Influence of boron and zinc on growth yield and quality of knolkhol cv. Early White Veinna

Among various treatments, combined application of Boron and Zinc @ 15 kg ha−1 each exhibited better response than alone soil and foliar application either of Zn and B and their combinations. This treatment also proved better in improving growth, yield and quality than other treatments including control i.e. recommended dose of NPK alone. The plants supplied with 15 kg ha−1 of B and Zn each @ of 15.kg ha−1 recorded significantly higher knob yield (390.50 q ha−1) followed by 382.17 q ha−1 when B @ 10 kg ha−1 + Zn @ 15 kg ha−1 was applied and 357.77 q ha−1 when B @ 15 kg ha−1 + Zn @ 10 kg ha−1 was applied. The higher dose of both B and Zn decreased the growth, yield and quality of Knolkhol. These treatments also exhibited higher values for growth, yield and quality traits. The knob quality in respect of TSS and ascorbic acid content were also enhanced appreciably in these treatment combinations. The combined foliar and soil application of zinc @ 100 ppm and 15 kg ha−1 respectively, took more days (59.66) to marketable maturity. However, soil application of B @ 15 kg ha−1 or combined foliar and soil application of B @ 100 ppm and 15 kg ha−1, respectively, recorded 57.33 days to marketable maturity. Economic studies indicated that treatment combination of foliar application of B and Zn @ 100 ppm each was most profitable with maximum benefit cost ratio of 4.34. However, the treatment which produced higher yielding treatment (B and Zn @ 15 kg ha−1 each) gave the benefit cost ratio of 1.35. The higher values for growth, yield and quality attributes were also recorded in the plants which were supplied with basal application of B and Zn @ 15 kg ha−1 each. Hence, for getting maximum profits one should go for foliar application of both B and Zn @ 100 ppm each, whereas for harnessing better growth yield and quality apply B and Zn @ 15 kg ha−1 each in the soil.