Impact of biofertilizers on antioxidant activity of spinach beet (Beta vulgaris)

A poly bag experiment was conducted at Department of Agricultural Microbiology and Bioenergy and Interfaculty Department of Biochemistry, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during rabi season (2010–11) to study the impact of chemical fertilizers, vermicompost and biofertilizers (nitrogen biofertilizer (NBF): Azotobacter and phosphate solubilizing biofertilizer (PSBF): Bacillus) on antioxidant activity and shelf life of spinach beet (Beta vulgaris). Results revealed that among all treatments total antioxidants were increased significantly with 50% RDF + NBF + PSBF which was on par with vermicompost + 50% RDF treatment. Significantly maximum total phenolic content was recorded in 50% RDF + NBF + PSBF followed by vermicompost + NBF + PSBF, vermicompost + 50% RDF and vermicompost + NBF. Total carotene content was significantly higher (3.62 mg/100g) with application of 50% RDF + NBF + PSBF at 30, 45 and 60 DAS over all other treatment. Shelf life was recorded higher with application of 50% RDF + NBF + PSBF followed by vermicompost + NBF + PSBF, NBF + PSBF and vermicompost + 50% RDF both at refrigeration and room temperature in polythene covers. Hence application of NBF and PSBF with 50% RDF is recommended for spinach beet crop.