Influence of iron nutrition on growth, flowering and corm yield in gladiolus

Field experiments were kid out four three years form 1998–2001 to find out the response of foliar spray of FeSO₄ in gladiolus cv. Trader Horn. Foliar spray of FeSO₄ was done at 3–4 leaf stage at 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% FeSO₄ alongwith the control (distilled water). Experiments were laid out in a randomized block design and replicated five time. Significantly maximum plant height was recorded with 0.4%, 0.6% and 0.2% FeSO₄ during first, second and third year, respectively. All the treatments failed to show any significant results on days to flowering, flower size, number of florets/spike and Corm size. However, spraying of higher concentration of FeSO₄ exhibited maximum value on spike length, spike weight, duration of flowering, weight of corms/plant and conns yield during first, second and third year of study. Lower value on these parameters was recorded with controlled plants.