Impact of sulfur and phosphorus fertilization on growth and yield of perilla oil crop (Perilla frutescens) under net house condition in Bangladesh

The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of sulfur (S) and phosphorus (P) fertilization on the growth and yield of Perilla frutescens, an emerging oilseed crop in Bangladesh. The experiment was conducted under net house conditions at the Agronomy Department, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July to December 2024. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) scheme was followed, comprising four sulfur levels (0, 9.25, 18.5, and 27.75 kg ha-¹) and four phosphorus levels (0, 20, 30, and 40 kg ha-¹). Sulfur and phosphorus were supplied through gypsum and triple superphosphate (TSP), respectively. Growth parameters viz. plant height branch number, receme count, 1000-seed weight etc. were recorded along with biological yield and harvest index. The results revealed that both sulfur and phosphorus significantly (p<0.05) influenced perilla productivity. Sulfur application at 18.5 kg ha-¹ produced the highest seed yield (0.90 t ha-¹), while higher or lower levels reduced yield performance. Similarly, phosphorus application at 30 kg ha-¹ maximized yield (1.09 t ha-¹). Notably, the combined application of 18.5 kg S ha-¹ with 30 kg P ha-¹ yielded the highest productivity (1.50 t ha-¹), outperforming sole applications of either nutrient. This interaction shows the synergistic role of balanced S and P fertilization in enhancing seed yield and harvest index. The study provides the experimental evidence on nutrient management for perilla in Bangladesh, indicating that moderate sulfur (100 kg gypsum ha-¹) and phosphorus (150 kg TSP ha-¹) fertilization can significantly improve growth and yield.