Response of China aster (Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees) cv. Kamini to different combinations of NPK and biofertilizers

Abstract

An investigation was carried out to find a suitable combination of NPK and biofertilizers for maximizing flower yield in China aster cv. Kamini. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with 12 treatment combinations replicated thrice. The observations on various growth and flowering parameters were recorded. Results revealed that maximum plant height (56.67 cm), number of leaves per plant (103.93), flowering branches per plant (8.23), plant spread (32.32 cm), number of flowers per plant (28.58), number of flowers per plot (428.67), duration of flowering (27.20 days), flower yield per plant (73.21 g), flower yield per plot (1098.20 g), shelf-life of flowers (6.43 days) at ambient conditions were recorded in plants receiving 75% NPK (22.5:11.25:7.5 g NPK/ m2) + Azotobacter + PSB. Plants supplied with 100% NPK (30:15:10 g NPK/ m2) + Azotobacter + PSB were noticed with maximum leaf area (15.76 cm2), whereas, largest flower diameter (5.41 cm) and fresh weight of individual flower head (2.70 g) were found in plants receiving 50% NPK (15:7.5:5 g NPK/ m2) + Azotobacter + PSB.