Effect of bio-stimulants and bio-pesticides on growth, yield and quality of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. RZ-Trishuli)

Abstract

An experiment was carried out on “Effect of Bio-stimulants and Bio-pesticides on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var .RZ-Trishuli)” The present experiment was laid out at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Rajmata Vijaya raje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Indore, (M.P.) India during the Rabi season 2024-25. The treatments consist of Biostimulants viz., seaweed extract @ 2 ml/l & amino acid @ 2 ml/l and Biopesticide viz., Pseudomonas @ 5 g/l & neem oil @ 5 ml/l sprayed at 15, 30 and 45 DAT. Among the several treatmentsthe combination of Seaweed extract and Neem oil (T6) showing the most significant improvements across various growth parameters. At 15, 30, and 45 days after Transplanting (DAT), T6 demonstrated the highest plant height, number of leaves and stem diameter, outpacing other treatments and the control. In terms of reproductive growth, T6 also accelerated days to curd initiation and maturity, while enhancing the fruit production. Moreover, T6 resulted in the highest yield per plot (10.40 kg), and per hectare (108.00 q). It also significantly improved curd quality and curd weight. Disease intensity (PDI%) and pest incidence (PPI%) were lowest in T6, indicating better pest and disease management. Despite T6exhibited a favorable benefit-cost ratio of 3.3, indicating its potential as an effective treatment for improving cauliflower productivity and quality.