Response of bio-inoculants, FYM and inorganic fertilizers on floral characters and vase life of gladiolus cv. American beauty

The corms inoculated with Azotobacter + phosphate solubilizing bacteria reported significant difference in floral characters and vase life of gladiolus. Significantly earlier opening of first floret, higher spike length, higher number of spikes per plant, maximum number of florets per spike and higher floret diameter as well as the maximum shelf, and vase life were recorded with bio-fertilizer inoculation. Significant difference in floral characters (earlier opening of first floret, higher spike length, more number of spikes per plant, maximum number of florets per spike, and higher floret diameter) and vase life of gladiolus corms was recorded with application of FYM 5 @ kg/m². Gladiolus plants receiving full recommended dose of fertilizers also reported significant difference in floral and quality characters, which was at par with the application of 75% RDF