Studies on the effect of biofertilizer on the vegetative attributes, flower yield and biomass of daisy (Glebionis coronaria L.)

Introduction

Glebionis coronaria L. commonly known as crown daisy, annual chrysanthemum or garland chrysanthemum, is an attractive flowering plant appreciated for its profuse blooming and ornamental value, its flowers are also valued for landscaping and loose flower production. Flower production and quality depend greatly on balanced nutrient availability. In many soils of Central India, including Chhattisgarh, low organic matter and inadequate availability of major nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium may restrict plant growth and flowering. Inorganic fertilizers are essential for achieving higher productivity; however, their excessive and continuous use may adversely affect soil fertility, nutrient balance and environmental quality. Integrated nutrient management through the combined use of inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers offers a promising approach for maintaining productivity while improving nutrient-use efficiency and soil health. Biofertilizers such as Azotobacter and PSB nutrient availability and promote plant growth, thereby reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. Previous studies have reported improved growth, flowering and yield of annual chrysanthemum with integrated application of inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers. Godse et al. (2006) [1] reported better flowering and yield with 80% RDF, while Chandel et al. (2020) [2] observed superior growth, flowering and yield with 75% RDF combined with Azotobacter and PSB. Biofertilizers have also been reported to improve flower quality and reduce the requirement for inorganic fertilizers Syamal et al. (2006) [3] Prajapati et al. (2010) [4] . Therefore, integrated nutrient management may provide a sustainable approach for improving the growth, flower yield and biomass of annual chrysanthemum. Hence, the present investigation entitled "Studies on the Effect of Biofertilizer on the Vegetative Attributes, Flower Yield and Biomass of Daisy (Glebionis coronaria L.)" was conducted at the Horticultural Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.).

Methods and materials

Vegetative parameters

plant height-The data on vegetative parameters as influenced by the application of RDF combined with biofertilizers at 30, 60 and 90 DAT (Table 1) Treatment T 5 (75% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB through foliar spray) recorded the maximum plant height at 30, 60 and 90 DAT (31.88, 89.44 and 125.12 cm, respectively), followed by T 3 , whereas the minimum was recorded under T 7 (15.68, 69.33 and 98.28 cm, respectively). The superior performance of T 5 may be attributed to improved nutrient availability and utilization through the combined effect of RDF, Azotobacter and PSB, which promoted vegetative growth and stem elongation. Similar findings were reported by Panchal (2010) [5] in chrysanthemum, Pansuriya (2015) [6] in gladiolus and Patel (2017) [7,8] in African marigold. The number of primary branches-was significantly affected by application of RDF and biofertilizers at all stages of crop growth (Table 1) Treatment T 5 recorded the highest number of primary branches (6.80, 17.38 and 22.45 per plant at 30, 60 and 90 DAT, respectively), followed by T 3 , while T 7 recorded the minimum. The increased branching under T 5 may be due to enhanced nutrient availability and efficient nutrient utilization resulting from the combined application of 75% RDF, Azotobacter and PSB, thereby stimulating shoot development. These findings are in agreement with Laishram (2010) [9] in China aster and Panchal (2010) [5] in chrysanthemum. Stem diameter-increased progressively with crop age and was significantly influenced by the nutrient treatments (Table 1) Treatment T 5 produced the maximum stem diameter at 30, 60 and 90 DAT (9.95, 17.03 and 26.76 mm, respectively), followed by T 3 , whereas T 7 recorded the minimum values (4.44, 7.92 and 13.88 mm, respectively). The improved stem development under T 5 may be associated with better nutrient availability and uptake, promoting cell division, cell enlargement and structural tissue development. Similar results were reported by Nandre (2005) [10] in China aster.

Flowering parameters

The number of flowers per plant:-was significantly influenced by the application of RDF and biofertilizers (Table 2) Treatment T 5 recorded the maximum number of flowers (116.59), followed by T 3 (105.89), whereas the minimum was observed under T 7 (89.38). The higher flower production under T 5 may be attributed to improved nu-trient availability and utilization through the combined application of RDF, Azotobacter and PSB, which promoted better vegetative growth and flower initiation. Similar findings were reported by Chitra (2007) [1, 11] in China aster and Sunitha (2007) [8] in African marigold. Days taken for 50% flowering: -Significant differences were observed among treatments for days to 50% flowering. T 1 recorded the earliest flowering (43.53 days), followed by T 5 (44.20 days), whereas T 7 required the maximum time (61.16 days) to reach 50% flowering. Earlier flowering under T 1 and T 5 indicates a favorable response to nutrient management, possibly due to improved plant growth and physiological activity that promoted early floral initiation. Similar results were reported by Pansuriya (2015) [6] in Gladiolus and Patel (2017) [7,8] in African marigold. Flower yield:-Flower yield per plot was significantly influenced by the different nutrient treatments (Table 2) The highest flower yield was recorded under T 5 (4.44 kg/plot), followed by T 3 (4.12 kg/plot), while the lowest yield was observed under T 7 (1.77 kg/plot) The superior yield under T 5 may be attributed to the combined effect of 75% RDF with Azotobacter and PSB, which enhanced nutrient availability and utilization, resulting in improved vegetative growth, flower production and ultimately higher flower yield. Thus, T 5 proved to be the most effective treatment for improving flowering and flower yield of daisy under the conditions of the present study. Fresh and Dry weight of root: -significant variation in root biomass was observed among the nutrient treatments (Table 2) Treatment T 5 (75% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB through foliar spray and root inoculation) recorded the highest fresh root weight (97.17 g) and dry root weight (33.17 g), followed by T 3 with 86.68 and 27.71 g, respectively. In contrast, the minimum fresh (37.15 g) and dry (12.20 g) root weights were recorded under T 7 . The superior root biomass under T 5 may be attributed to the combined effect of RDF, Azotobacter and PSB, which improved nutrient availability and uptake, thereby promoting root development and dry matter accumulation. Similar findings were reported by Kumari (2016) [12] in petunia and Sharma (2017) [13] in daisy.

Conclusion

The study revealed that integrated application of inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers significantly influenced the growth, flowering, root development and flower yield of daisy (Glebionis coronaria L.). Among the treatments, T 5 (75% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB through foliar spray and root inoculation) consistently performed best, recording the highest plant height, primary branches, stem diameter, number of flowers per plant, fresh root weight (97.17 g), dry root weight (33.17 g) and flower yield (4.44 kg/plot). In contrast, T 7 recorded the lowest values for most growth, flowering and yield attributes.

Although T 1 (100% RDF) resulted in the earliest 50% flowering (43.53 days), T 5 achieved flowering at 44.20 days while producing superior overall crop performance. Therefore, treatment T 5 75% RDF combined with Azotobacter and PSB through foliar spray and root inoculation can be considered an effective nutrient-management treatment for enhancing growth, root biomass, flowering and yield of daisy under the conditions of the present study.

Acknowledgement

References

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