Enhancement of Growth and Yield of Valentena (Purple Cauliflower) through Different Micronutrient Optimization

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) is a prominent member of the cole group of vegetables and is widely cultivated for its high yield. To ensure good yield, it requires sufficient macronutrients and micronutrients. Boron, molybdenum and zinc are crucial micronutrients for cauliflower where their deficiencies are common in cauliflower crop and can lead to specific symptoms. Hence the study was conducted to evaluate the “Enhancement of growth and yield of Valentena (purple cauliflower) through different micronutrient Optimization” during rabi 2022-23 at Horticulture Research Farm, Ranadevi, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha. The experiment used a randomized block design, comprising eight treatments replicated thrice. These treatments involved various combinations of micronutrients: T1 (100% RDF), T2 (100% RDF + Borax at 20 kg ha-1), T3 (100% RDF + Ammonium molybdate at 2 kg ha-1), T4 (100% RDF + ZnSO4 at 25 kg ha-1), T5 (100% RDF + Ammonium molybdate at 2 kg ha-1 + ZnSO4 at 25 kg ha-1), T6 (100% RDF + Borax at 20 kg ha-1 + ZnSO4 at 25 kg ha-1), T7 (100% RDF + Ammonium molybdate at 2 kg ha-1 + Borax at 20 kg ha-1), T8 (100% RDF + Borax at 20 kg ha-1 + Ammonium molybdate at 2 kg ha-1 + ZnSO4 at 25 kg ha-1). Analysis of results showed that treatment T3 (100% RDF + Ammonium molybdate at 2 kg ha-1) exhibited maximum growth parameters, including stem length (17.65 cm), stem girth (42.83 mm), and number of leaves (18.40). The tallest plant height (61.05 cm) was observed in treatment T2 (100% RDF + Borax at 20 kg ha-1). Regarding yield and yield attributing characteristics, treatment T5 (100% RDF + Ammonium molybdate at 2 kg ha-1 + ZnSO4 at 25 kg ha-1) recorded the highest pure curd weight (1114.78 g), pure curd yield per hectare (33.32 kg), and the shortest duration for curd initiation (55.67 days). It is therefore suggested that farmers to implement a micronutrient combination approach in their agricultural practices to enhance the growth and yield of Valentena (purple cauliflower) and other crops.