Evaluating the Role of Foliar-applied Micronutrients in Enhancing Quality of Broccoli

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi seasons of 2020–21 and 2021–22 at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Agriculture, Plantica Indian Academy of Rural Development (IARD), Dehradun to evaluate the influence of foliar-applied micronutrients on the growth, yield and quality of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications and fourteen treatments including control. Quality parameters such as ascorbic acid, total soluble solids (TSS), crude protein and chlorophyll content were recorded and analysed statistically. The results revealed a significant effect of micronutrient sprays on all quality attributes. Treatment T10 recorded the highest ascorbic acid content (86.40 mg/100 g), followed by T7 and T5, as compared to the control (80.00 mg/100 g). Maximum TSS (7.90%) was observed in T9, while treatments T4, T8 and T6 also showed considerable improvement over control (6.00%). Crude protein content was highest (2.79%) in T5 and T8, followed closely by T7 (2.78%). Chlorophyll content was markedly improved in T11 (2.15 mg g⁻¹), followed by T12 (2.14 mg g⁻¹) and T9 (2.12 mg g⁻¹), whereas the lowest was recorded in control (1.57 mg g⁻¹). The study concludes that foliar application of specific micronutrient combinations markedly enhances the nutritional and physiological quality of broccoli. Treatments such as T10, T9, T5, T8, and T11 proved most effective and may be recommended for improving broccoli quality under similar agro-climatic conditions of the western Himalayan foothills.