Effects of macronutrients (N, P and K) on the Morphological and Biochemical Parameters of Stevia Rebaudiana (Bertani)

Field experiments were conducted in the experimental plot at the M.J.P. Rohilkhand University Bareilly Uttar Pradesh India to find the influence of nutrients on the morphological, physiological as well as biochemical parameters in Stevia. Stevia plants were treated with three nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) at three levels of each. Nitrogen was applied at the rate of 100, 200 and 300 Kg ha⁻¹ while phosphorus was applied at the rate of 100, 150 and 200 kg ha⁻¹ and potassium was also applied at the rate of 100, 150 and 200 Kg ha⁻¹ with one replicate without any nutrient (control). The results obtained from the experimental studies show that all the doses of nutrient application increased all the investigated parameters in comparison with control. However, N3 was recorded with highest plant height (65.70 cm), number of branches plant⁻¹(37.8), number of leaves plant⁻¹(394.4), leaf area plant⁻¹ (2696.6 cm²), leaf area index (4.64), fresh weight (78.01 g) and dry weight (20.89 g) of leaves plant⁻¹, total chlorophyll (5.785 mg g⁻¹), carbohydrate (522 mg g⁻¹), protein (98.15 mg g⁻¹) and nitrogen (63.84 mg g⁻¹).