Impact of bio-inoculants and bio-formulations on growth and yield of turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during 2011–12 at Arabhavi, Karnataka, to study the impact of bio-inoculants and bio-formulations on growth and yield of ‘Salem’ cultivar of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). Turmeric cv. ‘Salem’ showed better response to combined application of inorganic fertilizers, bio-inoculants and bio-formulations than other treatments used in the study. Combined application of recommended dose of fertilizer [(RDF), FYM @ 25 t/ha and N:P:K @ 180:90:90 kg/ha) + VA-Mycorrhiza (VAM) + Trichoderma harzianum + Panchagavya + Amrit pani resulted in higher fresh rhizome yield and growth parameters, viz. plant height, pseudostem diameter, leaf area and leaf-area index, which was at par with the treatment, RDF + VAM + Trichoderma harzianum. Similarly, the highest benefit: cost ratio of 4.87 was obtained with the application of RDF + VAM + Trichoderma harzianum + Panchagavya + Amrit pani compared to the other treatments. Hence planting of turmeric rhizome with combination of RDF + VAM + Trichoderma harzianum + Panchagavya + Amrit pani was profitable under northern dry zone of Karnataka.