Integrated Nutrient Management Studies In Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) CV. Soto under Protected Condition

Carnations ( Dianthus caryophyllus L.) are immediately recognizable flowers and possess a charm and allure that continues to captivate people around the globe. In fact, in many parts of the world, the popularity of Carnations surpasses that of any other flower including Roses. The study was conducted with 11 treatment combinations including RDF as check to find out the best integrated nutrient approach for carnation production under low cost protected structure at the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, Mudigere during 2011-12. A treatment combination of Azospirillum (60 g/m 2 ), PSB (60 g/m 2 ), FYM (2 kg/ m 2 ) and, vermicompost (500 g/m 2 ) along with 75% RDF recorded higher growth parameters and the quality traits of cut flower yield in Carnation cv. Soto.The results on growth parameters viz., plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, plant spread, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, intermodal length, dry matter production and chlorophyll content were found maximum and statistically significant values in the treatment combination of Azospirillum (60 g/m 2 ), PSB (60 g/m 2 ), FYM (2 kg/m 2 ), vermicompost (500 g/m 2 ) along with 75% RDF compared to 100% RDF. Similarly the flowering and floral traits, viz., flower bud development and opening, days for 50 % flowering, flower stalk length and girth, flower length, flower weight along with stalk, flower bud and diameter, maximum number of cut flowers per plant and per square meter, lesser susceptibility to insect pests and diseases and ultimately it has resulted in maximum net returns (Rs. 3,75,224) with a BCR of 2.91 as well as vase life were also found maximum and significant difference by the same treatment compared to other treatment combinations studied including check.