Effect of different bio-fertilizers on growth and flowering of marigold

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to effect of different bio-fertilizers on growth and flowering of marigold at the Horticulture Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, U.P. during 2015-16 and 2016-17 and pooled data of both year experiments were taken. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with replicated three times and sixteen treatment combinations. The treatments comprised of N2 fixer (Azotobactor), PSB (Pseudomonas + Bacillus polymyxa), RDFYM and three levels of NPK. Result raveled that growth parameter like number of primary branches/plant (13.42), secondary branches/plant (26.00), length of primary branches (58.83 cm), number of leaves/plant (408.79), leaf area (22.86 cm2), leaf area index (4.61) and spread of plant (39.14 cm) were recorded highest when plants treated with 75% NPK + N2 fixer (Azotobactor) + PSB (Pseudomonas + Bacillus polymyxa) + RDFYM. While the minimum number of days to bud initiation (35.16 days), days to flowering (48.68 days) and maximum bud diameter (2.00 cm) were recorded with the application of 75% NPK + N2 fixer (Azotobactor) + PSB (Pseudomonas + Bacillus polymyxa) + RDFYM, whereas maximum bud length (2.41 cm) was measured with application of 75% NPK + N2 fixer (Azotobactor) + PSB (Pseudomonas + Bacillus polymyxa). The greater diameter of flower (6.39 cm) was measured with 75% NPK + N2 fixer (Azotobactor) + PSB (Pseudomonas + Bacillus polymyxa) + RDFYM and maximum duration of flowering (55.36 days) was noticed in with 75% NPK + N2 fixer (Azotobactor) + PSB (Pseudomonas + Bacillus polymyxa) whereas, maximum flower longevity (42.74 days) was recorded with 75% NPK + N2 fixer (Azotobactor) + PSB (Pseudomonas + Bacillus polymyxa) + RDFYM. The lowest values for growth and flowering traits were recorded in control.