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EFFECT OF BIOFERTILIZER AND ZINC ON GLADIOLUS
(Gladiolus grandiflorus L.)
THESIS SUBMITTED TO
For the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Under the Faculty of Botany
Jiwaji University, Gwalior (M.P.)
(Year : 2014)
Supervised By: Scholar:
Dr. R. K. Khare Uday Beer Sharma Professor, Botany M.Sc. (Ag.) Horticulture SMS Govt. Model Science College Gwalior (M.P.)
Research Centre
SMS Govt. Model Science College, Gwalior
Department of Botany
Jiwaji University, Gwalior (M.P.)
2014
2
CERTIFICATE OF THE SUPERVISOR (Para 12-C)
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the work entitled “Effect of bio fertilizers and
zinc on gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L .)” is a piece of
research work done by Uday Beer Sharma under my guidance and
supervision for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. That the
candidate has put in attendance of more than 200 days with me .
To best of my knowledge and belief the thesis:
1. Embodies the work of the candidate himself.
2. Rules and regulations mentioned in the ordinance by the Jiwaji
University have been duly followed.
3. Has duly been completed in 200 days.
4. Is up to the standard both in respect of contents and language for being
referred to the examiner.
( Dr. R. K. Khare)
supervisor
Forwarded
Signature of Principal
3
DECLARATION BY THE CANDIDATE (Para 12-B)
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that to best of my knowledge and belief the
research project entitled “Effect of biofertilizers and zinc on
gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.)”, under the guidance of Dr.
R. K. Khare, Professor, being submitted to the department of
Botany, SMS Govt. Model science college, Gwalior (M.P.), embodies
my own work, which is an original piece of research work done by me
and to the best of my knowledge and belief is not substantially the
same as one which has already been submitted for any other
academic qualification of any other University or Examination body in
India.
Signature of the supervisor Signature of the candidate
Dr. R. K. Khare Uday Beer Sharma ( Professor)
Forwarded
Signature of Principal
4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
No work can be done alone, but is always supported by a group of
persons in various capacities. Many have left me indebted in the preparations
and presentation of this exercise of mine which has been made such richer in
knowledge and experience.
I am proud enough to express my profound respect and deepest
admiration to my guide, Dr. R. K. Khare, Professor “Department of Botany,
SMS Govt. Model science college, Gwalior (M. P.) for this knowledge, his
suggestions, valuable guidance and constant help throughout the research study,
his critical comments, discussions and ideas have been instrumental in
successful execution of the investigation. I am very much thankful for the
suggestive encouragement provided by him.
I am under deep obligation to Dr. (Mrs.) Sangeeta Sukla, Hon. Vice
Chancellor, Dr. Rajiv M. Agarwal, HOD (Botany) and Dr. (Mrs.) Rekha
Bhadouria, Professor (Botany), Jiwaji University, Gwalior, for prvoiding
necessary facilities and guidance in completing the present investigation.
I cordially thankful Dr. D. R. Pawaiya (Principal), Dr. S. H. Querashi,
Professor and head (Botany), SMS Govt. Model science college, Gwalior
(M.P.) for their valuable suggestions during the course of research.
I am also indebted to Dr. K. N. Nagaich, Professor and head
(Horticulture), Naresh Gupta (Prog. Assit. Soil Science) College of
Agriculture, R.V.S.K.V.V, Gwalior and Dr. Gaurav Sharma (Assit. Prof.-
Horticulture, I. G. K. V. V. Raipur, (C. G.), for critical discussions, suggestions
and providing necessary facilities during the entire course of investigation.
No words will be sufficient to express my gratitude to my mother and
father, for their blessings and continuous moral support.
(Uday Beer Sharma)
5
LIST OF CONTENTS
Chapter
No.
Title
Page
No.
I INTRODUCTION 1-9
II REVIEW OF LITERATURE 10-35
III MATERIALS AND METHODS 36-58
IV RESULTS 59-134
V DISCUSSION 135-154
VI SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 155-161
SUGGESTION 162
BIBLIOGRAPHY I-XIV
APPENDIX i-xiii
6
List of Tables
Table
No.
Title Page
No.
3.1 Weekly meteorological data during crop growth period in 2011-12 38
3.2 Weekly meteorological data during crop growth period in 2012-13 39
3.3 Mechanical composition of the soil (0-30cm) 41
3.4 Chemical analysis of experimental soil 42
3.5 Experimental details of field 43
3.6 Treatments and their symbols 44
3.7 Skeleton of analysis of variance 57
4.1 Days taken to 75% sprouting of gladiolus corms as influenced by
bio fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
61
4.2.1 Plant heights of gladiolus as influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP levels at 30 DAP
63
4.2.2 Plant height of gladiolus as influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP
levels at 60 DAS
65
4.2.3 Plant height of gladiolus as influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP
levels at 90 DAS
67
4.3.1 Number of leaves of gladiolus as influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc
and NP levels at 30 DAP
69
4.3.2 Number of leaves of gladiolus as influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc
and NP levels at 60 DAP
71
4.3.3 Number of leaves of gladiolus as influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc
and NP levels at 90 DA
73
4.4 Days to emergence of spike in gladiolus as influenced by bio
fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
75
4.5 Number of spike per square meter as influenced by bio fertilizer,
zinc and NP levels
77
4.6 Spike length (cm) of gladiolus as influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc
and NP level
79
7
Table
No.
Title Page
No.
4.7 Weight of spike (g) of gladiolus as influenced by bio fertilizers, zinc
and NP levels
81
4.8 Days taken to flowering (days for opening of first floret) influenced
by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP level
84
4.9 Number of florets per spike of gladiolus as influenced by bio
fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
86
4.10 Length of florets (cm) influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP levels 88
4.11 Diameter of florets influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP levels 90
4.12 Flowering durations as influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP
levels
92
4.13 Number of florets opened at a time (125 DAP) as influenced by bio
fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
94
4.14 Fresh weight of floret as influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP
level
96
4.15 Dry weight of floret as influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP level 98
4.16 Yield of spike/ha as influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP levels 100
4.17 Vase life of gladiolus as influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP
levels
103
4.18 Nitrogen content (%) in gladiolus leaves as influenced by bio
fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
105
4.19 Phosphorus content (%) in gladiolus leaves as influenced by bio
fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
106
4.20 Potassium content (%) in gladiolus leaves as influenced by bio
fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
107
4.21 Zinc content (ppm) in gladiolus leaves as influenced by bio
fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
108
4.22 Number of corms/plant in gladiolus as influenced by bio fertilizer
and various zinc and NP levels
111
4.23 Number of corms/ha in gladiolus as influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc
and NP levels
113
8
Table
No.
Title Page
No.
4.24 Corms weight (g) of gladiolus as influenced by bio fertilizer and
various zinc and NP levels
116
4.25 Corms diameter (cm) of gladiolus as influenced by bio fertilizer
and various zinc and NP levels
118
4.26 Economics of various treatments (on the basis of mean data of
two year experimentation)
120
4.27 Interaction effect of bio fertilizer and NP levels on number of spike
per square meter
122
4.28 Interaction effect of bio fertilizer and NP levels on weight of spike 123
4.29 Interaction effect of bio fertilizer and NP levels on number of florets
per spike
124
4.30 Interaction effect of bio fertilizer and NP levels on diameter of
florets
125
4.31 Interaction effect of bio fertilizer and NP levels on flowering
durations
126
4.32 Interaction effect of NP and bio fertilizers levels on number of corm
/plant
127
4.33 Interaction effect of NP and bio fertilizers levels on corm weight 128
4.34
Interaction effect of zinc and NP levels on weight of spike 129
4.35 Interaction effect of NP and zinc levels on number of florets per
spike
130
4.36 Interaction effect of NP and zinc levels on flowering duration 131
4.37 Interaction effect of NP and zinc levels on number of florets
opened at 125 DAP
132
4.38 Interaction effect of NP and zinc levels on vase life of flower (Mean
of two year)
133
4.39 Interaction effect of NP and zinc levels on corms diameter (Mean
of two year)
134
9
List of Figures
Fig.
No.
Title After
Page
3.1 Weekly meteorological data during crop growth period 39
3.2 Layout of experimental field 43
4.1 Days taken to 75% sprouting of gladiolus corms as influenced by
bio fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
61
4.2 Plant heights of gladiolus as influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
67
4.3 Number of leaves of gladiolus as influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc
and NP levels
73
4.4 Days to emergence of spike in gladiolus as influenced by bio
fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
75
4.5 Number of spike per square meter as influenced by bio fertilizer,
zinc and NP levels
77
4.6 Spike length (cm) of gladiolus as influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc
and NP level
79
4.7 Weight of spike (g) of gladiolus as influenced by bio fertilizers, zinc
and NP levels
81
4.8 Days taken to flowering (days for opening of first floret) influenced
by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP level
84
4.9 Number of florets per spike of gladiolus as influenced by bio
fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
86
4.10 Length of florets (cm) influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP levels 88
4.11 Diameter of florets influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP levels 90
4.12 Flowering durations as influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP
levels
92
4.13 Number of florets opened at a time (125 DAP) as influenced by bio
fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
94
4.14 Fresh weight of floret as influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP
level
96
10
Fig.
No.
Title After
Page
4.15 Dry weight of floret as influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP level 98
4.16 Yield of spike/ha as influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP levels 100
4.17 Vase life of gladiolus as influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP
levels
103
4.18 Number of corms/ha in gladiolus as influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc
and NP levels
113
4.19 Corms weight (g) of gladiolus as influenced by bio fertilizer and
various zinc and NP levels
116
4.20 Corms diameter (cm) of gladiolus as influenced by bio fertilizer
and various zinc and NP levels
118
4.21 B: C ratio under different treatment of bio fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
120
11
List of Plates
S. No. Title After
Page
1 General view of experimental site 44
2 Taking observations on leaves 73
3 Taking observations on florets 90
4 General view of spike under best treatment combination 100
12
Abbreviations and Acronyms
Abbreviations/
Acronyms
Mining
Ag. Agriculture
& And
et al. And co-workers
Azto Azotobacter
BF Bio fertilizer
dSm-1 Deci Siemens per meter
oC Degree centigrade
Dist. District
DAP Days after planting
EC Electrical conductivity
Fig. Figure
FYM Farm yard manure
g Gram
> Greater than
J. Journal
ha Hectare
Hort Horticulture
IAA Indole Acetic Acid
ICAR Indian Council of Agricultural Research
kg Kilogram
kg ha-1 Kilogram per hectare
< Less than
m Meter
mg kg-1 Milli gram per kilogram
min Minimum
13
Abbreviations/
Acronyms
Mining
mm Milli meter
' Minutes
viz Namely
No. Number
OC Organic carbon
ppm Parts per million
% Per cent
K Potassium
P Phosphorus
PSB Phosphorus Solubilizing bacteria
RH Relative humidity
pH Soil reaction
Temp. Temperature
t ha-1 Tonnes per hectare
Zn zinc
14
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus), generally called “Glad”, a member of
family Iridaceae and sub-family Ixiodeae, originated from South Africa, is a
prominent bulbous cut flower plant. It is also known as the Sword Lily, due to its
sword shaped leaves, or Corn Lily. Being an important bulbous ornamental plant,
it occupies a prime position among commercial flower crops which has high
demand in both domestic and international markets. It occupies eighth position in
the world‟s cut flower trade and has a global history (Ahmad et al., 2008).
The major gladiolus producing countries are the United States (Florida
and California), Holland, Italy, France, Poland, Bulgaria, Brazil, India, Australia
and Israel. The fascinating spike bears a large number of florets with varying
sizes and forms with smooth ruffle of deeply crinkled sepals. Presently, in India
the area under bulbous crop is about 3500 ha of which gladiolus occupies about
more than 1200 ha. The main gladiolus growing places are suited to the north
Indian plains. It is grown in the plains as well as hills up to elevation of 2400 m
from mean sea levels (Singh et al., 2012).
Gladiolus also known as „Queen” of the bulbous flowers is one of the
important ornamental flowering crops of the world. It is a popular cut flower owing
to its versatile colours and varieties having larger keeping quality of flower. It has
great economic value for cut flower trade and much valued by the aesthetic world
for beauty and loving people because its prettiness and unparallel elegance
15
(Sadhu and Bose, 1973). They are widely used as artistic garlands, floral
ornaments, bouquets etc. The long flower spikes are excellent as cut flower for
table decoration when arranged in vases. Gladioli contribute the most important
item for aesthetic, economic and social appeal. Florets open sequentially from
the base of the rachis and extension of longevity of these florets helps in
maintaining the economic value of these flowers for a longer time. The number
of days a flower remains fresh in acceptable condition is the criterion for
describing the keeping quality of flowers.
Flower crops are very much responsive to fertilizer. It is highly capable of
exhausting huge nutrients from native soil. So, it require higher amount of
chemical fertilizer in balance proporation for ensuring maximum flower
production. Fertilizer requirements of gladiolus like other crops, has vital role in
growth, quality, corn and cormel production. There are some reports on the
requirement of Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and other fertilization
in many countries. Major nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium along
with zinc noticeably increase the number of flowers, florets/spike, length of spike
and flowering stem of gladiolus (Afify, 1989).
The ability of the “Plants” to produce more yield is dependent on the
availability of adequate plant nutrients, because cultivation of high yielding
varieties of crop coupled with intensive cropping systems has depleted the soil
fertility, resulting in multi-nutrient deficiencies in soil-plant system. Under such
situation, use of only one or two primary nutrients will not be sufficient for
16
maintaining the long term sustainability of crop production. Moreover, use of
balanced fertilization is a key component of the crop production technology.
Nitrogen being an essential constituent of protein, is a vitally important
plant nutrient. The soils of Gwalior regions are inherently poor in nitrogen and
crops grown on them show deficiency symptoms in almost all the fields, where it
is not applied. An adequate supply of nitrogen is generally associated with
vigrous vegetative growth of plants and deep green colour of leaves.
Phosphorus application increases the root growth and thus, it helps in
absorption of different plant nutrients. It is concerned, with the formation of
meristmatic tissue and plays a fundamental role in number of enzymatic
reactions. It is an essential component of DNA, RNA, which is needed for protein
synthesis. It also plays a major role in energy transfer system (ADP, ATP).
Obviously, phosphorus is essential for numerous metabolic processes.
Phosphorous (P) is one of the major essential macro nutrients limiting
plant growth, owing to its low bio-availability in soils (Gyaneshwar et al. 2002;
Feng et al. 2004). In soil, both macro and micro nutrients undergo a complex
dynamic equilibrium of solubilization and in solubilization, that is greatly
influenced by the soil pH and micro flora affecting their accessibility to plant roots
for absorption. The dwindling nature of P availability is observed both in acid and
alkaline soils. In acid soils, it is bound with Fe and Al or their oxides, whereas in
alkaline soil it is bound with Ca. Fertilizer P tends to be fixed soon after
application and becomes mostly unavailable, resulting in low recovery by crops
and a considerable P accumulation in soils.
17
Microorganisms able to solubilize and mineralize P pools in soils are
considered to be vital. Bacteria are among the predominant micro organisms that
solubilize mineral P in soils, and most of them live in the plant rhizosphere (Barea
et al. 2005). Phosphorous Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) inoculants play an
important role in making phosphorus available to crops. The plant utilizes only
15-25 percent nutrition given through phosphorus and rest is converted in in-
soluble form. PSB convert unavailable P to available form in plant roots. PSB
also increases the capacity of available P in rock phosphate (Gaur and Gaind,
1990).
The growing imbalance of nutrients in soils is posing a threat to sustain
soil health and productivity. Inorganic fertilizers are very costly and their
agronomic efficiency is poor under field conditions. Bio-fertilizers are potential
sources of plant nutrients. It is a substance which contains living
microorganisms which, when applied to seed, plant surfaces, or soil,
colonizes the rhizosphere or the interior of the plant and promote growth
by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients to the host
plant. Bio-fertilizers add nutrients through the natural processes of nitrogen
fixation, solubilizing phosphorus and stimulating plant growth through the
synthesis of growth promoting substances.
The microorganisms in biofertilizers restore the soils natural nutrient cycle
and build soil organic matter. Through the use of biofertilizers, healthy plants can
be grown while enhancing the sustainability and the health of soil. Since they
play several roles, a preferred scientific term for such beneficial bacteria is plant
18
–growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Therefore, they are extremely
advantageous in enriching the soil fertility and fulfilling the plant nutrient
requirements by supplying the organic nutrients through microorganisms and
their by product. Hence, it does not contain any chemicals which are harmful to
the living soil. They are eco friendly organic agro input and more cost effective
than chemical fertilizers.
Certain strains of bio-fertilizers which are being commercially used in
horticultural crops are; Azotobacter, Azospirillum, phosphate solubilizing bacteria
and VAM fungi. As reported in numerous studies, Azospirillum and Azotobacter
are well known symbiotic N-fixing bacteria which help the plants indirectly
through better nitrogen (N) fixation or improving the nutrient availability in the soil.
They have the ability to fix 20-200 kg N ha–1 and increase crop yield by 10-50
(Kennedy et al, 2004), while, Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) are used to
increase the availability of phosphorus in soil. Application of 120:65:62.5 kg NPK
per ha-1 + phosphor bacteria + Azospirillum showed better results in vegetative
and reproductive growth in gladiolus (Srivastava, and Govil, 2005).
Bio-fertilizers are microbial culture, which make availability of
certain plant nutrients to crops by various actions. Rhizobium,
Azotobacter and Azospirillum fixes atmospheric nitrogen while certain
bacteria/ fungal culture viz; Bacillus polymyxa/, Aspergillus awamori helps
in phosphate solublization of both native and applied sparingly soluble
phosphate. Looking to the rising price of chemical fertilizers, microbial
19
cultures can provide an eco-friendly viable support to small and marginal
farmers by partly replacing inorganic fertilizers use in crop production.
Some biofertilizer (Azotobacter spp.) stimulate production of growth
promoting substance like vitamin-B complex, Indole acetic acid (IAA) and
Gibberellic acids etc. phosphorus mobilizing or phosphorus solubilizing
biofertilizers/ microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, mycorrhiza etc.) converts
insoluble soil phosphate into soluble forms by secreting several organic acids
and under optimum conditions they can solubilize/ mobilize about 30-50 kg P2O5
/ha due to which crop yield may increase by 10-20%.
There are reports of reduction in yield even due to constant use of NPK
fertilizers. The reduction in the yield is generally traced due to deficiency of
micronutrients. The micronutrient deficiencies which were sparse and sporadic
initially are now widespread. According to Rattan et al. (2009) more than 2.5 lakh
soil samples were analyzed under all India coordinated research project on
micronutrient from 20 state of the country and found that the 49% of the samples
were deficient in zinc. In Madhya Pradesh, deficiency of zinc was observed in
about 58% soil samples.
The micronutrients play crucial and vital role in gladiolus production as
well as major nutrients in growth and development. To determinate the
commercial value on corm production parameters, the micronutrient contributes
most important role on various metabolism and synthesis processes in plants.
The deficiencies of micronutrients create different abnormalities like chlorosis,
rosetting and scorching etc. (Singh, et al., 2012). It is required in small amount,
20
Zn is essential for carbon dioxide evolution, utilization of carbohydrate,
phosphorus metabolism and synthesis of RNA. Zinc functions in the plants
largely as a metal activator of several enzymes, an algae, yeast, aldolage,
oxaloacetic-decarboxylase, lecithinase, cystieine, disulphydrase, histidine
deaminase, carbonic anhydrase, dihydropeptidase and glycylglycine diperpidase.
Zinc plays an essential role in plant physiology where it activates some
of the enzymes related to metabolism of carbohydrates, auxins, RNA and
ribosome functions. The beneficial effect of zinc on several ornamental plants
were studied, Farahat et al. (2007) on Cupressus sempervirens L., Halder et al.
(2007) on gladiolus, Razin et al. (1992) on thyme.
Bulbous ornamental crops especially gladiolus are very
sensitive to micronutrient deficiency. The deficiency causes the
visual symptoms and physiological disorders. Zinc is an effective
micronutrient to improve growth including, corm and cormel
production (Parthasarthi and Nagaraju, 1999).
Thus it is evident that zinc plays an important role in carbohydrate, protein,
fat and oil metabolism within the plant and in the energy transfer mechanism.
The deficiency of zinc in soils is increasing due to increased use of zinc free
fertilizers and high input oriented intensive agriculture. Zinc does not only
improve the grain yield but also improves the quality of crops.
Gladiolus is a universally acclaimed prestigious flower. For a better
cropping, it is necessary to have integrated approach of nutrients
management including bio fertilizers and micronutrients (especially zinc).
21
In gladiolus, zinc deficient plant shows chlorosis or necrosis and
premature shedding of plants (Mishra and Singh, 1993).
Due to the increasing demand for the fresh flowers, area under
gladiolus has increased in recent years and the yield of flower depends
on different yield attributes which are closely associated with nutrient
uptake by the plant. In addition to NPK, micronutrients have a great
bearing in influencing the yield attributes and flower production (Khader et
al., 1985).
Application of micronutrients was found to enhance the foliage and
flower production. Among the micronutrients, iron and zinc foliar sprays
were reported to be conductive for flower production (Kumar and Arora,
2000). These advantages could be due to that micronutrients activate
several enzymes and are involved in various physiological activities
(Sinha et al., 1999) and metabolic function of micronutrients in the plant
system are involved in the synthesis of tryptophan as the precursor for
auxin (Chen et al., 1982).
Bio-fertilizers seem to be a feasible option for sustained agriculture on a
commercial and profitable scale. In addition, they are eco-friendly, easily
available and cost effective .Present study was formulated to investigate the
potential role of bio-fertilizers application for enhancing growth, yield and
improving quality of Gladiolus grandiflorus in a sustainable agricultural production
system in order to reduce the amount of excessive chemical material released to
the environment.
22
However, information on the sole or combined use of
Azotobacter and PSB along with different NP and zinc levels under
semi- arid conditions of Gwalior region is lacking. Therefore, the
present experiment was designed with varying doses of NP with
different combinations of bio-fertilizer and zinc on gladiolus to find
out the saving of chemical fertilizers with the use of bio fertilizers and
optimum dose of zinc for maximum plant growth, flowering and post
harvest life of gladiolus with the following objectives:
Objectives:
1. To study the effect of bio- fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of gladiolus
in combination with different doses of chemical fertilizers.
2. To find out the optimum concentration of zinc for better performance of
gladiolus.
3. To determine the impact of bio fertilizers, zinc and NP levels on quality
parameters of gladiolus.
4. To work out the economics of treatment combinations for profitable
gladiolus production under agro – climatic conditions of Gwalior region.
23
CHAPTER – II
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Review of literature is a necessary step for any scientific study. It provides
a theoretical framework, previous work and the basic interpretation of findings to
the study. An attempt has been made to review the literature, which is
meaningful and has direct relevance to this study. The available relevant
references have been reviewed under appropriate heads:
2.1: Effect of bio-fertilizers on gladiolus
2.2: Effect of zinc on gladiolus
2.3: Effect of major nutrients on gladiolus
2.1: Effect of biofertilizers on gladiolus
Bio-fertilizers are microbial culture, which make availability of certain
plant nutrients to crops by various actions. Rhizobium, Azotobacter and
Azospirillum fixes atmospheric nitrogen while certain bacteria/ fungal
culture viz; Bacillus polymyxa/, Aspergillus awamori helps in phosphate
solublization of both native and applied sparingly soluble phosphate.
Looking to the rising price of chemical fertilizers, microbial cultures can
provide an eco-friendly viable support to small and marginal farmers by
partly replacing inorganic fertilizers use in crop production.
24
Azotobacter, a heterotrophic aerobic organism capable of fixing nitrogen
as non-symbiotic is of wide occurrence in rhizosphere of many plants. Interest in
the use of Azotobacter as bio fertilizer waxed and waned from time to time. The
reasons may be varied, but partly be due to the inconsistent results in its
performance. In Soviet Union, a soil fertilizing Azotobacter chroococum
containing preparation called “Azotobacterin” has been used since 1930. When
the ability of Azotobacter to produce biologically active substances was
ascertained, it is effect on plants was associated not only with the process of
nitrogen fixation and improving nitrogen nutrition of plants, but also with the
supply of biologically active compounds such as vitamins and gibberellins. The
amount of nitrogen fixing varies from 0.026 to 20 kg/ha (Shroff, 1989).
Azotobacter inoculation in tomato resulted increased vitamin-C content
early flowering, plant growth and fruit yield (Azcon and Barea, 1995).
Phosphorous (P) is one of the major essential macro nutrients limiting
plant growth, owing to its low bio-availability in soils (Gyaneshwar et al. 2002;
Feng et al. 2004). In soil, both macro and micro nutrients undergo a complex
dynamic equilibrium of solubilization and insolubilization, which is greatly
influenced by the soil pH and micro flora affecting their accessibility to plant roots
for absorption.
Phosphorus mobilizing or phosphorus solubilizing biofertilizers/
microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, mycorrhiza etc.) converts insoluble soil
phosphate into soluble forms by secreting several organic acids. Under optimum
25
conditions, they can solubilize/ mobilize about 30-50 kg P2O5 /ha, due to which
crop yield may increase by 10-20 percent.
Application of phosphobacteria in tomato resulted into increased
flowering (Ocampo and Barea, 1998) increased yield, greater phosphorus
uptake and improvement in the quality as well as higher yield (Smith et al.,
1961).
Siddique et al. (1993) reported the effect of Azotobacter inoculation after
one month in mulberry cultivation. The vegetative growth including plant height,
number of leaves and their size were increased significantly with Azotobacter.
Verma and Shinde (1993) noticed that floriculture and vegetables crops
in general and potato, onion and brinjal in particular responded well to
Azotobacter treatment.
In the case of sweet potato increased length of sweet potato vines and
tuber growth was obtained by Azotobactor inoculation along with 50-75% of the
recommended level of nitrogenous fertilizer when compared to chemical fertilizer
without Azotobactor, indicating the possibility of reducing the nitrogenous
fertilizer to the tune of 10-20 kg N/ha per season. (Jadhav et al. 1998).
Mishra (1998) recorded more number of florets/spike, number
of cormels/plant and weight of cormels/plant by treating gladiolus
corms with nafed super culture containing Azotobactor spp. along
with other growth regulating substance.
26
Gupta et al. (1999) laid out a field experiment during 1996-97
with different combinations of Azotobactor, phosphorus solubilizing
bacteria (PSB) and nitrogen on Tagetes erecta and recorded that
growth and flower yields were highest with Azotobacter + phosphorus
solubilizing bacteria in combination of 75% or 100% nitrogen.
Smith et al. (2002) noticed that the application of phospho-
bacteria (PSB) increased flowering, greater phosphorus uptake and
improvement in the quality as well as in higher yield.
Dubey and Mishra (2005) observed that the combined
inoculation of gladiolus corms with Azotobacter + PSB was found
best for corn weight, corms/plant, cormel/plant, cormel weight and
increased propagation coefficient.
Yadav et al. (2005) reported that the application of Azotobacter
and PSB significantly increase the spike length but the magnitude of
increase was found lower in comparison to nitrogen. Among different
biofertilizers, Azotobacter was found more effective in improving the
quality of spikes.
Godse et al. (2006) evaluated the effect of organic manures
and bioferfilizers with reduced doses of inorganic fertilizers on
growth, yield and quality of gladiolus at Satpuda Botanic Garden,
College of Agriculture, Nagpur during the year 2004-2005. The
results revealed that plants receiving vermicompost 8 t ha-1+
27
Azotobacter and PSB @25 kg ha-1 each+ 80% RDF significantly
increased growth, yield and quality attributes of gladiolus viz., plant
height, number of leaves, number of spikes ha -1, number of corms
plant-1, weight of corms ha -1, length of spike and number of florets
spike-1 when compared with RDF and other treatments. As regarding
diameter of open floret, the treatments of vermicompost 8 t ha-1
+Azotobacter and PSB @ 25 kg ha-1 each+ 80% RDF, FYM 40 t ha -1
+Azotobacter and PSB @ 25 kg ha-1 each+ 80% RDF, Neemcake 6 t
ha-1+Azotobacter and PSB @ 25 kg ha-1 each+80% RDF and RDF
alone were found significantly at par with each other. FYM 40 t ha -1
+Azotobacter and PSB @ 25 kg ha-1 each+80% RDF and Neem cake
6 t ha-1+Azotobacter and PSB @ 25 kg ha-1 each+80% RDF also
increased growth, yield and quality of gladiolus significantly over
RDF except number of leaves, number of florets spike -1 and diameter
of open floret. As regards B:C ratio, the treatment of vermicompost 8
t ha-1 + Azotobacter and PSB @ 25 kg ha-1 each+80% RDF exhibited
the highest B:C ratio (3.70) when compared with RDF (2.81),
whereas B:C ratio of the treatment of FYM 40 t ha-1
+Azotobacter and PSB @ 25 kg ha-1 each+80% RDF (2.80) was
found equal to RDF.
Srivastava and Govil (2007) found that the biofertilizers
significantly improved different vegetative and floral characters as
compared to control. Vegetative growth was enhanced most
28
effectively by Azotobacter treatment. However, for quality spike
production PSB was found more effective. It was found that the
treatment of the corms with the biofertilizers increased the total
rhizospheric bacterial population. The maximum c.f.u/g soil (148.2)
was recorded in Azotobacter (at 100 g/L) as compared to (70.0) in
control. This indicates that the improvement in the various characters
of gladiolus is due to the activity of rhizospheric bacteria, which is
enhanced by biofertilizer inoculation.
Dalve et al. (2009) reported that the growth parameters like
plant height and number of leaves, flowering parameters like days
required for emergence of spikes, days required for first pair of
florets, days required for 50% flowering, yield contributing characters
like number of florets/ spike, number of spike/plant, corms and
cormels per plant and per hectare were positively influenced by the
application of both the biofertilizers in combination with nitrogen and
it was maximum under 75% N + 100% PK+ Azotobacter +
Azospirillum and at par with the treatment 100% NPK+ Azotobacter +
Azospirillum. Thus there was 25% saving of nitrogenous a fertilizer
which was replaced by the biofertilizers.
Dongardive et al. (2009) studied the influence of organic
manure and biofertilizers on yield and yield contributing parameters
of corms and cormels in gladiolus cv. White Prosperity at Satpuda
Botanical Garden, College of Agriculture, Nagpur (M.S.) during the
29
year 2005-2006. The data indicated that, the yield in terms of number
of corms and weight of corms and cormels per plant, weight of corm
and cormels per hectare and diameter of corms were found to be
highly influenced by the treatment where RDF (500:200:200 NPK
kg/ha) applied. The treatment RDF (500:200:200 NPK kg/ha)
produced highest corm yield of 33.70 q/ha with 16.23 g plant -1 yield
of cormels. The treatment of vermicompost 8 t/ha+ (Azotobacter 5
kg/ha)+ PSB 5 kg/ha also showed significant results were producing
corm yield of 32.80 qt/ha and cormels yield weighing 15.36 g plant -1.
Thus significantly the maximum corm and cormels yield were
obtained in the treatment where RDF (500:200:200 NPK kg/ha) was
applied and in the treatment of vermicompost 8 t/ha respectively as
compared to other treatments.
Dubey et al. (2010) revealed that the combined inoculation
of gladiolus corms with AZT+PSB was found best for days to
flowering (114.59 days), first floret diameter (9.08 cm), florets
remaining open (6.46) and days to last floret opening (128.90 days)
among all the bio-fertilizer(s) treatments.
Ahmad Ali et al. (2013) assess the effect of different bio-
fertilizer on growth and flower quality characteristics of Gladiolus
(Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) . The present results have shown that all
the vegetative and reproductive growth accomplished successfully by
application of biofertilizers. However, the treatment containg
30
Azospirillum (T4) gained highest values in terms of plant height,
florets spike -1, Spike length, Florets fresh weight and earlier
sprouting than rest of the treatments. The role of biofertilizers in
cormels production and nutrient uptake, T4 had also superiority with
more cormels plant-1 and played leading role in nutrient (NPK)
absorption than the control one. So, in this experiment biofertilizer
has been identified as an alternative to chemical fertilizer in order to
increase soil fertility and crop production in sustainable farming.
Sonmez et al. (2013) observed that the highest mean contents
of nitrogen (1.97%), iron (160 ppm) and manganese (128 ppm) in
leaves were obtained in chicken manure application, the highest
mean contents of potassium (2.01%), calcium (1.80%) and
magnesium (0.25 ppm) were determined in waste mushroom compost
application. The highest mean contents of phosphorus (0.30%), zinc
(25.3 ppm) and copper (9.29 ppm) in leaves were found with peat,
control and farmyard manure applications, respectively. The highest
mean contents of phosphorus (0.83%), potassium (1.47%), calcium
(0.57%), manganese (73 ppm) and zinc (67.3 ppm) in corms were
obtained in farmyard manure applications. The highest mean
contents of iron (17.6 ppm) and magnesium (0.20%) in corms were
obtained in peat and waste mushroom compost applications,
respectively. Application of organic fertilizers increased macro and
micro nutrient contents in leaves and corms of hybrid Gladiolus sp.
31
Chaudhary et al. (2013) carried out study to know the
combined effect of integrated nutrient management on vegetative
growth and flowering characters of gladiolus cv. Snow Princess with
the application of Azospirillum, PSB, vermicompost and FYM with
and without 100, 75 and 50% recommended dose of NPK. The
results showed that plant height was maximum with application of
75% RDF +20 t ha-1 FYM, while number of florets remaining open at
a time was recorded maximum under 100% RDF+FYM, 20 tonnes/ha.
Days to first floret opening and number of days for 50% plant to
sprout were earliest under treatments 75% RDF+FYM,10 tonnes/ha+
vermicompost, 10 tonnes/ha and vermicompost, 20 tonnes/ha,
respectively. The application of 20 t ha-1 FYM produced maximum
number of leaves. The components like diameter of 3 rd florets, length
of rachis, fresh weight of plant and vase life of spike in tap water
were maximum with 50% RDF (60: 40: 40 kg/ha NPK) +10 tonnes/ha
each of FYM and vermicompost; whereas days to first floret opening
was minimum with 75% RDF (90:60:60 kg/ha NPK) +10 tonnes/ha
each of FYM and vermicompost. Application of integrated nutrients,
i.e. 50% RDF (60:40:40 kg/ha NPK) +10 tonnes/ha each of FYM and
vermicompost +2 g/plant each of Azospirillum and PSB produced
significantly maximum length of spike, number of florets per spike,
duration of flowering and yield of corms.
32
2.2: EFFECT OF ZINC ON GLADIOLUS:
Zinc has vital role in plant life. It is essential for vegetative and
reproductive processes. Its functions in the plants largely as a metal activator of
several enzymes, oxaloacetic- decarboxylase, lecithinase, cystieine,
disulphydrase, histidine deaminase, carbonic anhydrase, dihydropeptidase and
glycylglycine diperpidase. (Reed, 1942). Application of zinc had conspicuous
effect on the vegetative growth of gladioli (Sharova et al., 1977), while number of
bulbils/leaf scale increased following zinc in lily (Kara and Gindina, 1970).
The mobility of zinc in the soil and its uptake by plants is influenced by
the supply of major nutrients and their interaction with zinc in soil react interface
through their chemical reaction and physiological mechanism. A mutual
antagonistic interaction between the micronutrients as well as with certain
macronutrients either in soils or at the absorption sites or within the plant is well
documented (Tiwari and Pathak, 1976; Katyal and Randhawa, 1983).
In many parts of India, zinc as a plant nutrient now stand third in
importance next to nitrogen and phosphorus, the deficiency of zinc under semi
arid climate has emerged as a serious limitations to crop production. Zinc
deficiency is being widely expressed in the light textured soils. Earlier studies
suggest that various crops respond well to zinc (Tiwari and Dwivedi, 1991).
Sharma and Grewal (1998) observed that the zinc applied through
soil (20 kg haˉ¹), foliar sprays (0.2% ZnSO4 solution at 40 and 60 days after
33
planting) and soaking of seed tubers (0.05% ZnSO4 solution for 3 hours)
increased the yield of potato tubers significantly over control.
Kumar and Arora (2000) reported that sprays of FeSO4, ZnSO4
and MnSO4 at 3-leaf and 6-leaf stages of gladiolus (cv. White
Prosperity) revealed earliness in flowering and increase the plant
height and number of leaves under 0.2% FeSO4. Spike length,
number of florets, weight of spike and size of florets were
significantly increased with FeSO4 + ZnSO4, each at 0.2%. Longest
duration of flowering was observed under 0.4% FeSO4+ 0.2% ZnSO4.
Singh and Singh (2000) noticed that the different levels of
ZnSO4 failed to exert any perceptible influence on number of
cormlets/plant and weight of cormlets/plant. However the 20kg
ZnSO4/ha caused maximum increase in weight of corm and diameter
of corm.
Joshi and Raghav (2002) conducted experiment with potato cultivar Kufri
Jawahar during winter seasons of 2002-03 and 2003-04 at Pant nagar. The tuber
yield increased significantly by the application of zinc sulphate. Recommended
doses (RDF) of NPK + foliar application of ZnSO4 @ 0.5% at 35, 45 and 55
days after planting gave higher yield followed by RDF ZnSO4 @ 1% (foliar) and
RDF + ZnSO4 @ 20 kg/ha as soil application. Foliar application of zinc sulphate
was found superior as compared to soil application.
34
Kumar et al. (2003) conducted field experiment at C.S.A. University of
Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur during 1998-99 on the gladiolus var. Sylvia
at 3-leaf stage with borax, CaSO4 and ZnSO4 (0.2,0.5 and 0.75%) sprayings and
revealed that ZnSO4 at 0.75% induced earlier flowering (75.81 days) and
increased the number of corms (1.33). Length of leaf (55.75 cm) and length of
floret (8.96 cm) were significantly increased with 0.2% borax + 0.75% ZnSO4 and
0.5% CaSO4 + 0.75% ZnSO4, respectively.
Sharma et al. (2004) reported that the spray of zinc sulphate
(0.6%) were found most effective for enhancing vegetative growth,
spike length, number and size of florets, flowering duration and
number of spike in gladiolus.
Singh and Singh (2004) found that application of the highest
level of ZnSO4 (20.0 kg/ha) resulted in maximum number of
flowers/spike with larger size of spike. They suggested that gladiolus
Cv. Sylvia may be planted at a spacing of 25x20 cm and a dose of
20.0 kg ZnSO4 /ha may be applied during last ploughing.
Jauhari et al. (2005) noticed that the application of zinc
sulphate (0.2%) gave maximum plant height, spike length, rachis
length and florets opened at a time, whereas corm yield and percent
opening of florets in vase were maximum with the application of zinc
sulphate at 0.4%. It was observed that higher concentration of zinc
sulphate (beyond 0.4%) had negative effect on plant growth,
35
flowering and corm yield. This implies that 0.4% zinc sulphate is the
optimum concentration in gladiolus for better crop performance.
Maximum zinc content of leaf was recorded with 1.0% zinc sulphate
application which was at par with lower concentration (0.6 & 0.8%).
Maximum N and K contents of corm were recorded with application of
zinc sulphate at 0.6 and 0.2%, respectively.
Pratap et al. (2005) conducted experiment in Hyderabad,
Andhra Pradesh, comprised 16 treatment combinations with 4 levels
each of FeSO4 (0, 0.5, 0.75 and 1%) and ZnSO4 (0, 0.25, 0.5 and
0.75%) sprayed at the 3 rd and 6th leaf stage of gladiolus cv. Trader
Horn and found that the foliar spraying of FeSO4 at 0.5%
concentration significantly influenced iron content in the leaves. In
contrast, leaf zinc content was least influenced by spraying of FeSO 4.
Significantly enhanced zinc content in the leaves was recorded by
spraying with ZnSO4 at 0.5%. The combined spraying of FeSO4 and
ZnSO4 at varied concentrations resulted in significant but
inconsistent changes in leaf nutrient accumulation. Foliar spray of
FeSO4 at 0.75% significantly enhanced the cormel weight. The effect
of ZnSO4 alone or in combination with FeSO4 had no significant
effect on corm and cormel production parameters.
Bala et al. (2006) conducted an experiment in Hyderabad,
Andhra Pradesh, India, on gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus) cultivars
Praha, Fiedelio and Jacksonvilla Gold to determine the effect of pre
36
harvest sprays of ZnSO4 (0, 0.5 and 1%) and planting date (1
November, 16 November and 2 December) on flowering, flower
quality and vase life. Fiedelio was late to open first floret and
complete flowering and produced longer and heavier spikes with
more number of florets per spike. Corms planted on 1 November
were earliest to flower. Flowering was delayed with the increase of
concentration of ZnSO4. In vase life studies, Fiedelio recorded
maximum fresh weight and minimum water loss to uptake ratio.
Jacksonvilla Gold recorded maximum vase life and minimum number
of florets opened per day. The numbers of florets opened per day
were maximum in November plantings coupled with ZnSO4 sprays.
Halder et al. (2007) studied that the different growth characters
(viz; plant height, length of spike, length of rachis & leaves number)
and floral character (viz; floret number, floret size & weight of stick)
significantly responded to the combined application of boron and zinc
at the rate of B2.0 Zn4.54 as compared to other treatment combination.
Pratap et al. (2008) reported that the keeping quality of
gladiolus spikes adjudged on the prolonged shelf life by
micronutrients (FeSO4 & ZnSO4) sprays. Pre harvest foliar spray of
FeSO4 at 0.75 or 1.0% with ZnSO4 at 0.5% concentration and post-
harvest dipping of the cut spikes in preservative chemicals showed
significant improvement in the keeping quality of spikes of gladiolus.
37
Kumar and Haripriya (2010) carried out an experiment on the
effect of foliar application of iron and zinc on growth, flowering and
yield of Nerium (Nerium odorum L.) using monthly spray of 0.25%,
0.50% and 0.75% of FeSO4 and ZnSO4 and their combination with a
control (water spray). Among different treatments, FeSO4 @ 0.75% +
ZnSO4 @ 0.50% spray gave significantly maximum value of all the
growth attributes like plant height, number of leaves per plant, plant
spread and leaf area. However, significant and superior results on
early flowering, duration of flowering and yield attributes and
estimated flower yield per hectare were observed with FeSO4 @
0.75% + ZnSO4 @ 0.50% spray, followed by FeSO4 @ 0.75% +
ZnSO4 @ 0.75% spray.
Khalifa et al. (2011) conducted pot experiment on sandy soil
during 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 seasons in the green house of the
National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt. This work was aimed
to study the influence the foliar spraying of zinc (as zinc sulphate)
and boron (as boric acid) on growth parameters, bulblet, flower
characteristics, chemical constituents and nutrients content of leaves
and flowers. Zinc sulphate at concentrations of 0.0, 1.5g/l, 3.0g/l and
4.5g/l and boric acid (B) at concentrations of 0.0, 5ppm, 10 ppm and
20 ppm were applied alone and in combinations twice as foliar spray,
where the first spray was after 45days and the second was after 60
days of planting. Results showed that the foliar spraying of zinc
38
sulphate or boric acid alone at all rates and all combinations
significantly increased growth parameters, flowers characteristics
and bulblet number and yield/plant as compared with the control
treatment. The treatments also significantly increased leaves
carbohydrate, pigment, nutrients, i.e. N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and B
content, as well as carbohydrate and oil of flowers (%) and its
nutrients content as compared with the control. The most promising
results were obtained from plants treated with Zn at 4.5g/l combined
with 20 ppm B.
Lahijie (2012) noted that the solutions of FeSO4 and ZnSO4
significantly affected plant growth and floral characteristics of
gladiolus. Higher contents of both FeSO4 and ZnSO4 speeded the
plant growth and increased flowering characteristics. Application of
1% FeSO4 accelerated flowering earlier than ZnSO4, as well as
elongated days to spike emergence (21.49 days) and first florets
opening (38.28). The results showed that 2% of both FeSO 4 and
ZnSO4 solutions and their mixture delayed the days from basal floret
opening and number of floret at a time. The flowering properties like
plant height (83.47 cm), length of spike (66.03 cm), number of leaves
(9.52/plant) floret number (11.55/spike), and diameter of floret (8.53
cm) were significantly different than other treatments when a mixed
solution of 2% FeSO4 and ZnSO4 was applied.
39
Katiyar et al. (2012) carried out the experiment on spike
production in gladiolus with foliar application of zinc, calcium and
boron in Horticulture Garden of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of
Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur in Randomized Block Design
with four replications. The experimental plots were 32 with 8
treatments and two levels each of zinc, calcium and boron treated by
zinc sulphate 0.5%, calcium sulphate 0.75% and borax 0.2%,
respectively. The results obtained revealed that the foliar spray of
zinc at 0.5% to gladiolus plant was most effective to influence the
vegetative growth and size of spike.
Singh et al. (2012) reported that the foliar spray of Zn, Fe and
Cu, significantly increased the number of corms per plant in
gladiolus. The number of corms per plant revealed by Zn (1.74), Fe
(1.66) and Cu (1.68) over their respective control. Weight of corms
significantly increased with the application of Zn and Cu (94.38 and
94.82 g, respectively). Diameter of corms influenced significantly with
the application of Zn, Fe and Cu (5.71, 5.77 and 5.81 cm diameter,
respectively. Maximum increase in cormels production per plant was
influenced due to application of zinc (44.97) followed by spray of
copper (43.18) and iron (42.11) over their respective control.
Sharma et al. (2013) carried out an experiment at, Chandra
Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur
during the year 2010-11. The experiment consist two levels each of
40
Zn (Zn0 and Zn1), Ca (Ca0 and Ca1) and B (B0 and B1) which were
sprayed on gladiolus plant. The dose of foliar spray of Zn, Ca and B
were 0.75%, 0.50% and 0.20%, respectively. The height of plant
significantly increased by foliar application of Zn, B, and Ca (79.55
cm, 79.39 cm and 78.75, respectively) and interaction effect was also
significant between those. The yield of spike increased significantly
with foliar application of zinc and calcium and the maximum yield of
spike (16904.50) was recorded with application of zinc 0.75%. The
length of floret was significantly enhanced by the use of B (8.29) and
Zn (8.23) while, effect of Ca was non-significant. Spray of calcium
was found most effective in prolonging the longevity of spike (17.61
days) as compare to control (14.79 days) and more corms (3.30)
were produced in the plants fertilized with zinc. Among the results
obtained from the application of Zn, B and Ca and its interaction . Zn
exhibited most significant effect on various parameters studied under
the investigation.
Memon et al. (2013) examined the effect of zinc sulphate
(ZnSO4) and iron sulphate (FeSO4) on the growth and flower
production of gladiolus. The results showed that application of 40 g
ZnSO4 +20 g FeSO4 resulted in significantly better performance than
rest of the treatments with 12.44 leaves plant -1 and 115.70 cm length
of leaves. The control treatment resulted in lowest values for almost
all the studied traits. It was concluded that overall growth and flower
41
production performance of gladiolus was remarkable when the plants
were supplied with combined application of 40 g ZnSO4 + 20 g
FeSO4 and lowest performance was noted in control. Hence, for
achieving high performance in gladiolus, the plants may be fertilized
with 40 g ZnSO4 +20 g FeSO4.
2.3: EFFECT OF MAJOR NUTRIENTS (NPK) ON GLADIOLUS:
In nutritional studies conducted on gladiolus, Woltz (1954) reported
less leaf production, reduced spike weight and blindness due to lack of nitrogen.
Kosugi and Kondo (1960) observed that where nitrogen had been
applied in the previous year, there were increase in the sprouting and flowering
percentage, number of florets, weight of corms and number of cormels.
Deswal et al. (1983) suggested that plant receiving higher N rates
(50-100kg/ha) were tallest (71.60 cm) and produced the greatest number of
florets/spike (4.90) and corn/plant (19.50).
Borrelli (1984) found that increasing N supply (0, 10, 20 or 30 g/m2) in
the form of ammonium nitrate increased number of flowering shoots and
improved all qualitative characteristics ; showing that high rate of N is needed to
counteract decline in spike quality.
Potti and Arora (1986) recorded that application of 60 g N, 20
g P and 20 g K/m2 was found to be beneficial for the production of
42
gladiolus flowers as well as for corm and cormel production in
gladiolus Cv. Sylvia.
Jhon et al. (1997) studied the effect of N, P2O5 and K2O (0, 50 and
100kg/ha) on gladiolus cv. Oscar and found that application of fertilizers
increased corm size, corm weight, number of cormels/plant and cormel weight.
The highest levels of N, P2O5 and K2O i.e. 100kg/ha also gave significantly
higher vegetative growth, flowering, corm and cormel production.
Pushpalatha et al. (2000) revealed that the cost of
cultivating gladiolus per acre amounted to Rs. 287 974 and 271 816 in the urban
and rural districts of Bangalore (Karnataka, India), respectively. The major cost
components were the planting material and labour in weeding revealing the high
capital and labour intensive nature of the crop. The high rate of return of 1.46 to
1.45 per rupee of investment showed the economic feasibility of
gladiolus cultivation in the two districts. Unavailability of labour and storage
facilities and exploitation by middlemen were the major constraints faced by the
growers in the production and marketing of gladiolus.
Kumar and Chattopadhyay (2001) observed that the G.
grandiflorus cv. Tropic Sea supplied with different levels of N (40, 50 and 60
g/m2) at 2 splits (3 and 6 leaf stages) as side dressing, P2O5 (10, 20 and 30 g/m2)
and K2O at 20 g/m2, in a field experiment in West Bengal, India, during 1990-93.
The fertilizer combination of N at 50 g/m2, P at 10 g/m2 and K at 20 g/m2 resulted
in the highest spike weight, numbers of flowers per spike, flower diameter,
43
number of open flowers at a time, size and weight of corms, and number of
corms.
Hatibarua et al. (2002) studied the effect of nitrogen dosed (5, 10, 20, 30
and 40 g/m2) on post harvest life of cut spikes of gladiolus cv. Dhanvantari. In
general, increasing N levels markedly improved the characters studied. Nitrogen
at 20 to 40 g/m2 produced bigger diameter of fully open third florets, more life
number of florets/spike, and higher effective useful life and vase life of spikes.
Singh et al. (2002) determined the effects of N (0, 25, 50 and 75 g/m2), P
(0, 20 and 30 g/m2) and K (0 and 20 g/m2) on the N, P and K content of the
leaves of gladiolus (G. grandiflorus) cv. Sylvia in a field experiment conducted in
Hisar, Haryana, India. N, P and K content in the leaves of gladiolus increased
with increasing rates of N, P and K fertilizers. P application increased the N
status in the leaves of the plant. N and K application resulted in the increase in
leaf P content although the increase was not significant. Leaf K content
increased significantly with the application of N and K fertilizers. The effects of P
on K content of the leaves were not significant.
Nagaich et al. (2003) conducted a field experiment to determine the
effects of N (0, 40, 80 or 120 kg/ha) and P (0, 20, 40 or 60 kg/ha) on the growth,
yield and quality of marigold (Tagetes erecta). Flower yield; N, P and K uptake;
net income; and benefit : cost ratio increased with increasing rates of N and was
highest with the application of 60 kg P/ha except for N uptake which was highest
44
with the application of 20 kg P/ha. Significant interaction effects between N and P
were recorded.
Sehrawat et al. (2003) conducted an investigation to find out the
optimum N, P and K rates for the cultivation of gladiolus cv. Happy End in
Haryana, India, during 1997-98. Four N rates (0, 20, 40, 60 g/m2) three P rates
(0, 15 and 30 g/m2) and/or two K rates (0 and 10 g/m2) were given. The average
leaf number per plant and plant height were highest with 60 g N, 30 g P and 15 g
K/m2. The corm production, duration of flowering, spike and rachis length and
number of florets were maximum with the application of 40 g N, 15 g P and 15 g
K/m2.
Khan and Ahmad (2004) studied the effects of various levels of NPK,
applied after 30 and 45 days of planting, on plant growth and flowering
characteristics of Gladiolus hortulanus cv. Wind Song, in pot experiments as a
means of achieving better management, production and
ascertaining NPK utilization. Plant height (cm), number of leaves, leaf length (cm)
and spike length (cm) was maximum with 10:10:5 g NPK/pot whereas spike
emergence, opening of first and last floret, corm diameter and corm weight was
maximum with 5:5:5 g NPK/pot. The number of florets per spike was maximum
with 10:5:5 g NPK/pot. High N application rate combined with moderate P and K
rates enhanced vegetative growth characteristics while moderate rates
of NPK exhibited more pronounced effect on floral characteristics and corm
development of gladiolus.
45
Selvaraj (2004) conducted an experiment under poly house conditions
in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India to evaluate the effect of different NPK levels
(50:50:50, 50:50:100, 50:100:50: 50:100:100, 100:50:50, 100:50:100, 100:100:50
and 100:100:100 kg/ha) on the vegetative and flowering characteristics
of gladiolus cv. Eurovision. NPK at 100:100:100 kg/ha recorded the highest
values for plant height (106.3 cm), number of florets per spike (13) and spike
length (58.4 cm). The untreated control recorded the lowest values for these
parameters.
Deo and Dubey (2005) conducted an investigation in Horticultural
nursery, IGAU, Raipur, Madhya Pradesh, India, during winter season of 2000-
2001. The experiment was laid out on a randomized block design with five
treatments and five replications. Results indicated that the growth characteristics
such as plant height, number of leaves plant-1, leaf area, fresh weight of plant,
weight of corm, diameter of corm and yield of corms were influenced by the
treatment 400 kg N, 200 kg P2O5, and 200 kg K2O ha-1 with N in three splits,
which was found to be superior over all other treatments. The leaf width, weight
of cormels plant-1, dry weight of plant and yield of cormels were found maximum
in 400 kg N, 200 kg P2O5 and 200 kg K2O ha-1 + 50 tonnes farmyard manure ha-
1 with N in two splits and it was found to be superior for these traits over other
treatments.
Mohapatra et al. (2005) studied the effects of N (10, 20 or 30 g/m2), P
(10 or 20 g/m2) and K (10 or 20 g/m2) fertilizers on corm production
in gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus cv. Pink Prospector) in Bhubaneswar, Orissa.
46
N at 20 and 30 g/m2 resulted in the highest number of cormels per plant (10.73
and 10.14, respectively). The number of cormels per plant did not significantly
vary with the P rate. N, P and K rates, and the interaction among the treatments
had no significant effects on the production of corms. Corm weight per plant was
highest with 20 g N (26.66 g) and 20 g P/m2 (23.89 g); the values of this
parameter did not significantly vary with the K rate. Plants treated with N, P and
K at 20:20:10 and 20:20:20 produced the heaviest corms (32.72 and 29.20 g). N
and P rates had no significant effect on corm diameter. However, the interaction
among N, P and K at 20 g/m2 each gave the greatest corm diameter (15.26 cm).
The results showed that N, P and K at 20 g/m2 were optimum for corm production
in gladiolus.
Dubey et al. (2010) conducted an experiment on two gladiolus varieties
viz. Jester and Sylvia with chemical and bio-fertilizers in Division of Floriculture
and Landscaping, IARI, Pusa, New Delhi. Variety Jester performed significantly
better over Sylvia for early flowering (116.16 days) higher floret diameter (8.37
cm), florets/spike (13.60), floret remaining open (5.86), days to last floret opening
(128.05 days) and enhanced vase life (8.34 days) while variety Sylvia was found
significantly better for more number of days to last floret opening (135.04 days).
Application of full dose of NPK resulted into significant influence on delayed
flowering floret diameter, florets remaining open and enhanced vase life, while
significant effect for days to last floret opening was recorded when there was no
application of NPK. However, the effect of half dose of recommended NPK was
47
found at par with that of full dose for days to flowering floret diameter and days to
last floret opening.
Jha et al. (2012) conducted an experiment on gladiolus variety
'Candyman' at Horticulture Farm, Department of Horticulture, IGKV Raipur (C.G.)
during the rabi season of 2010-11 to study the effect of FYM and vermicompost
in combination with various doses of inorganic fertilizer. Under the combinations
of various levels of vermicompost, FYM and organic fertilizer, the treatment
receiving 75% RDF+FYM 10 t ha-1 recorded better in days to sprouting, number
of sprouts, number of leaves plant-1, girth of plant base, width of leaf, height of
the plant, days to spike emergence, diameter of corm, weight corm-1, total corm
weights plot-1 and number of corms plant-1. However, length of the spike, number
of florets spikes-1, vase life of cut spikes were found maximum with the
application of 75% RDF+Vermicompost 3 t ha-1. Whereas, treatments with FYM
10 t ha-1 and Vermicompost only 3.0 t ha-1 showed significantly minimum leaves
plant-1, diameter of corm, weight corm-1, total corms weight plot-1 and number of
corms plant-1.
Ocampo et al. (2012) noticed that the gladiolus supplied with 80-80-
80 kg ha-1 NPK showed greater height; stem diameter, leaf area, dry matter and
quality parameters such as length of inflorescence, number and size flowers per
plant. N had the greatest influence on this response. The higher net income was
with 80-80-40 kg ha-1 and the lowest with 0-80-40 of N, P and K. These results
indicate that in warm weather NPK fertilization can improve the income
of gladiolus producers.
48
Khan et al. (2012) study conducted at the centre of Bangladesh
Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) during the period from November 2006 to
May 2008 to determine the optimum rate of N and K for better growth and yield of
corm and cormel of gladiolus. The treatment combination N150 K200 kg/ha
produced the longest plant (42.1 cm), the broadest leaf (1.93 cm), the maximum
percentage of spikes (88.1%), and corm (97.6%), the heaviest and the largest
corm (19.5 g and 4.11 cm, respectively), cent percent flowering sized corm, and
the highest corm number and cormel yield (1,20,000 and 1.66 t/ha, respectively).
The corm produced from this treatment combination also showed better
performances in the next year in respect of plant emergence (100%),
florets/spike (13.1), spike and rachis length (82.2 cm and 45.4 cm, respectively),
flower stick weight (57.1 g) and percentage of flower sticks (113%).
49
CHAPTER-III
MATERTIAL AND METHODS
An appropriate research design and methods are the backbone of any
research project. Therefore, the research methodology was designed after
reviewing the relevant literature and the suggestions of members of
research advisory committee and other subject matter experts of discipline.
With a view to obtain higher precision in the results, the present
investigation was conducted during 2011-12 and 2012-13. The materials
used and the techniques adopted for the studies were considered as the
most important ones. Therefore, the ensuring account has been prepared in
the same light. A detailed account of the material employed and methods
followed, during the course of investigation are embodied in this chapter,
under following heads.
3.1: EXPERIMENTAL SITE:
The present experiment entitled “Effect of biofertilizers and
zinc on gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.)” was carried out,
during two consecutive Rabi seasons of 2011-12 and 2012-13 at the
SMS Govt. Model science college, Gwalior. The research farm is
situated at 26 14‟ North latitude and 78 14‟ East longitudes and at an
altitude of 206 meters above the mean sea level. It is situated in
northern tract of Madhya Pradesh. The experimental field at farm having
50
homogenous fertility and uniform textural make up was selected for the field
experimentation.
3.2: CLIMATE AND WEATHER CONDITION:
The SMS Govt. Model Science College, Gwalior, enjoys semi arid and
sub- tropical climate with hot and dry summers, where maximum
temperature exceeds 45oC, with hot desiccating winds in May and June.
The winters are cold and minimum temperature reaches as low as 5oC in
December and January. Frost also expected from the last week of
December to the first week of February. Usually the monsoon arrives in the
second fortnight in June and lasts till September. Occasionally, light rains
are expected during winter. An average precipitation of 700 mm is usually
received from July to September with few showers during winter. The
weather condition prevailing during two crops seasons (2011-12 and 2012-
13) were recorded from the meteorological observatory of meteorological
observatory of the College of Agriculture, Gwalior (M.P.) and the mean values
of important weather parameters for two years are presented in Table 3.1
and 3.2 and the relevant data are also show in fig. 3.1.
3.2.1 Temperature:
It is clear from the data given in Table 3.1 and Table 3.2 that, in
general, both maximum and minimum temperatures ranged between 18.4 to
36.8 and 3.5 to 19.6 during 2011-12 and 16.3 to 36.1 and 3.3 to 18.8 during
2012-13, respectively, during the cropping season.
51
Table 3.1: Weekly meteorological data during crop growth period in 2011-12
Met.
Week
Date
(2011-12)
Temperature
(0C)
Humidity (%) Rainfall
(mm)
Max. Min. Morning Evening
40 Oct. 1-7 35.7 18.0 80.6 32.2 000.0
41 Oct.8-14 35.5 19.6 78.0 36.5 000.0
42 Oct.15-21 35.7 16.5 78.0 35.7 000.0
43 Oct.22-28 34.5 16.2 81.7 36.1 000.0
44 Oct.-Nov.29-4 33.1 13.3 80.7 24.8 000.0
45 Nov5-11 32.4 14.9 78.5 31.5 000.0
46 Nov12-18 31.8 13.4 87.4 26.1 000.0
47 Nov19-25 27.8 13.1 94.5 51.0 000.0
48 Nov. Dec.26-2 27.2 10.1 90.0 38.8 000.0
49 Dec.3-9 29.5 12.3 87.8 35.7 000.0
50 Dec.10-16 25.8 6.7 89.5 30.0 000.0
51 Dec.17-23 23.3 3.5 96.1 36.7 000.0
52 Dec.24-31 22.0 3.5 94.1 49.0 000.0
01 January 1-7 20.5 10.7 94.2 72.2 020.0
02 January8-14 18.4 4.6 94.0 53.5 000.0
03 January15-21 22.3 6.3 90.4 52.4 000.0
04 January22-28 20.9 4.4 93.7 44.7 000.0
05 Jan. Fab. 29-4 22.3 4.1 95.4 45.8 000.0
06 Fab.5-11 22.0 6.3 85.7 44.4 000.0
07 Fab.12-18 23.7 8.4 81.2 42.8 000.0
08 Fab.19-25 28.9 11.0 80.0 36.2 000.0
09 Fab.-Mar.26-4 27.9 8.8 78.7 27.8 000.0
10 March 5-11 30.0 12.4 69.0 21.4 000.0
11 March 12-18 30.0 11.7 80.0 25.2 000.0
12 March 19-25 33.7 14.1 62.2 21.2 000.0
13 Mar-Apr 26-1 36.8 16.7 67.5 15.5 000.0
Total 20.0
Source: College of agriculture, R.V.S.K.V.V. Metrology Dept
52
Table 3.2: Weekly meteorological data during crop growth period in 2012-13
Met.
Week Date
Temperature (oC) Humidity (%) Rainfall
(mm) Max. Min. Morning Evening
40 Oct. 1-7 35.9 18.8 80.0 29.2 000.0
41 Oct. 8-14 35.1 16.9 84.2 29.1 000.0
42 Oct. 15-21 34.5 17.1 80.7 33.4 000.0
43 Oct. 22-28 32.4 14.8 83.4 32.7 000.0
44 Oct.-Nov. 29-4 30.7 12.4 91.2 39.8 000.0
45 Nov. 5-11 30.1 12.2 84.2 32.5 000.0
46 Nov. 12-18 29.4 10.3 90.7 34.4 000.0
47 Nov. 19-25 28.1 8.9 93.1 33.1 000.0
48 Nov.-Dec.26-2 29.2 8.1 92.0 40.4 000.0
49 Dec. 3-9 26.8 7.3 95.1 34.8 000.0
50 Dec. 10-16 26.7 10.6 92.2 51.7 000.0
51 Dec. 17-23 24.5 7.5 80.8 39.7 000.0
52 Dec. 24-31 19.1 5.3 96.3 67.1 000.0
01 Jan. 1-7 16.3 3.3 92.0 70.5 000.0
02 Jan. 8-14 19.8 4.3 87.7 51.7 000.0
03 Jan. 15-21 23.5 5.5 87.5 53.2 000.0
04 Jan. 22-28 23.3 7.4 89.8 53.0 000.0
05 Jan. 29- Feb.4 23.3 6.3 89.7 49.5 000.0
06 Feb.5 – 11 28.1 10.5 85.8 44.1 000.0
07 Feb. 12-18 25.0 11.1 87.4 58.0 004.8
08 Feb. 19 - 25 25.0 09.9 88.0 54.8 003.4
09 Feb. 26 – Mar. 04 27.2 11.0 87.7 50.8 000.0
10 Mar. 05-11 28.7 12.2 86.4 51.0 000.0
11 Mar. 12-18 32.1 13.1 93.4 43.0 000.0
12 Mar. 19-25 36.1 15.1 71.2 42.1 000.0
13 Mar. 26-Apr.01 36.0 16.0 78.1 37.1 000.0
Total 8.2
Source: College of agriculture, R.V.S.K.V.V. Metrology Dept
53
3.2.2 Rainfall (mm):
The total rainfall received during the crop growing season (i. e.
October to March) of 2011-12 and 2012-13 was 20.0 and 8.2 mm,
respectively, which occurred in the month of January and February of the
respective year.
3.2.3 Relative humidity (%):
The relative humidity showed considerable fluctuation throughout the
growth season. The average relative humidity ranged between 66.86 to
84.03 percent and 68.81 to 85.90 percent, during the two cropping season,
respectively.
3.3: SOIL CHARACTERISTICS:
The soil of the experimental field was Gangetic alluvial with
calcareous layer at the depth of about 1.50-2.00 meters and was well drained.
To ascertain the fertility status and other physico-chemical properties of the soil
of experimental area, a composite soil sample from the surface of the soil (0-30
cm depth) was collected, before starting the experimentation with the help of
soil auger and determined physico-chemical properties of the soil. The methods
adopted for different analyses and results obtained are summarized in Table
3.3 and 3.4.
54
3.3.1 Mechanical analysis of the soil:
A perusal of the Table 3.3 shows that the percentage of sand was more
in comparison to other fractions. Thus, the soil is categorized as Sandy Loam
with low aggregation.
Table 3.3: Mechanical composition of the soil (0-30cm)
Component Percentage by weight Method employed
Coarse Sand 0.38
International pipette
Method (Piper,
1966)
Fine Sand 61.34
Silt 19.82
clay 18.46
Textural class Sandy Loam Triangle method
3.3.2 Chemical composition of the soil:
The chemical composition of the soil collected from 0-30 cm depth
before sowing of Gladiolus is portrayed in Table 3.4.
The data pertaining to various chemical components, presented in
Table -3.4 clearly exhibit that soil of the experimental field was sufficient in
potash content, but low in organic carbon, available nitrogen as well as zinc
(DTPA-Extractable) and medium in available phosphorus contents. It is
slightly alkaline in reaction and had moderate cation exchange capacity.
55
Table 3.4 : Chemical analysis of experimental soil
S. No. Soil component 2011 2012 Methods used
1 pH(1:2) 7.80 7.74 Glass Electrode pH meter
(Jackson, 1973)
2
Electrical Conductivity
(dS/m)
0.51 0.48
Solubridge method
(Richard, 1954)
3 Organic Carbon (%) 0.41 0.43 Walkley and Black‟s method
(1934)
4 Available Nitrogen
(kg/ha)
187.0 192.5 Alakaline permanganate
method (Subbiah and Asiza,
1956)
5 Available Phosphorus
(kg/ha)
16.5 17.2 Olsen‟s methods
(Olsen et al., 1954)
6 Available Potassium
(kg/ha)
236.2 228.6 Flame Photometer
(Jackson 1973)
7 Available Zinc (ppm)
0.42 0.49 DTPA- Extractable method
Lindsay and Norwell (1978)
56
3.4: EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS:
The experiment was conducted at the same location of farm of SMS Govt.
Model Science College, Gwalior, during the rabi seasons of 2011-12 and 2012-
13 with same treatments and same site. The layout plan of the experiment is
illustrated in Fig. 3.3 and the details of experiments are given in Table 3.5 and
treatment details with their symbol in Table 3.6.
Table 3.5: Experimental details of field
1. Crop : Gladiolus (Gladiolus
grandiflorus L.)
2. Variety : Manmohak
3. Experimental design : Split-plot Design
4. Replications : 3
5. Main plot treatment biofertilizers : 4
6. Sub plot treatment zinc level : 3
7. Sub-sub plot treatment NP level : 4
8. Treatment combination : 48
9. Total Number of Plots : 144
10. Gross plot size : 2.5 m x1.8 m
11. Net plot size : 2.0 m x 1.5 m
57
Table 3.6 : Treatments and their symbols.
S. No. Treatments Symbol
Used
Main plot treatment (bio fertilizer) : 4
1 Un inoculated BF0
2 Azotobacter BF1
3 PSB BF2
4 Azotobacter + PSB BF3
Sub plot treatment (zinc levels) : 3
1 Control Zn0
2 0.1% spray of zinc Zn1
3 0.2% spray of zinc Zn2
Ultimate plot treatment (NPlevels) : 4
1 50% NP F1
2 75% NP F2
3 100% NP F3
4 125% NP F4
Methods Used in different treatments:
For bio fertilizers : Corm dip methods
For Zinc : Two foliar spray (at 3 and 6 leaf pair stage I.e. 45 & 75 DAP)
For NP levels : Application in soil
58
3.5: CULTURAL OPERATION :
An account of operations such as irrigation, weeding and hoeing,
earthling and top dressing of urea, plant protection measures performed during
both the years of investigations is presented below:
Cultural activities:
Fertilization and sowing :
The experimental crop (Cv. Manmohak) was sown with a corm of 20 cm
spacing with row spacing of 50 cm were maintained. Recommended doses of
fertilizers were 120 kg N, 80 kg P2O5 and 100 kg K2O per ha (100% NPK) and
these doses, full dose of phosphorus and potassium and half dose of nitrogen
were applied at the time of sowing. Remaining half dose of nitrogen was applied
two splits doses after first and second irrigations. Corms were treated before
sowing with Azotobecter, PSB as per treatment wise and zinc was applied as two
foliar sprays (3 and 6 leaf pair stage i. e. at 75 and 100 DAP) as per treatment
concentration.
(A) Pre-planting
An account of pre-bulb planting cultural operations is given below:
S. No.
Operations Ist year IInd year
1. Demarcation of area and preparation of field
18-10-20111 28-10-2012
2. Execution of layout plan 31-10-2011 5-11-2012
3. Application of fertilizer 31-10-2011 7-11-2012
4. Planting of corms 2-11-2011 9-11-2012
59
(B) Post planting
The cultural operations carried out after planting the bulbs were as follows:
Operation Year
1 Irrigation As per required (20-25 days interval)
2 Weeding (hoeing/Hand weeding) 20 day interval
3 Spray of Zinc Two foliar spray (at 3 and 6 leaf pair stage)
4 Cutting of spikes Starting from 120-125 DAP (day after planting)
(C) Harvesting:
The spikes were harvested when 2-3 pairs of flowers from the bottom
of the spike opened .the individual spikes were harvested by cutting from the
bottom.
3.6: OBSERVATION DETAILS :
Performance of crop as affected by various treatments was assessed
by the following studies:
1. Days to 75% sprouting
Number of day‟s required from planting to 75 percent sprouting of corms
was recorded.
2. Plant height
Plant height was measured in cm of five randomly selected plants of each
treatment from the ground level to the top of the plant at 30 day interval from 30
DAP - 90 DAP.
60
3. Number of leaves per plant
Number of leaves per plant was counted in five randomly selected plants
of each treatment and noted at 30 day interval from 30 DAP-90 DAP.
4. Days to emergence of spike
Day taken for spike initiation was recorded in five randomly selected
plants of each treatment from the date of sowing to spike initiation.
5. Number on spike
Five plants in each treatment were selected randomly and number on
spike was recorded from spike initiation to harvesting.
6. Length of spike
The length of spike was measured in cm from 4th leaf to top of the
spike with measuring scale in randomly selected five plants in each treatment.
7. Weight of spike
Five plants in each treatment were selected randomly and the
weight of spike was measured in gm from 4th leaf to top of the spike with
measuring balance.
8. Day taken for florets opening
Day taken for florets opening was recorded from the date of spike
initiation to first florets opening.
61
9. Number of florets per spike
Total number of florets on a spike was recorded from five randomly
selected plants of each treatment and the mean values were taken as number of
florets per spike.
10. Length of florets
Five plants in each treatment were selected randomly for the length
of florets was measured in cm with measuring scale.
11. Diameter of florets
Five plants which were selected for length of florets were also used for
the diameters of florets was measured in cm with measuring scale
12. Flowering Duration
Flowering duration in days was also recorded in five randomly selected
plants of each treatment when the first and last flower appears.
13. Number of florets opened at a time (125 DAP)
Five plants in each treatment were selected randomly at 125 DAP for
count the opened number of florets per spike and mean value was taken as
number of florets opened at a time.
14. Fresh and dry weight of florets
After the florets length and diameters was measured, (at 120-125 DAP)
fresh weight of the florets was noted and after sundry for 5-8 days, dry weight of
florets was also determined.
62
15. Yield of spike per hectare
All the spikes obtained from each treatment were counted in number of
spike in per net plot size (3.0 square meters) and then converted into multiply the
common factor of 3333.33 (10000/3). Thus, find out the number of spikes per
hectare.
16. Vase life of spike
For studies on vase life, five randomly selected spikes of each
treatment were harvested when 1-3 florets started showing colour. The
harvested spikes were given a slanting cut at the basal end and were put in
tap water which was changed daily and the numbers of days taken for
withering of all the florets from all the five spikes were recorded and mean
value was expressed as vase life in days.
17. Number of corms per plant
Total number of corms per plant was recorded at the time of lifting from
five randomly selected plants of each treatment and average value was taken as
number of corms per plant.
18. Diameter of corms
Diameter of corms was measured in centimeter with the help of Vernier
calipers from five randomly selected corms of each treatment and mean value
was taken as diameter of corm.
63
D: QUALITATIVE STUDIES :
Nutrient (N, P, K & Zn) content and their uptake:
Collection of sample :
At harvest, plant samples (third pair leaves) were collected from each plot
and carried out to the laboratory in polythene bags. The leaves samples were
dried at 700C for 48 hours and oven dry weight were noted. The samples were
powdered and preserved for analysis of N, P, K and Zn content. The analytical
methods for nutrients composition determinations are given below:
Determination of nitrogen :
Nitrogen in plant sample was determined by KEL PLUS nitrogen
estimation system (PELICAN Equipments). Pelicans KEL PLUS System are
developed and designed to perform the Micro – Kjeldahl‟s method (Jackson,
1973) for estimation of nitrogen which consists of the following three processes.
1. Digestion 2. Distillation 3. Titration
Digestion Process:
In this process, 0.5 g of plant sample was transferred to the digestion
tube. 10 ml of concentrated sulphuric acid and 2g of digestion activator (Salt
mixture) to the sample were added. Digestion tubes were loaded in to the
digester and the digestion block was heated. At the end of digestion process, the
sample turned colour less or light green colour.
64
Distillation process:
During distillation, the ammonium radicals are converted to ammonia
under excess alkali condition after neutralizing the acid in the digested sample
with 40% alkali (NaOH) on heating. In DISTYL-EM, the digested samples are
heated by passing steam and the ammonia librated due to the addition of 40%
NaOH is dissolved in 4% boric acid. The boric acid consisting of ammonia is
taken for titration.
Titration Process:
The solution of boric acid and mixed indicator containing the “distilled off”
ammonia was titrated with the standardized H2SO4. The titration value of a blank
solution of boric acid and mixed indicator was determined.
(Sample titer Blank titer) Normality of H2SO4 14 100 % Nitrogen =
Sample weight (g) 1000
Determination of phosphorus , potassium and zinc
One gram oven dried plant sample was taken and digested in 100 ml
conical flask with 10 ml of di-acid mixture (2:5) consisting of chemically pure
concentrated Perchloric acid and nitric acid respectively and digested material
was filtered through Whatman No. 40 filter paper in 100 ml. volumetric flask
and filtrate was diluted to mark as outlined by Johnson and Ulrich (1959). This
was used for estimation of P, K and Zn.
65
Phosphorus estimation
5 ml of aliquot from the colour less filtrate was taken in 25 ml., volumetric
flask for determination and then 5 ml of ammonium molybdate vanadate
mixture was added to it and volume was made up to 25 ml. after shaking well.
It was kept for 30 minutes and colour intensity was measured in Spectronic-
20 at 430 nm wave length, after setting the instrument to zero with blank as
described by Jackson (1973).
Potassium estimation
10 ml aliquot of the filtrate was taken in 100 ml volumetric flask and it was
diluted to mark with distilled water. The potassium content in extract was
estimated by flame photometer (Black, 1965).
Zinc estimation
10 ml aliquot of the filtrate was taken in 100 ml volumetric flask and it was
diluted to mark with distilled water. The zinc content in extract was estimated by
AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer) as proposed by Lindsay and
Norvell (1978).
Determination of nutrient uptake (kg ha-1)
Conversion factor for nutrient uptake in kg ha-1:
Nutrient uptake (kg ha-1) = Nutrient Content (%) X Yield (kg ha-1) 100
66
E: SOIL SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS
The representative soil (0-30 cm) samples from each plot were collected,
before sowing with the help of soil auger. Each sample was air-dried and sieved
through 2 mm sieve. The prepared samples were used for the following
determinations by standard methods.
1. Soil pH :
The pH of soil was determined by using glass electrode pH meter using
1:2 soil water suspensions.
2. Electrical conductivity (dSm-1):
The supernatted liquid of the soil suspension formerly used for pH
determination was also used for the determination of electrical conductivity
by conductivity meter.
3. Organic carbon:
Organic carbon was estimated by the Walkley-Black (1934) Method. In
this method organic matter in the soil is oxidized with a mixture of potassium
dichromate (K2Cr2O7) and concentrated H2SO4 utilizing the heat of dilution of
H2SO4. Unused K2Cr2O7 is back titrated with ferrous ammonium sulphate.
4. Determination of available nitrogen :
Available nitrogen was determined by the alkaline permanganate method
as suggested by Subbiah and Asija (1956).
67
5. Determination of available phosphorus :
Available phosphorus in the soil was determined calorimetrically by
Olsen‟s method (Olsen et al., 1954).
6. Determination of available Potassium :
5.0g of soil was shaken with 25ml of neutral normal ammonium acetate
solution as an extractant in 100 ml conical flask for 5 minutes and then filtered
through filter paper. The potassium content in the extracts was estimated by
flame photometer. The amount of available potassium was calculated as K and
the results were expressed in kg/ha (Jackson, 1973).
7. Determination of available zinc (DTPA Extractable):
Available Zn was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectro photometer
using 0.005M DTPA (Diethylene Triamine Penta Acetic Acid) as an extractant
proposed by Lindsay and Norvell (1978).
In this method, consisted of shaking a few grams of soil with a buffered
solution, containing DTPA (Diethylene Triamine Penta Acetic Acid). This
chemical acts as a mild chelating agent, which extracts the easily soluble zinc,
iron, copper and manganese. The extracting solution is buffered at pH 7.3 by
Triethnolamine (TEA), and in addition, includes calcium chloride to prevent the
dissolution of calcium carbonate. These conditions permit the right amount of
zinc, iron, copper and manganese to be dissolved and CaCl2 is to stabilize the
pH of the extractant.
68
The dissolved elements in the extract are, then measured by the atomic
absorption spectrophotometer, where in, the extracted sample is converted first
into an atomic vapour, usually by a flame and irradiated by the metal being
sought, the absorption of the light by the vaporized samples is related to the
concentration of the derived metal in it.
F. ECONOMICAL STUDY:
Economics of the treatments: Recommendation and adoption of any
practices by cultivators depends upon its economics. Therefore, it becomes
essential to work out economics of the treatments tested for judging the best
treatments under study, for getting higher net profit per hectare.
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
0.35
0.4
0.45
0.5
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6
Ab
so
rba
nce
Available-Zn (ppm)
Sandard curve of available-Zn
69
Cost of cultivation :
For different treatments total cost was calculated on the basis of
prevailing market rates of fertilizer, field preparation, sowing of seeds, labour
charges, culture and intercultural operations etc.
Gross return :
For different treatments gross returns was calculated on the basis of
prevailing market rate of produce.
Net profit :
It was calculated treatment wise. The cost of cultivation per hectare was
subtracted from the gross income for computing net returns of each treatment.
Net profit (Rs./ha) = Gross return (Rs./ha) - Cost of cultivation (Rs./ha)
Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) :
It was calculated treatment wise. The gross income per hectare of each
treatment was divided by the cost of cultivation of respective treatments.
Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) = Gross return Cost of cultivation
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:
All data related to pre and post harvest study of crop collected were
statistically analyzed by using the analysis of variance technique (Fisher,
1958). Data so computed was subjected to Fisher‟s analysis of variance for
judging the effect of various treatments. The skeleton analysis of variance is
presented in the Table 3.7.
70
Table 3.7: Skeleton of analysis of variance
Due to D. F.
Replication (R ) 2
Bio fertilizers (BF) 3
Error-a 6
Total 11
Zinc (Zn) 2
Bio fertilizers x zinc (BF X Zn ) 6
Error-b 16
Total 35
NP Levels (NP) 3
BF x NP 9
Zn x NP 6
BF x Zn x NP 18
Error-c 72
Total 143
The null hypothesis was tested by the „F‟ test, which revealed the
significance of treatment effect. The standard error means and critical difference
were calculated as follows:
71
The standard error of mean was calculated by formula:
(1) S. Em. ± = Square root of (EMS/r).
(2) S. Em. ±(For Main treat.) = Square root of (EMS(a)/ r x b x c ).
(3) S. Em. ± (For Sub-treat.) = Square root of (EMS (b) / r x a x c).
(4) S. Em. ± (For Ulti-treat.) = Square root of (EMS (c) / r x b x c)
Where, EMS = Error mean sum of square,
r = replications (3),
a = number of main treatments (4),
b = number of sub treatments (3),
c = number of sub-sub (ulti) treatments (4).
„CD‟ was computed for judging the difference between two treatments. It was
calculated from formula:
CD (at 5%) = r
EMS2 X t value at 5%
Where, S.Em. ± = Standard error of means
PRESENTATION OF DATA:
The results obtained from the field experimentation are consolidated in the
suitable tabular form and summarized in the appendix tables for better
classification. The graphic curves and bar diagrams are also sketched for better
presentation of the results, wherever felt necessary.
72
CHAPTER – IV
RESULTS
The results of the present investigation “Effect of bio fertilizers
and zinc on gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.)” related to the
impact of various bio-fertilizers, zinc and fertility levels treatments,
mainly on growth, floral characters, spike yield, nutrients content,
quality of flower and corms production embodied and explained in
this chapter. The data of the final observations of the various
parameters during growth and flowering phase were subjected to
statistical analysis and the results have, therefore, been presented
through tables and suitable diagrams. All findings of the experiments
were recorded and have been described under following heads:
Biometric studies : Growth and development studies
Post- harvest and qualitative studies : Quality parameters of spike and
floral characteristics
Uptake studies : Nutrients (N, P, K & Zn) content in leaves
Corms studies: Number of corms, its weight and diameter
Economical studies: Effective and economical treatments under study
BIOMETRIC STUDIES:
The progressive data recorded on growth studies viz. Sprouting
percentage (75%), plant height and number of leaves per plant as affected by
various treatments, have been considered and described below in the light of
treatments at progressive stages of crop.
73
4.1: Days to 75% sprouting:
The data pertaining to days taken to 75% sprouting, as influence by
different treatments have been presented in Table 4.1. In general, first year of
experimentation took more time for 75 percent sprouting as compared to second
year experimentation.
Days taken to 75% sprouting were observed in the range of 11.51
to12.95 and 10.36 to 11.15 under different inoculation treatments of bio fertilizers
during the first and second years of experimentation.
On the basis of two years mean data, combined inoculation of
Azotobacter + PSB (BF3) had significant superiority which took least days of
sprouting (10.94 days) followed by BF2 and BF1. The maximum days (12.05) for
75 percent sprouting observed in control (BF0).
The data on 75 percent sprouting in various levels of zinc were more
or less the same in different treatments during both the years. Days taken to 75
percent sprouting under different zinc levels were observed in the range of
11.14 to 11.67 days in two years mean data.
It is clear from the results (Table 4.1) that the increasing level of NP
decreased the time required for 75 percent sprouting of gladiolus corms. 125%
NP levels had significant superiority which took least days for sprouting (10.87
days) followed by 100% and 75%. The maximum days (12.09) for 75 percent
sprouting observed in 50% NP level (F1) on the basis of two year mean data.
74
Table 4.1: Days taken to 75% sprouting of gladiolus corms as
influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
Treatment Days taken to 75% sprouting
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 12.95 11.15 12.05
BF1- Azotobacter 12.09 10.81 11.45
BF2 - PSB 12.12 10.72 11.42
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 11.51 10.36 10.94
SEm ( ) 0.23 0.10 0.14
C.D. (5%) 0.79 0.34 0.47
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 12.27 10.78 11.67
Zn1 –0.1% 12.30 10.77 11.58
Zn2 –0.2% 11.94 10.73 11.14
SEm ( ) 0.16 0.06 0.09
C.D. (5%) NS NS 0.27
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 12.90 11.28 12.09
F2–75% NP 12.33 10.85 11.59
F3 –100% NP 12.05 10.56 11.31
F4 –125% NP 11.39 10.34 10.87
SEm ( ) 0.17 0.07 0.10
C.D. (5%) 0.49 0.21 0.28
75
4.2: Plant height (cm):
Plant height, a measure of growth of plant was recorded periodically at
an interval of 30 days, starting from 30th day after planting up to 90 DAP stage.
The data pertaining to plant height presented in Table 4.2.1- 4.2.3 which was
clearly indicate that it was enhanced with the advancement of plant growth till 60
DAP; thereafter such an increase was slow up to 90 DAP.
The plant height was found to be influenced significantly due to bio
fertilizer, zinc and NP levels, during both the years of experimentation and also
on mean basis at all the growth stages.
The variations in plant height at 30 DAP during both the seasons of field
experimentation, under different treatment of bio fertilizer and Zn levels were
quite marginal and could not reach the level of significance. However, at this
stage different NP levels show significant difference in plant height during both
the seasons of field experimentation and also on mean basis.
It is revealed from Table 4.2.1, that the increasing level of NP increased
the plant height significantly. On the basis of two year mean data on plant height,
maximum height (24.22 cm) was noted with 125% NP level which was
significantly superior over rest of other NP levels. Whereas, minimum height
(22.54 cm) noted under 50% NP level.
76
Table 4.2.1: Plant heights of gladiolus as influenced by bio
fertilizer, zinc and NP levels at 30 DAP
Treatment Plant height (cm) at 30 DAP
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 24.40 21.38 22.89
BF1- Azotobacter 24.39 22.48 23.44
BF2 - PSB 24.33 22.43 23.38
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 24.61 22.94 23.78
SEm ( ) 0.17 0.56 0.32
C.D. (5%) NS NS NS
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 24.03 21.98 23.30
Zn1 –0.1% 24.61 22.46 23.54
Zn2 –0.2% 24.66 22.49 23.57
SEm ( ) 0.21 0.28 0.21
C.D. (5%) NS NS NS
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 23.53 21.54 22.54
F2–75% NP 24.38 22.29 23.34
F3 –100% NP 24.65 22.14 23.39
F4 –125% NP 25.18 23.26 24.22
SEm ( ) 0.16 0.29 0.19
C.D. (5%) 0.47 0.82 0.54
77
At 60 DAP, plant height show significant variations due to different
treatment of bio fertilizer, Zn and NP levels.
Plant height in this stage ranged from 56.17 to 64.39, 56.31 to 67.80 and
56.24 to 66.10 cm under different inoculation treatments of bio fertilizers during
the first, second year and on mean basis, respectively. It is revealed from Table
4.2.2, that the bio fertilizer treated plots show significantly taller plant over to un-
inoculated treatment. Single inoculation of Azotobacter or PSB recorded
significantly taller plant over un- inoculated treatment, but show non significant
different from each other. Maximum plant height (66.10 cm) was noted with dual
inoculation of Azotobacter + PSB, which was significantly superior over rest of
other bio fertilizer treatments on two year mean basis.
Under different level of zinc, plant height was observed in the range of
56.30 to 63.98, 56.67 to 66.41, and 56.98 to 65.20 cm during the first, second
years of field experimentation and on mean basis, respectively. Maximum height
was observed with the spray of 0.2% of Zn which was significantly higher over
rest of the Zn treatments, however, minimum height was noted under control
during first, second year and also on mean basis.
It is revealed from Table 4.2.2, that the increasing level of NP increased
the plant height significantly. Maximum height was observed in 125% NP level
which was significantly superior over 50, 75 and 100% NP levels during both the
years of field experimentation and also on mean basis.
78
Table 4.2.2: Plant height of gladiolus as influenced by bio
fertilizer, zinc and NP levels at 60 DAS
Treatment Plant height (cm) at 60 DAP
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 56.17 56.31 56.24
BF1- Azotobacter 58.78 61.57 60.18
BF2 - PSB 59.72 62.07 60.90
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 64.39 67.80 66.10
SEm ( ) 0.97 1.01 0.98
C.D. (5%) 3.34 3.51 3.41
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 56.30 57.66 56.98
Zn1 –0.1% 59.02 61.74 60.38
Zn2 –0.2% 63.98 66.41 65.20
SEm ( ) 0.95 1.00 0.97
C.D. (5%) 2.80 2.96 2.87
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 55.23 57.68 56.46
F2–75% NP 57.89 59.68 58.79
F3 –100% NP 61.91 63.95 62.93
F4 –125% NP 64.02 66.45 65.24
SEm ( ) 0.16 0.14 0.14
C.D. (5%) 0.44 0.41 0.41
79
At 90 DAP, plant height show significant variations due to different
treatment of bio fertilizer, Zn and NP levels during both the years of study as well
as mean basis.
It is revealed from Table 4.2.3, plant height was observed in the range of
59.07 to 69.37, 63.80 to 74.85 and 61.44 to 72.11 cm under different inoculation
treatments of bio fertilizers during the first, second year and on mean basis,
respectively. Maximum plant height was noted with combined inoculation of
Azotobacter + PSB, which was significantly superior over single inoculation of
Azotobacter or PSB whereas, minimum height was noted with un - inoculated
treatment, during both the years of study as well as mean basis.
Under different level of zinc, plant height was observed in the range of
61.09 to 69.11, 65.91 to 74.54 and 63.50 to 71.83 cm during the first, second
years of field experimentation and on mean basis, respectively. Maximum height
was observed with the spray of 0.2% of Zn which was significantly higher over to
0.1% Zn, during first, second year and on mean basis, respectively.
It is revealed from Table 4.2.3, that the increasing level of NP increased
the plant height significantly. Maximum height was observed in 125% NP levels
which was significantly superior over 50, 75 and 100% NP levels during both the
years of field experimentation.
Mean data of two year on plant height at 90 DAP; maximum height (71.64
cm) was noted with 125% NP level which was show significantly taller plant than
rest of the other NP levels however, minimum height (61.72 cm) was noted in
50% NP level.
80
Table 4.2.3: Plant height of gladiolus as influenced by bio
fertilizer, zinc and NP levels at 90 DAS
Treatment Plant height (cm) at 90 DAP
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 59.07 63.80 61.44
BF1- Azotobacter 62.19 67.10 64.65
BF2 - PSB 66.53 71.78 69.16
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 69.37 74.85 72.11
SEm ( ) 0.94 1.12 0.93
C.D. (5%) 3.25 3.88 3.20
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 61.09 65.91 63.50
Zn1 –0.1% 62.67 67.70 65.19
Zn2 –0.2% 69.11 74.54 71.83
SEm ( ) 0.79 1.02 0.85
C.D. (5%) 2.33 3.01 2.50
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 59.32 64.10 61.72
F2–75% NP 61.92 66.87 64.40
F3 –100% NP 66.99 72.21 69.60
F4 –125% NP 68.93 74.35 71.64
SEm ( ) 0.52 0.41 0.40
C.D. (5%) 1.48 1.16 1.14
81
4.3: Number of leaves per plant
The number of leaves per plant was recorded at 30, 60 and 90 DAP stage
and the mean data have been presented in Table 4.3.1- 4.3.3. The results show
that the bio fertilizer, zinc and NP levels measures differ significantly with respect
to number of leaves per plant recorded at 30, 60 and 90 DAP stage.
The numbers of leaves per plant increased significantly at 30 DAP with
inoculation of bio fertilizers. The number of leaves was observed in the range of
3.50 to 3.68, 4.26 to 4.47 and 3.88 to 4.07, during first, second years and on
mean basis, respectively.
It is clear from the Table 4.3.1, Maximum leaves noted with combined
inoculation of Azotobacter + PSB, which was significantly superior over un -
inoculated treatment and remains statistically at par with single inoculation of
Azotobacter or PSB. However, minimum leaves noted in un-inoculated (BF0),
during both the years of study as well as mean basis.
At 30 DAP stage; effect of different NP levels and foliar spray of zinc was
more or less similar in all the treatments, during both the years of study as well
as mean basis. At this stage, different NP levels show increasing trend with
increase in NP levels but they not cross the level of significance and show
statistically at par difference from each other.
82
Table 4.3.1: Number of leaves of gladiolus as influenced by bio
fertilizer, zinc and NP levels at 30 DAP
Treatment Number of leaves at 30 DAP
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 3.50 4.26 3.88
BF1- Azotobacter 3.61 4.39 4.00
BF2 - PSB 3.63 4.44 4.04
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 3.68 4.47 4.07
SEm ( ) 0.04 0.05 0.04
C.D. (5%) 0.13 0.16 0.14
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 3.56 4.34 3.95
Zn1 –0.1% 3.62 4.41 4.02
Zn2 –0.2% 3.63 4.42 4.03
SEm ( ) 0.03 0.04 0.03
C.D. (5%) NS NS NS
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 3.56 4.31 3.94
F2–75% NP 3.58 4.36 3.98
F3 –100% NP 3.63 4.43 4.04
F4 –125% NP 3.64 4.45 4.04
SEm ( ) 0.03 0.04 0.03
C.D. (5%) NS NS NS
83
At 60 DAP, numbers of leaves per plant show significant variations due to
different treatment of bio fertilizer, Zn and NP levels.
Numbers of leaves per plant was observed in the range of 5.41 to 5.70,
5.71 to 6.10 and 5.56 to 5.90 under different inoculation treatments of bio
fertilizers during the first, second year and on mean basis. It is revealed from
Table 4.3.2, that the bio fertilizer treated plots show significantly higher numbers
of leaves per plant over un-inoculated treatment. Single inoculation of
Azotobacter or PSB recorded significantly more numbers of leaves per plant over
un- inoculated treatment, but show non significant different from each other.
Mean data of two year show the numbers of leaves per plant in the deceasing
order of BF3 > BF1 > BF2 > BF0.
Under different level of zinc, numbers of leaves per plant was observed in
the range of 5.50 to 6.62, 5.85 to 5.96 and 5.67 to 5.79 during the first, second
year of field experimentation and on mean basis, respectively. Maximum
numbers of leaves per plant was observed with the spray of 0.2% of Zn which
was significantly higher over control and statistically at par with 0.1% level.
Whereas, minimum numbers of leaves per plant was noted under control.
It is revealed from Table 4.3.2, that the increasing levels of NP increase
the numbers of leaves per plant significantly. Maximum numbers of leaves per
plant was observed in 125% NP level which was significantly superior over 50
and 75 % NP levels but statistically at par with 100% NP level during both the
years of field experimentation and on mean basis.
84
Table 4.3.2: Number of leaves of gladiolus as influenced by bio
fertilizer, zinc and NP levels at 60 DAP
Treatment Number of leaves at 60 DAP
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 5.41 5.71 5.56
BF1- Azotobacter 5.55 5.95 5.75
BF2 - PSB 5.59 5.89 5.74
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 5.70 6.10 5.90
SEm ( ) 0.03 0.04 0.03
C.D. (5%) 0.09 0.15 0.12
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 5.50 5.85 5.67
Zn1 –0.1% 5.57 5.92 5.75
Zn2 –0.2% 5.62 5.96 5.79
SEm ( ) 0.03 0.03 0.03
C.D. (5%) 0.09 0.09 0.09
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 5.45 5.73 5.59
F2–75% NP 5.51 5.86 5.69
F3 –100% NP 5.61 6.00 5.81
F4 –125% NP 5.68 6.05 5.86
SEm ( ) 0.04 0.04 0.03
C.D. (5%) 0.10 0.10 0.10
85
At 90 DAP, numbers of leaves per plant show significant variations due to
different treatment of bio fertilizer, Zn and NP levels, presented in Table 4.3.3.
At 90 DAP, numbers of leaves per plant was observed in the range of
7.59 to 8.21, 7.76 to 8.32 and 7.68 to 8.27 under different inoculation treatments
of bio fertilizers during the first, second year and on mean basis, respectively.
Maximum numbers of leaves per plant was noted with combined inoculation of
Azotobacter + PSB, which was significantly superior over single inoculation of
Azotobacter or PSB whereas, minimum leaves was noted with un - inoculated
treatment, during both the years of study as well as on mean basis.
Under different level of zinc, numbers of leaves per plant was observed in
the range of 7.75 to 8.02, 7.90 to 8.19 and 7.83 to 8.11 during the first, second
years of study and on mean basis, respectively. Maximum leaves per plant was
observed with the spray of 0.2% of Zn which was significantly higher over control
but statistically at par with 0.1% Zn, during first and second years.
It is revealed from Table 4.3.3, that the increasing level of NP increased
the leaves per plant significantly. Maximum leaves per plant was observed in
125% NP level which was superior over 50, 75 and 100% NP levels during both
the years of field experimentation.
On the two year mean data, maximum numbers of leaves per plant (8.20)
noted with 125% NP level which was significantly higher to 50 and 75 % NP
levels but statistically at par with 100% NP level. Whereas, minimum leaves per
plant (7.54) was noted in 50% NP level.
86
Table 4.3.3: Number of leaves of gladiolus as influenced by bio
fertilizer, zinc and NP levels at 90 DAP
Treatment Number of leaves at 90 DAP
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 7.59 7.76 7.68
BF1- Azotobacter 7.93 8.10 8.02
BF2 - PSB 7.87 8.04 7.96
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 8.21 8.32 8.27
SEm ( ) 0.08 0.05 0.06
C.D. (5%) 0.28 0.17 0.20
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 7.75 7.90 7.83
Zn1 –0.1% 7.93 8.08 8.01
Zn2 –0.2% 8.02 8.19 8.11
SEm ( ) 0.05 0.06 0.05
C.D. (5%) 0.16 0.16 0.15
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 7.43 7.64 7.54
F2–75% NP 8.01 8.11 8.06
F3 –100% NP 8.04 8.19 8.12
F4 –125% NP 8.11 8.29 8.20
SEm ( ) 0.05 0.06 0.05
C.D. (5%) 0.14 0.16 0.14
87
4.4: Days taken for spike initiation:
The data recorded for emergence of spike (Days taken for spike initiation)
are presented in Table 4.4, revealed that the significant variations due to bio
fertilizer, Zn and NP levels during both the years.
The data on days taken for spike initiation exhibited that the dual
inoculation of Azotobacter + PSB noted the earlier spike initiation which was
significantly earliest spike initiation as compared to single inoculation of
Azotobacter or PSB treatment during second year study. Whereas, in first year
they are statistically at par from each other.
On mean basis, earliest spike initiation (93.84 day) was recorded with dual
inoculation of Azotobacter + PSB (BF3) treatment which was significantly earlier
spike initiation as compared to un-inoculated treatment but statistically at par with
single inoculation of Azotobacter or PSB treatment, respectively.
It is clear from Table 4.4, that the foliar application of Zn show significantly
earlier spike initiation as compared to control. On mean basis, earliest spike
initiation (92.47 day) recorded with 0.2% Zn, which was significantly earlier spike
initiation as compared to 0.1% Zn and control treatment.
Amongst the treatments of NP levels, the best NP levels was recorded
125% which resulted the highest day taken for spike initiation as compared to all
the remaining NP levels whereas, significantly earlier spike initiation was
recorded in case of 50 % NP level during both the years of study as well as on
mean basis.
88
Table 4.4: Days to emergence of spike in gladiolus as influenced
by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
Treatment Days to emergence of spike
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 103.91 94.13 98.52
BF1- Azotobacter 100.70 91.28 95.49
BF2 - PSB 99.82 89.32 94.57
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 99.50 86.17 93.84
SEm ( ) 0.72 0.82 0.76
C.D. (5%) 2.48 2.83 2.62
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 103.52 92.61 98.06
Zn1 –0.1% 101.29 90.27 96.28
Zn2 –0.2% 98.13 87.80 92.47
SEm ( ) 0.65 0.50 0.56
C.D. (5%) 1.93 1.47 1.66
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 97.53 86.76 92.14
F2–75% NP 99.98 89.39 94.68
F3 –100% NP 101.20 90.86 96.03
F4 –125% NP 105.23 93.89 99.56
SEm ( ) 0.56 0.59 0.56
C.D. (5%) 1.58 1.68 1.58
89
4.5: Number of Spike per square meter
The observations pertaining to number of spike per square meter was
recorded at 120 DAP. The mean data so obtained are being presented in Table
4.5. In general, it was observed that number of spike per square meter was more
in second (2012-13) as compared to first (2011-12) season.
The combined inoculation of corms with Azotobacter + PSB produced
maximum number of spike per square meter which was significantly higher than
single inoculated of Azotobacter or PSB. However, Azotobacter or PSB
inoculated alone also recorded significantly higher number of spike per square
meter over un inoculated treatment. The trend in respect of the number of spike
per square meter under various bio fertilizer treatments were in descending order
of BF3> BF2> BF1 > BF0 during both the years of study as well as on mean basis.
The variations in number of spike per square meter due to level of zinc
were found to be significant, where all the treatments under test proved their
significant superiority over control. The perusal of data indicated (Table 4.5) that
the highest levels of zinc (Zn2) produce the spike up to 20.25 and 23.05 per
square meter, being significant superior to the lower zinc levels and control,
respectively, in first and second year of the study.
Mean data of two year revealed that application of zinc at higher
concentration (0.2%) show higher number of spike per square meter over lower
concentration (0.1%) at the same stage. Minimum spike per square meter noted
in control treatment.
90
Table 4.5: Number of spike per square meter as influenced by
bio fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
Treatment Number of spike per square meter
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 18.90 21.53 20.22
BF1- Azotobacter 19.53 22.23 20.88
BF2 - PSB 19.85 22.57 21.21
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 20.55 23.33 21.94
SEm ( ) 0.12 0.12 0.11
C.D. (5%) 0.40 0.40 0.38
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 19.25 21.88 20.57
Zn1 –0.1% 19.62 22.30 20.96
Zn2 –0.2% 20.25 23.05 21.66
SEm ( ) 0.11 0.12 0.09
C.D. (5%) 0.33 0.37 0.26
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 17.89 20.46 19.18
F2–75% NP 19.73 22.23 20.98
F3 –100% NP 20.48 23.18 21.83
F4 –125% NP 20.74 23.79 22.27
SEm ( ) 0.13 0.16 0.12
C.D. (5%) 0.36 0.46 0.35
91
Number of spike per square meter increased significantly and consistently
with the increasing levels of NP up to 125%. Maximum number of spike per
square meter was recorded at F4 level (125%) of applied NP and it was found
significantly higher over rest of other NP levels. minimum number of spike per
square meter noted in 50% NP (F1) treatment.
4.6 : Length of spike (cm)
The data pertaining to length of spike was recorded and presented in
Table 4.6; which clearly indicate that the spike length was found to be
influenced significantly, due to different treatments of bio fertilizer, zinc and NP
levels. In general, second year of experimentation show longer spike as
compared to first year in all the treatments.
It is clear from the Table 4.6, that the bio fertilizer (Azotobacter / PSB)
applied corms produced significantly longer spike over un –inoculated treatment
(BF0). Combined inoculation of Azotobacter + PSB produced longest spike.
Under single inoculated treatment, PSB applied corms gave longer spike as
compared to Azotobacter treated corms during both the years of study as well
as on mean basis.
Under different levels of zinc, spike length was noted in the range of 65.90
to 74.17, 75.23 to 84.42 and 70.57 to 79.30 cm during first, second year and on
mean basis, respectively. Foliar application of 0.2% Zn produced longest spike
followed by 0.1% treatment. Whereas minimum spike length was noted in
control treatment during both the years of study as well as on mean basis.
92
Table 4.6: Spike length (cm) of gladiolus as influenced by bio
fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
Treatment Spike length (cm)
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 64.77 73.75 69.26
BF1- Azotobacter 67.26 76.50 71.88
BF2 - PSB 70.77 80.89 75.83
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 75.07 84.89 79.98
SEm ( ) 0.60 0.82 0.70
C.D. (5%) 2.08 2.83 2.44
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 65.90 75.23 70.57
Zn1 –0.1% 68.33 77.38 72.85
Zn2 –0.2% 74.17 84.42 79.30
SEm ( ) 0.34 0.47 0.40
C.D. (5%) 1.02 1.39 1.17
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 64.08 73.24 68.66
F2–75% NP 68.72 78.39 73.56
F3 –100% NP 70.50 80.33 75.42
F4 –125% NP 74.56 84.08 79.32
SEm ( ) 0.42 0.47 0.43
C.D. (5%) 1.19 1.35 1.22
93
Spike length increased significantly and consistently with the increasing
levels of NP up to 125%. Maximum spike length was recorded under 125% of
applied NP which is significantly higher over rest of other NP levels during both
the years of study.
On the basis of two year mean data on spike length, longest spike (79.32
cm) recorded with 125% NP level, which was 15.52, 7.83 and 5.17 percent
higher spike length over to 50, 75 and 100 % NP levels, respectively.
4.7: Weight of spike
The observations pertaining to spike weight was recorded at 120 DAP.
The mean data so obtained are being presented in Table 4.7. In general, second
year of experimentation show heavier spike as compared to first year in all the
treatments under study.
Under different bio fertilizer treatments, spike weight was noted in the
range of 65.70 to 76.23, 69.15 to 79.21 and 67.43 to 77.72 g during first, second
year of study and on mean basis.
The combined inoculation of Azotobacter + PSB produced significantly
heavier spike over un-inoculated and single inoculated treatment. However,
single inoculation by Azotobacter or PSB also recorded significantly heavier
spike over un-inoculated treatment (BF0). The trend in respect of the spike weight
under various bio fertilizer treatments were in order of BF3> BF2> BF1 > BF0
during both the years of study as well as ob mean basis.
94
Table 4.7: Weight of spike (g) of gladiolus as influenced by bio
fertilizers, zinc and NP levels
Treatment Weight of spike (g)
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 65.70 69.15 67.43
BF1- Azotobacter 68.26 71.66 69.96
BF2 - PSB 71.83 75.75 73.79
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 76.23 79.21 77.72
SEm ( ) 0.84 0.62 0.66
C.D. (5%) 2.90 2.13 2.29
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 66.88 70.21 68.55
Zn1 –0.1% 69.36 72.30 70.83
Zn2 –0.2% 75.27 79.31 77.29
SEm ( ) 0.66 0.36 0.38
C.D. (5%) 1.95 1.05 1.13
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 65.05 68.34 66.70
F2–75% NP 69.73 73.16 71.45
F3 –100% NP 71.56 75.61 73.59
F4 –125% NP 75.68 78.65 77.17
SEm ( ) 0.53 0.46 0.41
C.D. (5%) 1.50 1.31 1.16
95
Under different foliar spray of zinc, weight of spike was recorded in the
range of 66.88 to 75.27, 70.21 to 79.31 and 68.55 to 77.29 g during first, second
years of experimentation and on mean basis, respectively. Foliar spray of 0.2%
Zn produced heaviest spike which is followed by 0.1% treatment. Whereas
minimum spike weight was noted in control treatment during both the years of
study as well as on mean basis.
The perusal of two year mean data indicate (Table 4.7) that the higher
concentrations of zinc (0.2% Zn) produce the weight of spike up to 77.29 g /plant,
being 12.75 and 9.12 percent significant heavier to control and 0.1% Zn,
respectively.
Under different levels of NP, weight of spike was noted in the range of
65.05 to 75.68, 68.34 to 78.65 and 66.70 to 77.17 g during first, second year of
experimentation and on mean basis.
Weight of spike increased significantly and consistently with the increasing
levels of NP up to 125%. Maximum spike weight was noted with 125% of
applied NP and it was found significantly higher over rest of other NP levels
during both the years of study.
The perusal of mean data indicate (Table 4.7) that the heaviest spike
(77.17 g) noted with 125% NP level, which was 15.70, 8.00 and 4.86 percent
heavier over to 50, 75 and 100 % NP levels, respectively.
96
4.8: Days taken to flowering of gladiolus
The data recorded for emergence of flower opening (days taken for first
floret) are presented in Table 4.8.
The emergence of flower opening (days taken for first floret opening) was
observed in the range of 102.90 to 114.61, 99.03 to 112.54 days under different
treatments of bio fertilizer during first and second year, respectively. The perusal
of mean data indicate, that the combined inoculation of Azotobacter + PSB
recorded the earlier flower initiation (100.97 day) which was significantly superior
to single inoculation of Azotobacter or PSB treatments. Under single inoculation,
PSB initiated early flowering as compared to Azotobacter treated corms, but not
the cross the level of significance. However, un-inoculated treatment takes more
time for flowering.
It is clear from the Table 4.8, that the foliar application of Zn showed
significantly earlier flower initiation as compared to control. On mean basis,
earliest flower initiation (103.31 day) recorded with 0.2% foliar spray of Zn, which
was 7.03 and 4.61 days significantly earlier flower initiation as compared to 0.1%
foliar spray of Zn and control treatments, respectively.
Under different NP levels, the lowest day taken for flower initiation was
recorded in 50% NP level during both the years of study as well as mean basis.
Among the different NP levels, the 125% NP level resulted significantly delay
flower initiation as compared to 50, 75 % and 100% NP levels in both the years
as well as on mean basis.
97
Table 4.8: Days taken to flowering (days for opening of first
floret) influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP level
Treatment Days taken to flowering
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 114.61 112.54 113.58
BF1- Azotobacter 108.36 107.21 107.79
BF2 - PSB 106.97 106.11 106.54
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 102.90 99.03 100.97
SEm ( ) 0.97 1.12 0.97
C.D. (5%) 3.35 3.86 3.37
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 111.82 109.52 110.34
Zn1 –0.1% 108.76 106.89 107.92
Zn2 –0.2% 104.05 102.27 103.31
SEm ( ) 0.50 0.66 0.56
C.D. (5%) 1.48 1.95 1.65
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 103.18 102.14 103.16
F2–75% NP 105.87 103.42 104.51
F3 –100% NP 109.26 107.17 108.20
F4 –125% NP 114.54 112.16 112.90
SEm ( ) 0.70 0.68 0.64
C.D. (5%) 1.99 1.93 1.81
98
4.9: Number of florets per spike
Data in respect of number of florets per spike is preesented in Table 4.9,
indicates that in general, second year (2012-13) show higher number of florets
per spike as compared to first year (2011-12) in all the treatments under study.
The combined inoculation of corms with Azotobacter + PSB produced
maximum number of florets per spike which was significantly higher than single
inoculated of Azotobacter or PSB. However, Azotobacter or PSB inoculated
alone also recorded significantly higher number of florets per spike over un -
inoculated treatment. The trend in respect of the number of florets per spike
under various bio fertilizer treatments were in order of BF3> BF2> BF1 > BF0
during both the years of study as well as on mean basis.
Foliar application of zinc enhanced the number of florets per spike,
however higher concentration (0.2%) show significantly more number of florets
per spike over lower concentration (0.1%). Whereas, minimum number of florets
per spike recorded in control treatment during both the years of study as well as
on mean basis.
Number of florets per spike increased significantly and consistently with
the increasing levels of NP up to 125% during both the years of study. On the
basis of two year mean data, maximum number of florets per spike (18.29) was
observed in F4 (125% NP) which is closely followed by F3 (100% NP) with 18.18
florets and remains statistically at par with each other. Least number of florets
recorded in F1 (50% NP) with 15.74 florets per spike.
99
Table 4.9: Number of florets per spike of gladiolus as influenced
by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
Treatment Number of florets per spike
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 16.56 16.94 16.75
BF1- Azotobacter 17.14 17.55 17.35
BF2 - PSB 17.23 17.60 17.42
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 17.77 18.20 17.99
SEm ( ) 0.12 0.13 0.12
C.D. (5%) 0.40 0.45 0.40
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 16.71 17.11 16.91
Zn1 –0.1% 17.20 17.58 17.39
Zn2 –0.2% 17.61 18.03 17.82
SEm ( ) 0.10 0.12 0.10
C.D. (5%) 0.29 0.37 0.31
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 15.50 15.97 15.74
F2–75% NP 17.06 17.52 17.29
F3 –100% NP 18.02 18.33 18.18
F4 –125% NP 18.11 18.47 18.29
SEm ( ) 0.12 0.13 0.12
C.D. (5%) 0.34 0.38 0.35
100
4.10: Length of florets
The data pertaining to florets length was recorded and presented in Table
4.10; which clearly indicate that the florets length was found to be influenced
significantly, due to different treatments of bio fertilizer, Zn and NP levels.
It is clear from the Table 4.10, that the bio fertilizer (Azotobacter / PSB)
applied corms produced significantly longer florets over un –inoculated
treatment (BF0). Combined inoculation of Azotobacter + PSB produced longest
florets. Whereas, in single inoculated treatment, PSB treated corms gave longer
florets as compared to Azotobacter treated corms, in both the years of study as
well as on mean basis.
Under different foliar spray of zinc, florets length noted in the range of 9.48
to10.49 and 9.62 to 10.77 cm during first and second years of study. Foliar
spray of 0.2% Zn produced longest florets followed by spray of 0.1% Zn
treatment. Whereas smallest florets were recorded in control treatment during
both the years as well as on mean basis.
Florets length increased significantly and consistently with the increasing
levels of NP up to F4 level (125% NP). Maximum florets length was recorded at
125% of applied NP and it was found significantly higher over rest of other NP
levels during both the years of study.
On the basis of two year mean data on florets length, longest florets
(10.68 cm) recorded with 125% NP level, which were 1.38, 0.83 and 0.50 cm
longer over to 50, 75 and 100 % NP levels, respectively.
101
Table 4.10: Length of florets (cm) influenced by bio fertilizer,
zinc and NP levels
Treatment Florets length (cm)
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 9.32 9.46 9.39
BF1- Azotobacter 9.66 9.78 9.72
BF2 - PSB 10.06 10.32 10.19
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 10.55 10.83 10.69
SEm ( ) 0.07 0.08 0.07
C.D. (5%) 0.23 0.29 0.26
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 9.48 9.62 9.55
Zn1 –0.1% 9.72 9.90 9.81
Zn2 –0.2% 10.49 10.77 10.64
SEm ( ) 0.04 0.05 0.05
C.D. (5%) 0.13 0.15 0.14
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 9.22 9.37 9.30
F2–75% NP 9.69 10.00 9.85
F3 –100% NP 10.11 10.24 10.18
F4 –125% NP 10.57 10.78 10.68
SEm ( ) 0.07 0.06 0.06
C.D. (5%) 0.19 0.18 0.17
102
4.11: Diameter of floret
Data in respect of florets diameter is presented in Table 4.11, indicates the
effect of bio fertilizer, Zn and NP levels was significant. In general, second year
(2012-13) show more diameters of florets as compared to first year (2011-12) in
all the treatments under study.
The combined inoculation of corms with Azotobacter + PSB produced
highest diameter of florets which was significantly higher than single inoculated
treatments. However, single inoculation of Azotobacter or PSB also recorded
significantly higher diameter of florets over un - inoculated treatment. The trend in
respect of the diameter of florets under various bio fertilizer treatments were in
order of BF3> BF2> BF1 > BF0 during both the years of study.
Under different foliar spray of zinc, florets diameter was recorded in the
range of 9.46 to 10.48 and 9.81 to 10.58 cm during first and second year of
experimentation. Spray of Zn @ 0.2% produced highest florets diameter
followed by 0.1% Zn treatment. However, minimum diameter of floret noted with
control, during both the years as well as on mean basis.
Floret diameter increased significantly and consistently with the increasing
levels of NP up to 125%. Maximum floret diameter was noted with F4 level and it
was found significantly higher over rest of other NP levels during both the years.
The perusal of two year mean data indicates (Table 4.11), that the highest
florets diameter (10.61 cm) noted with 125% NP level, which was significantly
higher to 50, 75 and 100 % NP levels.
103
Table 4.11: Diameter of florets influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc
and NP levels
Treatment Diameter of florets (cm)
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 9.28 9.64 9.47
BF1- Azotobacter 9.66 9.98 9.82
BF2 - PSB 10.05 10.52 10.29
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 10.52 11.04 10.78
SEm ( ) 0.07 0.09 0.07
C.D. (5%) 0.25 0.30 0.24
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 9.46 9.81 9.64
Zn1 –0.1% 9.69 10.50 10.10
Zn2 –0.2% 10.48 10.58 10.53
SEm ( ) 0.07 0.05 0.06
C.D. (5%) 0.21 0.15 0.17
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 9.20 9.55 9.38
F2–75% NP 9.95 10.21 10.08
F3 –100% NP 10.13 10.44 10.29
F4 –125% NP 10.24 10.97 10.61
SEm ( ) 0.06 0.06 0.06
C.D. (5%) 0.16 0.18 0.16
104
4.12: Flowering durations
The observations pertaining to flowering duration were recorded and the
mean data so obtained are being presented in Table 4.12.
Under different bio fertilizer treatments, flowering duration was noted in
the range of 18.41 to 23.77, 18.73 to 24.85 and 18.57 to 24.31 days, during first,
second years of study and on mean basis, respectively.
The single and combined inoculation of Azotobacter or PSB noted
significantly higher flowering duration over un-inoculated treatment. The trend in
respect of the flowering duration under various bio fertilizer treatments were in
order of BF3> BF2> BF1 > BF0 during both the years of study.
The perusal of data indicate, that the highest levels of Zn (Zn2) recorded
highest flowering duration which was significantly higher as compared to Zn1 &
Zn0 in first year, whereas, in second year Zn2 and Zn1 show statistically at par
flowering duration from each other. Mean data indicate, that the flowering
duration was maximum in Zn2 with 22.03 days which is closely followed by 21.14
days with Zn1. However, under control, the duration of flowering was 20.28 days.
Flowering duration increased significantly and consistently with the
increasing levels of NP up to 125%. The perusal of mean data indicates that the
highest flowering duration (23.55 days) recorded with 125% NP level, which was
6.41 and 3.00 days higher over to 50, and 75% NP levels, but statistically at
par with 100% NP level with flowering duration of 23.37 days.
105
Table 4.12: Flowering durations as influenced by bio fertilizer,
zinc and NP levels
Treatment Flowering durations (days)
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 18.41 18.73 18.57
BF1- Azotobacter 20.29 20.58 20.44
BF2 - PSB 20.78 21.78 21.28
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 23.77 24.85 24.31
SEm ( ) 0.22 0.33 0.12
C.D. (5%) 0.75 1.16 0.40
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 20.10 20.46 20.28
Zn1 –0.1% 20.39 21.89 21.14
Zn2 –0.2% 21.96 22.10 22.03
SEm ( ) 0.36 0.17 0.20
C.D. (5%) 1.06 0.49 0.60
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 16.81 17.46 17.14
F2–75% NP 20.37 20.73 20.55
F3 –100% NP 23.05 23.69 23.37
F4 –125% NP 23.02 24.06 23.55
SEm ( ) 0.32 0.17 0.19
C.D. (5%) 0.91 0.47 0.54
106
4.13: Number of florets opened at a time (125 DAP)
Number of florets opened at a time is important parameter which is directly
related to quality of gladiolus because market price is depend this parameter.
Number of florets opened at a time were recorded at 125 DAP during both the
year and data present in Table 4.13.
More number of florets opened (4.86 & 5.32) at a time was recorded with
combined inoculation of gladiolus corms by Azotobacter + PSB. However, single
inoculation of Azotobacter or PSB also recorded significantly more number of
florets opened at a time over un - inoculated treatment. The trend of number of
florets opened at a time under various bio fertilizer treatments were in order of
BF3> BF2> BF1 > BF0 during both the years of study as well as on mean basis.
It is evident from Table 4.13, that the more number of florets opened at a
time was observed with foliar application of zinc in comparison to control during
both the years of study. Mean data of two year indicate that the number of florets
opened at a time was maximum (5.07) in Zn2 which is significantly higher over
Zn1. However, minimum florets opened at a time (3.72) noted in control (Zn0)
treatment.
Florets opened at a time increased significantly and consistently with the
increasing levels of NP up to 100% NP, thereafter it slightly decreased. The
perusal of two year mean data indicates, that the more number of florets opened
(4.60) at a time recorded with 100% NP level, which was significantly higher to
50 and 75% NP levels, but statistically at par with 125% NP level.
107
Table 4.13: Number of florets opened at a time (125 DAP) as
influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
Treatment Number of florets opened at a time (125 DAP)
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 3.59 3.68 3.64
BF1- Azotobacter 4.04 4.47 4.26
BF2 - PSB 4.20 4.67 4.43
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 4.86 5.32 5.09
SEm ( ) 0.06 0.02 0.04
C.D. (5%) 0.19 0.07 0.12
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 3.54 3.89 3.72
Zn1 –0.1% 4.12 4.44 4.28
Zn2 –0.2% 4.86 5.27 5.07
SEm ( ) 0.03 0.03 0.02
C.D. (5%) 0.09 0.09 0.06
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 3.75 3.90 3.83
F2–75% NP 4.20 4.64 4.42
F3 –100% NP 4.37 4.83 4.60
F4 –125% NP 4.35 4.77 4.57
SEm ( ) 0.03 0.03 0.02
C.D. (5%) 0.10 0.08 0.06
108
4.14: Fresh weight of floret
The fresh weight of floret was recorded and the mean data are presented
in Table 4.14.
Under different bio fertilizer treatments, fresh weight of each floret was
recorded in the range of 3.27 to 3.72, 3.34 to 3.83 and 3.31 to 3.77g, during first,
second years of study and on mean basis, respectively.
The single and combined inoculations of Azotobacter or PSB recorded
significantly higher fresh weight of floret over un-inoculated treatment. The trend
in respect of the fresh weight of florets under various bio fertilizer treatments
were in order of BF3> BF2> BF1 > BF0 during both the years of study as well as
mean basis.
The perusal of mean data indicated (Table 4.14) that the foliar spray of
zinc noted significant improvement in fresh weight of floret over control. Highest
level of Zn (Zn2) recorded maximum fresh weight of floret, which was significantly
higher as compared to Zn1 & Zn0 during both the years of experiment as well as
on mean basis.
Fresh weight of floret increased consistently with the increasing levels of
NP up to 125%. The perusal of mean data indicates, that the highest fresh
weight (3.69 g) of floret was recorded with 125% NP level, closely followed by
100% NP level with 3.63 g and those were significantly higher to 50 and 75%
NP levels, but statistically at par from each other.
109
Table 4.14: Fresh weight of floret as influenced by bio fertilizer,
zinc and NP levels
Treatment Fresh weight of floret (g)
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 3.27 3.34 3.31
BF1- Azotobacter 3.45 3.56 3.51
BF2 - PSB 3.50 3.60 3.56
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 3.72 3.83 3.77
SEm ( ) 0.04 0.05 0.05
C.D. (5%) 0.15 0.16 0.16
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 3.29 3.38 3.34
Zn1 –0.1% 3.45 3.54 3.49
Zn2 –0.2% 3.72 3.83 3.78
SEm ( ) 0.02 0.03 0.03
C.D. (5%) 0.07 0.08 0.07
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 3.21 3.31 3.26
F2–75% NP 3.50 3.58 3.54
F3 –100% NP 3.58 3.67 3.63
F4 –125% NP 3.64 3.74 3.69
SEm ( ) 0.03 0.03 0.03
C.D. (5%) 0.08 0.08 0.08
110
4.15: Dry weight of floret (g)
The dry weight of floret was recorded after the sun dry for 08-10 days with
the help of electronic balance and the mean data are present in Table 4.15.
Under different bio fertilizer treatments, dry weight of floret ranged from
170.12 to 197.59, 180.58 to 212.10 and 175.35 to 204.84 mg, during first,
second year of study and on mean basis, respectively.
The single and combined inoculations of Azotobacter or PSB recorded
significantly higher dry weight of floret over un-inoculated treatment. The trend in
respect of the dry weight of floret under various bio fertilizer treatments were in
order of BF3> BF2> BF1 > BF0 during both the years of study as well as on mean
basis.
The perusal of mean data indicates (Table 4.15) that the foliar spray of
zinc recorded significantly higher dry weight of floret over control. Highest level of
Zn (Zn2) recorded highest dry weight of floret which was significantly higher to
Zn1 & Zn0 during both the years of experiment as well as on mean basis.
Dry weight of floret increased consistently with the increasing levels of NP
up to 125%. The perusal of two year mean data indicates that the highest dry
weight of floret (200.08 mg) was recorded with 125% NP level, closely followed
by 100% NP level with 197.83 mg, and both were significantly higher to 50 and
75% NP levels, but statistically at par from each other.
111
Table 4.15: Dry weight of floret as influenced by bio fertilizer,
zinc and NP levels
Treatment Dry weight of floret (mg)
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 170.12 180.58 175.35
BF1- Azotobacter 180.29 196.22 188.26
BF2 - PSB 188.29 207.54 196.92
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 197.59 212.10 204.84
SEm ( ) 2.17 2.63 2.37
C.D. (5%) 7.49 9.12 8.22
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 173.62 187.11 180.37
Zn1 –0.1% 181.24 196.31 188.77
Zn2 –0.2% 197.35 212.42 204.89
SEm ( ) 1.15 1.25 1.17
C.D. (5%) 3.39 3.70 3.44
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 169.89 184.06 176.97
F2–75% NP 183.36 197.61 190.48
F3 –100% NP 190.21 205.46 197.83
F4 –125% NP 192.83 207.33 200.08
SEm ( ) 1.37 1.45 1.38
C.D. (5%) 3.89 4.13 3.91
112
Table 4.16: yield of spike (ha)
All the spikes obtained from each treatment were counted in number of
spike in per net plot size (3.0 m2) and then converted into multiply the common
factor of 3333.33 (10000/3). Thus, find out the number of spikes per hectare and
the data presented in Table 4.16.
In general, second year of experimentation (2012-13) recorded higher
spike yield per hectare as compared to first year (2011-12) in all the treatments
under study.
Under different bio fertilizer treatments, spike yield ranged from 124926 to
140241, 128815 to 144222 and 126870 to 142232 spikes /ha, during first,
second years of experiment and on mean basis, respectively.
The bio fertilizer (Azotobacter or PSB) treated gladiolus corms recorded
significantly higher spike yield per hectare over un-inoculated treatment and
trend of the spike yield under various bio fertilizer treatments were in order of
BF3> BF2> BF1 > BF0 during both the years of study as well as on mean basis.
The perusal of two year mean data indicates (Table 4.16) that highest
spike yield(142232/ha) was recorded with combined inoculation of Azotobacter +
PSB (BF3) which gave 6.89 and 5.67 percent significantly higher spike yield over
inoculated ones of Azotobacter or PSB, respectively. Whereas, single inoculation
of Azotobacter or PSB produced 4.87 and 6.09 percent significantly higher spike
yield over un-inoculated treatment.
113
Table 4.16: Yield of spike/ha as influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc
and NP levels
Treatment Yield of spike (ha)
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 124926 128815 126870
BF1- Azotobacter 130926 135185 133056
BF2 - PSB 132704 136500 134602
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 140241 144222 142232
SEm ( ) 2204 2011 2100
C.D. (5%) 7626 6957 7267
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 127542 131222 129382
Zn1 –0.1% 132431 136250 134340
Zn2 –0.2% 136625 141069 138847
SEm ( ) 1081 1026 1037
C.D. (5%) 3190 3027 3059
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 122778 125370 124074
F2–75% NP 131574 136018 133796
F3 –100% NP 135833 140278 138056
F4 –125% NP 138611 143055 140833
SEm ( ) 1101 1127 1099
C.D. (5%) 3125 3201 3123
114
Foliar spray of zinc recorded significantly higher spike yield over control.
Highest levels of Zn (0.2%) produced highest spike yield/ha which was
significantly higher as compared to Zn1 & Zn0 during both the years of experiment
as well as on mean basis.
It is reveal from mean data (Table 4.16) that highest spike yield
(138847/ha) was recorded with 0.2% Zn which was 7.31 and 3.35 percent
significantly higher as compared to control and 0.1% spray of Zn, respectively.
Under different NP levels spike yield ranged from 122778 to 138611,
125370 to 143055 and 124074 to 140833 spike /ha, during first, second year of
experiments and on mean basis, respectively.
It is evident from the data presented in Table 4.16 that spike yield
increased consistently with the increasing levels of NP up to 125%. The perusal
of mean data indicate that the highest spike yield (140833/ha) was recorded with
125% NP level, closely followed by 100% NP level with 138056 spike/ha, and
both were significantly higher to 50 and 75% NP levels, but statistically at par
from each other. Application of 100% NP level produced 11.27 and 3.18 percent
significantly higher spike yield over 50 and 75% NP levels, respectively.
4.17: Vase life (days)
Vase life is an important criterion to assess the post harvest quality of cut
flowers. The harvested spikes were given a slanting cut at the basal end and
were put in tap water which was changed daily and the numbers of days
taken for withering of all the florets from all the five spikes were recorded
115
and mean value was expressed in Table 4.17 as vase life in days. In general,
spike produce in the second year (2012-13) show higher vase life as compared
to first year (2011-12) in all the treatments.
Under different bio fertilizer treatments, vase life ranged from 12.95 to
16.54, 13.75 to 17.94 and 13.36 to 17.24 days, during first, second years of study
and on mean basis, respectively.
Our study revealed that the preservative role of bio fertilizer in gladiolus
flower longevity, when corms were treated with this supplement. The highest
vase life was recorded with combined inoculation of gladiolus corms by
Azotobacter + PSB. The single inoculation of Azotobacter or PSB also shows
significantly higher vase life over un-inoculated treatment. The trend in respect of
the vase life under various bio fertilizer treatments were in order of BF3> BF2>
BF1 > BF0 during both the years of study as well as on mean basis.
It is evident from Table 4.16, that the vase life of gladiolus was increase
with application of zinc in comparison to control during both the years of study.
Mean data of indicate that the vase life was maximum in Zn2 with 17.21 days
which was 3.86 and 2.23 days higher over to Zn1 and Zn0 treatments.
Vase life of gladiolus flower increased significantly and consistently with
the increasing levels of NP up to 100%, thereafter it slightly decreased. The
perusal of mean data indicates that the maximum vase life (15.79 days)
recorded with 100% NP level, which was significantly higher to 50 and 75% NP
levels, but statistically at par with 125% NP level, respectively.
116
Table 4.17: Vase life of gladiolus as influenced by bio fertilizer,
zinc and NP levels
Treatment Vase life (days)
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 12.95 13.75 13.36
BF1- Azotobacter 14.49 15.34 14.92
BF2 - PSB 14.68 15.72 15.20
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 16.54 17.94 17.24
SEm ( ) 0.17 0.09 0.07
C.D. (5%) 0.58 0.30 0.23
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 12.87 13.82 13.35
Zn1 –0.1% 14.52 15.43 14.98
Zn2 –0.2% 16.61 17.81 17.21
SEm ( ) 0.10 0.10 0.08
C.D. (5%) 0.29 0.29 0.22
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 13.55 14.64 14.10
F2–75% NP 14.84 15.74 15.29
F3 –100% NP 15.27 16.30 15.79
F4 –125% NP 15.00 16.07 15.54
SEm ( ) 0.12 0.10 0.08
C.D. (5%) 0.34 0.27 0.24
117
NUTRIENT CONTENT
At harvest, leaves sample (third pair leaves) were collected from each plot
and carried out to the laboratory in polythene bags. The leaves samples were
dried at 700C for 48 hours and oven dry weight were noted. The samples were
powdered and preserved for analysis of N, P, K and Zn content as per standard
method.
4.18: Nutrient (N, P, K & Zn) content in leaves :
It can be seen from the data in Table 4.18 - 4.21 that nutrient content (N,
P, K & Zn) in gladiolus leaves were significantly influenced by bio fertilizer, Zn
and NP levels during both the years of studies. In general, nutrient content (NPK
& Zn) in leaves was higher in year 2012-13 than in 2011-12 in all the treatments
under study.
On the basis of mean data, the N, P and K content in gladiolus leaves
were observed in the range of 2.68 to 3.10 %, 0.436 to 0.496 % and 3.21 to
3.23%, respectively, under different bio fertilizer inoculated treatments.
The combined inoculations of Azotobacter or PSB recorded significantly
higher N and P content over single inoculation or un-inoculated treatments during
both the years of study as well as on mean basis. However, K (Table 4.20) and
zinc (Table 4.21) content in leaves was observed more or less similar in all the
bio fertilizer treatments and show statistically at par difference from each other.
118
Table 4.18: Nitrogen content (%) in gladiolus leaves as
influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
Treatment Nitrogen content (%)
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 2.65 2.70 2.68
BF1- Azotobacter 2.92 2.96 2.94
BF2 - PSB 2.91 2.93 2.92
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 3.09 3.10 3.10
SEm ( ) 0.04 0.03 0.04
C.D. (5%) 0.13 0.12 0.12
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 2.73 2.81 2.77
Zn1 –0.1% 2.86 2.93 2.90
Zn2 –0.2% 3.09 3.03 3.06
SEm ( ) 0.02 0.02 0.02
C.D. (5%) 0.06 0.05 0.05
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 2.67 2.69 2.68
F2–75% NP 2.92 2.93 2.93
F3 –100% NP 2.96 3.01 2.99
F4 –125% NP 3.02 3.06 3.04
SEm ( ) 0.02 0.02 0.02
C.D. (5%) 0.07 0.06 0.06
119
Table 4.19: Phosphorus content (%) in gladiolus leaves as
influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
Treatment Phosphorus content (%)
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 0.427 0.444 0.436
BF1- Azotobacter 0.448 0.477 0.463
BF2 - PSB 0.465 0.494 0.480
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 0.488 0.503 0.496
SEm ( ) 0.005 0.005 0.004
C.D. (5%) 0.017 0.017 0.015
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 0.432 0.460 0.446
Zn1 –0.1% 0.462 0.493 0.477
Zn2 –0.2% 0.477 0.485 0.482
SEm ( ) 0.003 0.003 0.002
C.D. (5%) 0.009 0.008 0.007
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 0.420 0.444 0.432
F2–75% NP 0.459 0.482 0.471
F3 –100% NP 0.471 0.494 0.483
F4 –125% NP 0.477 0.499 0.488
SEm ( ) 0.004 0.003 0.003
C.D. (5%) 0.010 0.008 0.008
120
Table 4.20: Potassium content (%) in gladiolus leaves as
influenced by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
Treatment Potassium content (%)
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 3.14 3.30 3.23
BF1- Azotobacter 3.13 3.31 3.22
BF2 - PSB 3.13 3.29 3.21
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 3.14 3.31 3.22
SEm ( ) 0.01 0.01 0.01
C.D. (5%) NS NS NS
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 3.12 3.28 3.20
Zn1 –0.1% 3.14 3.31 3.22
Zn2 –0.2% 3.15 3.32 3.23
SEm ( ) 0.02 0.02 0.02
C.D. (5%) NS NS NS
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 3.10 3.25 3.17
F2–75% NP 3.14 3.29 3.22
F3 –100% NP 3.16 3.31 3.24
F4 –125% NP 3.16 3.35 3.26
SEm ( ) 0.01 0.01 0.01
C.D. (5%) 0.03 0.03 0.02
121
Table 4.21: Zinc content (ppm) in gladiolus leaves as influenced
by bio fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
Treatment Zinc content (ppm)
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 148.4 160.3 154.35
BF1- Azotobacter 145.6 151.1 148.35
BF2 - PSB 151.8 146.1 148.95
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 146.4 151.6 149
SEm ( ) 6.5 6.8 5.5
C.D. (5%) NS NS NS
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 53.4 55.5 54.45
Zn1 –0.1% 160.2 166.1 163.15
Zn2 –0.2% 231.3 235.2 233.25
SEm ( ) 4.7 4.0 3.6
C.D. (5%) 13.8 11.9 10.8
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 146.4 147.1 146.75
F2–75% NP 148.5 157.9 153.2
F3 –100% NP 149.7 153.8 151.75
F4 –125% NP 148.6 150.3 149.45
SEm ( ) 4.2 3.2 3.3
C.D. (5%) NS NS NS
122
Content of major nutrients (N, P and K) in gladiolus leaves were not
influenced with the foliar application of zinc, whereas significant difference in zinc
content was observed. Maximum zinc content was recorded with higher
concentration of Zn (0.2%) which was significant higher to other lower
concentration and control.
Under different foliar application of zinc treatments, zinc content in leaves
ranged from 53.4 to 231.3, 55.5 to 235.2 and 54.45 to 233.25 ppm (mg kg-1),
during first, second years of study and on mean basis, respectively.
Nutrient (N, P, K & Zn) content increased significantly and consistently
with the increasing levels of NP up to 100% NP, thereafter it increase but not
cross the level of significance. The perusal of two year mean data indicates that
the maximum content of NPK was recorded with 125% NP level, which was
significantly higher to 50 and 75% NP levels, but statistically at par with 100%
NP level. Whereas, zinc content was more or less similar in all the NP levels and
show non significant difference with each other, during both the years of study
as well as on mean basis.
CORMS STUDIES:
After one month harvest of spike, the corms were subjected for studies.
Under corms study, numbers of corms/plant and per plot were counted and
weight and diameter of corms were also recorded.
123
4.19: Numbers of corms/plant
Data in respect of number of corms/plant is presented in Table 4.22,
indicates the effect of bio fertilizer, Zn and NP levels was significant. In general,
second year (2012-13) recorded higher number of corms/plant as compared to
first year (2011-12) in all the treatments under study.
The combined inoculation of Azotobacter + PSB produced maximum
number of corms/plant which was significantly higher to single inoculation of
Azotobacter or PSB. However, Azotobacter or PSB alone also recorded
significantly higher number of corms/plant over un - inoculated treatment. The
trend in respect of the number of corms/plant under various bio fertilizer
treatments were in order of BF3> BF2> BF1 > BF0 during both the years.
Foliar application of zinc enhanced the number of corms/plant, higher
concentration (0.2%) recorded statistically at par number of corms/plant to lower
concentration (0.1%) but both the treatment recorded significantly higher number
of corms/plant over control treatment, during both the years of study as well as
on mean basis.
Number of corms/plant increased significantly and consistently with the
increasing levels of NP up to 125% during both the years of study. On the basis
of mean data, maximum number of corms/plant (1.59) was observed in F4 (125%
NP) which is closely followed by F3 (100% NP) with 1.57 corms/plant and the
least number of corms (1.37/ plant) was recorded in F1 (50% NP).
124
Table 4.22: Number of corms/plant in gladiolus as influenced by
bio fertilizer and various zinc and NP levels
Treatment Number of corms/plant
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 1.34 1.35 1.35
BF1- Azotobacter 1.47 1.50 1.48
BF2 - PSB 1.52 1.56 1.54
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 1.56 1.62 1.59
SEm ( ) 0.02 0.02 0.01
C.D. (5%) 0.06 0.08 0.04
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 1.40 1.37 1.38
Zn1 –0.1% 1.51 1.56 1.53
Zn2 –0.2% 1.50 1.60 1.55
SEm ( ) 0.03 0.03 0.03
C.D. (5%) 0.08 0.08 0.08
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 1.34 1.40 1.37
F2–75% NP 1.41 1.43 1.42
F3 –100% NP 1.55 1.58 1.57
F4 –125% NP 1.60 1.59 1.59
SEm ( ) 0.03 0.03 0.02
C.D. (5%) 0.07 0.08 0.07
125
4.20: Numbers of corms/hectare
All the corms obtained from each treatment were counted in number of
corms in per net plot size (3.0 m2) and then converted into multiply the common
factor of 3333.33 (10000/3). Thus, find out the number of corms per hectare and
the data presented in Table 4.23.
In general, second year of experiment (2012-13) noted higher corms yield
per hectare as compared to first year (2011-12) in all the treatments under study.
Under different bio fertilizer treatments, corms yield ranged from 129387
to 144382, 144538 to 161319 and 136963 to 152850 corms/ha, during first,
second years and on mean basis, respectively.
The bio fertilizer (Azotobacter or PSB) treated plots recorded significantly
higher corms yield per hectare over un-inoculated treatment and trend of the
corms yield under various bio fertilizer treatments were in order of BF3> BF2> BF1
> BF0 during both the years of study as well as on mean basis.
The perusal of mean data indicates (Table 4.23), that highest corms
yield/ha was recorded with combined inoculation of Azotobacter + PSB (BF3)
which gave 5.45 and 4.61 percent significantly higher corms yield over inoculated
ones of Azotobacter or PSB, respectively. Whereas, single inoculation of
Azotobacter or PSB also produced 5.83 and 6.68 percent significantly higher
corms yield over un-inoculated (control) treatment.
126
Table 4.23: Number of corms/ha in gladiolus as influenced by
bio fertilizer, zinc and NP levels
Treatment Number of corms/ha
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 129387 144538 136963
BF1- Azotobacter 136926 152977 144951
BF2 - PSB 138025 154207 146116
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 144382 161319 152850
SEm ( ) 1417 1627 1522
C.D. (5%) 4902 5630 5266
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 133656 149313 141484
Zn1 –0.1% 137158 153236 145197
Zn2 –0.2% 140726 157232 148979
SEm ( ) 989 1109 1049
C.D. (5%) 2918 3270 3094
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 127087 141986 134537
F2–75% NP 135102 150951 143026
F3 –100% NP 141801 158447 150124
F4 –125% NP 144729 161657 153193
SEm ( ) 1114 1243 1178
C.D. (5%) 3163 3529 3346
127
Foliar spray of zinc also recorded significantly higher corms yield/ha over
control. Highest levels of Zn (0.2%) noted highest corms yield/ha which was
significantly higher as compared to Zn1 & Zn0 during both the years of experiment
as well as on mean basis.
It is revealed from mean data of two year (Table 4.23), that highest corms
yield (148979/ha) was recorded with 0.2% foliar spray of Zn, which was 5.29 and
2.62 percent significantly higher as compared to control and 0.1% spray of Zn,
respectively.
Under different NP levels, corms yield ranged from 127087 to 144729,
141986 to 161657 and 134537 to 153193 corms /ha, during first, second year of
experimentation and on mean basis, respectively.
It is clear from the data that corms yield increased consistently with the
increasing levels of NP up to 125% level. The perusal of mean data indicates that
the highest corms yield (153193/ha) was recorded with 125% NP level which is
closely followed by 100% NP level with 150124 corms /ha, and both were
significantly higher to 50 and 75% NP levels, but statistically at par from each
other.
It is evident from results that application of 100% NP level produced 11.58
and 4.96 percent significantly higher corms yield/ha over 50 and 75% NP levels,
respectively.
128
4.21: Corms weight (g)
The weight of corms was recorded and the mean data are present in
Table 4.24.
Under different bio fertilizer treatments, mean weight of corms was
recorded in the range of 23.69 to 26.94, 23.86 to 29.09 and 23.78 to 28.02 g,
during first, second year of study and on mean basis, respectively.
The single and combined inoculations of Azotobacter or PSB recorded
significantly higher corms weight over un-inoculated treatment. The trend in
respect of the weight of corms under various bio fertilizer treatments were in
order of BF3> BF2> BF1 > BF0 during both the years of study as well as on mean
basis.
The perusal of mean data indicates (Table 4.24) that the foliar spray of
zinc noted significantly improvement in weight of corms over control. Highest
levels of Zn (0.2%) recorded highest corms weight which was significantly higher
to Zn1 & Zn0 treatments during both the years of experiment as well as on mean
basis.
Weight of corms increased consistently with the increasing levels of NP up
to 125%, The perusal of mean data indicates that the heaviest corms (27.21 g)
was recorded with 125% NP level which is closely followed by 100% NP level
with 26.84 g, and both were significantly superior to 50 and 75% NP levels, but
statistically at par from each other.
129
Table 4.24: Corms weight (g) of gladiolus as influenced by bio
fertilizer and various zinc and NP levels
Treatment Corms weight (g)
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 23.69 23.86 23.78
BF1- Azotobacter 24.88 27.00 25.94
BF2 - PSB 25.39 27.61 26.50
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 26.94 29.09 28.02
SEm ( ) 0.32 0.29 0.30
C.D. (5%) 1.09 1.00 1.03
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 23.82 25.60 24.71
Zn1 –0.1% 24.98 26.76 25.87
Zn2 –0.2% 26.88 28.31 27.59
SEm ( ) 0.18 0.17 0.16
C.D. (5%) 0.52 0.49 0.48
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 23.28 24.92 24.10
F2–75% NP 25.25 26.94 26.09
F3 –100% NP 25.96 27.72 26.84
F4 –125% NP 26.42 27.99 27.21
SEm ( ) 0.21 0.23 0.20
C.D. (5%) 0.61 0.64 0.58
130
4.22: Corms diameter
Data in respect of diameter of corms is preesented in Table 4.25, indicate
the effect of bio fertilizer, Zn and NP levels was significant. In general, second
year (2012-13) recorded more corm diameter as compared to first year (2011-12)
in all the treatments under study.
The combined inoculation with Azotobacter + PSB produced highest
corms diameter which was significantly higher to single inoculated treatments.
However, single inoculation of Azotobacter or PSB also recorded significantly
higher corms diameter over un - inoculated treatment. The trend in respect of the
corms diameter under various bio fertilizer treatments were in order of BF3> BF2>
BF1 > BF0 during both the years of study as well as on mean basis.
Under different foliar application of zinc, corms diameter was recorded in
the range of 3.88 to 4.30 and 4.46 to 4.86 cm during first and second years of
experimentation. Spray of Zn @ 0.2% produced highest corms diameter which
is followed by 0.1% Zn treatment. However, minimum diameter noted in control.
Corms diameter increased significantly and consistently with the
increasing levels of NP up to 125%. Maximum corms diameter was noted at F4
which is closely followed by 100% NP level and both were found significantly
superior over rest of lower (50 & 75%) NP levels during both the years. The
perusal of mean data indicates (Table 4.25), that the highest corms diameter
(4.55 cm) was noted with 125% NP level, which is significantly higher to 50 and
75 % levels but statistically at par with 100% NP level.
131
Table 4.25: Corms diameter (cm) of gladiolus as influenced by
bio fertilizer and various zinc and NP levels
Treatment Corms diameter (cm)
2011-12 2012-13 Mean
Main plot treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un inoculated 3.88 4.41 4.15
BF1- Azotobacter 4.01 4.62 4.31
BF2 - PSB 4.09 4.72 4.41
BF3 - Azotobacter + PSB 4.31 4.94 4.63
SEm ( ) 0.05 0.05 0.04
C.D. (5%) 0.18 0.16 0.14
Sub plot treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 – Control 3.88 4.46 4.17
Zn1 –0.1% 4.04 4.69 4.37
Zn2 –0.2% 4.30 4.86 4.58
SEm ( ) 0.03 0.03 0.02
C.D. (5%) 0.08 0.09 0.07
Ultimate plot treatment (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 3.79 4.30 4.08
F2–75% NP 4.08 4.72 4.40
F3 –100% NP 4.27 4.77 4.52
F4 –125% NP 4.26 4.84 4.55
SEm ( ) 0.03 0.04 0.03
C.D. (5%) 0.10 0.10 0.08
132
ECONOMICAL STUDIES:
The economic feasibility of different practices or treatments is usually a
deciding factor for its adoption by the farmers for commercialization of any crop
production programme. It is, therefore, of common interest to calculate the
effect of different treatments tested in this study on the cost and returns of
gladiolus crop. The data on economic efficiency of the various treatments of
study, as judged for gross return, net return and benefit : cost ratio.
4.23 : Economic analysis of treatments
Economics of the gladiolus crop cultivation were studied on the basis
of two year mean data and presented in Table 4.26.
4.23.1: Cost of cultivation :
Cost of cultivation of Rs. 198750/- ha was common for all the treatments.
Under bio fertilizers treatment, the cost of each bio fertilizer is added 200/-ha and
foliar spray of zinc and NP levels varied from treatment to treatment. The highest
cost of cultivation (Rs. 201750 /ha) was incurred under foliar spray of zinc @
2.0% treatment.
4.23.2: Gross income:
Data embodied in Table 4.26 revealed that all the bio fertilizers
treatments gave more gross income over un- inoculated treatment. The
maximum gross income of Rs. 612705/-ha was obtained in combined
inoculations of gladiolus corms by Azotobacter +PSB treatment (BF3).
133
Table 4.26: Economics of various treatments (on the basis of
mean data of two year experimentation)
Treatments
Spike yield (/ha)
Corms yield
(kg/ha)
Cost of cultivation*
(Rs./ha)
Gross monetary
return (Rs./ha)
Net monetary returns (Rs./ha)
B:C ratio
Main treatments (bio fertilizers)
BF0- Un- inocu. 126870 136963 198750 471147 272397 4.50
BF1- AZT. 133056 144951 198950 530101 331151 4.97
BF2 - PSB 134602 146116 198950 576795 377845 5.34
BF3 - AZT + PSB 142232 152850 199150 612705 413555 5.62
Sub treatments (Foliar spray of zinc)
Zn0 –Control 129382 141484 198750 487475 288725 4.63
Zn1 –0.1% 134340 145197 200250 533542 333292 4.92
Zn2 –0.2% 138847 148979 201750 594565 392815 5.32
Ultimate treatments (NP levels)
F1 –50% NP 124074 134537 195250 459489 264239 4.59
F2–75% NP 133796 143026 197000 526917 329917 5.06
F3 –100% NP 138056 150124 198750 595449 396699 5.51
F4 –125% NP 140833 153193 200500 610065 409565 5.52
134
In the respect of zinc, maximum gross income of Rs. 594565/-ha was
obtained with 0.2% foliar spray treatment (Zn2). Under different NP levels,
maximum gross income of Rs. 610065/-ha in 125% NP level which is closely
followed (Rs. 595449/-ha) by 100% NP level (F3).
4.23.3: Net income :
Data encamped in Table 4.26 Propel that all the bio fertilizers applied
treatments gave more net return over control. The maximum net return of Rs.
413555/-ha was found with combined inoculations of gladiolus corms by
Azotobacter +PSB treatment (BF3).
In point of view zinc, maximum net income of Rs. 392815/-ha was
obtained with 0.2% foliar spray treatment (Zn2). Under different NP levels,
maximum net return of Rs. 409565/-ha in 125% NP levelwhich is closely followed
by (Rs. 396699/-ha) with 100% NP level (F3).
4.23.4: Benefit : cost ratio :
It is apparent from fig. (4.21) that all the bio fertilizers applied
treatments resulted more benefit : cost ratio over un-inoculated. The maximum
benefit cost ratio of 5.62 was recorded with combined inoculations of gladiolus
corms by Azotobacter +PSB treatment (BF3).
In zinc point of view, more benefit : cost ratio 5.32 was obtained with
0.2% foliar spray treatment (Zn2). Under different NP levels, maximum B: C ratio
(5.52) was observed with 125% NP level which is closely followed (5.51) by
100% NP level treatment (F3).
135
SIGNIFICANT INTERACTIONS
The interaction of different NP levels with bio fertilizers as well as foliar
application of zinc was found significant. Important significant interactions (on
the basis of two year mean data) are presented here under following heads.
4.24: Interactions effect of bio fertilizers and NP levels
4.24.1: Number of spike per square meter
The interaction effect due to bio fertilizers and NP levels on number of
spike per square meter was found to the significant on mean basis and it was
presented in Table 4.27.
Table 4.27: Interaction effect of bio fertilizer and NP levels on number of
spike per square meter (Mean of two year)
Treatments BF0 BF1 BF2 BF3 Mean
F1 18.69 19.02 19.22 19.79 19.18
F2 20.04 21.22 21.11 21.56 20.98
F3 20.67 21.52 22.07 23.06 21.83
F4 21.48 21.76 22.44 23.37 22.27
Mean 20.22 20.88 21.21 21.94
SEm ( ) 0.28
C.D. (5%) 0.79
It is clear from above interaction table that treatment combination F4 x BF3
produced maximum spike per square meter (23.37) which is closely followed by
F3 x BF3 whereas minimum spike per square meter (18.69) under F1 x BF0
treatment combinations.
136
4.24.2: Weight of spike
The interaction effect due bio fertilizers and NP levels on weight of spike
was found to the significant on mean basis and it was presented in Table 4.28.
Table 4.28: Interaction effect of bio fertilizer and NP levels on weight of
spike (Mean of two year)
Treatments BF0 BF1 BF2 BF3 Mean
F1 63.18 64.15 67.85 71.62 66.70
F2 65.74 68.93 72.60 78.53 71.45
F3 69.25 71.87 74.72 80.50 73.58
F4 71.53 74.89 78.01 82.24 77.17
Mean 67.42 69.96 73.79 77.72
SEm ( ) 0.91
C.D. (5%) 2.60
Bio fertilizer and NP levels interacted significantly in increasing the weight
of spike, which was minimum 63.18 g at F1 x BF0 level and increased to a
maximum of 82.24 g at F4 x BF3 level which was found at par with F3 x BF3 level.
Thus, the treatment combination F3 x BF3 (100% NP with dual inoculation
of AZT +PSB) may be beneficial in respect of weight of spike.
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4.24.3: Number of florets per spike
The interaction effect due bio fertilizers and NP levels on number of florets
per spike was found to the significant on mean basis and it was presented in
Table 4.29.
Table 4.29: Interaction effect of bio fertilizer and NP levels on number of
florets per spike (Mean of two year)
Treatments BF0 BF1 BF2 BF3 Mean
F1 15.17 15.72 15.90 16.17 15.74
F2 16.68 17.70 17.06 17.75 17.29
F3 17.36 17.85 18.61 18.89 18.18
F4 17.82 18.12 18.10 19.14 18.29
Mean 16.75 17.35 17.42 17.99
SEm ( ) 0.27
C.D. (5%) 0.78
It is evident from above interaction Table that bio fertilizer and NP levels
interacted synergistically in increasing the number of florets per spike (Table
4.28). Number of florets were found minimum (15.17) at F1 x BF0 and maximum
(19.14) at F4 x BF3 however it was at par with F3 x BF3 and F3 x BF2 level.
Thus, the treatment combination F3 x BF3 (100% NP with dual inoculation
of AZT +PSB) may be beneficial in respect of number of florets per spike.
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4.24.4: Diameter of florets
The interaction effect due bio fertilizers and NP levels on diameter of
florets was found to the significant on mean basis and it was presented in Table
4.30.
Table 4.30: Interaction effect of bio fertilizer and NP levels on diameter of
florets (Mean of two year)
Treatments BF0 BF1 BF2 BF3 Mean
F1 8.89 9.01 9.54 10.07 9.38
F2 9.29 9.75 10.30 10.99 10.08
F3 9.73 10.13 10.35 10.95 10.29
F4 9.95 10.41 10.96 11.10 10.61
Mean 9.47 9.82 10.29 10.78
SEm ( ) 0.13
C.D. (5%) 0.36
Bio fertilizer and NP levels interacted significantly in increasing the
diameter of florets, which was minimum 8.89 cm at F1 x BF0 level and increased
to a maximum of 11.10 cm at F4 x BF3 level which was found at par with F2 x
BF3, F4 x BF2 and F3 x BF3 levels.
139
4.24.5: Flowering duration (days)
The interaction effect due bio fertilizers and NP levels on flowering
durations was found to the significant on mean basis and it was presented in
Table 4.31.
Table 4.31: Interaction effect of bio fertilizer and NP levels on flowering
durations (Mean of two year)
Treatments BF0 BF1 BF2 BF3 Mean
F1 17.51 18.78 19.84 20.41 19.14
F2 18.27 20.12 20.61 23.21 20.55
F3 19.86 20.51 22.26 26.85 22.37
F4 18.65 22.35 22.42 26.77 22.55
Mean 18.57 20.44 21.28 24.31
SEm ( ) 0.43
C.D. (5%) 1.21
It is evident from above interaction Table that bio fertilizer and NP levels
interacted synergistically in increasing the flowering durations (Table 4.31).
Flowering durations were found minimum (17. 51) at F1 x BF0 and maximum
(26.85) at F3 x BF3 however it was at par with F4 x BF3 level.
Thus, the treatment combination F3 x BF3 (100% NP with dual inoculation
of AZT +PSB) may be beneficial in respect of flowering durations.
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4.24.6: Number of corm /plant
The interaction effect due bio fertilizers and NP levels on number of corm
/plant was found to the significant on mean basis and it was presented in Table
4.32.
Table 4.32: Interaction effect of NP and bio fertilizers levels on number of
corm /plant (Mean of two year)
Treatments BF0 BF1 BF2 BF3 Mean
F1 1.26 1.35 1.38 1.51 1.37
F2 1.26 1.43 1.49 1.51 1.42
F3 1.43 1.58 1.63 1.64 1.57
F4 1.45 1.58 1.65 1.70 1.59
Mean 1.35 1.48 1.54 1.59
SEm ( ) 0.06
C.D. (5%) 0.16
As far as the interactive effect of bio fertilizer and NP levels on number of
corm per plant was concerned, treatment combination F4 x BF3 gave highest
number of corm per plant (1.70) which was found at par with F4 x BF3, F4 x BF2
and F3 x BF2 levels. Whereas, minimum number of corm (1.26) per plant was
found under F1 x BF0 level.
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4.24.7: corm weight (g)
The interaction effect due bio fertilizers and NP levels on corm weight was
found to the significant on mean basis and it was presented in Table 4.33.
Table 4.33: Interaction effect of NP and bio fertilizers levels on corm weight
(Mean of two year)
Treatments BF0 BF1 BF2 BF3 Mean
F1 22.20 23.85 24.17 26.18 24.10
F2 23.46 25.66 27.01 28.25 26.09
F3 24.57 27.05 26.92 28.81 26.84
F4 24.88 27.19 27.91 28.84 27.21
Mean 23.78 25.94 26.50 28.02
SEm ( ) 0.46
C.D. (5%) 1.30
Bio fertilizer and NP levels interacted significantly in increasing the weight
of corms, which was minimum 22.20 g at F1 x BF0 level and increased to a
maximum of 28.84 g at F4 x BF3 combination which was found at par with F3 x
BF3, F2 x BF3 and F4 x BF2 combination.
Thus, the treatment combination F3 x BF3 (100% NP with dual inoculation
of AZT +PSB) may be beneficial in respect of weight of spike.
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4.25: INTERACTIONS EFFECT OF ZINC AND NP LEVELS
4.25.1: Weight of spike
The interaction effect due to zinc and NP levels on weight of spike was
found to the significant on mean basis and it was presented in Table 4.34.
Table 4.34: Interaction effect of zinc and NP levels on weight of spike
(Mean of two year)
Treatments Zn0 Zn1 Zn2 Mean
F1 63.31 64.99 71.80 66.70
F2 67.87 69.49 76.98 71.45
F3 69.60 71.90 79.25 73.58
F4 73.41 76.94 81.14 77.17
Mean 68.55 70.83 77.29
SEm ( ) 0.71
C.D. (5%) 2.01
Zinc and NP levels interacted significantly in increasing the weight of
spike, which was minimum 63.31 g at F1 x Zn0 level and increased to a maximum
of 81.14 g at F4 x Zn2 level which was found at par with F3 x Zn2 combination.
Thus, the treatment combination F3 x Zn2 (100% NP with 0.2% foliar spray
of zinc) may be beneficial in respect of weight of spike.
143
4.25.2: Number of florets per spike
The interaction effect due to zinc and NP levels on number of florets per
spike was found to the significant and it presented in Table 4.35.
Table 4.35: Interaction effect of NP and zinc levels on number of florets per
spike (Mean of two year)
Treatments Zn0 Zn1 Zn2 Mean
F1 15.03 15.64 16.55 15.74
F2 17.03 17.45 17.41 17.29
F3 17.74 18.22 18.57 18.18
F4 17.83 18.28 18.77 18.29
Mean 16.91 17.39 17.82
SEm ( ) 0.21
C.D. (5%) 0.60
It is evident from above interaction Table that zinc and NP levels
interacted synergistically in increasing the number of florets per spike (Table
4.35). Number of florets were found minimum (15.03) at F1 x Zn0 and maximum
(18.77) at F4 x Zn2 however it was at par with F3 x Zn2,, F4 x Zn1 and F3 x Zn1
combination.
Thus, the treatment combination F3 x Zn2 (100% NP with 0.2% foliar spray
of zinc) may be beneficial in respect of number of florets per spike.
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4.25.3: Flowering duration (days)
The interaction effect due to zinc and NP levels on flowering durations
was found to the significant and it presented in Table 4.36.
Table 4.36: Interaction effect of NP and zinc levels on flowering duration
(Mean of two year)
Treatments Zn0 Zn1 Zn2 Mean
F1 18.51 18.77 20.14 19.14
F2 19.46 20.52 21.68 20.55
F3 21.19 22.34 23.57 22.37
F4 21.97 21.73 23.94 22.55
Mean 20.28 20.84 22.33
SEm ( ) 0.33
C.D. (5%) 0.94
It is evident from above interaction Table that zinc and NP levels
interacted synergistically in increasing the flowering durations (Table 4.36).
Flowering durations were found minimum (18. 51) at F1 x Zn0 and maximum
(23.94) at F4 x Zn2 however it was at par with F3 x Zn2 (23.57) combination.
Thus, the treatment combination F3 x Zn2 (100% NP with0.2% foliar spray
of zinc) may be beneficial in respect of flowering durations.
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4.25.4: Number of florets opened at a time (125 DAP)
The interaction effect due to zinc and NP levels on number of florets
opened at a time was found to the significant and it presented in Table 4.37.
Table 4.37: Interaction effect of NP and zinc levels on number of florets
opened at 125 DAP (Mean of two year)
Treatments Zn0 Zn1 Zn2 Mean
F1 3.60 3.84 4.34 3.93
F2 4.19 4.32 4.76 4.42
F3 4.26 4.47 4.79 4.50
F4 4.42 4.50 4.78 4.57
Mean 4.12 4.28 4.67
SEm ( ) 0.04
C.D. (5%) 0.11
As far as the interactive effect of zinc and NP levels on number of florets
opened at a time was concerned, treatment combination F3 x Zn2 show highest
number of florets opened (4.79) at 125 DAP, which was found at par with F4 x
Zn2 and F2 x Zn2 combination. While, number of florets opened at a time were
found minimum (3.60) at F1 x Zn0 combination.
146
4.25.5: Vase life of flower (days)
The interaction effect due to zinc and NP levels on vase life of flower
(days) was found to the significant and it presented in Table 4.38.
Table 4.38 : Interaction effect of NP and zinc levels on vase life of flower
(Mean of two year)
Treatments Zn0 Zn1 Zn2 Mean
F1 13.10 14.07 15.12 14.10
F2 14.40 14.98 16.51 15.29
F3 14.71 15.27 16.64 15.54
F4 15.20 15.59 16.57 15.79
Mean 14.35 14.98 16.21
SEm ( ) 0.15
C.D. (5%) 0.42
It is revealed from above interaction, that zinc and NP levels interacted
synergistically in increasing the vase life of flower (Table 4.38). Vase life of
flower were found minimum (13. 10 days) at F1 x Zn0 and maximum (16.64 days)
at F3 x Zn2 however it was at par with F4 x Zn2 (16.57 days) and with F2 x Zn2
(16.5 days) combination.
Thus, the treatment combination F3 x Zn2 (100% NP with 0.2% foliar spray
of zinc) may be beneficial in respect of vase life of flower.
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4.25.6: Corms diameter (cm)
The interaction effect due to zinc and NP levels on corms diameter (cm)
was found to the significant and it presented in Table 4.39.
Table 4.39: Interaction effect of NP and zinc levels on corms diameter
(Mean of two year)
Treatments Zn0 Zn1 Zn2 Mean
F1 3.85 4.12 4.26 4.08
F2 4.12 4.48 4.60 4.40
F3 4.27 4.45 4.70 4.47
F4 4.44 4.43 4.78 4.55
Mean 4.17 4.37 4.58
SEm ( ) 0.05
C.D. (5%) 0.14
Zinc and NP levels interacted significantly in increasing the diameter of
corms, which was minimum 3.85 cm at F1 x Zn0 combination and increased to a
maximum of 4.78 cm at F4 x Zn2 level which was found at par with F3 x Zn2
treatment combination.
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CHAPTER – V
DISCUSSION
The investigation entitled “Effect of bio fertilizers and zinc on
gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L .)” conducted during two
consecutive rabi seasons of 2011-12 and 2012-13 at the SMS Govt.
Model science college, Gwalior. The salient findings recorded in the
preceding chapter with the object to investigate effect of bio fertilizers
singly and in combination with graded doses of NP levels through chemical
fertilizers and foliar spray of zinc on growth, flowering and corm production
of gladiolus are discussed in detail in this chapter, using probable
causes and effects of analysis in the light of available knowledge and
relevant literature.
The investigation revealed a considerable improvement in almost all
the parameters during both the years. The increase in the second year may
be attributed to the residual or carryover effect of NP and bio fertilizer by
corms as well as by soil. Because, the corms harvested from the first year
crop were replanted in the same plot and were subjected to identical
fertilizer treatments in the second year. The present findings are in
accordance with the reports of Litterell and Waters (1967-68), who
observed that gladiolus, is relatively slow in response to nitrogen and
phosphorus fertilization and the effect might not be apparent in one
season. Favorable environmental conditions in the second year of
experiment might have also aided in this improvement.
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5.1: EFFECT OF BIO FERTILIZERS ON GLADIOLUS:
In the light of recent global fertilizer shortage and escalating cost of
production as well as atmospheric pollution due to indiscriminate use of
chemical fertilizers the intensive search for potential sources to supplement
or substitute means has become imperative. Several investigations in the
recent past have indicated the beneficial effects of bio- fertilizer
(Azotobacter & PSB) in nitrogen and phosphorus economy in different crop
plants. However, very little or no information is available until now with
regards to use of these bio fertilizers in floriculture crops especially in
gladiolus for which the present study was initiated to find out the alternative
sources of chemical fertilization. The present investigation revealed
significant improvement in almost all the parameters studied during both the
experimental years.
5.1.1: Effect of bio fertilizers on vegetative characters
All the bio fertilizers under the investigation significantly
influenced the days to 75 percent sprouting of corm. Moreover, dual
inoculation of corms with Azto + PSB (BF3) gave significantly induced
earliness followed by BF2, and BF1 in corm sprouting as compared to
un - inoculated treatment.
This might be due to inoculation with bacterial mixtures
provided a more balance nutrition for plants as well as optimum
absorption of bio fertilizers by corms accelerated the physiological
150
process and improved the germination phenomenon. These results
are in accordance with the findings of Belimov et al, 1995.
Ukey (1998) also reported beneficial effect of Azotobacter and PSB in
reducing the number of days required for bulb initiation in onion.
The results reported in foregoing pages revealed that all the growth
parameters viz; plant height, number of leaves per plant showed a significant
increase with the combined application of Azto + PSB, followed by single
inoculation by PSB and Azto under the present study and un-inoculated
treatment show least value for these parameters during both the seasons.
Mean data of two year showed that the plant height and numbers of
leaves per plant in the order of BF3 > BF1 > BF2 > BF0.
Improvement in plant height and number of leaves with dual
inoculation of Azto +PSB could be attributed to the proper availability
of nitrogen fixed by Azotobacter as non-symbiotic in the rhizosphere
of inoculated corms, while PSB acts as a potent phosphate
solubilizer and thus facilitates enhanced phosphorus uptake in roots
by which the plants maintain their vegetative growth. Better vigorous
growth may also be result of increased meristematic activities and
increase in number and size of cells due to effect of growth
promoting substances produced by these bio-fertilizers. Similar
findings were observed by Taren et al. (1994), Alfaff (2002) in onion,
Shashidhara and Gopinath (2002) in calendula and Kathiresan and
Venkatesha (2002) in gladiolus.
151
5.1.2: Effect of bio fertilizers on floral characters
Application of bio fertilizer singly and in different combinations has
significant effect on all the floral characters. Among various bio fertilizers
and their combinations, Azto +PSB were found the best which is followed by
PSB and Azto.
Results reported in foregoing pages reveal that the gladiolus
corms treated with Azto +PSB showed marked earliness in days to
heading (spike) and days to flowering, while un-inoculated corm
delayed it significantly. Kathiresan and Venkatesha (2002) reported
early flowering in gladiolus with bio fertilizers + NPK and
Shashidhara and Gopinath (2002) in calendula. The probable reason
for early heading and flowering may be that the hormones which
enhanced early heading and flowering may be secreted by
Azotobacter and phosphobacteria. The interrelationship between
bacteria and phytohormone production and plant process in
association has not yet, however, been investigated.
Significant increase in spike length, number of florets per spike
and first floret diameter was obtained under combined inoculation of
corm with Azto +PSB, followed by PSB and Azto alone. It might be
due to increased availability of nitrogen and better mobilization,
solubilization of phosphate and better uptake of N and P as well as
also increased activity of gibberellic acid which improved the
vegetative growth, dry matter accumulation and their partitioning
152
towards the developing spikes. Beneficial effect of bio fertilizers on
floral characters have been reported by Kathiresan and Venkatesha
(2002), Rajadurai and Beaulah (2000) and Yadav et al. (2005).
Significant increase in first floret diameter due to bio fertilizers
was reported by Preeti et al., (1999) in Edward rose. Rajadurai and
Beaulah (2000) in marigold and Dubey and Mishra (2005) in
gladiolus.
Increased number of florets per spike was reported by Mishra
(1998) with application of Nafed super culture containing Azotobacter
spp. Along with other growth regulating substances in gladiolus. It
might be due to accumulation of more and more reserved food
towards spike of gladiolus plant. Similar results were also obtained
by Vasanthi (1994) in Jasmine and Johnson et al. (1982) in
chrysanthemum and Dubey and Mishra (2005) in gladiolus.
Significant increase in number of spike, number of florets
opened at a time, fresh weight and flowering duration was obtained
with dual inoculation of corm with Azto +PSB. Our findings are
harmony with Gupta et al. (1999), Dubey and Mishra (2005), Dalve et
al. (2009) and Dubey et al. (2010).
Fresh weight increased due to biological fixation of nitrogen
and phosphorus in root portion of plants resulting in absorption of
more nutrients and its utilization. Moreover, Azotobacter has a role in
nitrogen fixation and is also involved in the production of IAA, GA
153
and Cytokinin like substances which enhance the growth of plants.
These findings are in accordance with the results of Rajesh et al.
(2006), stated that application of bio-fertilizers like Azotobacter/
Azospirillum, Phosphate solubilizing bacterium enhanced the flower
fresh weight in carnation.
The perusal of mean data of two year indicates (Table 4.16) that highest
spike yield/ha recorded with combined inoculation of Azotobacter + PSB (BF3)
which gave 6.89 and 5.67 percent significantly higher spike yield over inoculated
ones of Azotobacter or PSB, respectively. Whereas, single inoculation of
Azotobacter or PSB produced 4.87 and 6.09 percent significantly higher spike
yield over un-inoculated treatment.
Significant increase in spike yield with Azto +PSB inoculated
treatment may be due to apart from fixing atmospheric nitrogen,
produces plant growth promoting substances and creates metabolic
changes in roots. This is turn decrease the activity of oxidative
enzymes and increases the development of root hairs thus increasing
the endogenous IAA and minerals as well as water uptake. This
resulted in increase of root development and overall vegetative
growth thereby increasing the yield of crops.
Significantly increased vase life of whole spike resulted from
application of bio fertilizers. The highest vase life was recorded with
combined inoculation of gladiolus corms by Azotobacter + PSB. The
single inoculation of Azotobactor or PSB also shows significantly
154
higher vase life over un-inoculated treatments. Longer vase life might
be attributed to the better overall food and nutrient status of spike
under these treatments and reduction in ethylene synthesis which
has a harmful effect for flower life. There is no literature available
especially in case of gladiolus to conform these findings. However,
some work has been done with regard to improved vase life and
storability in some other crops. Our findings are harmony with Khan
et al. (2009), who reported that Azotobacter+ Azospir illum inhibit the
action of ethylene and extend the vase life of tulip for 10-12 days.
Significant increase in NPK content in gladiolus leaves with the application
of bio fertilizer (Azto +PSB) inoculated treatment; this could be attributed to the
rapid absorption of these elements by the plant surface and their translocation in
the plant. Similar results were obtained by Khattab and Hassan (1980) on
chrysanthemum. The role of phosphate solubilizing bacteria increases in the
availability of phosphorus in soil through the secretion of phosphatase enzyme
which leads to transfer organic phosphorus to their available from Abou et al;
(2007). Consequently, it enhances phosphorus absorption and accumulation in
plant tissues. The increment in “K” percentage might be due to the effect of
different strain groups and nutrients mobilizing microorganism which help in
availability of metals and their forms in the composted material and increased
levels of extracted minerals (Yada et al; 2013).
155
5.1.3: Effect of bio fertilizers on nutrient content
Positive impact of bio fertilizers for nutrient content (NPK) by
leaves exhibited remarkable difference than control. These treatment
application significantly increased nitrogen content, this could be
attributed to the rapid absorption of these elements by the plant
surface and their translocation in the plant. Similar results were
obtained by Khattab and Hassan, (1980) on chrysanthemum. The
role of phosphate solubilizing bacteria increases in the availability of
phosphorus in soil through the secretion of phosphatase enzyme
which leads to transfer organic phosphorus to their available form
Abou et al; (2007). Consequently, it enhances phosphorus absorption
and accumulation in plant tissues
5.1.4: Effect of bio fertilizers on corm production
All the parameters with respect to corm production were found
significantly influenced by application of bio fertilizers. There was a marked
difference in almost all the parameters in second year over the previous
season. However, Corm treated with dual inoculation of Azotobacter +
PSB gave significantly higher result with respect to corm production,
followed by PSB and Azotobacter alone. Better nitrogen fixation
under Azotobacter treatment and increased absorption of nitrogen
under PSB treatment and greater solublization of insoluble P and
some other factors such as release of growth promoting substances,
control of plant pathogens and proliferation of beneficial organisms in
156
rhizosphere (Barea and Brown, 1974). Hence, plant supplied with
sufficient N and P continuously maintained vegetative growth leading
to increase in photosynthetic area, which in turn resulted in more
accumulation of assimilates and partitioning to the developing corms
and cormels. Thus, for increasing the number and weight of corms
the present finding are in line with the result by Mishra (1998),
Kathiresan and Venkatesha (2002) and Dubey and Mishra (2005)
5.2: EFFECT OF FOLIAR SPRAY OF ZINC ON GLADIOLUS
Zinc has vital role in plant life. It is essential for vegetative and
reproductive process (Reed, 1942). In many parts of India, zinc as a plant
nutrient now stand third in importance next to nitrogen and phosphorus, the
deficiency of zinc under semi arid climate has emerged as a serious limitations to
crop production. Zinc deficiency is being widely expressed in the light textured
soils. Earlier studies suggest that various crops respond well to zinc (Tiwari and
Dwivedi, 1991).
5.2.1: Effect of zinc on vegetative growth
The results reported in foregoing pages revealed that the foliar
application zinc increased all the growth parameters viz; plant height,
number of leaves per plant significantly over control. Maximum height
and number of leaves was observed with the spray of 0.2% of Zn
which was significantly higher over the treatment of 0.1% Zn. The
effect of zinc in enhancing the vegetative growth may be ascribed
due to the presence of zinc in the structure of tryptophan, which is
157
the precursor of auxin. Zinc was most effective in plant height and
increasing leaf size in gladiolus (Sarova et al; 1977).
5.2.2: Effect of zinc on floral characters
Application of zinc as has significant effect on all the floral characters.
Among various concentration, foliar spray of 0.2% Zn was found the best
followed by 0.1% Zn.
Results reported in foregoing pages reveal that the foliar
application of zinc showed marked earliness in days to heading
(spike) and days to flowering, while control delayed it significantly.
Significant increase in spike length, number of florets per spike
and first floret diameter was obtained under 0.2% foliar spray of Zn
followed by 0.1%. Zinc involved in the synthesis of plant hormones
and hence induces early maturity of shoot to induce early flowering
(Chen et al; 1982).
The investigation revealed a significant improvement an all the
parameters with regard to florets ( i.e. number of florets per spike,
first floret length and diameter, number of florets opened at a time,
fresh and dry weight and flowering duration) with foliar application of
zinc during both the years.
The increase in floral characters due to application of zinc increase
vegetative growth and healthy green leaves which is tern resulted in higher
158
assimilate synthesis thus leads to production of more food material, which is tern
might have been utilized for better development of size and weight of flowers.
Plants sprayed with zinc might have stored more carbohydrates through
effective photosynthesis and zinc helps in synthesis of tryptophan as precursor of
auxin (IAA) and also causes stem elongation (Sharma et al; 1980) resulted in
better growth and flowering (Bala et al; 2006).
More number of florets opened at a time with application of zinc
in comparison to control because of involvement of zinc in several
enzymatic activities which affects the alcohol dehydrogenase and
this enzyme catalyzes the degradation of acetaldehyde to ethanol
(Marschner, 1986) which augmented some role in production of
ethylene that probably resulted in opening and expansion of more
number of florets at a time. Results obtained in this study also
experimentally substantiated by Kumar and Arora (2000) who
observed that application of zinc enhanced duration of flowering in
gladiolus.
Foliar spray of zinc recorded significantly higher spike yield/ha over
control. It is revealed from mean data of two year (Table 4.16) that highest spike
yield (138847/ha) recorded with 0.2% Zn which was 7.31 and 3.35 percent
significantly higher as compared to control and 0.1% spray of Zn, respectively.
The positive response of iris plant growth, yield and yield
components due to Zn foliar spray may be attributed to its deficiency
in studied soil. In addition, the important role of Zn come from its
159
apparent requirement for the synthesis of optimum tryptophan
(Precursor of IAA) levels and for the activation of enzymes involved
in the synthesis of IAA, (Salisbury and Ross, 1992). Similar results
also were obtained by Hassanien (1997) and Kumar and Arora
(2000), Sharma et al. (2004) and Jauhari et al. (2005) on Gladiolus.
Lahijie (2012) concluded that no application of micronutrients
on gladiolus ornamental at the commercial scale will produce poor
quality of vegetative growth and low number of florets. However, it is
suggested that micronutrients play a vital role on the growth and
development of gladiolus plants, because of its stimulatory and
catalytic effects on flower yield and metabolic processes.
Significantly increased vase life of whole spike resulted from
foliar application of zinc. The highest vase life was recorded with Zn 2
with 17.21 days which was 3.86 and 2.23 days higher over to Zn 1 and
Zn0 treatments. These results lie in the line of the findings reported
by Pratap et al. (2008).
5.2.3: Effect of zinc on nutrient content in gladiolus leaves
Results reported in foregoing pages revealed that the marginal
Increase NPK content and significant increase in Zn content in
gladiolus leaves with the foliar application of zinc. This could be
attributed to the rapid absorption of this nutrient element by the plant
surface and their translocation in the plant. Pratap et al. (2005) also
found that the response of ZnSO4 exhibit a significant effect in the
160
accumulation of zinc in the leaf tissue of gladiolus. The most
prominent response for maximum enrichment of leaf tissues with zinc
was to spray the crop with ZnSO4 at 0.5% concentration twice during
the crop growth period at 3 rd and 6th leaf stages of crop, as this
element is necessary for control of IAA production levels in plants
(Price et al; 1972) and is known to indirectly influence the water
relations in the plant system (Dutt and Patil; 2000).
5.2.4: Effect of zinc on corm production
All the parameters with respect to corm production were found
significantly influenced by foliar application of zinc. There was a marked
difference in almost all the parameters in second year over the previous
season. Foliar spray @ 2% Zn gave significantly higher result with
respect to corm production, followed by1% Zn spray.
Increased yield of corms/plant and per plot, weight and diameter of corms
with spraying of zinc might be due to translocation of constituents from one part
of other and enhanced production of corms and cormels. This finding is also
corroborated with the results of Lal and Maurya (1981). They further reported that
zinc is responsible factor for increasing size, fresh and dry weight of onion bulbs.
Singh and Singh (2000) also observed that application of zinc enhanced corm
size and weight of corm per plant in gladiolus.
161
5.3: EFFECT OF CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS (NP LEVELS) ON
GLADIOLUS
5.3.1: Effect of NP levels on vegetative growth
Days to 75 percent sprouting of corm was significantly
influenced by different doses of NP and application of full or 25%
higher doses of NP induced the early corm sprouting as compared to
half and 75% doses of NP. This earliness in sprouting can be
attributed mainly to availability of sufficient nutrients to the corm for
its normal metabolic activities. While improvement in other vegetative
characters like plant height and number of leaves with the increasing
levels of NP could be attributed to the unique physiological roles of
such nutrients in plant growth and development. Beneficia l effects on
vegetative characters by higher doses of NP were also reported by
Gawda et al. (1988), John et al. (1997) and Sehrawat et al. (2000) in
gladiolus crop.
5.3.2: Effect of NP levels on floral characters
It is clear from the results reported in foregoing pares revealed
that all the floral parameters increased consistently with the
increasing levels of NP up to 125% level but the difference between 100
and 125% was statistically at par in most of the parameters.
Full dose of NP showed significant influence on spike length,
number of florets per spike and first floret length and diameter,
162
number of florets opened at a time, flowering duration as against
50% NP levels. The possible reason could be due to readily available
N and P which is responsible for improved the vegetative growth, dry
matter accumulation and partitioning towards the developing spikes.
The differential response of these characters to NP doses may also
be ascribed to the differences in NP uptake patterns by the plants at
the spike emergence stage. Beneficial effects of nitrogen and
phosphorus on floral characters have been reported by Gawda et al.
(1988), Mukherjee et al. (1997), Pandey et al. (2000) in gladiolus and
Kawarkhe et al. (2002), Attala et al., (2003) and Mishra et al. (2002)
in tuberose.
The other possible reason of longer spike and bigger size and
more number of florets per spike with the application of full dose of
NPK, could be due to ample supply of nutrient elements, which might
have resulted in increased number and size of cells and enhanced
meristematic activities, leading to marked improvement in these
characters. Corroborative findings were also reported by Dod et al.
(1991) Singh and Bijimol (2000) and Sharma and Singh (2001) in
gladiolus.
Gladiolus plant took minimum days to flowering when NP applied at
lower levels. Application of higher doses, on the other hand, resulted in
plants taking a longer time. The possible reason for the above trend might
be due to the fact that high dose of N and P encouraged vigorous growth
163
with more photosynthetic area for greater production and mobilization of
photosynthates, which ultimately delayed the reproduction phase. Similar
observations were also made by Shah et al. (1984), Dod et al. (1991)
and John et al. (1997).
The highest number of florets remaining open at a time on the
spikes was recorded on plants treated with 100 and 125% doses of
NP. These findings conform the earlier observations of Deswal and
Patil (1983) and Anserwadekar and Patil (1986).
Longer vase life of whole spike resulted from full dose of NP,
the obvious reasons being that the spikes produced were longer with
more number of florets. Phosphorus applications produces less
succulence and softer flowers thus more deposition of carbohydrate
in the cells, which also helped in increasing vase life as reported by
Hatibarua and Mishra (1999) in gladiolus. Beneficial effects of higher
doses of NP on post harvest characters have been reported by
Deswal and Patil (1983), Hatibarua et al. (2002) and Kathiresan and
Venkatesha (2002) in gladiolus.
5.3.3: Effect of NP levels on nutrient content
It is revealed from results that the nutrient (N, P, K & Zn) content in
gladiolus leaves increased significantly and consistently with the increasing
levels of NP up to 100% NP, thereafter it increase but not the level of
significance. The perusal of two year mean data indicated that the maximum
content of NPK was recorded with 125% NP level, which was significantly higher
164
to 50 and 75% NP levels, but statistically at par with 100% NP level. This might
be due to more availability of nutrients through higher levels of applied nutrients.
The findings support the result of Singh et al. (2002).
5.3.4: Effect of NP levels on corm production
The investigation revealed a significant improvement in all the parameters
with regards to corm production with higher dose of NP during both the years.
The results from these tests demonstrate that higher dose of NP application
resulted in corms of superior quality in both the years and more number of corm
per plant in second year. This can be attributed to enhanced ammonium
absorption and nitrate absorption (fenn et al; 1994), resulting in increased
photosynthetic activity to produce additional biomass, which was manifested in
bigger and heavier corms. The present findings are in accordance with the
reports of Litterell and Waters (1967-68), who observed that gladiolus, is
relatively slow in response to nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization and the effect
might not be apparent in one season.
Higher yield in terms of corms due to higher dose of NPK may be because
of rapid vegetative growth, which resulted in increased fresh and dry matter
production and partitioning to the developing corms. Similar findings were also
reported by, Shah et al. (1984), Singh and Bijimol (2000) and Kathiresan and
Venkatesha (2002) in gladiolus.
165
5.4: SIGNIFICANT INTERACTIONS
5.4.1: Interactions effect of bio fertilizers and NP levels
Most of the interaction between bio fertilizers and NP levels were
significant in respect of number of spike per square meter, weight of spike,
number of florets per spike, diameter of florets and flowering duration.
Significant increase in floral characters with the application of bio fertilizer
(Azto +PSB) and higher NP levels; this could be attributed to the rapid
absorption of these elements by the plant and their translocation in thefloral
parts. Similar results were obtained by Khattab and Hassan (1980) on
chrysanthemum. The role of phosphate solubilizing bacteria increases in the
availability of phosphorus in soil through the secretion of phosphatase enzyme
which leads to transfer organic phosphorus to their available from Abou et al;
(2007). Consequently, it enhances phosphorus absorption and accumulation in
plant tissues.
As far as the interactive effect of bio fertilizer and NP levels,
corm treated with dual inoculation of Azotobacter + PSB gave
significantly higher result with respect to corm production, followed
by PSB and Azotobacter alone. Better nitrogen fixation under
Azotobacter treatment and increased absorption of nitrogen under
PSB treatment and greater solublization of insoluble P and some
other factors such as release of growth promoting substances,
control of plant pathogens and proliferation of beneficial organisms in
rhizosphere (Barea and Brown, 1974). Hence, plant supplied with
166
sufficient N and P continuously maintained vegetative growth leading
to increase in photosynthetic area, which in turn resulted in more
accumulation of assimilates and partitioning to the developing corms
and cormels. Thus, for increasing the number and weight of corms
the present finding are in line with the result by Kathiresan and
Venkatesha (2002) and Dubey and Mishra (2005).
5.4.2: Interactions effect of zinc and NP levels
In case of interactive effect of zinc and NP levels, treatment combination
F3 x Zn2 (100% NP with 0.2% foliar spray of zinc) resulted most of the floral
characters (viz; number of florets per spike, flowering duration, number of florets
opened at a time and vase life of flower) significantly superior over control and
lower doses of zinc and NP levels.
The increase in floral characters due to application of zinc increase
vegetative growth and healthy green leaves which is tern resulted in higher
assimilate synthesis thus leads to production of more food material, which is tern
might have been utilized for better development of size and weight of flowers.
Plants sprayed with zinc might have stored more carbohydrates through
effective photosynthesis and zinc helps in synthesis of tryptophan as precursor of
auxin (IAA) and also causes stem elongation (Sharma et al; 1980) resulted in
better growth and flowering (Bala et al; 2006).
As far as the interactive effect of zinc and NP levels, the diameter of
corms, which was minimum (3.85 cm) in F1 x Zn0 combination and increased to
a maximum of 4.78 cm at F4 x Zn2 level which was found at par with F3 x Zn2
167
treatment combination. Increased corms diameter with spraying of zinc under
different NP levels, might be due to translocation of constituents from one part of
other and enhanced corms diameter. Singh and Singh (2000) also observed that
application of zinc with NPK enhanced corm size and weight of corm per plant in
gladiolus.
5.5: ECONOMICS
Cost of cultivation of Rs. 198750/- ha was common for all the treatments.
The highest cost of cultivation (Rs. 201750 /ha) was incurred under foliar spray of
zinc @ 2.0% treatment. The major cost components were the planting material
and labour in weeding revealing the high capital and labour intensive nature of
the crop. Similar cost of cultivation of gladiolus was also reported by Pushpalatha
et al. (2000) in Bangalore, Karnataka.
The economic feasibility in terms of net monetary return showed that
the maximum net return (Rs. 413555/-ha) and B : C (5.62) ratio was found with
combined inoculations of gladiolus corms by Azotobacter +PSB treatment (BF3).
In point of view zinc, maximum net income (Rs. 392815/-ha) and B : C
ratio (5.32) was obtained with 0.2% foliar spray treatment (Zn2). Under different
NP levels, maximum net return (Rs. 409565/-ha) and B : C ratio (5.52) with125%
NP level which is closely followed by 100% NP level (F3) with 5.51 B : C ratio.
168
CHAPTER VI
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
The present investigation entitled “Effect of bio fertilizers and zinc on
gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.)” conducted during two consecutive rabi
seasons of 2011-12 and 2012-13 at the SMS Government model science
college, Gwalior. The study was made with two objectives i.e. to ascertain
the best performing biofertilizer on growth, yield and quality of gladiolus in
combination with different doses of chemical fertilizers and find out the optimum
concentration of zinc for better performance of gladiolus. For this purpose, two
biofertilizer viz., Azotobacter (Azto), Phosphobacteria (PSB) and their
combination AZT + PSB) were tested along with four doses of NP i.e. 50, 75,
100 and 125% of NP, using three foliar spray of zinc (control, 0.1% & 0.2%) .
The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three replication and
total of forty eight treatments. The experimental crop (Cv. Manmohak) was sown
with a corm of 20 cm spacing with row spacing of 50 cm were maintained.
Recommended doses of fertilizers were 120 kg N, 80 kg P2O5 and 100 kg K2O
per ha (100% NPK) and these doses, full dose of phosphorus and potassium and
half dose of nitrogen were applied at the time of sowing. Remaining half dose of
nitrogen was applied two splits doses after first and second irrigations. Corms
were treated before sowing with Azotobecter, PSB as per treatment wise and
zinc was applied as two foliar sprays (3 and 6 leaf pair stage i. e. at 75 and 100
DAP) as per treatment concentration. The corms harvested from the first year
crop were replanted in the same plot and were subjected to identical
169
fertilizer treatments in the second year. Effect of all the three factors (bio
fertilizers, zinc and NP levels) on vegetative growth, floral characters and
corm production were studied. The salient findings are summarized in this
chapter to draw some meaningful conclusion.
EFFECT OF BIO FERTILIZERS ON GLADIOLUS
All the bio fertilizers under the investigation significantly influenced the
days to 75 percent sprouting of corm. Moreover, dual inoculation of corms
with Azto +PSB (BF3) gave significantly induced earliness followed by
BF2, and BF1 in corm sprouting as compared to un - inoculated treatment.
All the growth parameters viz; plant height, number of leaves per plant
showed a significant increase with the combined application of Azto +
PSB, followed by single inoculation by PSB and Azto under the present
study and un-inoculated treatment show least value for these parameters.
Application of bio fertilizer singly and in different combinations has
significant effect on all the floral characters (viz; spike length, number
of florets per spike and first floret length & diameter, flowering durations,
florets open at a time, fresh & dry weight of florets and vase life). Among
various bio fertilizers and their combinations, Azto +PSB were found
the best followed by PSB and Azto and un-inoculated treatment show
least value for these parameters during both the seasons.
170
The perusal of mean data of two year study indicates, that the highest
spike yield/ha recorded with combined inoculation of Azotobacter + PSB
(BF3) which gave 6.89 and 5.67 percent significantly higher spike yield
over inoculated ones of Azotobacter or PSB, respectively. Whereas, single
inoculation of Azotobacter or PSB produced 4.87 and 6.09 percent
significantly higher spike yield over un-inoculated treatment.
Under present investigation, significant increase in NPK content was
observed in gladiolus leaves with the application of bio fertilizer over to un-
inoculated treatment.
All the parameters with respect to corm production were showed
significantly influenced by application of bio fertilizers. There was a
marked difference in almost all the parameters in second year over
the previous season. However, Corm treated with dual inoculation of
Azotobacter + PSB gave significantly higher result with respect to corm
production, followed by PSB and Azotobacter alone.
The economic feasibility in terms of net monetary return and benefit cost
ratio, showed that the maximum net return (Rs. 413555/-ha) and B : C
(5.62) ratio was found with combined inoculations of gladiolus corms by
Azotobacter +PSB (BF3) treatment.
171
EFFECT OF FOLIAR SPRAY OF ZINC ON GLADIOLUS
The foliar application of zinc increased all the growth parameters viz; plant
height, number of leaves per plant significantly over control. Maximum
height and number of leaves was observed with the spray of 0.2% of Zn
which was significantly higher over the treatment of 0.1% Zn.
The investigation revealed a significant improvement in all the
parameters with regard to florets ( i.e. number of florets per
spike, first floret length and diameter, number of florets opened
at a time, fresh and dry weight and flowering duration) with
foliar application of zinc. The best performance was obtained
under 0.2% foliar spray of Zn followed by 0.1% during both the
years of study.
Foliar spray of zinc recorded significantly higher spike yield/ha over
control. It is revealed from mean data of two year (Table 4.16) that highest
spike yield (138847/ha) recorded with 0.2% Zn which was 7.31 and 3.35
percent significantly higher to control and 0.1% spray of Zn, respectively.
Significantly increased vase life of whole spike resulted from foliar
application of zinc. The highest vase life was recorded with Zn2 with 17.21
days which was 3.86 and 2.23 days higher over to Zn1 and Zn0
treatments.
172
Marginal Increase NPK content and significant increase in Zn content in
gladiolus leaves with the foliar application of zinc was observes in present
study.
All the parameters with respect to corm production (corms/plant and
per plot its weight and diameter) were found significantly
influenced by foliar application of zinc. Foliar spray @ 2% Zn gave
significantly higher result with respect to corm production,
followed by1% Zn.
In economical point of view, maximum net income (Rs.
392815/-ha) and B : C ratio (5.32) was obtained with foliar spray
of zinc @ 0.2% (Zn2) treatment.
EFFECT OF NP LEVELS ON GLADIOLUS
Days to 75 percent sprouting of corm was significantly influenced by
different doses of NP and application of full or 25% higher doses of NP
induced the early corm sprouting as compared to half and 75% doses of
NP. Improvement in other vegetative characters like plant height and
number of leaves with the increasing levels of NP.
All the floral parameters increased consistently with the
increasing levels of NP up to 125% level but the difference
between 100 and 125% was statistically at par in most of the
parameters was noticed under present experimentations.
173
Longer vase life of whole spike noticed from full dose of NP (100% NP),
the obvious reasons being that the spikes produced were longer with more
number of florets under this treatment.
It is revealed from results that the nutrient (N, P, K) content in gladiolus
leaves increased significantly and consistently with the increasing levels of
NP up to 100% NP; thereafter it increases but not the level of significance.
The investigation revealed a significant improvement in all the parameters
with regards to corm production with higher dose of NP during both the
years. The results from these tests demonstrate that higher dose of NP
application resulted in corms of superior quality in both the years and
more number of corm per plant in second year.
Under different NP levels, maximum net return (Rs. 409565/-ha) and B : C
ratio (5.52) with125% NP level which is closely followed by 100% NP level
(F3) with Rs. 396699/-ha of net return and 5.51 B : C ratio.
174
CONCLUSION:
On the basis of foregoing summary, the results may be concluded as
follows :
Application of bio fertilizer singly and in different combinations has
significant effect on all the vegetative, floral and corms parameters.
Among various bio fertilizers and their combinations, Azotobacter
+PSB were found the best, followed by PSB and Azoto and un-
inoculated treatment show least value for these parameters during both
the seasons of experiment.
Foliar spray of zinc recorded significantly higher vegetative, floral and
corms parameters over control. The best performance was obtained
under 0.2% foliar spray of Zn followed by 0.1% during both the years of
study.
Vegetative, floral and corms parameters increased consistently with the
increasing levels of NP up to 125% level but the difference between 100
and 125% was statistically at par in most of the parameters was
noticed under present experimentation.
Thus, the gladiolus crop sown with combined inoculation of Azotobacter
+ PSB and two foliar spray of zinc @ 0. 2% at 75 and 100 DAP with 100% NP
level of fertilizers produced maximum spike and corms yield as well as higher
quality parameters and also gave higher net return and benefit: cost ratio in
Gwalior district of Gird Agro Climatic Zone of Madhya Pradesh.
175
SUGGESTION:
1. Bio fertilizers should be fresh and mode of methods properly used.
2. For foliar spray of zinc, neutralization of zinc is must. For this, brunt lime
may be use.
3. Other than zinc, iron will also to be considered for foliar application in
gladiolus.
4. Application of phosphatic fertilizers (in the form of DAP) should be applied at
basal dose in deep.
5. Further, water soluble fertilizers (i.e. mono ammonium phosphate) will also
be tried for foliar spray of N and P nutrients.
176
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