Improving productivity of sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.) by using different organic and inorganic sources of nutrients

Abstract

A Field experiment was conducted during June to September of 2013 at Experimental Farm of the Department of Agronomy, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar to improve the productivity of sunflower by using different organic and inorganic sources of nutrients. The results indicated that combined application of RDF + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + foliar application of MnSO4 0.5 per cent on 40 and 60 DAS significant increase in growth attributes (plant height, LAI and DMP), yield attributes (Capitulum diameter, total numbers of seeds capitulum-1, number of filled seeds capitulum-1 and 100 seed weight) and yield of sunflower, and it was followed by RDF + pressmud @ 10 t ha-1 + foliar application of MnSO4 @ 0.5 percent on 40 and 60 DAS. The least growth and yield parameters and yield were recorded with control.