ‘Double’. Plant Archives 4(2): 515-517.

Singh S, Godara, M R and Sharma, B P.2005. Effect of VA-mycorrhizae, nitrogen and phosphorus on growth and flowering in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.). Integrated Plant Disease Management 39: 241-245.

62

Sita Ram, Attri B L, Sharma T V R S and Anil Kumar A. 1997. Standardization of agro-techniques in tuberose under Andman conditions In: Effect of nitrogen on growth and flowering. Journal of Ornamental Horticulture 5(1-2):1-6.

Subbiah B V and Asija G L. 1956. A rapid procedure for estimation of available nitrogen in soils. Current Science 25: 259-260.

Sukhda M.1999. Biofertlizers for horticultural crops. Indian Horticulture, (Jan-March): 32-35.

Sultana S, Khan F N, Haque M A, Akhter S and Noor S. 2006. Effect of NPK on growth and flowering in tuberose. Journal of Subtropical Agricultural

Research and Development 4(2): 111-113.

Swaminathan V, Ramaswami N and Pillai O A A. 1999. Effect of Azospirillum, phosphobacteria and inorganic nutrients on the growth and yield of tuberose. South Indian Horticulture 47(1-6): 331-334.

Talukdar M C, Baruah N and Mahanta. S. 2003. Response of graded levels of NPK on yield and quality of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. ‘Single’. Journal of Ornamental Horticulture, New-Series 6(4): 335-340.

Tisdale S L and Nelson W L.1975. Elements required in plant nutrition. In: Soil fertility and Fertilizers. Mac Milan Publishing Co., Inc. 866 Third Avenue, New York. 10022. 66-104pp.

Tripathi S K, Malik S, Singh I P, Dhayani B P, Kumar V, Dhaka S S and Singh J P. 2012. Effect of integrated nutrient management on cut flower tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) var. Suvasini. Annual of Horticulture 5(1):108-115.

Troeh F R and Thompson L M. 1993. Phosphorus. In: Soils and Soil Fertility. Oxford University Press, Inc. 200 Madison Avenue, New York, 10016. 215-234pp.

Viradia R R and Singh S P. 2002. Studies on nitrogen nutrition and plant density in rose. In: Floriculture Research Trend in India (eds. Mishra R L and Mishra S), 228-229pp.

Walkley A and Black I A. 1934. An examination of the Degtjareff method for determining organic carbon in soils: Effect of variations in digestion conditions and of inorganic soil constituents. Soil Science 63:251-263.

Yadav B S, Ahlawat V P, Singh S and Sehrawat S K. 2002. Effect of nitrogen and zinc on floral characters, bulb production and nutrient content in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) cv. ‘Double’. Haryana Journal of Horticultural

Sciences 31(3/4): 210-212.

Yadav B S, Ahlawat V P, Singh S and Sehrawat S K. 2003. Effect of nitrogen and zinc on growth and spike production of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) cv. ‘Double’. Haryana Journal of Horticultural Sciences 32(3&4): 216-218.

63

Yadav B S, Gupta A K and Singh S. 2005a. Studies on the effect of nitrogen, plant spacing and bio fertilizers on growth parameters in tuberose cv. ‘Double’. Haryana Journal of Horticultural Sciences 34(1/2): 78-80.

Yadav B S, Gupta A K and Singh S and Sehrawat S K. 2005b. Impact of nitrogen, plant spacing and bio fertilizers on bulb production and root character in tuberose cv. ‘Double’. Haryana Journal of Horticultural

Sciences 34(1/2): 81-83.

Yadav L P, Bose T K and Maiti R G.1985. Response of tuberose (Polianthes

tuberosa L.) to nitrogen and phosphorous fertilization. Progressive

Horticulture 17:83-86

Yadav P K. 2007. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth and flowering of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) cv. ‘Shringar’. Progressive Agriculture 7(1/2): 189.

64

Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) 173 230

Department of Floriculture and Landscaping

Title of Thesis : “Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth and

flowering in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv.

Double.”

Name of the Student : Ashutosh Sharma Admission Number : H-2010-17-M Major Advisor : Dr. S.V.S Chaudhary Major Field : Floriculture and Landscaping Minor Field(s) : i) Plant Physiology

ii) Soil Science and Water Management

Degree Awarded : M.Sc. (Horticulture) Floriculture and Landscape Architecture

Year of Award of Degree : 2013 No. of pages in Thesis : 64+IV No. of words in Abstract : 234

ABSTRACT

The investigation entitled “Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth and

flowering in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Double” was conducted at experimental farm of the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) during 2011. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with sixteen treatments replicated thrice. Among the treatments, T11 (200 kg N/ha + 100 kg P2O5/ha) was recorded maximum per cent sprouting of bulbs (100%), plant height (48.38 cm), number of leaves per plant (47.59), number of days taken for spike emergence (98.81 days), number of days taken for basal florets opening (119.10 days), spike length (80.88 cm), number of florets per spike (30.48), rachis length (29.95 cm), fresh weight of spike (70.89 g), fresh weight of 100 florets (179.71 g), floret diameter (3.51 cm), number of flowering stems per plant (2.23), number of bulbs produced per plant (16.68), weight of bulbs per plant (276.03 g), available phosphorus (66.39 kg/ha), available potassium (192.52 kg/ha), minimum cost of production (Rs. 91.71/m2), maximum net returns (Rs. 246.53/m2) and benefit cost ratio (2.69). However, minimum number of days taken for sprouting of bulbs (12.73 days) and maximum amount of available nitrogen (462.71 kg/ha) were recorded in N3P3 (300 kg N/ha + 150 kg P2O5/ha). The maximum vase life (10.05 days) was recorded in N0P3 which was closely followed by N0P2, N0P1 treatments.

Signature of the Major Advisor Signature of the Student

Countersigned

Professor and Head

Department of Floriculture and Landscaping

Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry

Nauni, Solan, (H.P.) - 173 230

i

APPENDIX-I

Mean monthly meteorological data of Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and

Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) for the year 2011

(w.e.f. January, 2011 to December, 2011)

Months Temperature (oC) Relative

humidity (%)

Rainfall

(mm) Maximum Minimum Mean

January 18.10 0.40 9.25 55.00 23.20

Febuary 19.40 4.40 11.90 60.00 61.50

March 24.40 8.30 16.35 48.00 18.20

April 26.50 10.70 18.60 51.00 33.70

May 32.30 16.40 24.35 46.00 31.70

June 29.10 17.70 23.40 66.00 178.20

July 27.40 19.20 23.30 80.00 263.60

August 28.00 19.20 23.60 80.00 189.80

September 28.40 16.40 22.40 74.00 30.00

October 29.90 9.80 19.85 67.00 NIL

November 24.50 5.60 15.05 50.00 NIL

December 20.50 0.90 10.70 48.00 28.20

Source: Meteorological Observatory, Department of Environment Science, Dr. Y.S.

Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.)

ii

APPENDIX-II

Cost of cultivation of tuberose for one bigha area (800 m2)

PARTICULARS Qty. Rate

(in Rs.)

Total Cost

(in Rs.)

A. Input Cost

1. Preparatory cultivation

a. Land preparation (Ploughing through power tiller)

2 hours 500/hr 1,000

b. Preparation of beds 2 man-days 120/man-days 240

c. Planting material (Bulbs) 9600 2 Rs/bulb 19200

d. Basal application of Vermicompost, fertilizers and layout

1 man-days 120/man-days 120

e. Planting and irrigation 3 man-days 120/man-days 360

2. Manuring

a. Vermicompost (@ 2.5 kg/m2) 1400 kg 15/kg 21000

b. Cost of fertilizers

i. Urea - 5.37/kg -

ii. Single Super Phosphate (SSP) - 7.70/kg -

iii. Muriate of Potash (MOP) - 16.80/kg -

3. Intercultural operations

a. Spraying insecticides 3 man-days 120/man-days 360

b. Irrigation 28 120/man-days 3360

c. Weeding and hoeing 20 120/man-days 2400

d. Staking 4 man-days 120/man-days 480

4. Plant Protection

a. Dithane M 45 1 kg 347/kg 347

b. Bavistin ½ kg 80/200g 200

c. Profenophos 500 ml 490/l 245

d. Metasystox 300 ml 275/250 ml 330

5. Harvesting of spike and bulb including grading packing

8 man-days 120/man-days 960

6.Transport 3000

7. Miscellaneous 1000

B.Total Cost 54602

iii

APPENDIX- III

Treatment wise cost of cultivation of tuberose calculated based on variable cost (800m2)

Treatment

Marketable Yield

(Numbers) Total Cost of

Cultivation

(Rs/800m2)

Gross income

(Rs/800m2) Total gross

income (a+b)

(Rs/800m2)

Net profit

(Rs/800m2) B :C Ratio

Spikes Bulbs Spike (a) Bulbs (b)

T1 (control) 15552.00 91296.00 54600.00 31104 91296 122400 67800.00 1.24

T2 (0kg N/ha+ 50kg P2O5/ha) 16128.00 91872.00 54744.00 32256 91872 124128 69384.00 1.27

T3 (0kg N/ha+ 100kg P2O5/ha) 16992.00 111456.00 54888.00 33984 111456 145440 90552.00 1.65

T4 (0kg N/ha+ 150kg P2O5/ha) 17472.00 109440.00 55032.00 34944 109440 144384 89352.00 1.62

T5 (100kg N/ha+ 0kg P2O5/ha) 18336.00 112608.00 54672.00 36672 112608 149280 94608.00 1.73

T6 (100kg N/ha+ 50kg P2O5/ha) 18624.00 112896.00 54816.00 37248 112896 150144 95328.00 1.74

T7 (100kg N/ha+ 100kg P2O5/ha) 19104.00 123648.00 54960.00 38208 123648 161856 106896.00 1.94

T8 (100kg N/ha+ 150kg P2O5/ha) 18816.00 123360.00 55104.00 37632 123360 160992 105888.00 1.92

T9 (200kg N/ha+ 0kg P2O5/ha) 19872.00 149280.00 54738.00 39744 149280 189024 134286.00 2.45

T10 (200kg N/ha+ 50kg P2O5/ha) 19488.00 149568.00 54882.00 38976 149568 188544 133662.00 2.44

T11 (200kg N/ha+100kg P2O5/ha) 21408.00 160128.00 55026.00 42816 160128 202944 147918.00 2.69

T12 (200kg N/ha+150kg P2O5/ha) 21024.00 157248.00 55170.00 42048 157248 199296 144126.00 2.61

T13 (300kg N/ha+ 0kg P2O5/ha) 20352.00 155424.00 54810.00 40704 155424 196128 141318.00 2.58

T14 (300kg N/ha+ 50kg P2O5/ha) 19968.00 155520.00 54954.00 39936 155520 195456 140502.00 2.56

T15 (300kg N/ha+100kg P2O5/ha) 20640.00 156480.00 55098.00 41280 156480 197760 142662.00 2.59

T16 (300kg N/ha+150kg P2O5/ha) 20448.00 157728.00 55242.00 40896 157728 198624 143382.00 2.60

iv

APPENDIX-IV Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the parameters under study for experiment

Source of Variation DF

Mean Sum Squares

Days taken for

sprouting of bulbs

Per cent

sprouting of bulbs

Plant height

(cm)

Number of leaves

per plant

Number of days

taken for spike emergence

Number of days

taken for basal florets

Factor A 3 97.06 194.18 80.73 307.05 450.65 35.67 Factor B 3 53.16 2.27 2.85 16.37 14.33 2.57 Intraction A X B 9 0.44 1.59 0.40 3.88 3.99 1.69 Error 30 0.19 0.65 0.52 0.87 1.01 0.27

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the parameters under study for experiment


Mean Sum Squares

Spike

length (cm)

Number of florets per

spike

Rachis

length (cm)

Fresh weight of spike

(g)

Fresh weight of 100

florets (g)

Floret diameter (cm)

Factor A 3 115.66 54.33 50.85 60.90 1305.03 0.03 Factor B 3 8.07 1.38 5.87 6.60 101.67 0.13 Intraction A X B 9 1.29 0.14 1.10 0.52 23.62 0.01 Error 30 0.69 0.26 0.36 0.28 1.59 0.00

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the parameters under study for experiment


Mean Sum Squares

Number of

flowering stems per

plant

Number of bulbs

produced per plant

Weight of bulbs per

plant (g)

Vase life

(days)

Available

nitrogen (kg/ha)

Available

phosphorus (kg/ha)

Available

potassium (kg/ha)

Factor A 3 0.44 96.71 39031.51 18.29 56321.72 1784.08 7902.94 Factor B 3 0.04 4.48 2416.56 1.80 1734.83 117.86 325.10 Intraction A X B 9 0.01 0.56 343.23 0.12 197.81 14.14 37.70 Error 30 0.00 0.48 2.00 0.13 0.85 0.77 3.19

CIRRICULUM VITAE

Name : Ashutosh Sharma

Father’s Name : Sh. Yogesh Kumar Sharma

Date of Birth : 23.11.1987

E- mail address : [email protected]

Sex : Male

Marital Status : Unmarried

Nationality : Indian

Education Qualifications:

Certificate/Degree Class/Grade Board/University Year

Matric Second UP Board 2004

10+2 First UP Board 2006

B.Sc. Agriculture First RK PG college Shamli 2010

Whether sponsored by : No

some state/Central Govt/

Univ/SAARC

Scholorship/Stipend/Fellowship : No

any: other assistance received

during study period

(Ashutosh Sharma)

Documents

EFFECT OF NITROGEN AND PHOSPHOROUS ON GROWTH AND … · CERTIFICATE - II This is to certify that the thesis entitled, “Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth and flowering