Curd Weight Research Articles

Influence of Macro and Micronutrients on the Yield and Quality Attributes of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. Botrytis L.) cv. “Pusa Sharad”

The present investigation was conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2017–18 and 2018–19 at the Horticultural Research-cum-Instructional Farm, Department of Vegetable Science, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.). The field experiments used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and treatments that included RDF (100%), RDF (75%), Borax (20 kg ha-1), Ammonium Molybdate (2 kg ha-1), and ZnSO4 (25 kg ha-1). During the study, various yield parameters, gross curd weight (g), net curd weight (g), curd diameter (cm) the final yield, and quality parameters, total soluble solids (oBrix), protein content in curd (%) and ascorbic acid content in curd (mg/100g) were recorded. The experimental findings revealed that almost all the treatments showed a positive effect on yield and quality; however, a combined application of 100% RDF with Borax at 20 kg ha-1, ammonium molybdate at 2 kg ha-1, and ZnSO4 at 25 kg ha-1 was found most promising compared to the control (100% RDF). Therefore, based on the findings, it can be concluded that the application of micronutrients along with the recommended fertilizer dosage is an effective approach for enhancing the performance of cauliflower in terms of both quality and quantity.

Performance and Genetic Evaluation of Some Cauliflower Genotypes in Dry Temperate Ladakh Region of India

Nature has endowed India with many precious gifts, wherein lies its immense potential for the vegetable sector. In dry temperate region of India like Ladakh, cauliflower is grown during summer months. Extreme environmental fluctutaions make the cauliflower cultivation not an easy venture. Cauliflower is thermo-sensitive crop and identification of proper group as well genotype for cultivation in a particular climate and region is of utmost importance. Six genotypes were tried in Randomized Block Design with 4 replications with crop geometry of 45 x 45 cm with the objective to select the proper maturity group and genotype for cultivation in dry temperate Ladakh condition and to study the genetic parameters for further breeding procedures. Results indicated that there are significant differences among all the cultivars for all the characters except stalk length, number of leaves for plant and leaf length. Sweta recorded highest gross plant weight, net curd weight and yield per ha which is superior to all the others cultivars. GCV and PCV as well heritability with genetic advance expressed as percentage of mean were higher in gross plant weight, net curd weight and yield per hectare. Selection on phenotypic performance could be effective for improvement of these traits.

Effect of Foliar Fertilization with Humic Acid and Garlic Extract on Growth and Yield of Broccoli and its Content of some Secondary Metabolites

An experiment was conducted in one of the open fields of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, College of Agriculture,Al-Qasim Green University for the autumn season 2021-2022. The experiment included a study of three levels of humic acid (0, 2, 4) ml / liter and three levels of garlic extract (0, 10, 20) ml / liter and the interaction between them in the growth and yield of broccoli plant and its content of total phenols and flavonoids. A factorial experiment (3×3) was conducted according to the split plot design and with three replicates, where each replicate contains 9 treatments. Test the least significant difference L.S.D at the level of 5%. The results showed the humic acid at a concentration of 4 ml / liter in excelled and gave the highest plant height of 57.60 cm, the number of leaves 17.46 leaves / plant, the percentage of dry matter 19.06%, the diameter of curd 23.24 cm, the weight of curd 0.736 kg, and the total amount of phenols in the leaves 1.93 mg / kg. Humic treatment at a concentration of 2 ml / L was significantly excelled in the total amount of phenols in the pink disc at a rate of 1.98 mg / kg. The garlic extract at a concentration of 20 ml/L recorded significantly excelled in recording the highest plant height of 58.42 cm, the percentage of dry matter 19.40%, the curd diameter 23.12 cm, and the curd weight 0.766 kg. In the leaves, it reached 38.15 mg / kg,As for the interaction treatments, most of the interaction treatments recorded significantly excelled in most of the studied traits, but the best interaction treatments were H3G3, which recorded the highest number of leaves 13.60 leaves and the percentage of dry matter 19.73% and the diameter of the pink disc 25 cm and the weight of curd 0.870 kg.While treatment H2G2 recorded the highest value of total phenols in leaves 2.07 mg / kg and treatment H3G2 recorded the highest value of flavonoids in leaves 38.37 mg / kg. Treatment H2G1 recorded the highest value of total phenols in curd amounted to 2.10 mg/kg, and treatment H3G1 recorded the highest value of flavonoids in curd amounting to 38.61 mg/kg.

Genetic diversity for curd yield and its attributes in late cauliflower

Genetic diversity was studied in 26 genotypes of late group of cauliflower during winter 2018-19 and 2019- 20. Based on mean performance, DPCaCMS-1 produced significantly high marketable curd weight, 27.38% better than the best check. D2 analysis clustered the genotypes in seven clusters, with the maximum in Cluster I. Genotypes from clusters V and VI with higher inter-cluster genetic divergence would be a valuable source of genes for improvement. Cluster IV represented maximum mean values for marketable curd weight. The maximum contribution towards genetic diversity was made by days to curd initiation followed by leaves/plant and curd diameter. Principal component analysis indicated the five most informative principal components with more than one eigen value, accounting for 83.59% of the total variance for all traits. The genotypes, namely, DPCafW3, DPCaf US, DPCaCMS-1, DPCaCMS-2, DPCaf-1, DPCaCMS-3, DPCaf30, DPCaf13, and DPCafS5-1 seem to be the promising potential genotypes that can be involved in hybridization programmes to identify transgressive segregants with desirable attributes.

Nanobiochar Application in Combination with Mulching Improves Metabolites and Curd Quality Traits in Cauliflower

Sustainable nutrient management approaches could improve production and quality without affecting soil health. We conducted a field experiment to investigate the interactive effects of mulching (no mulch, plastic mulch, and straw mulch) and nanobiochar (NBC) foliar application on biomass, nutrient contents, and metabolites in the leaf and curd of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis). After 20 days of transplantation, NBC (0.1% w/v) was applied as a foliar spray for four consecutive weeks (one spray per week). At the curd initiation stage, changes in chlorophyll, carotenoids, and metabolite concentrations in leaves and curd were determined. The application of nanobiochar significantly enhanced the curd weight and improved curd morphology. Yield traits including curd weight, curd diameter, basal diameter, and stalk length were increased by 30, 13, 16, and 20% by NBC application compared to control. Plastic mulching also increased the aboveground biomass by 32% when compared to no mulching. Moreover, plastic mulching and nanobiochar prominently enhanced root dry weight, curd weight, rough solidity index, total soluble sugar in leaf and curd, calcium in curd, and potassium in leaf and curd of cauliflower. Overall, this study revealed the potential of the foliar application of NBC in promoting the biomass and nutritional properties of cauliflower.

Morphological characterization, combining ability and heterosis for important horticultural traits in snowball cauliflower (B. oleracea var. botrytis L.)

AbstractCauliflower is an important vegetable crop grown worldwide. Development and characterization of suitable cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines and male fertile inbreds is instrumental in developing heterotic hybrids. A study was undertaken to estimate heterosis and combining ability in snowball cauliflower lines through line × tester analysis involving five Ogura CMS lines and seven male fertile testers. The assessment of F1s along with their parental lines for different horticultural traits revealed a wide range of heterosis. Ogu-13-01 was the best general combiner for leaf length, leaf width and plant height, Ogu-13-85 for number of leaves/plant, Ogu-101 for days to 50% curd initiation, days to 50% curd maturity and net curd weight and Ogu-119 for harvest index. The lines with better general combining ability (GCA) were involved in majority of the heterotic hybrids. The tester Kt-18 was the best general combiner for leaf width, DB-1305 for number of leaves/plant and DB-187 for leaf length, plant height, gross plant weight and days to 50% curd initiation. However, GCA alone was not sufficient to determine and identify the potential parental lines. Hybrids Ogu-101 × DB-1305 and Ogu-119 × Suprimax Late were the best specific combinations for marketable curd weight, marketable curd yield, net curd weight and net curd yield. The hybrid Ogu-119 × Suprimax Late was the best heterotic combination for marketable curd weight, marketable curd yield, net curd weight and net curd yield, followed by Ogu-101 × DB-1305, Ogu-119 × Sel-26 and Ogu-101 × DB-187. Our findings will be instrumental to identify suitable parental lines and developing heterotic F1 hybrids in cauliflower.

The Effects of Vermicompost and Green Manure Use on Yield and Economic Factors in Broccoli

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the yield, quality and unit production cost of broccoli grown under green manure, vermicompost and chemical fertilization. For this purpose, broccoli plants were cultivated as follows: (i) Chemical fertilization (CF), (ii) Vermicompost fertilization (V), (iii) Vermicompost fertilization (VeV) in the common vetch cultivated land as a pre-plant and (iv) Vetch (Ve) as a pre-plant. Curd yield (g plant−1), SPAD, vitamin C (mg 100 g−1), total phenolics (mg GAE 100 mL−1), total sugar (%) and soluble solid content (SSC%) were determined. In addition, input usage levels and costs, unit product cost and gross and net profit analyzes were investigated for all treatments. The highest total curd weight was obtained from VeV treatment (1567.77 g), while the lowest mean was reached in Ve plots with 819.70 g. The highest SPAD values were detected in CF (70.20) and VeV plots (69.76) similar to yield values. The highest vitamin C and total phenolics content were detected in V plots (92.31 mg 100 g−1) (1308.87 mg GAE 100 mL−1). The combined effect of Ve and V increased the yield and quality of the broccoli curds. As a result of economic analysis, approximately twice the net profit difference emerged in VeV treatment compared to other treatments. It was determined that a gross profit of 68% of gross production value and net profit of 64% were obtained.

Effect of Boron and Zinc on Growth and Yield Attributes in Early Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.)

The present experiment was carried out in cauliflower to study the effect of boron and zinc on growth and yield in the early cauliflower having combinations of four levels 0, 1, 2, 3 kg ha-1 of boron and four levels 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 kg ha-1 of zinc in a factorial randomized block design with three replications during the year 2016 and 2017 respectively. The results of the experiment with applied boron and zinc had significant effect on growth and yield of cauliflower. The highest curd depth (8.88 cm) and curd equatorial diameter (16.45 cm) was found with applied boron (2 kg ha-1) and zinc (2.5 kg ha-1) respectively. While as, maximum net curd weight (410g) and marketable curd weight (695g) was found with sprayed boron and zinc (1 kg ha-1 + 2.5 kg ha-1) respectively., Maximum harvest index (62.8 %) and yield (113.89 q ha-1) was found when applied with boron (2 kg ha-1) and (2 kg ha-1+ 2.5 kg ha-1) respectively. Maximum curd compactness (34.34) and dry matter compactness (14.48) were found with the application of boron (1 kg ha-1) and zinc (2 kg ha-1+2.5 kg ha-1) respectively. Overall findings indicated that with the increase in concentration of boron and zinc the vegetative growth and the reproductive stage of cauliflower increases respectively.

RESPONSE OF BIOFERTILIZER IN CONJUNCTION WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF INORGANIC FERTILIZER IN CAULIFLOWER (BRASSICA OLERACEA VAR. BOTRYTIS) PRODUCTION AT CHITWAN, NEPAL

The crop growth with its yield and yield-attributing character of Kathmandu local variety of cauliflower was evaluated under different levels of the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer and bio-fertilizer inoculation at Khairahani, Chitwan during the winter season from December 2021 to February 2022. The experiment was laid out into two factorial Randomized Complete Block Design with three different levels of NPK (Viz:100% NPK-120:60:50, 75% NPK-90:45:37.5, and 50% NPK-60:30:25) and bio-fertilizer (Viz: No inoculation, Azotobacter inoculation, VAM inoculation, and Azotobacter +VAM inoculation). The treatments were replicated thrice. Azotobacter was inoculated by dipping seedlings into 10% (V/V) solution for 30 minutes whereas, VAM was inoculated at the rate of 4 Kg ha-1 by soil application. The results revealed that significantly higher plant height (50.57cm), number of leaves (13.42), plant spread (55.60cm), leaf area index (2.41) at harvest, and days to 100% curding (77.62), curd weight (265.6 gm), curd diameter (26.10 cm) and marketable curd yield (8.41ton ha-1) was recorded under 100% NPK fertilizer. Regarding bio-fertilizer, inoculation with Azotobacter + VAM recorded significantly higher plant height (49.15 cm), number of leaves (14.22), leaf area index (2.51), plant spread (57.52 cm) at harvest, days to 50% curding (70.22), days to 100% curding (77.6), curd diameter (25.72 cm), curd weight (249.1 gm) and marketable curd yield (8.11-ton ha-1) as compared to that of the treatment with no inoculation. Interaction between the inorganic fertilizer and biofertilizer was seen as significant in plant height at 30 days after transplanting. Thus, it can be suggested that the application of a 100% recommended dose of NPK fertilizer and Azotobacter + VAM inoculation enhances the production of cauliflower.

Evaluation of cauliflower genotypes to different planting dates for early production in Kathmandu valley

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate ten cauliflower genotypes at the National Horticulture Research Centre, Khumaltar, Lalitpur from June to December of 2019 and 2020. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Completely Block Design with ten genotypes (Chinese, Sarlahi Deepali, Pusa Katiki, Taichun, Pusa Sarad, Terai 1, Terai 2, Agheni, Cold Queen and Khumal Jyapu) planted on three dates i.e. June 25, July 15, and August 5 at a 20-day interval. The main objective of this study was to identify planting dates for cauliflower genotypes suitable recommended to planting in early-season under Kathmandu valley conditions. The results showed that planting dates significantly influenced the growth and yield of cauliflower genotypes. At 25th June planting, the genotype Sarlahi Deepali had the significantly lowest days to curd maturation (41 days after transplanting), which was at par with Pusa Katki and Terai -2 (46 DAT) with the lowest yield of 4.0 mt ha-1 and 3.2 mt ha-1, respectively. However, curd weight (438.6 g) and yield (27.4 mt ha-1) were recorded as the maximum in Chinese with 51 days maturity period. On the 15th July planting, Terai 2 had the lowest maturity days (44 DAT), but lower yield (14.6 mt ha-1), while Cold Queen had the highest curd weight and yield (560.8 g and 35.1 mt ha-1), which was at par with Chinese (546.7 g and 34.2 mt ha-1). Similarly, on the 5th August planting, the genotype Terai 2 had the significantly (p<0.001) lowest days to maturity (46 DAT), followed by Sarlahi Deepali (57) and Pusa Katiki (57), whereas the genotype Cold Queen had the highest curd weight and yield (842.1 g and 52.6 mt ha-1), followed by Taichun (718.8 g and 44.9 mt ha-1) and Terai 1 (452 g and 28.3 mt ha-1). The results revealed that genotype Sarlahi Deepali was found to be early maturing for June planting, while Terai 2 was found early for July and August planting, but were not found suitable due to lower yield. The genotypes Chinese and Cold Queen were found best for June and July planting, respectively. Similarly, Cold Queen and Taichun were promising genotypes for August planting.

Influence of growing conditions and integrated nutrient management on yield and quality of broccoli

The present investigation was conducted at Horticultural Research Farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand in rabi season during the two consecutive years, 2019-20 and 2020-21. In triplicate replications, the experiment was designed in a split plot which consists of twelve treatment combinations. Three main plot treatments of growing conditions [G1: Poly house, G2: Green shade net (50 % Shade net) and G3: Open condition] and four subplot treatments of integrated nutrient management reside of N1: 50% RDF(chemical fertilizer)+ 50% RDF (FYM), N2: 50% RDF (chemical fertilizer) +50% RDF(vermicompost), N3: 50% RDF (chemical fertilizer) + 50% RDF (poultry manure) and N4: Control (RDF, 100:50:50 NPK kg/ha). Growing broccoli in polyhouse conditions recorded minimum days for first harvest and maximum curd height, curd diameter, curd weight, yield (t/ha), TSS, dry matter content, and ascorbic acid. The minimum days for the first harvest and maximum curd height, curd diameter, curd weight, yield (t/ha), TSS, dry matter content, and ascorbic acid were observed with the application of 50 % RDF through chemical fertilizer +50% RDF through vermicompost. Growing broccoli in polyhouse condition with application of 50 % RDF through chemical fertilizer +50% RDF through vermicompost recorded maximum curd height, curd diameter, curd weight, and yield (t/ha).

Genetic Studies for Selection Parameters in Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis): A Review

The constant availability of high-yielding and well-adapted varieties is made possible by a vigorous breeding program and it is the first and least expensive input in improving the output of any crop. To design breeding methods for the development of a certain crop, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of genetic variations, correlations between various traits, and their direct and indirect contributions to yield. The amount of genetic variability and character outstanding from one generation to the next determine how much a crop may progress genetically. Because phenotypic selection relies on the range of genetic variability available in the population, it is necessary to separate the variability into heritable and non-heritable components. This will increase the reliability of the selection. Curd yield in cauliflower is a complicated trait that is greatly impacted by the environment since it is regulated by several genes. Some of the component qualities may be directly and favourably correlated with the marketable curd weight, making them suitable for use as selection criteria in crop improvement programs. Characters having a strong and positive/desirable correlation to one another would be used to boost yield effectively. The proper weightage for selection purposes is also determined by the proportional contribution of the component qualities to the yield. The level of genetic diversity contained in a specific crop determines the most appropriate varietal development programs.

Effect of Different Varieties and Plant Spacing on Growth Yield and Quality Attribute of Sprouting Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck)

The present experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India during the Rabi season 2019-2020. The research work was formulated to investigate the effect of different plant spacing S1 (45x45 cm), S2 (60x45 cm) and S3 (50x45 cm) and varieties (V1; Broccoli Green, V2; Pusa KTS-1 and V3; Ganesh) on different growth, yield and quality attributes in sprouting broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck) with nine treatments which designed as FRBD design. We were examined different growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves, length of leaves (cm), days to 50% curd initiation and 50% curd maturity), yield parameters such as number of auxiliary branches in broccoli, weight of curd, as well as quality parameters like curd colour, shape of curd and curd compactness. We have found the best performance in the variety of (Pusa KTS-1) with spacing (S2; 60 x 45 cm) in the most of growth, yield and quality parameters as compared to Ganesh with (S3 50 x 45 cm) and lower recorded in the variety Green Broccoli with (S1 45 x 45 cm).

Effect of Sowing Media and Variety on Seedling Root Growth and Field Performance of Early Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)

An experiment was conducted inside greenhouse and in the field of the Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat for two consecutive years (2018 and 2019) to assess the effect of sowing media and variety on root growth of early cauliflower seedling and subsequent performance of seedling in the main field. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with eight treatments comprising of four sowing media [M1-cocopeat (60%): vermiculite (20%): perlite (20%), M2-cocopeat (50%): vermicompost (50%), M3-cocopeat (50%): vermicompost (50%): microbial consortium and M4-Conventional nursery] and two varieties [V1 (White Diamond) and V2 (CFL1522)] replicated thrice. Treatment M1, M2 and M3 were inside green house. The results revealed root parameters at seedling stage were significantly influenced by sowing media. The highest root length (4.94 cm), root fresh weight (0.26 mg) and root dry weight (0.07 mg) of seedling were recorded in M3. Between the two varieties (i.e V1 and V2) V1 exhibited the maximum root length (4.24 cm) while no significant difference was observed for root fresh and dry weight. Among interactions, M2V1 recorded maximum root length (5.83 cm) while M3V1 recorded maximum root fresh weight (0.28 mg) and dry weight (0.08 mg) of seedling. After transplanting in the field, significant variations for root parameters were observed. Cauliflower plants that were grown in M3 at seedling stage recorded highest root length (21.94 cm) and volume (74.59 cm3) but for root dry weight seedlings that were grown in M2 recorded maximum dry weight i.e. 3.28 g. Variety V2 recorded maximum root length (17.76 cm) and dry weight (2.68 g). M3V2 recorded highest root length (22.01 cm), volume (76.46 cm3) and dry weight (3.48 g). Curd characters were also significantly influence by media while variety showed significant variation for days to curd initiation, harvesting and curd diameter only. M3 recorded minimum days for curd initiation and harvesting (37.09 and 53.26), maximum curd compactness (53.05 g/cm3), diameter (12.84 cm), weight (0.41 kg) and shelf life (8.89 days).The interaction effect between media and variety was also found significant. The combination M3V1 recorded minimum days for curd initiation and harvesting ((36.55 and 52.32), maximum curd compactness (53.15 g/cm3) while M3V2 recorded maximum curd diameter (13.51 cm), curd weight (0.41 kg) and shelf life (9.50 days) .The combination M4V2 recorded maximum days for curd initiation and harvesting (45.46 and 63.87),minimum curd compactness (42.77 g/cm3) and M4V1 recorded minimum curd diameter (10.28 cm), shelf life (4.95 days) while both M4V1 and M4V2 recorded minimum curd weight (0.27 kg). From the present investigation it can be concluded that for producing quality seedlings in the nursery which will further show good performance in the field seedling can be raised in media(M3) i.e.cocopeat (50): vermicompost (50): microbial consortium @ 1:100 under protected condition.

Effect of Planting Dates on Performance of Broccoli In Costal Area of Bangladesh

The field experiment on broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.) taking three planting dates viz., 21 November, 01 December and 11 December, 2019 and four genotypes, namely BARI Broccoli-1, Thiland-1, Thailand-2 and Japan-1 was conducted during rabi season of 2019-20 in the experimental field of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, On-Farm Research Division, Dawlatpur, Khulna to investigate the effect of planting dates on the growth and yield of broccoli genotypes on saline soil having salinity level 2.6-4.8 dS/m . The experiment was laid out in 4 x 3 factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. The genotype Japan-1 gave maximum number of leaves/plant (25.44), fresh weight of leaves/plant (830.77 g), fresh weight of stem/plant (311.69 g), fresh weight of root/plant (53.47 g), which were not reflected into yield and yield attributes. The genotype Thailand-2 produced significantly lower all growth characters than those of Japan-1 but gave the highest curd diameter (18.11 cm, curd weight (360.19 g) and curd yield (16.01 t/ha) of all genotypes. Broccoli planted on 21 November initiated early flower head, recorded maximum number of leaves/plant (27.84), fresh weight of leaves/plant (800.87 g), fresh weight of stem/plant (313.73 g), fresh weight of root/plant (60.79 g), curd diameter (17.01 cm), curd weight (285.65 g) and curd yield (12.69 t/ha). The genotype Thiland-2 coupled with 21 November showed the best performance in respect of curd weight (419.74 g/plant) and curd yield (18.66 t/ha).
 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 45(4): 419-429, December 2020

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management Approach on Growth, Yield, and Economics of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var botrytis)

The integrated nutrient management approach addresses the issues arising from the irrational use of chemical fertilizers such as soil quality degradation, and the unsustainability of productivity and profitability. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the integrated nutrient management approach on the growth, yield, and economics of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var botrytis cv. Khumal Jyapu), through a field experiment in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications and seven treatments- 50% NPK + 6.90 Mt ha-1 vermicompost, 75% NPK + 3.45 Mt ha-1 vermicompost, 50% NPK + 3.75 Mt ha-1 poultry manure, 75% NPK + 1.88 Mt ha-1 poultry manure, 50% NPK + 20.80 Mt ha-1 farmyard manure, 75% NPK + 10.40 Mt ha-1 farmyard manure and 100% recommended NPK, 200:120:80 kg NPK ha-1 as the control. Among the tested treatments, organic and inorganic nutrient sources, in combination, recorded a significant influence on growth and yield-attributing characters as compared to sole inorganic treatment. 50% NPK + 6.9 Mt ha-1 vermicompost recorded highest height (63.33 cm), earliest harvest (73.67 days), largest curd diameter (16.83 cm), highest curd weight (680.53 g), biomass (1384.79 g), curd yield (25.2 Mt ha-1), gross margin (NRs.10,08,000 ha-1), net return (NRs. 6,91,944 ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.19). Desirable growth parameters, higher yield, cost-effectiveness, and profitability from 50% NPK + 6.90 Mt ha-1 vermicompost show that the use of vermicompost is economically viable. Results also show that farmers can reduce chemical fertilizer costs by up to 50% using vermicompost without affecting profitability.

Effect of Sowing Dates and Varieties on Growth and Yield of Broccoli under Acidic Soil Condition of Sylhet

This experiment was conducted during October, 2013 to March, 2014 in the experimental field of Department of Horticulture, Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU), Bangladesh. The objective was to evaluate the effect of three planting dates (30 October, 15 November and 1 December) on growth, yield and yield attributes of three broccoli varieties (Premium, BR001 and BR002) under acidic soil condition of Sylhet. The two factors field experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Broccoli planted on 30 October recorded the minimum number of days to first curd harvest (64.77), the tallest plants at harvest (62.76 cm) with denser leaves (17.90), the highest primary curd weight (142.75 g) with increased curd length (11.93 cm), the maximum curd yield of both primary (5.29 t/ha) and secondary (5.24 t/ha). Variety Premium was the earliest in curd initiation (50.33 days) and curd harvest (64.44 days). Premium had the highest number of leaves at harvest (16.07), the maximum primary curd weight (207.59 g) with increased curd length (12.18 cm) and curd diameter (14.28 cm). The highest primary curd yield (7.70 t/ha) and secondary curd yield (4.02 t/ha) of Premium variety out yielded the other two varieties in this experiment. Interaction effect showed that the variety Premium planted on 30 October showed the best performance in primary curd weight (274.13 g), primary curd yield (10.17 t/ha) and secondary curd yield (8.43 t/ha). Therefore, the variety Premium can be recommended to cultivate at 30 October planting date under acidic soil condition of Sylhet.

Performance of Different Varieties of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) under Prayagraj Agro-climatic Condition

A study entitled “Performance of different varieties of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) under Prayagraj agro-climatic condition” was carried out at crop Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (Allahabad), U. P. during academic session 2021-22. The experiment consists of 7 Varieties in 3 replications. The result showed that there were significant differences found among all the varieties. Growth parameters viz. plant height, plant spread, no. of leaves/plant and leaf area were significantly higher in V1(GREEN MAGIC) their respected values are 59.26cm, 65.77cm, 20.33 and 207.33cm² whereas minimum in V7 (WALTHAM) 55.58cm, 63.22cm, 18.11 and 146.55cm² respectively. Yield parameters viz. head diameter, net curd weight, total curd weight, curd yield /plot(kg) and curd yield /hectare (tonnes) were higher in V1(GREEN MAGIC) their respected values are 25.67cm, 517.69grams, 592.49grams, 3.92kg and 21.80tonnes whereas minimum in V7 (WALTHAM) 318.28grams, 375.58grams, 2.58kg and 14.39tonnes respectively. Regarding quality parameters viz. TSS and Vitamin-C Content were significantly higher in V1 (GREEN MAGIC) (8.20 0B and 82.12 mg/100 g). And quality parameters of the crop were lower in V7 (WALTHAM). Further, it can be concluded that V1 (GREEN MAGIC) was the best Variety on the basis of growth, yield and quality parameters.

Effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and different fertilizer combinations on yield and quality properties in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis)

Purpose: This study was carried out to determine the influence of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) (Paenibacillus polymyxa RC14, Bacillus subtilis RC63 and Pseudomonas fluorescens RC77), organic chicken manure (OCM) (4000 kg/da), 3 levels of mineral fertilizer [(NPK1 (80 kg/ha N+50 kg/ha P+80 kg/ha K), NPK2 (160 kg/ha N+75 kg/ha P+160 kg/ha K) and NPK3 (200 kg/ha N+100 kg/ha P+200 kg/ha K)] and combination of these applications on growth, yield and quality of cauliflower under field conditions. Materials and Methods: Field experiments were conducted in randomized complete block design with four replications. Treatments were 1. Control (No Fertilizer Application; 0 kg /ha NPK), 2. NPK1 (80-50-80 kg / ha NPK), 3. NPK2 (160-75-160 kg /ha NPK), 4. NPK3 (200-100-200 kg /ha NPK), 5. PGPR, 6. Organic Chicken Manure (OCM), 7. PGPR + OCM, 8. NPK1+PGPR, 9. NPK2+PGPR, 10. NPK3+PGPR, 11. NPK1+ OCM, 12. NPK2+ OCM, 13. NPK3+ OCM, 14. NPK1+PGPR+ OCM, 15. NPK2+PGPR+ OCM, 16. NPK3+PGPR+ OCMResults: The highest curd weight and marketable yield were observed in NPK2+ OCM in 2014 while in NPK1+PGPR+OCM and NPK2+PGPR+OCM in 2015. NPK2+ OCM elevated the curd weight and marketable yield by 300% compared to the control in 2014. NPK1+PGPR+OCM increased the curd weight and marketable yield by 200% compared to the control in 2015. The highest TSS was observed in the control in 2014 whereas NPK1+PGPR+OCM gave the highest value. NPK treatments elevated the NO3 content of cauliflower curds. In 2014 the highest ascorbic acid content was determined in PGPR while the control gave the highest content in 2015. The highest oxalic acid contents were observed in NPK treatments. Furthermore, PGPR and OCM treatments generally reduced the oxalic acid contents of the cauliflower. Conclusion: NPK with OCM and PGPR applications could be advisable for the yield and quality parameters of cauliflower. Furthermore, the PGPRxOCM combination was advisable for efficiently using in organic agricultural production.

EFFECT OF NPK AND SULPHUR ON GROWTH, YIELD AND CHLOROPHYLL CONTENTS OF CAULIFLOWER (BRASSICA OLERACEA L).

Cauliflower is cultivated all around the world for its high nutritional value. In Pakistan, there is dire need to optimize the nutritional supplementation of cauliflower. Therefore, a field experiment was carried out to see the impact of NPK and sulphur on growth, yield and chlorophyll contents of cauliflower. The experiment was laid out according to Randomized Complete Block Design having ten treatments replicated thrice. The experiment was consisted of five levels of NPK (13:17:17, 15:18:18, 16:18:18, 16:19:19 and 20:20:20) in combination with two sulphur levels (20g, 40g) and a control treatment (NPK 0:0:0) without sulphur having three replications. The results revealed that highest values of observed attributes i.e plant height (54.06 cm), numbers of leaves per plant (19.93), leaf area (10.93 cm2), foliage fresh weight (36.4 g), foliage dry weight (18.48 g), curd size (10.93 cm) and curd weight (839.84 g) were observed in (16:19:19) NPK in combination with 40 gplant-1 sulphur. While, minimum values were noted in control treatment. However, minimum days to curd formation (51.53) was observed in NPK (16:19:19) in combination with the sulphur (40 gplant-1). Chlorophyll contents (1.98 CCi), total soluble solids (13.13 oBrix) and vitamin C (56.81 mg100 g-1) were maximum in the treatment (16:19:19) NPK along with 40 gplant-1 sulphur. From this study, it is concluded that treatment (NPK 16:19:19 + Sulphur 40 g/plant) is the best optimal dose for the higher growth and production of cauliflower.