Vol. 11, Issue 7 (2022)

Author(s):
Suhita Pyne, MS Negi, Anil Shukla, Naresh Malik and Jai Paul

Abstract:
From ancient period flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is well known for its prime quality fibres called linen. Balanced nutrition of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is essential for optimum leaf area index of flax which ultimately leads to efficient photosynthesis and plant growth. However, literatures regarding the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on leaf growth and chlorophyll content are limited. Concerning this aspect, a field experiment was conducted during two consecutive flax growing seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22 at Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India under Randomized Block Design with thirteen treatments of NPK dose combinations replicated three times. Increase in nitrogen dose from 60 to 120 kg/ha under same phosphorus and potassium levels, invariably enhanced leaf area index and total chlorophyll content. The highest LAI was recorded with application of 120:45:45 kg/ha N:P₂O₅:K₂O which was closely followed by 90:45:45 kg/ha N:P₂O₅:K₂O. The total chlorophyll content was also the highest with application of 120:45:45 kg/ha N:P₂O₅:K₂O having the value of 2.64 and 2.84 mg/g (on an average) at 60 and 90 DAS, respectively. LAI and chlorophyll content enhanced with increase in nitrogen rate however, effect of higher phosphorus and potassium on this aspect was found marginal.