Reshma Jadhav, A.S. Kadam and Anand Ballal
Abstract
The experiment framed was intended to study the effect of different levels of inorganic fertilizers with FYM and biofertilizers (Azotobacter and phosphorus solublising bacteria) on growth, yield and quality of potato. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments replicated thrice. The results showed that 100 per cent RDF + FYM @ 5 t +Azotobacter+ PSB (T5) alone favourably influenced the growth parameters like emergence percentage (91.46), height of the plant (65.77),Number of leaves (64.66), leaf area (53.77 cm2), Leaf Area Index (3.98)compared to other treatments. Seed treatment with Azotobactor + PSB proved better in tuber yield and quality parameters as compared to sole treatment of either Azotobactor or PSB. The yield parameters like number of tubers (8.8), weight of tubers per plant (332 g), yield per hectare (24.58 t) and the maximum yield of A grade tubers with higher values of quality parameters like Ascorbic acid (13.66 mg 100 g-1), crude protein (10.44 per cent), starch (72.42 per cent), reducing sugars and total sugars (0.49 and 0.58 per cent) contents were significantly superior in the treatment of 100 per cent + FYM @ 5 t +Azotobacter+ PSB (T5). Integrated application of inorganic and organic fertilizers and seed treatment with Azotobactor+ PSB biofertilizers improved overall performance of potato as compared to other treatment combinations.