Unveiling the influence of NPK, organic fertilizers, and plant growth enhancers on China aster (Callistephus chinensis L.) CV. ‘Arka Kamini’ seed yield

The entitled research study carried out at the Agricultural Research Institute's Floricultural Research Station, affiliated with the Agricultural Research Institute in Rajendranagar, in Hyderabad, India, investigated from October 2020 to April 2021 the effects of various fertilizer and biostimulant applications on the growth, flowering, seed yield, and quality of China aster cv. Arka Kamini. The study followed an RCBD with three replications and seven distinct treatment groups. Treatment 6, which consisted of applying the recommended dosage of NPK at 50 % along with Azotobacter, PSB, and KSB biofertilizers and a 0.5 % seaweed extract solution, produced the highest number of flowers/ plant (21.98), flower yield/plant (48.43 g), seed yield/flower (0.30 g), and seed yield/plant (6.59). Treatment 3, RDF at 75 % dosage plus the same biofertilizers and seaweed extract, exhibited the highest number of seeds/gm (484.23 g) and test weight (1.72 kg). Moreover, Treatment 6 demonstrated the maximum germination percentage (90.11 %), shortest days to germination (5.25 days), and highest speed of germination (9.00). Treatment 3 had the lowest mortality rate (15.24 %), best survival rate (84.76 %), seedling length (5.93 cm), and seedling vigor indices 1 and 2 (5.06 and 9.39\,), respectively. • China aster is the more prominent commercially seasonal flower crops grown around the world. • Biofertilizers from organic origins, provide cost-effective, and eco-friendly solutions • Biofertilizers application demonstrated efficacy in propagation of beneficial microorganisms • T3 had lowest mortality rate, best survival rate, seedling length, and seedling vigour indices 1, 2. • T6 demonstrated the maximum germination %, shortest days, and highest speed of germination.