Studies on Integrated Nutrient Management and Planting Dates in China Aster for Loose Flower Production

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to standardize integrated nutrient management schedule and planting dates for loose flower production in china aster cv. 'Kamini'. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with 2 planting dates i.e. April and July and 12 treatment combinations i.e. 100%, 85% and 70% NPK along with vermicompost, biofertilizers (Azotobacter + Arbuscular Mycorrhizae fungi) replicated thrice. China aster (Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees) belongs to family 'Asteraceae' and is native to China. China aster is a symbol of patience and elegance. The species is a hardy annual, commercially grown for loose flowers, which are used in floral decoration, garlands, beds and borders and act as biocolorant. The chemical fertilizers are important sources of nutrients but the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers poses the threat of environmental pollution and soil health degradation. Biofertilizers are ready to use live formulation of such beneficial microorganisms which on application to seed, root or soil, mobilize the availability of nutrients by their biological activities. They help in buildup of the soil micro-flora and thereby soil health half dose of nitrogen and whole of the phosphorus and potassium were incorporated in soil one week before planting according to the treatments. The remaining half dose of nitrogen was applied after 30 days of planting. Vermicompost was applied immediately after planting @ 1kg/m 2 . Azotobacter were applied by preparing slurry of 200 g of the inocula in one litre of 10% sugar solution as root dip for 500 seedlings. The Arbuscular Mycorrhizae fungal consortia were applied @ 2 g/plant at the time of planting. The observations on various growth and flowering parameters were recorded and the results revealed that maximum plant height (72.70 cm), plant spread (29.77 cm), early blooming (75.97 days), number of flower per meter square (471.20), azotobacter count (31.22 x 10 -5 cfu/g of soil) and Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (AM) spore count (206.60 spore count per 50 gram) was observed with T 12 i.e. 70% NPK + Vermicompost + Biofertilizer with April planting.

Various Fertilization Managements Influence the Flowering Attributes, Yield Response, Biochemical Activity and SoilNutrient Status of Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.)

“…It is evident from the results that the number of inflorescences per hectare was directly correlated with the number of inflorescences per plot and, accordingly, the number of inflorescences per plant, which was substantially influenced by the application of NPK through fertigation [55].…”