Growth, Yield and Quality Response of Application of Bio-Stimulants in Radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Abstract

Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is a root crop grown because of its edible fleshy roots. In the context of sustainable agriculture, reducing chemical fertilizer use and integrating bio-stimulants can provide an environmentally sound approach to improve crop performance. The experiment was carried out to find the effect of bio-stimulants and chemical fertilizers on the development, production, and nutritional value of radish. A field experiment was carried out during Rabi 2023–24 at DAV University, Jalandhar, to find out the impact of bio stimulants on the growth, yield, and quality of radish. In these study, two varieties (Punjab Safed Mooli-2 and Mino Early) and ten treatments comprising the recommended dose of fertilizers (NPK), Azotobacter, and seaweed extract were included. The experiment was done in a factorial randomized block design having three replications. The results showed that the combination of NPK + Azotobacter + seaweed extract (T5) significantly improved the plant height, length of leaves, width of leaves, length of root, diameter of root, root weight, root yield, TSS, and ascorbic acid content. The variety Punjab Safed Mooli-2 showed better performance compared to Mino Early. Thus, integrated use of bio stimulants proved effective in enhancing radish growth, yield and quality.