Optimizing Iron Concentrations for Enhanced Growth and Yield in Sprouting Broccoli (Brassica Oleracea (L.) Plenck Var. Italica)

Abstract

Sprouting broccoli is a highly nutritious vegetable, but its productivity in semi-arid regions like Rajasthan is limited by micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron. Optimizing micronutrient management, especially through the use of nano and conventional iron sources, can significantly improve growth and yield attributes. A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24 at S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner, Rajasthan, to investigate the effect of different iron concentrations on broccoli growth and yield. The treatments included F0 (control), F1 (100% ferrous sulphate), F2 (two foliar sprays of nano iron @200 ppm), F3 (75% ferrous sulphate + one foliar nano iron spray), and F4 (75% ferrous sulphate + two foliar nano iron sprays), arranged in a split-plot design with three replications. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA for a split-plot design, and pooled analysis was done for two years. Results showed that treatment F4 significantly enhanced growth parameters like plant height (52.49 cm), Number of leaves/plants (21.92), leaf area (1181 cm²), and plant spread (66.69 cm²) compared to control and other treatments except F3, which was statistically at par to it. Yield attributes such as curd weight (556.1 g/plant), volume (95.87 cc), curd diameter (9.66 cm) and curd yield (556.1 g/plant) were also highest in F4, indicating a 19–20% improvement over the control. The combined application of ferrous sulphate and nano iron, particularly with two foliar sprays (F4), proved most effective, demonstrating the potential of integrated nutrient management strategies to enhance crop productivity. However, the similar performance of F3 suggests that a single foliar spray of nano Fe could be a cost-effective alternative for resource-limited conditions.