Response of bio-fertilizers and commercial formulations on growth, yield and corm production of gladiolus

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted to study the effect of various bio-fertilizers and commercial formulations on growth and development of gladiolus. The results showed that early sprouting of corm (17.10 days) was obtained by Azotobacter, maximum number of leaves (11.33) was produced by Azospirillum, maximum plant height (161.8 cm) was obtained by phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB), early flowering (81 days) was recorded by Annapurna®, maximum diameter of floret (9.43 cm) was observed by PSB, maximum number of florets per spike (12.33) was recorded by Annapurna®. Significant increase in spike length (80.33 cm) was obtained by Sumangala®, maximum rachis length (54.67 cm) was obtained by both Annapurana® and Azotobacter, maximum number of corms per plant (2.90) was observed by Azospirillum, maximum number of cormels (7.30), maximum weight of corm (44.93 g), maximum weight of cormels per plant (10.40 g), maximum volume of corm (51.17 cm3), maximum corm diameter (5.67 cm) and maximum value of propagation co-efficient (231%) was obtained by the application of Flower Booster®. Application of bio-fertilizers and commercial spray formulation products not only improved the qualitative and quantitative parameters but also improved the soil fertility and productivity.