Effect of organic manures and biofertilizers on growth, flowering and yield of China aster cv. Arka Archana

Introduction

China aster (Callistephus chinensis L.) is an important winter annual ornamental crop belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is valued for its attractive flowers and is widely cultivated for loose flowers, cut flowers, bouquets, garlands, bedding, edging and ornamental purposes. The crop produces attractive flower heads consisting of ray and disc florets and is an important annual flower crop. Flower production and quality are strongly influenced by nutrient availability. Organic manures such as farmyard manure and vermicompost improve soil physical conditions, nutrient availability and microbial activity, while biofertilizers such as Azotobacter and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria contribute to improved Assistant Professor Assistant Professor nitrogen and phosphorus availability. Integrated use of organic manures and biofertilizers may therefore provide a balanced and sustained nutrient supply and improve crop growth, flowering and yield. Previous studies have reported beneficial effects of biofertilizers and organic manures on China aster and other ornamental crops. Kumar et al. (2003) [1] reported improved vegetative growth of China aster with biofertilizer application, while Ravindra et al. (2013) [2] observed improved flowering and yield under integrated nutrient management. Bohra et al. (2019) [3] also reported favourable growth and flowering responses of China aster to combined application of FYM, vermicompost, PSB and Azotobacter. Keeping these aspects in view, the present investigation was undertaken to evaluate different combinations of organic manures and biofertilizers for improving growth, flowering and yield of China aster cv. Arka Archana under the agro-climatic conditions of Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh.

Materials and methods

The experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2025-26 at the experimental premises of the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Pt. Kishori Lal Shukla College of Horticulture and Research Station, Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh. The experimental site was situated at 21°10′ N latitude and 81°03′ E longitude with an elevation of approximately 307 m above mean sea level. Seeds of China aster cv. Arka Archana were procured from ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with twelve treatments and three replications. Each plot measured 1.5 m × 1.5 m and contained 25 plants at a spacing of 30 cm × 30 cm. Vermicompost @ 12 t ha -1 T 3 PSB @ 50 ml/15 L T 4 Azotobacter @ 30 ml/15 L T 5 FYM @ 28.8 t ha -1 (80%) + PSB @ 50 ml/15 L T 6 FYM @ 28.8 t ha -1 (80%) + Azotobacter @ 30 ml/15 L T 7

Vermicompost @ 9.6 t ha -1 (80%) + PSB @ 50 ml/15 L T 8

Vermicompost @ 9.6 t ha -1 (80%) + Azotobacter @ 30 ml/15 L T 9 FYM @ 18 t ha -1 (50%) + vermicompost @ 6 t ha -1 (50%) + PSB @ 50 ml/15 L T 10 FYM @ 18 t ha -1 (50%) + vermicompost @ 6 t ha -1 (50%) + Azotobacter @ 30 ml/15 L T 11 FYM @ 18 t ha -1 (50%) + vermicompost @ 6 t ha -1 (50%) + PSB @ 50 ml/15 L + Azotobacter @ 30 ml/15 L

Results and discussion

Growth parameters

The plant height significant influenced by the organic manures and biofertilizers among the treatments, T 11 (FYM 18 ton (50%) + Vermicompost 6 ton (50%) + PSB @ 50 ml/15 L + Azotobacter @ 30 ml/15 L) recorded the peak value (61.76 cm), which was followed by T 10 (FYM 18 ton (50%) + Vermicompost 6 ton (50%) + Azotobacter @ 30 ml/15 L) with (55.34 cm). On the other hand, the lowest value (36.42 cm) was observed under the control treatment T 0 . FYM supplies essential macro-and micronutrients that support healthy plant growth (Kumar et al., 2011). The higher plant height under T 11 may be due to better availability of N and P, which promote cell division, elongation and root development. PSB and Azotobacter further improve nutrient availability through phosphorus solubilization and biological nitrogen fixation. Similar results were reported by Mogal et al. (2006) [4] in China aster and Kumar et al. (2006).

Number of leaves per plant

The number of leaves per plant significant influenced by the organic manures and biofertilizers among the treatments, the maximum value (234.60) was recorded under T 11 , comprising FYM 18 ton (50%) + vermicompost 6 ton (50%) + PSB (50 ml/15 L) + Azotobacter (30 ml/15 L). This was followed by T 10 (216.23). In contrast, the minimum value (140.18) was observed under the control treatment (T 0 ). Thus, the combined application of FYM, vermicompost, PSB and Azotobacter (T 11 ) exhibited the most favorable response and recorded the highest value among the treatments. The increased chlorophyll content and higher number of leaves under T 11 may be attributed to the combined application of FYM, vermicompost, PSB and Azotobacter, which improved the availability and uptake of essential nutrients (Sharma and Thakur, 2002). Adequate nitrogen supplies enhanced chlorophyll formation, cell division and photosynthetic activity, resulting in better vegetative growth and increased leaf production. Biofertilizers further improved nitrogen and phosphorus availability, promoting root development and nutrient absorption. Similar findings were reported by Kumar et al. (2003) [1] ; Bohra et al. (2014) [5] .

Number of primary branches

The number of primary branches significant influenced by the organic manures and biofertilizers among the treatments, the topmost value (22.08 cm) was recorded under T 11 , comprising FYM 18 ton (50%) + vermicompost 6 ton (50%) + PSB (50 ml/15 L) + Azotobacter (30 ml/15 L), followed by T 10 (20.12 cm). In contrast, the lowest value (12.29 cm) was recorded under the control treatment (T 0 ). Azotobacter showed a favorable effect, with T 11 recording the maximum value. The combined application of FYM and vermicompost improved nutrient availability and supported vigorous plant growth (Kumar et al., 2011). PSB and Azotobacter further enhanced nutrient uptake through phosphorus solubilization and nitrogen fixation, which promoted root activity and the development of axillary buds, resulting in more branches. Similar findings were reported by Ravindra et al. (2013) [2] and Kameswari et al. (2013).

The Plant spread significant influenced by the organic manures and biofertilizers among the treatments, the greatest value (29.76 cm) was obtained under T 11 , comprising FYM 18 ton (50%) + vermicompost 6 ton (50%) + PSB (50 ml/15 L) + Azotobacter (30 ml/15 L). This was followed by T 10 (26.99 cm), receiving FYM 18 ton (50%) + vermicompost 6 ton (50%) + Azotobacter (30 ml/15 L). The minimum value (16.50 cm) was observed under the control treatment (T 0 ). The greater plant spread under T 11 may be associated with enhanced vegetative growth and better leaf development, which increased the photosynthetic surface and facilitated greater production and translocation of photosynthates to different plant parts. The application of FYM and vermicompost may have improved soil structure, nutrient availability and microbial activity, The present findings are in agreement with the observations of Airadevi et al. (2012) [6] .

Floral parameters

Days taken to first flower bud initiation

The earliest flower bud initiation was recorded in T 11 (55.12 days), followed by T 10 (61.98 days), whereas the control (T 0 ) took the longest time (69.83 days). The earlier bud initiation under T 11 may be due to better nutrient availability from FYM and vermicompost, along with improved N and P nutrition through Azotobacter and PSB. This balanced nutrition promoted healthy growth and an earlier shift from the vegetative to reproductive phase. In contrast, poor nutrient availability in the control delayed flowering. Similar results were reported by Ravindra et al. (2013) [2] ; Naik et al. (2014) [7] .

Day of first flowering

The earliest flowering showed that the treatment T 11 (63.09 days), followed by T 10 (69.65 days), whereas flowering was delayed in the control (T 0 ), which took 78.21 days. The early flowering in T 11 could be attributed to improved nutrient availability from FYM and vermicompost, supported by the beneficial effects of PSB and Azotobacter. The better nutritional status of plants may have accelerated vegetative growth and promoted an early transition to flowering. The delayed flowering under control may be due to inadequate nutrient supply. Similar results were reported by Singh et al. (2013); Ravindra et al.

(2013) [2] ; Naik et al. (2014) [7] .

The longest flowering period was recorded in T 11 (31.30 days), followed by T 10 (28.66 days), while the control (T 0 ) showed the shortest flowering period (20.43 days). The prolonged flowering under T 11 may be due to the balanced nutrient supply from FYM, vermicompost, PSB and Azotobacter. Better nutrient availability and improved nitrogen and phosphorus uptake may have supported photosynthesis, delayed leaf ageing and maintained a better source-sink balance, resulting in a longer flowering period. Similar findings were reported by Bohra et al. (2016) [8] .

The highest stalk length was recorded in T 11 (29.80 cm), followed by T 10 (26.02 cm), while the lowest was observed in the control (T 0 ) at 15.69 cm. The longer stalks under T 11 may be due to better nutrient availability from FYM, vermicompost, PSB and Azotobacter.

Azotobacter improved nitrogen availability, while PSB enhanced phosphorus uptake. Vermicompost also supplied essential nutrients and improved soil conditions. The combined effect of these inputs likely promoted better nutrient uptake, photosynthesis and cell elongation, resulting in longer stalks. Similar results were reported by Hadwani (2012).

The largest flower diameter was recorded in T 11 (7.17 cm), followed by T 10 (6.45 cm), while the control (T 0 ) recorded the smallest diameter (4.36 cm). The larger flower size under T 11 may be due to the better availability of nutrients from FYM, vermicompost, PSB and Azotobacter. Organic manures improved nutrient availability and uptake, while PSB and Azotobacter enhanced phosphorus and nitrogen availability. Better nutrition may have increased photosynthesis and the supply of assimilates to developing flowers, resulting in larger flower diameter. Similar findings were reported by Bertand et al.

(2008) [9] and Ravindra et al. (2013) [2] .

Yield parameters

The highest observed value (130.99 g) was recorded under T 11 , comprising FYM @ 18 t ha -1 (50%) + vermicompost @ 6 t ha -1 (50%) + PSB (50 ml/15 L) + Azotobacter (30 ml/15 L). This was followed by T 10 (120.54 g), where FYM + vermicompost were applied along with Azotobacter. The minimum value (51.16 g) was observed in the con-trol (T 0 ). The integrated application of FYM, vermicompost, PSB and Azotobacter may have enhanced flower yield through their complementary effects on soil fertility and plant physiological processes. The improved availability and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium may have increased chlorophyll formation and photosynthetic activity, resulting in greater production of photosynthates, reported by Bohra et al. (2016) [8] .

The superior value (3.27 kg) was recorded under T 11 , comprising FYM @ 18 t ha -1 (50%) + vermicompost @ 6 t ha -1 (50%) + PSB (50 ml/15 L) + Azotobacter (30 ml/15 L). This was followed by T 10 (2.96 kg) with FYM + vermicompost + Azotobacter, the minimum value (1.28 kg) was observed in the control (T 0 ). The application of organic manures may have improved microbial activity in the soil, resulting in better availability and uptake of N, P and K. This improved nutrient supply and favourable soil conditions supported plant growth and flower development (Bertand et al., 2008) [9] . Adequate nitrogen and potassium may have promoted assimilate production and its movement towards developing flowers, leading to better flower size and weight. PSB and Azotobacter further improved nutrient availability through phosphorus solubilization and biological nitrogen fixation. Similar findings were reported by Ravindra et al. (2013) [2] .

Conclusion

The present investigation demonstrated that integrated application of organic manures and biofertilizers considerably influenced growth, flowering, flower quality and yield of China aster cv. Arka Archana. Among the treatments, T 11 comprising FYM @ 18 t ha -1 (50%) + vermicompost @ 6 t ha -1 (50%) + PSB @ 50 ml per 15 L water + Azotobacter @ 30 ml per 15 L water recorded the highest values for major growth and yield parameters, earlier flowering, longer flowering duration and superior flower quality. It also recorded the highest flower yield and benefit-cost ratio (2.40). Therefore, under the experimental conditions of Rajnandgaon, the integrated application represented by T 11 showed favourable performance for China aster cv. Arka Archana production.

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13. How to cite this article: Kushwaha R, Deshmukh U, Saha M, kumari V, Upadhyay S, Khan MA, et al. Effect of organic manures and biofertilizers on growth, flowering and yield of China aster cv. Arka Archana. International Journal of Research in Agronomy. 2026;9(9):1382-1385. doi: https://www.doi.org/10.33