Effect of Micronutrients Foliar Application on Growth and Flowering of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) in Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse under Prayagraj Agro Climatic Conditions

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Effect of Micronutrients Foliar Application on Growth and Flowering of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) in Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse Under Prayagraj Agro Climatic Conditions” was carried out during November 2022 to March 2023 in, Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design with thirteen treatment combinations, with the application of three micronutrients; FeSO4, MgSO4 and ZnSO4 at different levels, which was replicated thrice. It was concluded that the application of micronutrients treatments rendered their significant effect on almost all the growth, flowering and yield characters of gerbera. The treatment T11 i.e., application of ZnSO4 at 0.6% found superior in terms of plant height (28.17cm), number of leaves (13.5), length of the leaves (33.9cm), plant spread (47.68cm), days taken for first flower bud initiation (88.6days), minimum days taken to first harvest (119days), flower diameter (11.35cm), stalk length (43.16cm), stalk diameter (7.16mm), number of flowers per plant (9.17) and vase life (9.66days). Among the different treatments the highest gross return (142590 Rs/200m2), Net return (55938 Rs/200m2), benefit cost ratio (1.64) was obtained under the use of ZnSO4 at 0.6% (T11).