Integrated nutrient management on yield and quality of gladiolus

In recent years, there have been serious concerns about long-term adverse effect of continuous and indiscriminate use of inorganic fertilizers on deterioration of soil structure, soil health and environmental pollution. In contrast, to inorganic fertilizer, the use of bio-control agent, green manures, and other organic matter can improve soil structure, maintain soil health, increase nutrient uptake, suppress soil borne fungal pathogens and that is why interests have been raising in organic farming and uses of Trichoderma spp. in flowers for bio-control and improve flower quality. The study was conducted to find out the optimum dose and combination of organic manure, inorganic fertilizers and bio-control agent for better growth, flowering and yield of gladiolus. Application of Vermicompost 5 t/ha + Trichocompost 3 t/ha along with 1/4th Recommended Dose of Fertilizer showed significant result in vegetative growth, flowering, corm and cormel attributes in gladiolus. Therefore, it is beneficial for gladiolus cultivation and may be recommended for flower, corm and cormel production and flower durability of gladiolus.