Evaluation of Split Doses of Nitrogen at Different Growth Stages of Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) for Improving Flowering and Vase-life

Abstract

A study was carried out to standardize nitrogen application at different stages of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) (cv. Double) for improving growth, flowering and vase life in a farmer’s field at Gunjanagar VDC, Chitwan, Nepal, during May to September, 2012. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with 10 treatments of nitrogen in split doses and replicating thrice. The cut flower and vase life characteristics of tuberose were studied and the economics of production was also analysed. Significant difference was found between treatments of split doses of nitrogen in flowering and post-harvest characteristics of this flower. Three equal split doses of nitrogen, 33% N basal + 33% N at 30 days after planting + 33% N at 50 days after planting resulted in the earliest spike initiation (60 days) and the first flower opening (95.17 days). The same treatments recorded longest vase life (16.47 days). The longest (91.69 cm), heaviest (87.97g) and thickest (0.89 cm) spikes with longest rachis (38.77 cm) were produced by three equal split doses of nitrogen, 33% N basal + 33% N at 50 days after planting + 33% N at 70 days after planting. The same treatments produced maximum net income (NRs. 214,250/-) and benefit-cost (B:C) ratio (1.29) per hectare. Thus, three equal split doses of nitrogen, 33% N basal + 33% N at 50 days after planting + 33% N at 70 days after planting are appropriate for commercial cultivation of tuberose in Nepal.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v15i1.12006 

Nepal Journal of Science and Technology

Vol. 15, No.1 (2014) 23-30