Effect of integrated nutrient management practices on flower quality and vase life of Anthurium andreanum cv. Meringue

An investigation was carried out at Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Botanic Gardens, Horticultural College and Research Institute, TNAU, Coimbatore, to study the effect of INM practices in improving the flower yield of Anthurium andreanum cv. Meringue, The experiment was conducted with six kinds of organic substrates along with inorganic fertilizers. The treatment combination of Panchagavya 4 % + 50 % recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) favourably influenced the spathe length (7.5O cm) spathe breadth (7.00 cm), spadix length (450 cm) and spike length (32.10 cm). The treatment combination of vermkompost 100 g/plant + 50 % RDF (Tl) recorded the highest value of inflorescence longevity (88.30 day), number of days for exhibiting gloss loss, spathe blueing and spadix necrosis with the values of respectively 17.50,18 JO and 21.6 day. The results proved that Panchagavya 4 % foliar spray + 50 % RDF improved the flower size whereas better vase life was observed in the treatment combination of vermkompost 100 g/plant+ 50% RDF.