Field experiment was conducted during 2008-2010on chrysanthemum to ascertain the influence of bio-inoculant (Azotobacter and VAM) and vermicompost with different levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (100%, 75% and 50%) on growth and flowering of chrysanthemum cultivars ‘Prof. Harris’ and ‘Sunil’. Cultivar Prof. Harris performed significantly better over cv. Sunil for leaf count, number of lateral shoots, plant spread, days to visible bud formation, days to bud showing colour and flowering. However, plant height, leaf area and flowering duration was maximum in cv. Sunil. Application of 75% recommended dose of fertilizer and vermicompost coupled with dual inoculation of Azotobacter and VAM produced significantly tall plant, higher number of lateral shoots, greater plant spread, advancement in visible bud formation, bud showing colour and flowering, respectively and extension of flowering durationover 100% recommended dose of fertilizer. Leaf count was maximum with application of 75% dose of N + Azotobacter+ VAM + full P and K while, significantly higher leaf area was observed when crop was fertilized with 75% dose of N and P+ Azotobacter + VAM + full K compared with 100% recommended dose of fertilizer and other treatment under investigation.
Azotobacter, chrysanthemum, VAM, vermicompost
