Response of Different Irrigation Scheduling and Nutrients on Growth, Flowering and Corm Traits of Gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus Hort.) under Delhi Condition

Abstract

The present experiments were undertaken for standardization of irrigation interval and nutrients on the performance of gladiolus variety under Delhi condition. The field experiments were conducted at the research farm of the Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, during the winter season of the year 2021 and 2022. The experiment was laid out in factorial completely randomized block design with three replications and consisting of four irrigation regimes and five nutrients’ levels including bio-fertilizers. The results of two year experiments showed that maximum plant height (120.56 cm), spike length (97.26 cm), rachis length (63.13 cm) and single corm’s weight (50.73 g) and P content % in plant before flower emergence was found maximum with the application of seven irrigations at 15 days intervals along with treatment N4 i.e. application of Azotobacter + Bio-phosphorous +Bio-potash + Bio-iron +Bio-Zn each 3 litre per hectare foliar spray at 30 and 60 days after planting. Number of florets per spike (21.20), estimated benefit cost ratio (1:2.86), P and K content in plant before flower emergence was found maximum with the application of five irrigations at the interval of 25 days after planting with 50 % RDF + organic manure @ 5 tonnes/ha + Azotobacter + VAM +PSB + KSB @ 2 g per plant.