Vermicompost induced changes in growth and development of Lilium Asiatic hybrid var. Navona

Organic agriculture minimizes the negative effects of agricultural activities. The present study was carried out in the factorial experiment on the basis of Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 3 replications. The vermicompost used was prepared using bovine manure and the earthworm (Eisenia foetida). Applied vermicompost levels were V0 = 0%, V1 = 10%, V2 = 20%, V3 = 30%. The obtained results from the present research indicated that applied vermicompost especially, at 30% level had significantly improving effects on the accumulation of macro nutrients, Ca and K, and micronutrients, Zn and Fe in both stems and root tissues. Applied vermicompost resulted in better growth and development of vermicompost treated plants as they had higher number of leaves, leaf dry mass, fresh stem and dry weight, stem height and diameter, root number and length. Observed increased contents of gibberellic acid in root tissues resulted from the application of vermicompost. Vermicompost treatments at suitable levels of 20 and 30% had stimulating effects on the number of flowers and their diameters and reducing effects on time of flowering. The result of the present study showed that the use of vermicompost, particularly, with a 30% content had favorable results on the growth and development of the Lilium asiatic hybrid var. Navona.   Key words: Biofertilizer, flowering, Gibberellins, humic acid, ornamental plant.