Effect of mulching and bio-fertilizers on quality characteristics of sprouting Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.)

Abstract

The field experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner, Jaipur, Rajasthan during Rabi season 2016-17. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replication and experiment comprised of 16 treatment combinations with four levels of each mulching (Control, Mustard straw, Saw dust and Black polythene sheet) and bio-fertilizers (Control, PSB, Azotobacter and PSB + Azotobacter). The maximum values for all this quality attributes viz. TSS (9.10 %), Vitamin C (81.00 mg/100 g), Nitrogen (0.35 %) and Crude protein (2.21 %) found significantly superior in black polythene mulch treatment. These quality attributes were found at par in mustard straw and minimum in control. The application of PSB + Azotobacter resulted in the maximum and significantly more values of quality attributes viz., TSS (9.35 %), Vitamin C (79.55 mg/100 g), Nitrogen (0.37 %) and Crude protein (2.33 %). These quality attributes were found at par in Azotobacter, and minimum in control.It is recommended for quality attributes of sprouting broccoli under Semi-arid zone of Rajasthan