Optimization of Fertigation Schedule for Cut Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev)

A green house study was conducted in 2013 to optimize the fertigation schedule for cut chrysanthemum var. Amalfi. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) consisting of nine treatments with three replications which included fertilizer levels at 75, 100, 125 and 150 per cent of recommended dose of fertilizers along with foliar spray of 0.2 per cent EDTA chelated micronutrient mixture to each of the fertilizer levels. The results revealed that 75% recommended dose of fertilizers @ 12:3:12g NPK/m2 along with 0.2 % EDTA micronutrient mixture as foliar spray significantly enhanced the growth, physiology and yield parameters. Also increased recommended dose of fertilizers i.e., 100 % per cent improved the total leaf area per plant, soluble protein content, flower diameter, flower stalk length and girth. Though certain flowering parameters were recorded high in 100 % RDF, Yield contributing parameters like plant height, root length and fresh weight, total chlorophyll contents, earliness in flowering, yield/m2 and vase life showed superiority in 75 % RDF along with foliar spray of 0.2 per cent EDTA chelated micronutrient mixture.