Effect of Boron and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) cv. Pusa Snowball K-1

Abstract

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.), one of the most popular vegetables in the cole group, is widely cultivated for its high yield, which is dependent on having adequate macronutrients. Deficits in the essential minerals boron and zinc are common in cauliflower crops. Hence the study was conducted to evaluate the experiment was laid out in three replications and nine treatments. The plot size was 1.8 m x 1.8 m and planting was done with spacing 45 cm x 45 cm. The treatments comprised the use of micronutrients Boron (0.2% and 0.4%), Zinc (0.3% and 0.5%) and their combinations. The B and Zn were applied to plants at 30 and 45 Days after transplanting (DAT). Observations pertained to growth parameters were recorded at various stages (30 DAT to 45 DAT, 45 DAT to 60 DAT and 30 DAT to 60 DAT). Among the foliar applications of B and Zn (T9) i.e. Boron @ 0.4% + Zinc @ 0.5% was found to be significantly superior for plant height, number of leaves, length of leaf, width of leaf and plant spread but application of Boron @ 0.4% + Zinc @ 0.3% (T8) and Boron @ 0.2% + Zinc @ 0.5% (T7) were statistically at par in case of plant height. T9 (Boron @ 0.4% + Zinc @ 0.5%) also showed early curd initiation and harvesting, improved curd diameter, fresh weight as well as curd yield. Thus, foliar application of Boron @ 0.4% + Zinc @ 0.5% at 30 and 45 days after planting may be beneficial for good marketable cauliflower production with superior curd size and high yield.