Interventions of non-monetary and monetary inputs to maximize growth and flowering of balsam (Impatiens balsamina L.) under north-western plains

The present investigation was carried out at model Floriculture Centre of G.P.U.A.T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand during the year 2010. The whole study was divided into two experiments based on planting method, i.e., transplanting and direct sowing and experiment was laid down in Split Plot Design with spacing in main plot and nutrients in sub plots with three replications. The main plot treatment consists of three spacings (20 x 30 cm, 30 x 30 cm and 40 x 40 cm), sub plot treatments consists of three levels of nitrogen (0, 15, 30 g N/m²), and three levels of phosphorous (0, 15, 30 g P₂O₅/m²). Application 30 g N+30 g P/m² resulted in maximum number of primary branches, leaves, plant spread and number of flowers/plant. Maximum number of secondary branches, plant height and flowering duration were recorded with 30 g N+15 g P/m². Spacing of (30 x 30 cm) gave maximum number of primary branches, leaf area and number offlowers/plant whereas, number of secondary branches and plant spread were found to be highest under 40 x 40 cm spacing. While, in case of direct sowing all the vegetative and floral characters were significantly influenced by higher dose of NP (30 g N + 30 g P/m²) and 30 x 30 cm spacing. Interactions between spacing and NP were found significantly superior in respect of number of flowers/plant. Therefore, it is concluded that application of 30g N + 30 g P and spacing of (30 x 30 cm) appeared to be optimum for balsam growth and development