Response of growth, yield and quality traits in sprouting broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) to varying fertilizer doses and method of application

A field experiment was conducted on sprouting broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) to study the growth yield and quality parameters in response to different fertilizer doses, type of fertilizer and method of application under Bengaluru conditions. The results indicated that earliness parameters were not affected significantly due to the varying treatments. The maximum plant height observed was 83.60 cm (T₈) statistically on par with T₉ i.e. 81.79 cm. Maximum number of leaves per plant (18.86) and stalk length (19.66 cm) was seen in T_9. Maximum leaf area (1940.01 cm²) and Leaf area index (LAI) of 24.55 was observed in T_8. The maximum head weight (254.24 g), plot yield (5.97 kg), yield per hectare (7.62t) and the highest value of TSS (9.56 °Brix) was recorded withT_9. The highest values for all the traits studied were obtained with higher doses of fertilizers applied along with irrigation water. Application through conventional fertilizers and water soluble fertilizers were found to be equally good for yield parameters under same dose treatments.