Growth, yield and economics of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) as influenced by use of different combinations of biofertilizers

Abstract

Cauliflower is a cool season vegetable belonging to cruciferae family and important member of cole group. It is a rich source of Vitamin A, C, and minerals. It is widely cultivated in India for its edible 'curds'. Famers often use chemical fertilizers to harness its maximum yield potential to make it viable commercially. But excessive use of these chemical fertilizers had adversely impacted soil health, environment and other natural resources including human health. Therefore it becomes mandatory to reduce the use of harmful chemical fertilizers. To achieve the objective of sustainable vegetable production along with environmental conservation, Krishi Vigyan Kendra S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali) has planned and conducted on-farm-trials during 2018-19 at five locations in the district. The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the effect of biofertilizers on growth, yield and economics of cauliflower. Biofertilizers are naturally occurring products which have role in fixing atmospheric nitrogen and phosphorus solubalization. Besides they also stimulate plant hormones, improves soil health, and plant nutrient availability resulting in higher and sustainable crops yields. The trial was conducted in randomized block design (RBD) with four treatments and three replications. The treatments comprised T1: 25 kg biofertilizer Jaivik Prom, 500 g Tricho (contains Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma harzianum), 250 ml PSB Plus (bio fertilizer based on bacillus megatherium, bacillus polymixa and pseudomonas striata and pseudomonas ranthonis bacteria), 500 g Fluorescence (developed through bacteria pseudomonas Fluorescens) per acre,, T2: 20 kg biofertilizer Jaivik Khad, 500 g Tricho, 250 ml PSB Plus, 500 g Fluorescence per acre T3: 2.5 kg bio fertilizer Poshak, 500 g Tricho, 250 ml PSB Plus, 500 g Fluorescence per acre, T4: No application (Farmers Practice). The results revealed that T1 provided highest yield (76 q/acre) with maximum BC ratio of 4.04 followed by T2 (74 q/acre) with BC ratio of 3.96, T3 (72.5 q/acre) with BC ratio of 3.90 and T4 with yield of 65 q/acre and BC ratio of 3.60. Similar trend was observed for growth parameters. On the basis of above investigation it can be concluded that use of biofertilizers gave higher yields and better returns as compared to control and application of 25 kg biofertilizer Jaivik Prom, 500 g Tricho, 250 ml PSB Plus, 500 g Fluorescence per acre was found to be the best treatment.