Integrated Application of Bio-fertilizers and Bio-stimulants Enhances Bulb Growth and Yield in Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Arka Suvasini

Abstract

This study evaluated the individual and combined effects of bio-fertilizers and bio-stimulants on bulb growth and yield of Tuberose. The experiment was conducted at the College of Horticulture, Mojerla, during the Rabi season of 2019–2020 under a factorial randomized completely block design with 25 treatment combinations and including one control. The experiment were consisted three bio-fertilizers (Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), Azospirillum, and Potassium Solubilizing Bacteria (KSB)), four bio-stimulants (Gibberellic acid (GA₃), Salicylic acid (SA), Cycocel (CCC), and Humic acid (HA)) applied as foliar sprays at two concentrations each of the bio stimulants. The results revealed that both bio-fertilizers and bio-stimulants significantly influenced all bulb parameters. Among bio-fertilizers, PSB recorded the highest mean bulb yield (11.23 t/ha), bulb diameter (1.44 cm), and bulb weight (167.46 g). Among bio-stimulants, GA₃ at 400 ppm produced superior performance with the highest bulb yield (12.20 t/ha) and diameter (1.59 cm). The interaction effect (P × S) was also significant, with PSB + GA₃ 400 ppm (P₁S₂) recording the maximum bulb yield (12.99 t/ha). The improvement in bulb productivity may be attributed to enhanced nutrient solubilization, improved root proliferation, and stimulation of physiological processes such as cell elongation and assimilate translocation. The results showed that integrated application of PSB and GA₃ (400 ppm) is a viable and sustainable strategy for enhancing bulb yield and quality in tuberose cultivation.