1Dept. of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Mahatma Phule Agricultural University, Rahuri, Ahemadnagar District, Maharashtra, (413 722), India
2Dept. of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural Research Station, K. Digraj, Sangli District, Maharashtra, 416 305, India
*Correspondence to E-mail: bmkamble2007@rediffmail.com
Online published on 18 June, 2016.
A field experiment on effect of fertilizer levels and foliar application on morpho-physiological, nutrient content, reddening and yield of cotton on Vertisol” was conducted at Cotton Improvement Project, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra, India during May to September, 2008–09. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with three replications and two main treatments i.e. hybrid Bt RCH-2 and Non-Bt RCH-2 and nine sub treatments with different fertilizer doses i.e. 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 75% RDF, 100% RDF, 125% RDF, 150% RDF, 100% RDF+2% DAP spray, 100% RDF+1% MgSO4 and 100% RDF+1% KNO3. The non-Bt cotton hybrid showed pronounced effect on growth parameters than Bt cotton hybrid. The treatment 100% RDF at square and flowering recorded significant effects on biochemical parameters (Chlorophyll N, P, K, Mg and Fe content), which was maximum in non-Bt hybrid as compared to Bt cotton hybrid. At boll development stage, treatment 100% RDF+1% MgSO4 was found to be the best for highest chlorophyll content in non-Bt than Bt cotton. The nutrient concentration in leaf was higher at square formation and goes on reducing as plant growth proceeded. The application 100% RDF along with three foliar sprays of 1% KNO3 or 1% MgSO4 or 2% DAP was found minimum intensity of reddening of leaves and increased yield of cotton.
Cotton, fertilizer, morphology, nutrient content, reddening, yield
