Integrated effect of N, P and K and biostimulants with bioagents and botanicals on quality and economics of Garlic (Allium sativum. L)

A two-year research experiment was carried out at the Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Research Station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad - SKLTGHU, during Rabi, 2022-23 and 2023-24, to study the integrated effect of N, P, and K and biostimulants with bioagents and botanicals on the quality and economics of garlic (Allium sativum L.). The experiment was laid out in a contrast factorial randomized block design with ten treatments and thrice replication. A separate control plot was grown to compare the data with treatment applications. The design consists of two levels: one indicates inorganic nutrients as well as biostimulants, and the other includes biocontrol agents and botanical extracts. Based on two seasons of pooled data, the results revealed that the highest total soluble solids (40.26°Brix) and ascorbic acid content (9.95 mg) were recorded under the combined application of 50% NPK + seaweed extract at 5 ml/l + Trichoderma viride at 10 ml/l + neem oil at 0.5% (S3B1), and the highest total biomass (7.59 t/ha), harvest index (79.64%), and dry matter content (36.44%) were recorded under the combined application of 50% NPK + humic acid at 5 ml/l + Trichoderma viride at 10 ml/l + neem oil at 0.5%. Regarding the sulphur content of the bulb, the maximum sulphur (1.28%) was recorded under the application of 50% NPK + seaweed extract at 5 ml/l + Bacillus subtilis at 10 ml/l + sesame oil at 1%. In view of economic viability, the treatment of 50% NPK + Humic acid at 5 ml/l + Trichoderma viride at 10 ml/l + Neem oil at 0.5% (S1B1) recorded the highest gross (Rs.718,000.00) and net returns (Rs.509,090.00) as well as the highest benefit-cost ratio (2.44). In conclusion, the S3B1 is an effective choice for enhancing quality attributes of garlic, and the S1B1 is an effective option for the highest yield and economic returns to the farming community of garlic. From the current research it is recommended that integrated farming be feasible for balanced production and enhancing farmers' economic.