Effect of Starter Solution and Age of Seedling on Growth and Yield of Broccoli (Brassica Oleracea Var. Italica)

Abstract

A study was conducted at central farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural university, Dhaka during the period of October, 2017 to March, 2018 to investigate the influence of starter solution and age of seedling on the growth and yield of broccoli. The experiment consisted of two factors. Factor A: Four levels of starter solution as S0= 0% urea solution (control), S1= 1% urea solution, S2= 2% urea solution, S3= 3% urea solution and Factor B: Three levels of age of seedling as A1= 20 days of seedling, A2= 30 days of seedling, A3= 40 days of seedling. Application of the treatment influenced independently and also in combination on the growth and yield of broccoli. In case of starter solution, the highest yield (24.32 t/ha) was obtained from S2 (2% urea) treatment, whereas the lowest yield (13.21 t/ha) was recorded from S0 (0% urea) treatment. For three level of age of seedling the highest yield (20.75 t/ha) was obtained from A2 (30 days old seedling) treatment and the lowest yield (15.48 t/ha) was recorded from A3 (40 days old seedling) treatment. In case of combined effect the highest yield (26.91 t/ha) of broccoli was obtained from the treatment combination of S2A2 while the lowest (13.41 t/ha) was obtained from S0A3 treatment combination. Economic analysis revealed that S2A2 treatment combination was the best in respect of net return (3,24,890 tk) with benefit cost ratio of  2.5. So it may be concluded that 2% starter solution and 30 days age seedling was best for growth and yield of broccoli.