Dynamics of growth and yield of garlic (Allium sativum L.) in variable planting time and applied nutrients

A field experiment was conducted for two years in rabi season to assess the performance of garlic under three sowing dates and eight nutrient levels. Vegetative growth parameters were significantly influenced with the earliest date of planting (November 15) along with NPK at 60, 60, 120 kg/ha in combination with either mustard cake or neemcake (5 t/ha) or FYM (30 t/ha). A reduction in nutrients levels and delay in planting beyond November 15 increased the shoot/bulb ratio. The migration coefficient gradually decreased with delay in planting beyond November 15. The weight of individual clove was reduced by nearly 60% with delayed planting on December 25. The yield of bulb was recorded maximum with first planting date along with application of NPK at the highest level in combination with mustard cake @ 5 t/ha.