Effect of planting dates and sources of nitrogen on growth and yield of cauliflower at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal

Abstract

Appropriate time of planting and use of suitable sources of nitrogen are highly conducive for better growth and yield of cauliflower. A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of planting dates and sources of nitrogen on growth & yield of cauliflower at horticulture research block of Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal from 1st Nov 2019 to 4th March 2020 using ‘Snow mystic’, a late season variety of cauliflower. The study was laid out in split-plot design with two dates of planting (Dec 1st & Dec 16th) as main plot factors & four sources of nitrogen viz. 100% biochar (BCH), 100% Urea(U), 50% urea+ 50% Poultry manure (U+PM) & 50% Biochar+ 50% poultry manure (BCH+PM) against a control as sub-plot factors and were replicated thrice with 30 experimental units each of 9 m2 size containing 5 rows with 5 plants per row. The recommended dose of fertilizer used for the research was 108:92:60 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1 and P and K were supplied through SSP and MOP. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam with slightly acidic with pH (5.6). The data regarding days to 90% curding, canopy area (cm2), leaf number per plant, above ground dry mater (g m-2) (AGDM), curd size (cm2) and curd weight per plant(g), days to curding to harvesting interval, yield, HI and B:C ratio were recorded and analysed using MS Excel and R studio. Significantly higher number of leaves per plant (16.03), bigger average canopy area (5089.93 cm2), higher AGDM (217.91 g m-2), bigger (1563.03 cm2) and heavier curds (1412.44 g) were recorded in 1st Dec. transplanted cauliflower with significantly higher harvest index (68.20). Regarding the sources of nitrogen, all the above parameters were seen better under BCH+ PM but were statistically at par with other nitrogen sources except control. The 1st Dec. planted crop had 4 more days of curding to harvesting interval than 16th Dec. planted one but the difference was not significant. December 1st planted cauliflower yielded 110% more yield and net returns than 16th Dec. planted crop whereas BCH incurred maximum cost (NRs 322145 ha-1) and U and U+PM were the most profitable in terms of B:C ratio (12.77 and 12.96 respectively).Hence, better crop yield and benefit could be obtained by planting the late season cauliflower (var. Snow mystic) at 1st Dec with the use of 100% urea or U+PM as nitrogen source in plains of Nepal having Chitwan like climate.

Correlation coefficient and path analysis in early cauliflower genotypes (Brassica oleracea var. Botrytis)

“…The timing of curd initiation, influenced by transplanting dates, is a crucial factor affecting yield and maturity. Ara et al (2009) [1] reported significant effects on vegetative growth parameters, such as plant height, number of leaves, whole plant weight, marketable curd weight, and yield, based on both the variety and planting date.…”