Synergistic Effects of Integrated Nutrient Management and Foliar Micronutrients on Growth, Flowering and Bulb Yield of Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Prajwal

Abstract

Integrated nutrient management (INM) plays a crucial role in improving productivity and sustainability of floricultural crops. A field experiment was conducted during 2022–23 at the Horticulture Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Modipuram, Meerut (U.P.), to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) and micronutrients on growth, flowering, bulb yield and economics of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Prajwal. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with ten treatments comprising RDF, vermicompost and foliar application of FeSO₄ and ZnSO₄ (0.7%). The results revealed that INM significantly improved all growth, flowering and yield parameters. Among the treatments, 75% RDF + 25% vermicompost along with FeSO₄ and ZnSO₄ proved most effective, recording superior vegetative growth, early flowering, improved spike quality, higher flower yield and bulb production. Enhanced performance may be attributed to better nutrient availability and efficient utilization under integrated nutrient supply. Economic analysis also indicated higher net returns and benefit–cost ratio under this treatment. Thus, based on the present study, the combined application of inorganic fertilizers, vermicompost and micronutrients can be considered effective in enhancing growth, flowering and bulb yield of tuberose.