Foliar application of Fe2O3 nanofertilizer on growth and yield of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. Botrytis L.) cv. Pusa Snowball K-1

Abstract

The growth, yield, and quality of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) cv. Pusa Snowball K-1 were studied using Fe2O3-nano fertilizer (Fe2O3-N) in combination with Azotobacter, Farmyard manure (FYM), and Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB). Hydrothermally synthesized Fe2O3 nanoparticles characterized with XRD, FTIR, and SEM. The experiment consisting 12 treatments viz. T1 (Fe2O3-N), T2 comprising of Fe2O3-N + FYM + Azotobacter + PSB, T3 (Fe2O3-N + Azotobacter + PSB), T4 (Fe2O3-N + FYM + Azotobacter), T5 (Fe2O3-N + FYM + PSB), T6 (Fe2O3-N + FYM), T7 (Fe2O3-N + Azotobacter), T8 (Fe2O3-N + PSB), T9 (PSB), T10 (Azotobacter), T11 (FYM), and T12 (control). Fe2O3 NPs positively enhance the photosynthetic activity and stimulate catalyze enzymatic action in plant leaves that effect the health of the plant and remarkably increase the crop yield. Application of Fe2O3-nano fertilizer (Fe2O3-N) along the Azotobacter, FYM, and PSB was shown encouraging growth effects to improve the cropping behavior. Fe2O3 NPs positively enhance the photosynthetic activity and stimulate catalyze enzymatic action in plant leaves that effect the health of the plant and remarkably increase the crop yield.