Vol. 13, Issue 2 (2024)

Author(s):
Nandan MJY, Venugopal CK, SM Hiremath and SS Gundlur

Abstract:
An experimental field study titled “Studies on integrated use of nutrients and organic growth stimulants on growth and quality of palak (Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis) Cv. Arka Anupama" was conducted during the 2022-23 rabi season at the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Unit, Saidapur Farm, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. The research encompassed nine distinct treatments, each replicated three times, aimed at assessing the combined effects of fertilizers and organic materials. These materials included Farmyard Manure (FYM) at 50%, Vermicompost at 25%, and organic growth stimulants, specifically Vermiwash at 5%, Panchagavya at 3%, and Humic acid at 0.2%. The application of these organic growth stimulants was carried out in conjunction with manure as a foliar spray at 20 and 40 days after sowing. Notably, treatment T₅, which involved the combination of recommended dose of fertilizer at 75%, Vermicompost at 25% of recommended dose of nitrogen and Panchagavya at 5 % as a foliar spray, demonstrated the highest performance in the plant height (14.95, 24.41, 29.01 and 47.67 cm respectively at 30, 45, 60 and 75 days after sowing), leaf area (326.52, 384.61, 424.98 and 351.42 cm² respectively at 30, 45, 60 and 75 days after sowing), chlorophyll content (44.14 SPAD units) and ascorbic acid content (69.84 mg 100 g^-1). The maximum root length (20.50 cm) was observed in treatment T₈ receiving 50% RDF + 50% FYM (equivalent to N) + panchagavya 3% and maximum shelf life (6.33 days) was recorded with treatment containing 75% RDF + 25% vermicompost (equivalent to N) + humic acid at 0.2% (T₆).