Effect of organic manures and bio-fertilizers on yield and quality of senna (Cassia angustifolia Vahl.) cv. ‘Sona’

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during late kharif 2018-2019 at College of Horticulture, Anantharajupeta to evaluate the effect of different organic manures and bio- fertilizers on yield and quality of senna cv. ‘Sona’. Significantly highest cumulative leaf yield of senna was observed by application of 100% RDN through vermicompost in combination with bio-fertilizers. However, significantly highest leaf yield (48.45 and 20.05 g m-2 recorded respectively at 115 and 140 DAS) and pod yield (63.25 and 6.32 g m-2 recorded respectively as fresh and dry pod yields) at 140 DAS in senna by application of 100% RDN through urea and was found at par with 100% RDN through vermicompost in combination with bio-fertilizers. No significant difference was recorded with respect to sennoside content of the leaves. However, significant differences were observed in the total sennoside content of pods with the application of different organic manures and bio-fertilizers at different treatment combinations. The benefit to cost ratio was found highest (2.2:1) with the application of 100% RDN through urea followed by 100% RDN through FYM in combination with bio-fertilizers viz., Azospirillum and PSB. Lowest benefit to cost ratio (1.03:1) was observed with the application of 100% RDN through vermicompost.