Effect of organic manures and bio-inoculants on dry root yield, quality and economics of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal.)

Abstract

An investigation was carried out to study the effect of organic manures and bio-inoculants (Azatobacter, Azospirillum, PSB and VAM) on yield, quality and economics of ashwagandha by comparing with RDF at K.R.C.C.H. College of Arabhavi. The results showed that yield parameters viz number of berries per plant (219.33), seed yield (3.15 q/ha), fresh root (19.58 q/ha) and dry root yield (5.88 q/ha) recorded maximum with the application of RDF + VAM, Quality parameter like root length and root diameter recorded maximum (27.07 cm, 1.88 cm, respectively) in T3-RDF (N:P:K-40:50:40 kg/ha) + FYM (5 t/ha) + VAM (25 kg/ha), which was on par results of T1, T7 and T5. Maximum total alkaloid content (0.31%) recorded in T7-FYM (5 t/ha) + Azotobacter (625 g/ha) + Azospirillum (625 g/ha) + PSB (625 g/ha) + VAM (25 kg/ha) + (Panchagavya-3% + Amruthapani-3% at 15 days interval up to harvest of crop), however treatments T3, T1 and T5 have shown on par results and gross return (Rs.119700/ha), net return (Rs.1,02,066/ha) and B:C ratio (6.78), however the organic treatment T7 have shown on par results in growth, yield parameters and economics.