Effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer in gladiolus with special reference to growth, yield and flower quality: A review

Abstract

The word gladiolus is derived from the Latin word “Gladius” meaning sword. It is also named as “Sword Lily” or “Corn Flag”. Corn flag is another name in Europe because Gladiolus illyricus is found as wild weed in corn field. In India, the improvement in gladiolus had not still reached to the expected level. Flower crops are very much responsive to fertilizer. It is highly capable of exhausting huge nutrients from native soil. So, it require higher amount of chemical fertilizer in balance proporation for ensuring maximum flower production. Fertilizer requirements of gladiolus like other crops, has vital role in growth, quality, corn and cormel production. There are some reports on the requirement of Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and other fertilization in many countries. Major nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium along with zinc noticeably increase the number of flowers, florets/spike, length of spike and flowering stem of gladiolus (Afify, 1989). The microorganisms in biofertilizers restore the soils natural nutrient cycle and build soil organic matter. Through the use of biofertilizers, healthy plants can be grown while enhancing the sustainability and the health of soil.