GROWTH AND FLOWERING OF GLADIOLUS HORTULANUS L. CV. WINF SONG AS INFLUENCES BY VARIOUS LEVELS OF NPK

Abstract

Effects of various levels of NPK applied after 30 and 45 days of planting on plant growth and flowering characteristics of Gladiolus hortulanus L. cv. Wind Song, were studied as a mean of achieving better management, production and ascertaining NPK utilization by plants. Plant height (cm), number of leaves, leaf length (cm) and spike length (cm) was maximum with 10:10:5 g pot -1 NPK whereas emergence of spike, opening of first and last floret, corm diameter and corm weight was maximum with 5:5:5 g pot -1 NPK. Number of florets per spike was maximum with 10:5:5 g pot -1 NPK. High nitrogen application rate alongwith moderate phosphorus and potassium enhanced vegetative growth characteristics while moderate doses of NPK exhibited more pronounced effect on floral characteristics and corm development of gladiolus.