Effect of INM on growth, yield and quality of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.)

Introduction

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) is a member of the Brassicaceae family. The chromosome count for cauliflower is 2n=2x=18. Its place of origin is the Mediterranean region (cyperus). The word cauliflower is derived from the Latin terms 'caulis' and 'floris', which translate to cabbage and flower, respectively. The ancestor of cauliflower is Brassica cretica. The nutrition value of cauliflower per 100g of edible portion viz, carbohydrates 4g, protein 2.6g, fat 0.4g, fibre 1.2g, Energy 30Kcal, vitamin C56mg,Iron 1.5mg, riboflavin, potassium, sodium, calcium etc. Cauliflower is a cool season vegetable crop. Economic part of cauliflower is known as "curd". The optimum temperature for growing cauliflower is 17-20 ℃. Seed rate of Cauliflower crop is 500-600 g/ha. In India, the area under cauliflower was 459000 hectares with a production of 8800 tonnes and productivity of 19.17 tonnes/ha. India produces around 32.5% of the world's total production of cauliflower. Individually cauliflower accounts for 5.06% of vegetable production of the country. More than 20 million tonnes of cauliflower is produced annually worldwide and China and India are among the leading countries. In Madhya Pradesh, cauliflower is grown over an area of approximately 57,953.06 hectares, yielding a production of 1,297,470.2 tonnes, resulting in a productivity rate of about 22.39 tonnes per hectare (Anonymous 2021). INM denotes the integration of organic, inorganic, and biological elements aimed at enhancing crop productivity and preserving soil fertility for future generations. This process is conducted without causing any harmful effects on the physico-chemical and biological characteristics of the soil over an extended period (Gruhn et al). The combined use of organic and chemical fertilizers alongside PGPR has been shown to significantly boost yield and weight in cauliflower compared to the control group (Kaushal et al). Integrated applications that utilize a well-considered mix of mineral fertilizers with organic and biological nutrient sources are not only complementary but also exhibit synergistic effects, as organic inputs provide advantageous benefits (Roy et al. 2006).So, INM was applied to make cauliflower cultivation sustainable and to improve soil productivity and fertility.

Materials and Methods

The present study, titled "Effect of INM on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.)" was conducted at the Horticulture Research Farm, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Allied Industries, Rama University, Kanpur (U.P.), Kanpur during the 2025. The location is positioned within the alluvial belt of the Indo-Gangetic central plain region of Uttar Pradesh, classified under agro-climatic zone-V. Generally, the climate is semi-arid, marked by hot, dry summers and moderately to severely cold winters. The average annual rainfall varies between 800 and 900 mm, with a mean annual precipitation of about 818 mm. The experiment consists of 10 treatments including control. The treatment details viz., T1Control, T 2 100% RDF (120:60:60 kg NPK/ha),T 3 FYM @ 20 t/ha, T 4 Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha,T 5 75% RDF + FYM @ 10 t/ha, T 6 75% RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha,T 7 50% RDF + FYM @ 15 t/ha,T 8 50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha, T 9 50% RDF + Poultry manure @ 3 t/ha and T 10 75% RDF + Biofertilizers were used. Observations were recorded plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf width (cm), stem diameter (cm), days to curd formation, days to curd maturity, curd diameter (cm), curd length (cm), curd weight (g), total biomass production per plant (g), curd yield per plot (kg), curd yield (q ha-1), TSS (0Brix) and ascorbic acid (mg/100g of juice). Statistical analysis of the data obtained in the different set of experiments was calculated as suggested by Panse and Sukhatme (1985).

Results and Discussion

The information displayed regarding growth, yield and quality in Table 1, 2 and 3 and 1, 2 and 3 distinctly indicates that notable variations resulting from the impact of INM on the growth, yield and quality of cauliflower were observed. The maximum plant height (cm) at 30, 45 and 60 days after tranasplanting (33.69, 46.75 and 63.48) was noted in T8 treatment (50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha), which was statically at par with T 6 75% RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha and T 4 Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha. Whereas the minimum plant height (cm) (16.28, 25.16 and 35.42) at 30, 45 and 60 days after sowing was found in treatment T 1 Control. The above the results are in conformity with the findings of Kumar et al. (2013) [15] , Pawar and Barkule (2017) [8] , Mohanta et al. (2018) [12] and Kumar et al., (2022) [16] . NPK fertilizers, with their specific ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, promote vigorous vegetative growth, root development and overall plant health, thereby enhancing these growth parameters. Poultry manure, rich in organic matter and essential nutrients, improves soil structure and fertility, providing a balanced and slow-release nutrient supply that supports steady plant growth. When used together, NPK fertilizers and poultry manure can collectively optimize nutrient availability and uptake, resulting in increased plant height, larger leaves and timely curd formation, when applied in appropriate amounts and at the right times. Similar results on effect of INM were reported by Pandey et al. (2008) [9] , Kumar et al. (2013) [15] , Jahan et al. (2014) [19] , Shree et al. (2014) [5] , Jasim et al. (2014) [18] , Meena et al. (2017) [13] , Mohanta et al. (2018) [12] , (Shanta et al), Basnet et al. (2016) [22] , Gyanwali et al. (2022) [20] and Narval et al. The maximum number of leaves per plant at 30, 45 and 60 days after tranasplanting (9.49, 17.45 and 22.11) was noted in T 8 treatment (50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha), which was statically at par with T 6 75% RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha and T 4 Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha. Where as the minimum number of leaves per plant (5.63, 8.81 and 11.52) at 30, 45 and 60 days after sowing was found in treatment T 1 Control.The maximum length of leaves at 30, 45 and 60 days after tranasplanting (18.37, 38.43 and 41.27) was noted in T 8 treatment (50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha), which was statically at par with T 6 75% RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha and T 4 Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha. Where as the minimum length of leaves (14.12, 25.76 and 30.26) at 30, 45 and 60 days after sowing was found in treatment T 1 Control. The response of INM showed pronounced on the length of leaves (cm). The maximum width of leaves at 30, 45 and 60 days after tranasplanting (16.34, 24.13 and 28.51) was noted in T 8 treatment (50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha), which was statically at par with T 6 75% RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha and T 4 Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha. Where as the minimum width of leaves (11.48, 15.38 and 18.28) at 30, 45 and 60 days after sowing was found in treatment T 1 Control. The response of INM showed pronounced on the width of leaves (cm). The above the results are in conformity with the findings of Kumar et al. (2013) [15] , Pawar and Barkule (2017) [8] , Mohanta et al. (2018) [12] and Kumar et al., (2022) [16] . Similar results on effect of INM were reported by Pandey et al. (2008) [15] , Kumar et al. (2013) [15] , Jahan et al. (2014) [19] , Shree et al. (2014) [5] , Jasim et al. (2014) [18] , Meena et al. (2017) [13] , Mohanta et al. (2018) [12] , (Shanta et al, Basnet et al. (2016) [22] , Gyanwali et al. (2022) [20] and Narval et al. The maximum stem diameter at 30, 45 and 60 days after tranasplanting (1.76, 2.73 and 3.87) was noted in T 8 treatment (50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha), which was statically at par with T 6 75% RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha and T 4 Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha. Where as the minimum stem diameter (1.22, 2.03 and 3.03) at 30, 45 and 60 days after sowing was found in treatment T 1 Control. The maximum stem length at 30, 45 and 60 days after tranasplanting (8.54, 15.34 and 19.75) was noted in T 8 treatment (50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha), which was statically at par with T 6 75% RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha and T 4 Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha. Where as the minimum stem length (7.13, 10.86 and 12.42) at 30, 45 and 60 days after sowing was found in treatment T 1 Control. The minimum days to curd formation (5140) was noted in T 8 50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha, followed by T 6 75% RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha, T 4 Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha and T 7 50% RDF + FYM @ 15 t/ha. Where as the maximum days to curd formation (62.51) was found in treatment T 1 Control. The minimum days to marketable curd maturity (64.92) was noted in T 8 50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha, followed by T 6 75% RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha, T 4 Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha and T 7 50% RDF + FYM @ 15 t/ha. Where as the maximum days to marketable curd maturity (82.17) was found in treatment T 1 Control. The above the results are in conformity with the findings of Velmurugan et al. (2008) [2] , Singh, et al. (2018) [4] and Kumar et al., (2022) [16] . Pandey et al. (2008) [9] , Kumar et al. (2013) [15] , Jahan et al. (2014) [19] , Shree et al. (2014) [5] , Jasim et al. (2014) [18] , Meena et al. (2017) [13] , Mohanta et al. (2018) [12] , (Shanta et al), Basnet et al. (2016) [22] , Gyanwali et al. (2022) [20] and Narval et al. The maximum curd diameter (cm) (18.65) was noted in T 8 50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha, which was statically at par with T 6 75% RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha, T 4 Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha, T 3 FYM @ 20 t/ha and T 7 50% RDF + FYM @ 15 t/ha. Where as the minimum curd diameter (cm) (13.16) was found in treatment T 1 Control. The above the results are in conformity with the findings of Shaheen et al. (2007) [6] and Kumar et al., (2022) [16] . Pandey et al. (2008) [9] , Kumar et al. (2013) [15] , Jahan et al. (2014) [19] , Shree et al. (2014) [5] , Jasim et al. (2014) [18] , Meena et al. (2017) [13] , Mohanta et al. (2018) [12] , (Shanta et al. Basnet et al. (2016) [22] , Gyanwali et al. (2022) [20] and Narval et al. The maximum total biomass production per plant (g) (988.06) was noted in T 8 50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha, which was statically at par with T 6 75% RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha, T 4 Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha, T 3 FYM @ 20 t/ha and T 7 50% RDF + FYM @ 15 t/ha. Where as the minimum total biomass production per plant (g) (687.87) was found in treatment T 1 Control. The above the results are in conformity with the findings of Wani et al. (2011) [1] , Khan et al. (2010) [17] and Kumar et al., (2022) [16] . Pandey et al. (2008) [9] , Kumar et al. (2013) [15] , Jahan et al. (2014) [19] , Shree et al. (2014) [5] , Jasim et al. (2014) [18] , Meena et al. (2017) [13] , Mohanta et al. (2018) [12] , (Shanta et al), Basnet et al. (2016) [22] , Gyanwali et al. (2022) [20] and Narval et al). The maximum curd weight (g) (707.18) was noted in T 8 50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha, which was statically at par with T 6 75% RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha, T 4 Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha, T 3 FYM @ 20 t/ha and T 7 50% RDF + FYM @ 15 t/ha. Where as the minimum curd weight (g) (203.52) was found in treatment T 1 Control. The above the results are in conformity with the findings of Wani et al. (2011) [1] , Khan et al. (2010) [17] and Kumar et al., (2022) [16] . The capacity for curd retention varies. The enhancement in yield parameters may result from the simultaneous use of various chemical fertilizers and organic manures. NPK fertilizers supply vital nutrients that promote plant growth, resulting in greater curd diameters and elevated curd weight due to improved nutrient accessibility and absorption. Whereas poultry manure is rich in organic matter and nutrients, improves soil structure and fertility, promoting vigorous plant development and higher yields. Combined use of NPK and poultry manure enhances soil health and nutrient supply, resulting in increased yield per plot and per hectare by providing both immediate and sustained nutrient release. This integrated approach optimizes plant growth conditions, thereby maximizing overall crop productivity. The maximum curd yield per plot (kg plot⁻¹) (23.34) was noted in T 8 50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha, followed by T 6 75% RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha, T 4 Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha and T 2 100% RDF (120:60:60 kg NPK/ha). Where as the minimum curd yield per plot (kg plot⁻¹) (6.72) was found in treatment T 1 Control. The maximum curd yield (q ha⁻¹) (261.92) was noted in T 8 50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha, followed by T 6 75% RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha, T 4 Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha and T 2 100% RDF (120:60:60 kg NPK/ha). Where as the minimum curd yield (q ha⁻¹) (75.38) was found in treatment T 1 Control. The above the results are in conformity with the findings of Wani et al. (2011) [1] , Khan et al. (2010) [17] and Kumar et al., (2022) [16] . The staying capacity of curd var. Pandey et al. (2007) [9] , Basel et al, Wani et al. (2011) [1] , Kumar et al. (2013) [15] , Meena et al. (2017) [13] , Lodhi et al. (2017) [14] , Mohanta et al. (2018) [12] , Singh et al. (2018) [4] , Rawal et al. (2019) [7] Neupane et al. (2020) [10] , Biswas et al. (2021) [21] and Narval et al. The maximum TSS (0Brix) (5.58) was noted in T 8 50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha, followed by T 6 75% RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha, T 4 Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha and T 2 100% RDF (120:60:60 kg NPK/ha). Where as the minimum TSS (0Brix) (3.75) was found in treatment T 1 Control. The above the results are in conformity with the findings of Shaheen et al. (2007) [6] and Kumar et al., (2022) [16] . The maximum ascorbic acid (mg/100g of juice) (5.58) was noted in T 8 50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha, followed by T 6 75% RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha, T 4 Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha and T 2 100% RDF (120:60:60 kg NPK/ha). Where as the minimum ascorbic acid (mg/100g of juice) (3.75) was found in treatment T 1 Control.

Conclusion

Based on the current investigation, it is concluded that the maximum plant height (cm), the number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf width, stem diameter, stem length, days to curd formation, days to marketable curd maturity, curd diameter (cm), total biomass production per plant (g), curd weight (g), curd yield per plot (kg plot⁻¹), curd yield (q ha⁻¹), TSS (°Brix), and ascorbic acid (mg/100g of juice) were significantly highest in T8 50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha. Therefore, the treatment combination of T 8 50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha is recommended for enhancing the income of farmers and stakeholders involved in cauliflower cultivation in the Kanpur region, owing to its superior growth, yield and quality under Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) conditions.

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