Author(s): Raj Kumar Jakhar and Anjana Sisodia

Abstract: This study investigated the impact of macronutrients on growth, flowering and corm yield parameters in gladiolus cv. Nova Lux over two consecutive years. Different concentration of boron and iron were applied and various growth, flowering and corm yield parameters, including number of leaves per hill at 60 DAP, length of longest leaf at 60 DAP, plant height at 60 DAP, days to spike emergence, days to colour show and days to opening of 1^st floret, number of corms per hill and number of cormels per hill were assessed. Specifically, treatments with boron 0.4% + iron 0.4% dose demonstrate the maximum number of leaves per hill at 60 DAP, days to spike emergence, days to colour show, days to opening 1^st floret, number of corm per hill and number of cormels per hill. Additionally, treatments with boron 0.2% + iron 0.4% consistently exhibited the maximum longest leaf length at 60 DAP, longest leaf width at 60 DAP and plant height at 60 DAP indicating enhanced leaf growth. Moreover, higher doses of these micronutrients resulted in longer and wider leaves at different growth stages. The findings suggest that optimal nutrient management, particularly higher doses of boron 0.4% + iron 0.4%, significantly influence the growth, flowering, corm yield and development in gladiolus cv. Nova Lux. Additionally, the study emphasizes how crucial it is to comprehend the complex relationships that exist between micronutrients and growth, flowering, and corm yield parameters in order to maximize cultivation techniques and raise the cultivar's attractiveness and commercial success. This study advances sustainable cultivation methods in floriculture by offering useful suggestions for nutrient management specific to gladiolus cv. Nova Lux.

DOI: 10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i4a.887