Thesis submitted to the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of

Transcription

1 STUDIES ON ZINC AND BORON NUTRITION ON YIELD, QUALITY AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN CAULIFLOWER (Brassica oleracea Var. botrytis L.) UNDER NORTHERN TRANSITION ZONE OF KARNATAKA Thesis submitted to the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science (Agriculture) In SOIL SCIENCE By BASAVARAJ SHIVANNANAVAR DEPARTMENT OF SOIL SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, DHARWAD UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, DHARWAD JULY, 2013

2 ADVISORY COMMITTEE DHARWAD JULY, 2013 (C. M. POLESHI) MAJOR ADVISOR Chairman: (C. M. POLESHI) Members: (S. C. ALAGUNDAGI) (V. S. PATIL) 3. (B.M. RADDER)

3 Sl. No. CERTIFICATE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT LIST OF TABLES LIST OF FIGURES LIST OF PLATES 1. INTRODUCTION 2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE CONTENTS Chapter Particulars 2.1 Growth, yield and yield components of cauliflower 2.2 Quality parameters of cauliflower 2.3 Effect of zinc and boron on nutrient uptake by cauliflower 2.4 Effect of zinc and boron on nutrient status of soil after harvest the of cauliflower crop 2.5 Effect of zinc and boron on economics of cauliflower 3. MATERIAL AND METHODS 3.1 Experimental site 3.2 Soil characteristics 3.3 Climate and weather conditions 3.4 Experimental details 3.5 Cultural operations 3.6 Observations on growth characteristics 3.7 Observations on yield components 3.8 Quality parameters 3.9 Chemical analysis of plant samples 3.10 Nutrient uptake 3.11 Chemical analysis of soil samples 3.12 Economics 3.13 Statistical analysis and interpretation of data 4. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS 4.1 Growth parameters 4.2 Yield components 4.3 Total dry matter and curd yield (t ha -1 ) 4.4 Quality parameters 4.5 Effect of zinc and boron on uptake of major nutrients 4.6 Effect of zinc and boron on uptake of micronutrients

4 4.7 Effect of zinc and boron on soil properties after harvest of the cauliflower crop 4.8 Economics 5. DISCUSSION 5.1 Effect of zinc and boron on growth parameters 5.2 Effect of zinc and boron on yield attributes 5.3 Quality parameters 5.4 Effect of zinc and boron on uptake of macro nutrients 5.5 Effect of zinc and boron on uptake of micronutrients 5.6 Effect of zinc and boron on availability soil nutrients 5.7 Economics 6 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES APPENDICES

5 LIST OF TABLES Table No. Title 1 Characteristics of the soil of the experimental site 2 Monthly mean meteorological data during crop growth period (2012) and the average of past 62 years ( ) at Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad 3 Plant height of cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron 4 Number of leaves per plant of cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron 5 Spread of plant (cm) of cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron 6 Leaf area of cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron 7 Dry matter accumulation in cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron 8 Yield parameters of cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Total dry matter and curd yield of cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Quality parameters of cauliflower curd at harvest as influenced by zinc and boron Nitrogen uptake (kg ha -1 ) by cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Phosphorus uptake (kg ha -1 ) by cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Potassium uptake (kg ha -1 ) by cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Sulphur uptake (kg ha -1 ) by cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron 15 Zinc uptake (g ha -1 ) by cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron 16 Iron uptake (g ha -1 ) by cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron 17 Manganese uptake (g ha -1 ) by cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron 18 Copper uptake (g ha -1 ) by cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron 19 Boron uptake (g ha -1 ) by cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Effect of zinc and boron on soil available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur after harvest of the cauliflower Effect of zinc and boron on soil available micronutrients after harvest of the cauliflower Economic parameters of cauliflower cultivation as influenced by zinc and boron

6 LIST OF FIGURES Figure No. 1 Title Monthly mean meteorological data during crop growth period (2012) and the average of past 62 years ( ) at Main gricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad 2 Plan of layout of the field experiment 3 4 Dry matter accumulation in cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Total dry matter and curd yield of cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron 5 Nitrogen uptake by cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron 6 Potassium uptake by cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron 7 Zinc uptake by cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron 8 Boron uptake by cauliflower as influenced by sulphate and borax 9 10 Effect of zinc and boron on soil available micronutrients after harvest of the cauliflower Economic parameters of cauliflower cultivation as influenced by zinc and boron LIST OF PLATES Plate No. Title 1 General view of experimental plot 2 Comparative effect of different treatments with RDF

7 LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix No. I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI Title Nitrogen content (%) in cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Phosphorus content (%) in cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Potassium content (%) in cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Sulphur content (%) in cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Zinc content (ppm) in cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Iron content (ppm) in cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Manganese content (ppm) in cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Copper content (ppm) in cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Boron content (ppm) in cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Cost of different inputs used for cauliflower cultivation. Details of treatment wise cost of cultivation (` ha -1 ) of cauliflower cultivation

8 INTRODUCTION Every micronutrient has specific role to play in the plant and its presence in optimum concentration is a must for the plant to complete its life cycle which ends with maturity and harvesting of the economic produce. Over the years, with intensive cultivation, Indian agriculture has moved from an era of single element deficiency to more complex multiple nutrient deficiencies. This is true especially in the case of micronutrients. The widespread deficiency of micronutrients has increased with the introduction of high yielding varieties of crops which was known to remove higher amount of nutrients and adoption of modern agricultural technology such as multiple cropping system, irrigation, intensive use of high analysis fertilizers with concomitant decrease in recycling of crop residues and use of animal manures. Replenishment of micronutrients to soil has unfortunately not received much attention, consequently leading to their deficiency. Full benefits of applied nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer can only be obtained provided the availability of micronutrients is adequately ensured. Among the micronutrients, occurrence of zinc (Zn) deficiency is quite common and widespread, followed by boron (B) in the soils of north Karnataka (Pulakeshi et al. 2012, Manojkumar, 2011, Pujari, 2012 and Karajanagi, 2013). Zinc is an indispensable micronutrient for proper plant growth and development. It plays an important role in different plant metabolic processes such as enzyme activity, development of cell wall, respiration, photosynthesis, chlorophyll formation and other biochemical functions. It is essential component of many enzymes such as carbonic anhydrase, alcohol dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase and RNA polymerase etc and also involved in nitrogen metabolism. The deficiency of Zn in plants disrupts these processes resulting in reduced plant growth, yield and quality. The magnitude of Zn deficiency varies widely with the soil types, while the rate of application varies with crops, soil type and climatic conditions. Zinc deficiency occurs commonly in coarse textured, calcareous or alkaline ph, low organic carbon and highly eroded soils. Zinc deficiency in Indian soils occured in 46 per cent soils (Murthy et al., 1999). In Zn deficient plants, middle leaves show development of golden yellow or orange colour in the interveinal portion. The young leaves remain small in size and often termed as little leaf or rosetting. Boron is required for the translocation of sugars, root extension and growth of meristematic tissues, the pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway and the ATPase, it is also involved in translocation of sugars, synthesis of amino acid, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Further, it plays a vital role in pollen enlargement, fertilization and flowering processes of plants. Boron deficiency affects development of terminal bud of shoots and growing root tips in plants, since it is immobile in plants. Therefore its deficiency, adversely affects the yield and quality of the seeds and fruits. The effects on the yield can occur despite no deficiency symptoms are evident on the foliage. This physiological phenomenon is referred to as 'hidden hunger' which is the reason for B deficiency being an unsuspected enemy of crop production for a long time. Boron deficiency is most widespread next to Zn causing heavy yield reduction in horticultural crops (Singh, 1999). Incidence of B deficiency is very high in the States of West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. By and large, B deficiency is critical for crop productivity in highly calcareous, sandy, leached, lime applied acidic and laterite soils. According to All India Coordinated Research Project on Micronutrients (ICAR), B deficiency in Indian soils ranged from 0 to 68 per cent with a mean of 33 per cent (Shrotriya and Phillips, 2002). Boron deficiency occurs in wide array of cruciferous crops such as cauliflower (brown heart), beetroot (heart rot), turnip (brown heart), and also groundnut (hollow heart). Cole crops including cauliflower require higher quantities of B for proper growth and development (Gupta, 1979). In cauliflower, boron deficiency first appears as water-soaked patches on the developing head of cauliflower which soon turn brown and may rot. The leaves curl down and become brittle. Blistering may occur on the petiole and along the midrib. The pith stem below the curd breaks down and develops the cracks which later on form an elongated cavity. Vegetables are the important components of our daily diet and they serve as the rich sources of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Cauliflower is of Cyprus and Mediterranean origin. It is cultivated extensively in tropical and temperate regions of the world viz., China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Poland, Russia, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, USA, Uzbekistan and several other countries (Rai and Yadav, 2005). India is the second largest producer of vegetables, next to china with an annual production of 81 m t from 5.12 m ha. India is one of the important cauliflower growing countries in Asia with an area of 23,800 ha and production of 3,40,000 t with a productivity of t

9 ha -1. In Karnataka, it is grown in all the seasons over an area of 4,313 ha with an annual production of 73,684 t, having an average productivity of t ha -1 (Anon., 2010). Cauliflower is cultivated extensively in north western Karnataka especially in Dharwad, Belgaum and Bidar districts. Among the temperate vegetables cultivated in India, cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. Botrytis L.) is the most popular one. The name 'Cauliflower' has been originated from the Latin words 'Caulis' and 'Floris' which means cabbage and flower, respectively. With its attractive appearance, good taste and rich source of protein and vitamin C, it is cultivated on a large scale in India and transported over long distances for marketing. It is grown in hills as well as in plains throughout the year except when the temperature is very high. The deficiency of micronutrients viz., Zn and B noticed in most soils of northern transition zone of Karnataka. Though some work has been done on the influence of these micronutrients in field and fruits crops, not much information is reported regarding their effect on vegetables especially cole crops. Hence, an investigation was carried out to study the effect of zinc and boron nutrition on yield, quality and nutrient uptake in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea Var. botrytis L.) under northern transition zone of Karnataka during kharif, 2012 with the following objectives. Objectives 1. To study the effect of soil and foliar application of zinc and boron on yield and yield components of cauliflower. 2. To study the effect of soil and foliar application of zinc and boron nutrition on quality and nutrient uptake by cauliflower. 3. To find out the post harvest residual micro-nutrient status of soil.

10 REVIEW OF LITERATURE Micronutrients though required only in small quantities, they often make a huge difference in the yield and quality of crops. Among micronutrients, zinc and boron play an important role in nutrition of cauliflower. These nutrients are essential for development and differentiation of vascular tissues, enzyme activity and carbohydrate metabolism. The literature pertaining to the present investigation carried out to study the effect of zinc and boron nutrition on yield, quality and nutrient uptake in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea Var. botrytis L.) under northern transition zone of Karnataka is reviewed in this chapter. 2.1 Growth, yield and yield components of cauliflower Effect of zinc on growth, yield and yield components of cauliflower The results of experiment conducted during rabi, 2001 and kharif, 2002 on response of cabbage Var Golden Acre revealed that foliar application of 100 ppm gave maximum plant height during both the seasons (Kanujia et al., 2006). Satyapal Singh and Prabhakar Singh (2004) reported that foliar application of one per cent nitrogen + 30 ppm of zinc at 30 and 60 days after transplanting resulted in maximum plant height, plant spread and number of leaves per plant. They also noticed considerable increase in marketable produce i.e. curd weight of cauliflower. In a trial conducted with cabbage cv. pride of India, soil application of Zn as ZnSO 4 10 kg ha -1 or two foliar application of ZnSO 4 (0.5 %) enhanced yields and zinc content in leaf (Iyengal et al., 1997). Balyan and Singh (1994) stated that application of 120 kg N, 50 kg P 2 O 5 and 20 kg ZnSO 4 ha -1 increased the yield and uptake of NPK and Zn by cauliflower cv. snowball-16, significantly. Balyan et al. (1994) also observed an increase in leaf size index, curd size index and curd yield of cauliflower by increasing Zn application up to 4.2 kg ha -1. Singh and Thakur (1991) reported that highest curd yield of cauliflower was recorded when the plants were sprayed with zinc at 1.2%.There was increase in protein content and dry matter percentage with increasing levels of Zn, while the highest ascorbic acid content was recorded by foliar application with 0.6 to 0.9 per cent Zn. Balyan and Dhankhar (1988) observed that application of 20 kg ZnSO 4 ha -1 increased the curd size index (189 cm 2 ) and marketable yield (201g ha -1 ) of cauliflower significantly. Iyengal and Raja (1988) conducted an experiment on cabbage Cv. pride of India for two years and found that fritted Zn at 5 kg ha -1 gave the highest cabbage yield. Singh (1986) also observed marked response of Zn application and the mean per cent response was 70 per cent in Zn deficient soils at 5 ppm added Zn level. Misra et al. (1984) also noticed that application of NAA at 100 ppm with 0.2 or 0.3 per cent chelated Zn increased yield of cabbage Cv. pride of India, significantly. Pandey et al. (1974) reported that cauliflower grown in Zn deficient soil responded markedly in terms of yield and quality to the applications of 20 kg ZnSO 4. ha Effect of boron on growth, yield and yield components of cauliflower Bashir et al. (2010) recorded the significantly highest head yield of cabbage by applying 0.5 ppm boron compared to other treatments. The curd yield of cauliflower (255q/ha) was highest during both years with the application of 0.5ppm. The results obtained by Saha et al (2010) revealed that, spraying of 0.3per cent at 30 and 45 DAT gave maximum total broccoli head yield of t ha -1. Girish Chander and Verma (2009) recorded significant increase in the curd yield of cauliflower by the application of B up to 1 mg kg -1 in Junga soil (sandy loam) and up to 3 mg kg -1 in Bajaura soil (loam). Agarwal and Ahmed (2007) reported that, foliar application of boron in combination with other micronutrients (Zn, Mn, Cu and Mo) gave highest curd diameter, curd weight, marketable curd yield of cauliflower. The results obtained by Alam (2007) revealed that, the head weight and yield contributing parameters of cabbage increased up to 4.0 kg B ha -1 (B ) and decreased gradually with the increase in of B level (>4.0 kg B ha -1 ).

11 Sarkar et al. (2006) evaluated the performance of boronated NPK in boron deficient soils and reported that boronated NPK (10:26:26:0.3 B) increased the yield of cauliflower by 16.2 per cent compared to NPK alone (10:26:26). Feng et al. (2004) reported that, application of B as 7.5 kg ha -1 along with N, P, K, Mg and Mo, increased the yield of cauliflower significantly. Satapal Singh and Prbhakar Singh (2004) reported that foliar application of one per cent nitrogen + 30 ppm of zinc at 30 and 60 days after transplanting resulted in maximum plant height, plant spread and number of leaves per plant. Further they noticed considerable increase in marketable produce i.e. curd weight of cauliflowers. Chattopadhayay and Mukhopadhayay (2003) investigated the effects of 0.28, 0.56 and 1.12 kg ha -1 as single or double spray in Terai zone of West Bengal and stated that the highest borax rate (1.12 kg ha -1 ) rate resulted in maximum curd yield. Singh (2003) reported that, soil application of boron applied at 5 kg ha -1 as soil treatment and 0.25 per cent borax as foliar spray at 45 and 60 DAP resulted in highest number of leaves per plant, leaf area, curd weight, curd width, curd length and curd yield of cauliflower per hectare. Prasad and Yadav (2003) also suggested that foliar application of 0.3 per cent for better growth (Plant height, number of leaves per plant root length, stem length, stem diameter and plant weight) and improvement in yield attributing characters (curd height, curd weight and curd diameter). Singh (2003) conducted studies on the response of cauliflower to borax application in laterite soils and the results indicated that application of 5 kg ha -1 in addition to 0.25 per cent foliar spray at 45 and 60 days after planting significantly increased curd weight and curd width, and registered the highest curd yield. Application of 10 kg ha -1 on increased the curd yield by about 32 per cent over control (Kumar and Chowdary, 2002). Prasad et al. (2000) found that application of 1 kg ha -1, irrespective of the method of application, significantly increased the yield over control and further stated that application of 1 kg borax ha -1 was sufficient for mid season cauliflower grown in Ranchi. Sharma (2002) observed maximum seed yield per plant and 1000 seed weight of cabbage by the application of B as 2.5 kg ha -1. Malewar et al. (1999) opined that application of B, to soils with low to marginal content of available B caused per cent increase in curd yield of cauliflower over control. The critical B concentrations established for cauliflower by graphical and statistical procedures were 0.52 and 0.51 mg kg -1, respectively. The combined application of B and Mo to soil synergistically increased curd yield by 12 per cent and 17 per cent compared with single application of B and Mo, respectively (Kotur, 1998). They also observed that lime application to soil along with 3 foliar sprays of 0.1 per cent boric acid and 0.1 per cent ammonium molybdate resulted in higher curd yields and net returns when compared to the control. The foliar application of B ( and 0.125per cent boric acid), applied thrice at 30, 45 and 60 DAT in a B deficient red sandy loam soil significantly increased curd weight, curd diameter, curd yield and reduced the severity of hollow stem and curd rot (Kotur, 1997). The application of 2.0 kg borax ha -1 resulted in inceased number of leaves, net weight of curd and higher total curd yield (Singh and Thakur, 1991). Kotur (1998) observed that the foliar (0.125per cent boric acid) as well as soil application of boron (1.5 kg B ha -1 ) on red sandy loam soil deficient in available B enhanced curd yield of cauliflower significantly. Batal et al. (1997) found that, application of 4.4 kg ha -1 maximized the yield and curd mass of cauliflower grown in a sandy loam soil. According to (Ghosh and Hasan, 1997), application of B as 15 kg ha -1 significantly increased the number of leaves, curd size, curd weight and curd yield of cauliflower significantly. Singhal and Saraf (1995) stated that foliar application of 0.5 per cent B as borax along with 0.4 per cent Fe as FeSO 4 increased the yields in cauliflower. Farag et al. (1994) opined that, application of borax enhanced the curd yield and quality in cauliflower. Similarly, Singh et al. (1994) noted appreciable increase in yield of cauliflower with borax application upto 0.5 kg ha -1, while at higher levels of borax, there was significant reduction in yield. The application of 0.5 mg kg -1 in a sandy loam soil containing 0.50 mg kg -1 hot water soluble B produced significantly higher curd yield over the control. However, its 2.0 mg kg -1 tended to decline the yield (Singh and Dixit, 1994).

12 Kotur (1992) reported that, B application significantly increased the curd yield upto1.5 kg B ha - 1 and the yield increase was to the tune of 85 per cent over control in winter-rainy-winter season and 65 per cent higher than control in rainy-winter-rainy sequence. Mishra (1992) evaluated the effect of nitrogen, its time of application and boron on cauliflower seed production in calcareous soil of Bihar and found that application of 150 kg N ha -1 along with 10kg borax ha -1 resulted in highest 1000 seed weight and seed yield. Sharma and Ramchandra (1991) studied the effect of boron deficiency on water relation and photosynthesis in cauliflower and reported that, B-deficiency leads to stunted growth and thickened and brittle leaves. Similar results were reported by Thakur et al. (1991) that increased curd yield of cauliflower and stalk length while decreased curd maturity period with application of 2.0 kg of borax. Prasad et al. (1988) showed a severe boron deficiency and reduction in curd yield of cauliflower genotypes in B deficient soil. The application of boric 15 kg ha -1 significantly increased the yield, curd weight, curd diameter number of marketable curds and total plant weight. Mehrotra et al. (1975) reported that, application of boron at one kg ha -1 in combination with sulphur 30 kg ha -1 and Mo 0.5 kg ha -1 significantly increased the plant height, whole plant weight, leaf number, leaf length and breadth and curd yield in Salna (Gazipur) soils Effect of zinc and boron on growth, yield and yield components of cauliflower The result of the field experiment to ascertain the effect of micronutrients on growth and yield of cabbage var. Golden Acre during rabi, 2001 and kharif, 2002 revealed that the foliar application of 100 ppm gave maximum plant height during both the seasons, whereas maximum values for plant spread, number of non-wrapper leaves, head diameter, head weight and head yield were recorded with foliar application of mixture of all nutrients (boron, manganese, iron, copper, molybdenum and 100 ppm during both the seasons followed by multiplex. (Kanujia et al. 2006) Zhao Yong-hou (2006) reported that foliar applications of Zn and B micronutrient fertilizers could obviously increase yield and improve quality of cabbage. The effect of the combined application of Zn and B (Zn B3.50) on cabbage was the best. Its production-increasing ratio had reached to 32.2 per cent. It was clear that the B fertilization had better effect than the Zn fertilization on yield because the production-increasing ratio of B fertilization was 16.1 per cent higher than Zn fertilization. Annie and Duraisami (2005) observed the significantly highest curd yield of (28.79 t ha 1 ) with the combined application of 1.0 kg borax ha 1 and 2.5 kg ZnSO 4 ha 1, which was 35.5 per cent more than the yield recorded in control. However the treatment was found to be better than individual application of various levels of borax and ZnSO 4 and any other combinations. Devi et al. (1998) observed that application of B and Zn along with Mo increased the yield and quality indices in cabbage. In tomato, maximum yield and quality were obtained by the combined application of 2 kg borax ha -1 and 15 kg ZnSO 4 ha -1. Bose and Tripathi (1996) noticed that combined application of Zn and B along with Fe and Mn was found to be the most effective in increasing the growth, yield and quality of tomato. Saini et al. (1985) reported that combined application of borax and ZnSO 4 increased the seed yield and oil yield in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea). 2.2 Quality parameters of cauliflower Effect of zinc on quality parameters Rathore and Chaudhary (2011) observed significant increase in protein content upto 20 kg S ha 1 and 2.5 kg ha 1 Zn in mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Babu and Singh (2001) reported that foliar application of 0.6 per cent Zn significantly increased the ascorbic acid content of the fruit in litchi. Iyengal et al. (1997) reported that, application of ZnSO 10 kg ha -1 increase in the carbonic andhydrase activity in cabbage. Ravichandran et al. (1995) observed that soil application of ZnSO 4 in combination with 0.5 per cent foliar spray led to significant enhancement in the ascorbic acid content of the fruit in brinjal.

13 Application of 20 kg ZnSO 4 increased the seed oil and protein content in mustard (Upadhyay and Singh, 1995). Singh and Thakur (1991) recorded increase in curd yield, protein content, total carbohydrate and ascorbic acid content of cauliflower with foliar spray of zinc Effect of boron on quality parameters of cauliflower The results of the experiment conducted at terai region of West Bengal revealed that spraying of 0.3per cent at 30 and 45 DAT gave maximum protein content 3.24g/100g of broccolia head (Saha et al. 2010). Parmar et al. (2008) observed that, application of B fertilizers along with recommended NPK and FYM improved the vitamin C content in cauliflower curd under mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Agarwal and Ahmed (2007) also reported that, foliar application of boron in combination with other micronutrients (Zn, Mn, Cu and Mo) gave highest compact curd quality. Saha et al. (2006) studied the effect of boron and molybdenum on yield and quality of sprouting broccoli under terai agro ecological region of West Bengal and reported that application of 21 kg borax ha -1 gave highest total yield and ascorbic acid content. Kumar and chowdary (2002) reported that, foliar application of 0.1 per cent boric acid improved the quality indices like vitamin C, acidity and organoleptic rating in radish 002E. Application of boron alone or in combination with N significantly reduced disease severity in boron deficient Alfisol (Kumar and Sharma, 1997). Patgiri (1995) reported that, soil application of 10 kg borax ha -1 significantly increased the oil and protein content in toria (Brassica campestris). Desiraju et al. (1993) also observed that B deficiency caused a reduction in the protein content of fruits in tomato. Kumar and Kotur (1991) studied the effect of boron on susceptibility of cauliflower to black rot and found that susceptibility was greater in boron deficient (<0.4 mg kg -1 ) and boron excess (>1.6 mg kg -1 ) conditions than in plants grown with optimum levels of boron ( mg kg -1 ). Maurya and Singh (1985) observed better quality indices like increased protein and ascorbic acid content in radish due to application of B. Mehrotra et al. (1975) reported an increase in the ascorbic acid content of cauliflower curds as a result of borax 0.5 kg ha -1. Zubanova et al. (1975) observed an increase in ascorbic acid and protein content in tomato as a result of borax application Effect of zinc and boron on quality parameters Zhao Yong-hou (2006) observed that, spraying of both the Zn and B enhanced the content of vitamin C and soluble sugar in cabbage. The ranges of vitamin C and soluble sugar varied between 3.5 per cent~23.5 per cent, 28.6 per cent~85.1 per cent, respectively. Devi et al. (1998) reported that, foliar application of micronutrients like Zn and B improved the quantitative and qualitative characters in cabbage. They observed significant increase in total sugar content in cabbage due to the application of Zn and B. 2.3 Effect of zinc and boron on nutrient uptake by cauliflower Zhao Yong-hou (2006) observed that, spraying Zn and B remarkably increased the nitrogen content of plant. The phosphorus content of the plant was increased with the application of B. Gupta et al. (2002) reported that the dry matter production increased with increasing levels of N and B. Nitrogen and Boron content and uptake in leaves and curd of cauliflower increased progressively with increasing levels of N and B. The highest boron content in leaf tissues and curd of cauliflower was recorded when boron was 2.0 kgha -1 (Singh et al., 2002). Iyengal et al. (1997) recorded that, application of ZnSO 10 kg ha -1 increased leaf Zn content besides, increase in the carbonic andhydrase activity. The application of phosphorus and boron on sandy loam soil showed a synergistic effect on the content and uptake of P by cauliflower curd (Singh et al. 1994).

14 Malewar and Indulkar (1993) also reported that, the application of P through boronated super phosphate was beneficial in increasing yield, ascorbic acid and uptake of P and B in cauliflower. Application of 1.5 kg ha -1 and lime on sandy loam soil increased B concentration in leaves and reduced by liming alone (Kotur, 1992). Francois (1986) reported that, P and K concentration in leaves increased with increasing leaves of B. However, P and K concentration in leaves were not significantly affected as B- concentration in soil suspension increased. Gupta and Cutcliffe (1984) stated that, B application at 8.8 kg borax ha -1 resulted in cabbage leaf tissue B concentration of mg kg -1. However, no boron toxicity either in the form of yield reduction or browning of leaf marginal was noticed at these concentrations. 2.4 Effect of zinc and boron on nutrient status of soil after harvest the of cauliflower crop Rathore and chaudhary (2011) observed that, organic carbon, available phosphorus, sulphur and Zn content of soil increased significantly with increasing rates of Zn as ZnSO 4 upto 10 kg Zn ha -1. Parmar et al. (2008) reported that, B fertilizers along with recommended NPK and FYM, significantly increased the availability of N, P, K and B in soil. Annie and Duraisami (2005) recorded that, application of 1.0 kg borax ha -1 with 2.5 kg ZnSO 4 ha - 1 was found to be better than individual application of various levels of borax and ZnSO 4 and any of their other combinations in terms of nutrient uptake and soil fertility. Coarse textured soils having ph < 8.5 were more prone to B-deficiency and the organic matter content did not influence significantly the availability of boron (Bansal et al., 1991). Reynolds et al. (1987) reported that, available boron was inversely related to available nitrogen and positively related with phosphorus. Lombin (1985) reported that the low levels of boron in Nigerian soils, may be due to low organic matter and coarse textured nature of soils. 2.5 Effect of zinc and boron on economics of cauliflower Rathore and chaudhary (2011) noticed highest B:C ratio upto 20 kg S ha 1 and 2.5 kg ha 1 Zn in mustard (Brassica juncea L.) and the economic optimum requirement of sulphur and zinc for the seed yield of mustard was 68.87, kg S ha 1 and 6.40, 6.55 kg Zn ha 1 for the years, and respectively. Davood and Mubarak (2010) carried stated that, foliar application of B and 100ppm each proved most profitable with maximum B:C ratio of Jamre et al. (2010) reported that, highest net return and benefit: cost ratio were recorded under treatment 60 kg S/ha and 6 kg Zn/ha, which were due to highest curd yield of cauliflower. Feng et al. (2004) observed that, application of B as 7.5 kg ha -1 with N, P, K, Mg and Mo, improved the cauliflower marketability and farmer s net income. Singh (2003) reported that, boron applied at 5 kg ha -1 as soil treatment and 0.25 per cent as foliar spray at 45 and 60 DAP recorded higher net profit and B: C ratio. Harpal Singh (1997) reported the maximum cost benefit ratio of 1:1.22 in radish in a treatment combination of 0.1 per cent boric acid and 0.1 per cent ZnSO 4 foliar spray.

15 MATERIAL AND METHODS A field experiment was conducted to study on zinc and boron nutrition on yield, quality and nutrient uptake in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea Var. botrytis L.) under northern transition zone of Karnataka during kharif, The information on the material used and experimental techniques adopted during the study period are presented in this chapter. 3.1 Experimental site A field experiment was conducted at New Orchard, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad under rainfed condition during kharif, Dharwad is located in Northern Transition Zone (Zone VIII) of Karnataka and is situated at ' North latitude, ' East longitude at an altitude of 678 m above mean sea level (MSL). 3.2 Soil characteristics The experimental site had red sandy clay loam soil. The soil was low in available nitrogen (185 kg ha -1 ), medium in available P 2 O 5 (27 kg ha -1 ), K 2 O (328 kg ha -1 ) and sulphur (21 kg ha -1 ). With respect to micronutrients, the soil was deficient in available (DTPA extractable) Zn (0.47 mg kg -1 ) and hot water soluble B (0.49 mg kg -1 ) and adequate in Fe (15 mg kg -1 ), Mn (7.3 mg kg -1 ) and Cu (0.36 mg kg - 1 ). The details of soil physical and chemical properties are presented in Table Climate and weather conditions Climate The Northern transition zone (Zone VIII) of Karnataka state receives the rainfall from both southwest and northeast monsoons, which is distributed from June to November Weather during the experimental year The monthly mean data on climatic parameters viz., rainfall, air temperature and relative humidity as recorded at meteorological observatory, New orchard, UAS, Dharwad, during the experimental year 2012 and mean of previous 62 years ( ) are furnished in Table 2 and graphically represented in Fig Weather during the crop growth period Compared to normal, the rainfall received did not very much during the crop growth period. 3.4 Experimental details Crop and Variety Situation Location Design Number of treatments : 10 Number of replications : 3 Plot size Gross Net : Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea Var. botrytis L. NS-555 : Rainfed : NEW ORCHARD (H- block), UAS, Dharwad : Randomized Block Design (RBD) : 4.5 m x 4.5 m = sq. mt. : 3.6 m x 3.6 m = sq. mt. Season : kharif, 2012 Spacing Design and plan of layout : 45 cm x 45 cm The experiment was laid out in RBD design with three replications. The plan of layout is illustrated in Fig. 2 and general view of the experimental plot is depicted in Plate 1.

16 Table 1: Characteristics of the soil of the experimental site Sl. No. Particulars Value Method adopted Reference 1. Particle size analysis (oven dry basis) Sand (%) 59.3 Silt (%) 6.2 Clay (%) 34.5 Textural class 2. Chemical properties Sandy clay Hydrometer method Piper, 2002 Soil ph (1:2.5) 7.84 Potentiometric method Sparks, 1996 Electrical conductivity (ds/m) 3. Available nutrients a. Major nutrients 0.34 Available N (kg/ha) 185 Conductometric method Alkaline permanganate method Sparks, 1996 Sharawat and Buford, 1982 Available P 2 O 5 (kg/ha) 27 Olsens method Sparks, 1996 Available K 2 O (kg/ha) 328 Flame photometric method Sparks, 1996 Available S (kg/ha) 21 Turbidimetric method Sparks, 1996 b. Micro nutrients Available Zn (mg/kg) 0.47 Available Fe (mg/kg) 15 Available Mn (mg/kg) 7.3 Available Cu (mg/kg) 0.36 DTPA method Lindsay and Norvell, 1978 Hot water soluble B (mg/kg) 0.49 Azomethane-H method Singh et al. 2010

17 Table 2: Monthly mean meteorological data during crop growth period (2012) and the average of past 62 years ( ) at Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad Month Rainfall (mm) Mean Max. Temperature ( 0 C) Mean Min. Relative humidity (%) January February March April may June July August September October November December Total

18 Rainfall (2012) Rainfall ( ) Relative humidity (2012) Relative humidity ( ) Max. Temp. (2012) Min. Temp. (2012) Rainfall (mm) and Relative humidity (%) Max. and Min. temperature ( 0 C) 0 January February March April may June July August September October November December Month 0 Fig. 1: Monthly mean meteorological data during crop growth period (2012) and the average of past 62 years ( ) at Main gricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad Fig 1: Monthly mean meteorological data during crop growth period (2012) and the average of past 62 years ( ) at Main gricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad

19 Plate 1: General view of experimental plot

20 N RI RII RIII T 5 T 8 T 9 T 7 T 4 T 3 T 10 T 1 T 5 T 6 T 3 T 8 T 2 T 9 T 10 T 4 T 6 T 7 T 1 T 5 T 2 T 9 T 2 T 6 T 8 T 10 T m T 3 T 7 T m 1.0 m Fig. 2: Plan of layout of the field experiment Fig 2: Plan of layout of the field experiment

21 3.4.2 Treatments The two micronutrients, zinc as zinc sulphate (ZnSO 4.7H 2 O containing 19 per cent Zn) and boron as borax (Na 2 B 4 O 7 10H 2 O containing 11 per cent B) were applied as soil or foliar application, individually and in combination Treatment details T 1 - RDF T 2 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil 25 kg ha -1 T 3 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha -1 T 4 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil 25 kg ha -1 + Borax soil 2 kg ha -1 T 5 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 6 - RDF + Borax foliar 0.5% T 7 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% + Borax foliar 0.5% T 8 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil 25 kg ha -1 + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 9 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha -1 + Borax foliar 0.5% T 10 - RDF + Gypsum equivalent to sulphur in ZnSO 4 Note Recommended dose of fertilizer 150:100:125 kg : N: P 2 O 5 : K 2 O ha -1 Farm yard manure 25 t ha -1 applied to all the treatments. Micronutrients were mixed with sieved FYM in 1: 1 ratio, cured for 21 days and applied to soil at transplanting. Foliar spray 45 DAT Calendar of operation Date of sowing of seeds in nursery : Date of transplanting of seedlings : Date of harvesting : Cultural operations The cultural operations were carried out as per the recommended package of practices for Horticulture crop (UAS, Dharwad and KSDA for zone VIII) Land preparation The experimental plot was ploughed twice and brought to fine tilth by harrowing. The experiment was laid out in flat beds with plot size of 4.5 m x 4.5 m Raising seedlings Before seed dibbling, the bed was added with well decomposed manures. The good quality NS-555 cauliflower seeds were sown in the raised bed on 7 th June 2012 and the raised bed was watered every day in the morning and the evening. After care was taken to protect the crop from pests Transplanting of seedlings Two to three seedlings were planted at a spacing of 45cm x 45 cm. The transplanting was done on 5 th July Gap filling was carried-out wherever the crop had not established properly. Final thinning was attended two weeks after the gap filling to maintain only one healthy seedling per hill.

22 3.5.4 After care To check the weed growth, two inter cultivations followed by a hand weeding were carried out at 45 and 70 days after transplanting. Crop was sprayed five times with pesticides to protect from pest and diseases. The detail are given below Plant protection measures In order to manage pest and diseases, the crop was sprayed with Quinalphos (0.2%), Chlorpyriphos (0.5%), Avanta (0.1%), Nimbicidine (0.5%) and Cyhalothrin (0.5%) at every fortnight Irrigation Two protective irrigation were provided to be crop during dry spell Harvesting Crop was harvested on 19 th October, 2012 after complete physiological maturity when the curds were fresh-looking, white and firm. Yield per plot was recorded and was expressed in tonnes ha Observations on growth characteristics Five plants from each net plot were randomly selected and used for recording observations viz., plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, spread of plant and dry matter accumulation periodically (45, 70 days after transplanting and at harvest) Plant height (cm) Plant height was measured from the base of the plant to the base of the fully opened top leaf. Height of the randomly selected five plants was recorded, averaged and expressed in centimeters Number of leaves The total number of leaves per plant was counted at 45, 70 days after transplanting (DAT) and at harvest and the average number of leaves per plant was worked out Spread of plant (cm) Maximum growth of plant in either direction (N-S and E-W) was measured and average was recorded as spread of plant in cm Leaf area per plant (cm 2 ) Leaf area of individual leaf was measured in cm 2 per plant using portable leaf area meter and leaf area per plant was expressed in cm 2 at 45 and 70 DAT and at harvest of cauliflower crop Dry matter accumulation (g plant -1 ) Five randomly selected plants were used to record dry matter production at 45 and 70 days after transplanting and at harvest. These samples were dried at C to a constant weight in hot air oven. Dry weight was recorded separately at harvest to assess the dry matter accumulation and total dry matter production and expressed in g plant Observations on yield componentss Five randomly selected plants were used to record the following observations on yield components at harvest Diameter of curd (cm) The circumference of each head at harvest was measured with a thread in cm and later diameter of curd was calculated by using the following formula (Rao, 1977) and the average diameter of curd was worked out. C = 2 πr d = C π

23 Where C = Circumference of the head (cm) r = Radius of head (cm) π = d = diameter of the head (cm) Weight of curd (g plot -1 ) Cauliflower heads were harvested when they were fresh-looking, white, firm and attained complete maturity. The fresh weight of head (g) was recorded and the average weight of curd per plant was calculated Yield per plot (kg plot -1 ) The cauliflower curd from net plot were harvested at complete maturity and yield was recorded in kg plot Yield per hectare (kg ha -1 ) The yield of cauliflower in tonnes per ha was calculated based on yield per net plot. 3.8 Quality parameters Crude protein (%) The oven dried curd of cauliflower was finely ground and used to analyze nitrogen content in the curd. The nitrogen content of the sample was estimated by micro Kjeldahl method (Jackson, 1973). Then the nitrogen value was multiplied by a factor 6.25 to get the crude protein content of the sample and expressed in per cent (Sadasivam and Manickam, 1992) Ascorbic acid (mg 100 g -1 ) Five g of fresh cauliflower curd was taken from a transverse section of the longitudinal axis situated just above the stalk and crushed with oxalic acid (4%) and filtered through muslin cloth to get a clear solution. The filtrate was made up to 50 ml volume by using 4.0 per cent oxalic acid solution. Five ml of crused cauliflower curd sap with 10 ml of 4% oxalic acid was titrated against 2, 6 dichlorophenol indophenol dye solution (V 2 ). The end point was identified with the appearance of light pink colour. Working standard of ascorbic acid solution (100 µg ml -1 ) was also titrated in the same manner (V 1 ). The amount of ascorbic acid was calculated in mg 100 g -1 of sample (Sadasivam and Manickam, 1992) as per of the fallowing formula. 0.5 mg x V 2 x50 ml x 100 Amount of ascorbic acid (mg 100 g -1 sample) = V 1 x 5 ml x Wt. of the sample (g) Total soluble solids ( Brix) Total soluble solids were determined with the help of Erma (0-32 Brix) hand refractometer and recorded in degree brix ( Brix) Curd density (g cm -3 ) The curd density was determined by water displacement method. The randomly selected five cauliflower curds were immersed in water individually and the water displaced by the curd was measured and average volume of the curd was estimated in cm -3. Then, mean weight of the curd was divided by average volume of water displaced by curd to get curd density and was expressed in g cm Chemical analysis of plant samples Collection and preparation of plant samples Plant samples were collected treatment wise in all the replications. Cleaned with double distilled water and then dried in an oven at C till constant weight was attained and ground to fine powder in Willey mill with stainless steel blades. Powdered plant samples were used for nutrient analysis.

24 3.9.2 Nitrogen Nitrogen content of plant sample was estimated by adopting the modified Microkjeldahl method (Jackson, 1973) Digestion of plant sample A known quantity of powdered plant sample was predigested with 5ml concentrated nitric acid overnight. Further, digestion was carried out with 5 ml of diacid mixture of HNO 3 :HClO 4 in the ratio of 10:4. Then the left out residue was dissolved in 6 N HCl and volume was made upto 50 ml. Blank was prepared by following same procedure without plant material Phosphorus Phosphorus content in the digested plant samples was determined by vanadomolybdophosphoric acid yellow colour method using spectrophotometer at 470 nm wave length (Jackson, 1973) Potassium Potassium content in the digested plant samples was determined by flame photometer after making suitable dilutions (Jackson, 1973) Sulphur Sulphur content in the digested plant samples was determined by Turbidometric method using spectrophotometer at 420 nm wavelength after making proper dilutions (Jackson, 1973) Micronutrients Zinc The concentration of zinc in the digested plant samples was determined after proper dilution using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Jackson, 1973) Boron The boron in plant sample was estimated by dry ashing which was extracted with 0.5 M HCl. The boron in the aliquot was determined by Azomethane-H method using spectrophotometer at 420 nm (Singh et al., 2010) Nutrient uptake For major nutrients Based on the per cent nutrient content in plant on dry weight basis and dry matter ha -1, the uptake of macronutrients was worked out and expressed in kg ha -1. Macronutrient uptake (kg ha -1 ) = For micronutrients Nutrient content (%) dry matter yield (kg ha -1 ) Based on concentration in parts per million nutrient content in plant on dry weight basis and dry matter ha -1, the uptake of micronutrients was worked out and expressed in g ha -1. Micronutrient uptake (g ha -1 ) = 3.11 Chemical analysis of soil samples 100 Nutrient content (ppm) dry matter yield (kg ha -1 ) The composite representative soil sample (0-15 cm depth) before sowing and similar soil samples from each treatments after harvest of the cauliflower crop from the experimental site were collected, dried under shade and processed to pass through 2 mm sieve and preserved for further analysis. The soil samples ph, EC, available macronutrients viz., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur and micronutrients viz., zinc, iron, manganese, copper and boron. 1000

25 ph and electrical conductivity Soil ph was measured in 1:2.5 ratio of soil: water suspension by using ph meter. Electrical conductivity was measured in supernatant solution of the above soil water suspension using conductivity meter (Sparks, 1996) Available nitrogen (kg ha -1 ) Available soil nitrogen was estimated by modified alkaline permanganate oxidation method as outlined by Sharawat and Buford (1982) Available phosphorus (kg ha -1 ) Available phosphorus in soil was estimated by Olsen s method as outlined by Sparks (1996) using spectrophotometer (660 nm wave length) using suitable standard Available potassium (kg ha -1 ) Available potassium in soil was extracted using neutral normal ammonium acetate and the content of K in the solution was estimated by flame photometer (Sparks, 1996) using suitable standard Available sulphur (kg ha -1 ) Sulphate S (SO 4 -S) in the soil was extracted using 0.15 per cent CaCl 2. The SO 4 -S in the extract was estimated by turbidometric method using BaCl 2 (Chesnin and Yien, 1951). The turbidity was measured by using spectrophotometer at 420 nm using suitable standard DTPA-extractable micronutrients Twenty g of air dried soil sample was shaken with 40 ml of extracting solution (0.005 M DTPA M calcium chloride M TEA, ph 7.3) for two hours. The soil suspension was filtered and the contents of zinc were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Lindsay and Norvell, 1978) Boron content in soil Available boron was extracted by hot distilled water. In the extract, boron was determined by Azomethane-H method using spectrophotometer at 420 nm (Singh et al., 2010) Economics The total cost of cultivation was estimated considering the operation carried out from nursery to harvesting. Input prices that were prevailing at the time of their use and prevailing market price of the economic yield soon after harvest of the crop was used for calculating benefit cost ratio ( B:C). Net returns per ha were calculated by deducting the total cost of cultivation per ha from gross income per ha. Benefit cost ratio was worked out as fallows. Net profit (`/ha) B: C ratio = Cost of cultivation (`/ha) 3.13 Statistical analysis and interpretation of data The data collected from the experiment at different growth stages and from laboratory analysis were subjected to statistical analysis as described by Gomez and Gomez (1984). The level of significance used in F test was Critical difference values were calculated wherever the F test was found significant.

26 EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS An investigation was undertaken to study on zinc and boron nutrition on yield, quality and nutrient uptake in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea Var. botrytis L.) under northern transition zone of Karnataka during kharif, The results of the investigation are presented below. 4.1 Growth parameters The results on growth parameters viz., plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and spread of plant at different growth stages as influenced by soil and foliar application of zinc and boron, alone or in combination are presented below Plant height (cm) The data on plant height as influenced by zinc and boron at different growth stages of crop are presented in Table 3. The treatment receiving soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) recorded significantly highest plant height of 37.33, and cm at 45, 70 DAT and at harvest, respectively as compared to rest of the treatments followed by soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) resulting in plant height of 35.16, and cm at 45 and 70 DAT and at harvest, respectively, which was on par with soil application of 2 kg ha -1 along with foliar 0.5% (T 9 ), soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 2 ) and soil application of 2 kg ha -1 (T 3 ). The significantly lowest plant height was recorded with RDF (T 1 ) with 29.16, and cm, respectively at 45 and 70 DAT and at harvest. Application of gypsum equivalent to sulphur content in ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 10 ) showed no significant effect on height of plant over RDF at all the stages. However, treatments receiving foliar application of either ZnSO 0.5% (T 5 ) or 0.5% (T 6 ) as well as foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% along with 0.5% (T 7 ) were on par with each other at 45 and 70 DAT and at harvest and significantly lower compared to other treatments except RDF and gypsum application Number of leaves per plant The data with respect to number of leaves per plant at different stages of plant growth are presented in Table 4. The treatment receiving soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) recorded significantly highest number of leaves plant -1 ( 15.30, and at 45, 70 DAT and at harvest, respectively) as compared to rest of the treatments followed by soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) (13.90, and at 45, 70 DAT and at harvest, respectively). Treatment T 8 was on par with soil application of 2 kg ha -1 along with foliar 0.5% (T 9 ), soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 2 ) and soil application of 2 kg ha -1 (T 3 ). The significantly lowest number of leaves per plant was recorded with RDF (T 1 ) with 9.16, and cm, respectively at 45, 70 DAT and at harvest. Application of gypsum equivalent to sulphur content in ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 10 ) had no significant effect on number of leaves over RDF at all the stages. However, treatments receiving foliar application of either ZnSO 0.5% (T 5 ) or 0.5% (T 6 ) or thier combination (T 7 ) were on par with each other at 45 and 70 DAT and at harvest Spread of plant (cm) The data on spread of plant are reported in Table 5. The treatment receiving soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) recorded significantly highest spread of plant ( 59.12, and cm plant -1 at 45, 70 DAT and at harvest, respectively) as compared to rest of the treatments. Soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) resulted in 57.77, and cm per plant spread at 45, 70 DAT and at harvest, respectively, which was on par with T 9, T 2 and T 3. The significantly lowest spread of plant was recorded with RDF (T 1 ) (48.75, and cm plant -1 at 45, 70 DAT and at harvest, respectively). However, treatments T 7, T 6 and T 5 were on par with each other at 45 and 70 DAT and at harvest. Application of gypsum equivalent to sulphur content in ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 10 ) showed no significant effect on plant spread over RDF (T 1 ) at all the stages.

27 Table 3: Plant height of cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Treatment Plant height (cm) 45 DAT 70 DAT At harvest T 1 - RDF T 2 -RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha T 3 -RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 4 -RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 5 -RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 6 -RDF + Borax foliar 0.5% T 7 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5%+ Borax foliar 0.5% T 8 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 9 -RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha -1 + Borax foliar 0.5% T 10 - RDF + Gypsum equivalent to sulphur in ZnSO S.Em CD (P = 0.05) RDF -Recommended dose of fertilizer 150:100:125 kg: N: P 2O 5: K 2O ha -1 DAT -Days after transplanting

28 Table 4: Number of leaves per plant of cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Treatment Number of leaves per plant 45 DAT 70 DAT At harvest T 1 - RDF T 2 -RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha T 3 -RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 4 -RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 5 -RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 6 -RDF + Borax foliar 0.5% T 7 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5%+ Borax foliar 0.5% T 8 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 9 -RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha -1 + Borax foliar 0.5% T 10 - RDF + Gypsum equivalent to sulphur in ZnSO S.Em CD (P = 0.05) RDF -Recommended dose of fertilizer 150:100:125 kg:: N: P 2O 5: K 2O ha -1 DAT -Days after transplanting

29 Table 5: Spread of plant (cm) of cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Treatment Spread of plant (cm) 45 DAT 70 DAT At harvest T 1 - RDF T 2 -RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha T 3 -RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 4 -RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 5 -RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 6 -RDF + Borax foliar 0.5% T 7 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5%+ Borax foliar 0.5% T 8 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 9 -RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha -1 + Borax foliar 0.5% T 10 - RDF + Gypsum equivalent to sulphur in ZnSO S.Em CD (P = 0.05) RDF -Recommended dose of fertilizer 150:100:125 kg:: N: P 2O 5: K 2O ha -1 DAT -Days after transplanting

30 Table 6: Leaf area of cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Treatment Leaf area (cm 2 plant -1 ) 45 DAT 70 DAT At harvest T 1 - RDF T 2 -RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha T 3 -RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 4 -RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 5 -RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 6 -RDF + Borax foliar 0.5% T 7 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5%+ Borax foliar 0.5% T 8 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 9 -RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha -1 + Borax foliar 0.5% T 10 - RDF + Gypsum equivalent to sulphur in ZnSO S.Em CD (P = 0.05) RDF : Recommended dose of 150:100:125:: N: P 2O 5: K 2O kg ha -1 DAT : Days after transplanting

31 Table 7: Dry matter accumulation in cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Treatment 45 DAT Dry matter accumulation (g plant -1 ) 70 DAT At harvest Shoot Curd Total Shoot Curd Total T 1 - RDF T 2 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha T 3 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 4 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 5 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 6 - RDF + Borax foliar 0.5% T 7 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5%+ Borax foliar 0.5% T 8 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 9 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha -1 + Borax foliar 0.5% T 10 - RDF + Gypsum equivalent to sulphur in ZnSO S. Em CD (P = 0.05) RDF -Recommended dose of 150:100:125 kg:: N: P 2O 5: K 2O ha -1 DAT -Days after transplanting

32 Table 8: Yield parameters of cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Treatment Diameter of curd (cm) Fresh weight of curd (g) Curd density (g cm -3 ) Yield (kg/plot) T 1 - RDF T 2 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha T 3 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 4 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 5 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 6 - RDF + Borax foliar 0.5% T 7 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5%+ Borax foliar 0.5% T 8 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 9 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha -1 + Borax foliar 0.5% T 10 - RDF + Gypsum equivalent to sulphur in ZnSO S. Em CD (P = 0.05) RDF - Recommended dose of 150:100:125:: N: P 2O 5: K 2O kg ha -1 DAT - Days after transplanting

33 4.1.4 Leaf area (cm 2 ) The data on Leaf area are presented in Table 6. The treatment receiving soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) recorded significantly highest leaf area of 454.0, and cm 2 at 45 and 70 DAT and at harvest, respectively, followed by T 8 (424.7, and cm 2 at 45 and 70 DAT and at harvest, respectively) which was on par with T 9, T 2 and T 3. The significantly lowest leaf area was recorded with RDF (T 1 ) and application of gypsum equivalent to sulphur content in ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 10 ), were on par with each other. Treatments T 7, T 6 and T 5 were on par with one another at 45 and 70 DAT and at harvest and significantly superior over T 1 and T Dry matter accumulation (g plant -1 ) The data on dry matter accumulation at different growth stages as influenced by different treatments are reported in Table 7. The dry matter accumulation in cauliflower at all the growth stages differed significantly by various treatments. In the vegetative stage (45 DAT), the significantly highest dry matter accumulation (23.72 g plant -1 ) was recorded with soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha - 1 (T 4 ) compared to that with all other treatments, followed by soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) (21.33 g plant -1 ), which was on par with soil application of 2 kg ha -1 along with foliar 0.5% (T 9 ), soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 2 ) and 2 kg ha -1 (T 3 ). Significantly lowest dry matter accumulation was recorded with RDF (T 1 ) (18.83 g plant -1 ) which was on par with dry matter obtained in treatments receiving foliar application either ZnSO 0.5% (T 5 ) or 0.5% (T 6 ), foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% along with foliar application of 0.5% (T 7 ) and gypsum equivalent to sulphur content in ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 10 ). At the curd development stage (70 DAT), treatment receiving soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) recorded significantly highest dry matter accumulation of and g of shoot and curd, respectively, compared to rest of the treatments, followed by T 8 (25.76 and g in shoot and curd, respectively) which was on par with T 9, T 2 and T 3. The significantly highest total dry matter accumulation (61.18 g plant -1 ) was recorded at 70 DAT (T 4 ). The significantly lowest dry matter accumulation was noticed with RDF (T 1 ). Application of gypsum equivalent to sulphur content in ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 10 ) showed no significant effect on dry matter accumulation over RDF. However, treatments T 7, T 5 and T 6 were significantly superior over T 1 and T 10 and were on par with each other. At harvest, treatment receiving soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) recorded significantly highest dry matter accumulation of and g in shoot and curd, respectively, compared to all other treatments, followed by T 8 (38.23 and g in shoot and curd, respectively) which was on par with T 9, T 2 and T 3. The significantly highest total dry matter accumulation at harvest was obtained with T 4 ( g plant -1 ). The significantly lowest dry matter accumulation was observed with RDF (T 1 ). Application of gypsum equivalent to sulphur content in ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 10 ) showed no significant effect on dry matter accumulation over RDF (T 10 ). However, treatments T 7, T 5 and T 6 were on par with each other and increased the dry matter plant -1 significantly over T 1 and T Yield components The results on yield components viz., diameter of curd, fresh weight of curd and yield per plot at different growth stages as influenced by zinc and boron are presented below Curd diameter (cm) The data on curd diameter as influenced by different treatments are presented in Table 8. The treatment receiving soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) gave highest curd diameter (18.19 cm) at harvest, which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments followed by soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) (17.04 cm), which was on par with soil application of 2 kg ha -1 along with foliar 0.5% (T 9 ), soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 2 ) and soil application of 2 kg ha -1 (T 3 ), with curd diameter of 16.53, and cm, respectively.

34 The significantly lowest curd diameter resulted in RDF (T 1 ) and gypsum application (T 10 ). However, treatments receiving foliar application either ZnSO 4 (T 5 ) or borax (T 6 0.5% and foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% along with foliar application of 0.5% (T 7 ) were on par with each other and improved curd diameter significantly over T 1 and T Fresh weight of curd (g) The data on fresh weight of curd as influenced by different treatments are presented in Table 8. The treatment receiving soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) recorded fresh weight of curd ( g) at harvest, which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments followed by soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) ( g), which was on par with T 9, T 2 and T 3 (823.53, and g, respectively). The significantly lowest fresh weights of curd ( g) were noticed with RDF (T 1 ) and gypsum application (T 10 ) ( g) at harvest. However, treatments T 7, T 5 and T 6 were on par with each other and increased the fresh weight of curd significantly over T 1 and T Curd density (g cm -3 ) The data on curd density as influenced by different treatment combination are presented in Table 8. Significantly highest curd density (0.651 g cm -3 ) was recorded with soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) at harvest, compared rest of the treatments followed by soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) (0.558 g cm - 3 ), which was on par with T 9, T 2 and T 3 (0.547, and g cm -3, respectively). The significantly lowest curd density of g cm -3 was recorded with RDF (T 1 ) at harvest. However, treatments T 7, T 5 and T 6 were on par with each other and enhanced curd density significantly over RDF (T 1 ). Application of gypsum equivalent to sulphur content in ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 10 ) resulted in non significant increase in curd density over RDF Yield (kg plot -1 ) The data on yield per plot as influenced by different treatment combination are presented in Table 8. The treatment receiving soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) recorded highest yield kg plot -1 at harvest, which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments followed by soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) with curd yield of kg plot -1, which was on par with T 9, T 2 and T 3 (52.71, and kg plot -1, respectively). The lowest curd yield was recorded with RDF (T 1 ) (43.31 kg plot -1 ) and gypsum application (T 10 ) (44.37 kg plot -1 ). However, treatments T 7, T 5 and T 6 (47.61, and kg plot -1, respectively) and also improved the curd yield significantly over T 1 and T Total dry matter and curd yield (t ha -1 ) Data on total dry matter and curd yield ha -1 as influenced by various treatments are presented in Table Total dry matter (t ha -1 ) The treatment receiving soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) noticed highest total dry matter of 5.73 t ha -1 at harvest, which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments and followed by soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) (5.39 t ha -1 ), which was on par with soil application of 2 kg ha -1 along with foliar 0.5% (T 9 ), soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 2 ) and soil application of 2 kg ha -1 (T 3 ) (5.33, 5.30 and 5.27 t ha -1, respectively). The significantly lowest total dry matter of 4.91 t ha -1 was obtained with RDF (T 1 ). However, treatments receiving foliar application of either ZnSO 0.5% (T 5 ) or 0.5% (T 6 0.5% or their combination (T 7 ) were on par with each other and also increased the total dry matter ha -1 significantly over RDF (T 1 ) and application of gypsum equivalent to sulphur content in ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 10 ). There was no significant difference in total dry matter obtained in T 1 (4.91 t ha -1 ) and T 10 (4.99 t ha -1 ).

35 Table 9: Total dry matter and curd yield of cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Treatment Total dry matter (t ha -1 ) Curd yield (t ha -1 ) % curd yield increase over control T 1 - RDF T 2 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha T 3 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 4 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 5 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 6 - RDF + Borax foliar 0.5% T 7 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5%+ Borax foliar 0.5% T 8 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 9 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha -1 + Borax foliar 0.5% T 10 - RDF + Gypsum equivalent to sulphur in ZnSO S. Em CD (P = 0.05) RDF -Recommended dose of 150:100:125 kg:: N: P 2O 5: K 2O ha -1 DAT -Days after transplanting

36 Table 10: Quality parameters of cauliflower curd at harvest as influenced by zinc and boron Treatment Crude protein (%) Ascorbic acid (mg 100 g -1 ) TSS (Brix o ) T 1 - RDF T 2 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha T 3 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 4 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 5 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 6 - RDF + Borax foliar 0.5% T 7 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5%+ Borax foliar 0.5% T 8 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 9 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha -1 + Borax foliar 0.5% T 10 - RDF + Gypsum equivalent to sulphur in ZnSO S. Em CD (P = 0.05) RDF -Recommended dose of 150:100:125 kg:: N: P 2O 5: K 2O ha -1 DAT -Days after transplanting

37 4.3.2 Curd yield (t ha -1 ) The treatment receiving soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) recorded highest curd yield of t ha -1 at harvest, which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments and followed by soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) (26.24 t ha -1 ), which was on par with soil application of 2 kg ha -1 along with foliar 0.5% (T 9 ), soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 2 ) and soil application of 2 kg ha -1 (T 3 ) (26.03, and t ha -1, respectively). The significantly lowest curd yield of t ha -1 was obtained with RDF (T 1 ). However, treatments receiving foliar application of either ZnSO 0.5% (T 5 ) or 0.5% (T 6 0.5% or their combination (T 7 ) (23.03, and t ha -1, respectively) were on par with each other and also increased the curd yield ha -1 significantly over RDF (T 1 ) and application of gypsum equivalent to sulphur content in ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 10 ). There was no significant difference in curd yield obtained in T 1 (21.39 t ha -1 ) and T 10 (21.91 t ha -1 ). 4.4 Quality parameters The results on quality parameters viz., crude protein, ascorbic acid and total soluble solid (TSS) as influenced by zinc and boron are presented in Table Crude protein (%) Soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) recorded highest crude protein content of 8.89 per cent at harvest, which was significantly superior compared rest of the treatments. Soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) resulted in significantly higher crude protein content (8.41 %), which was on par with soil application of 2 kg ha -1 along with foliar 0.5% (T 9 ), soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 2 ) and soil application of 2 kg ha -1 (T 3 ) (8.32, 8.34 and 8.37 per cent, respectively). The significantly lowest crude protein content (7.97 %) was observed with RDF (T 1 ) at harvest. However, treatments receiving foliar application either through ZnSO 4 (T 5 ) or borax (T 6 0.5% each or their combination (T 7 ) were on par with each other. Application of gypsum equivalent to sulphur content in ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 10 ) showed no significant increase in crude protein over RDF only Ascorbic acid (mg 100g -1 ) The results revealed that soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) recorded highest ascorbic acid of mg 100g -1 in curd at harvest, which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments followed by soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) (49.97 mg 100g -1 ), which was on par with T 9, T 2 and T 3 (49.92, and mg 100g -1, respectively). The significantly lowest ascorbic acid of mg 100g -1 was recorded with RDF (T 1 ) at harvest. However, treatments T 7, T 5 and T 6 and also increased ascorbic acid content significantly over RDF and were on par with each other. Application of gypsum equivalent to sulphur content in ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 10 ) had no significant increase in ascorbic acid over RDF Total Soluble Solids (TSS) The treatment receiving soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) recorded highest TSS (6.56 Brix) at harvest, which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments followed by soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) (5.96 Brix), which was on par with T 9. T 2 and T 3 (5.70, 5.52 and 5.49 Brix, respectively). The significantly lowest TSS (3.66 Brix) was observed with RDF (T 1 ) at harvest. The treatments T 7, T 5 and T 6 also improved TSS content significantly over RDF (T 1 ) and gypsum application (T 10 ) and were on par with each other. 4.5 Effect of zinc and boron on uptake of major nutrients In general, the nutrient concentration decreased with the increase in the age of the crop, while uptake increased with increase in the age Nitrogen uptake (kg ha -1 ) Nitrogen uptake by cauliflower at various stages as influenced by soil and/or foliar application of zinc and boron and their combinations is presented in Table 11.

38 The uptake of nitrogen by cauliflower differed significantly due to soil or foliar application of zinc and boron at all the growth stages. At 45 DAT, soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) recorded the significantly highest nitrogen uptake of kg ha -1, which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments. Soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) resulted in significantly higher nitrogen uptake (24.39 kg ha -1 ), which was on par with soil application of 2 kg ha -1 along with foliar 0.5% (T 9 ), soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 2 ) and soil application of 2 kg ha -1 (T 3 ) resulting in uptake of 23.62, 23.83and kg ha -1, respectively. The significantly lowest uptake (20.09 kg ha -1 ) was observed in the treatment RDF (T 1 ). Among the other treatments, application of gypsum equivalent to sulphur content in ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 10 ), foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% along with foliar application of 0.5% (T 7 ), foliar application either ZnSO 4 (T 5 ) or borax (T 6 0.5% were on par with each other and resulted in significantly lower uptake of N. At 70 DAT, the significantly higher uptake of N in shoot and curd (30.34 and kg ha -1, respectively) was recorded due to soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ), which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments. However, soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) resulted in nitrogen uptake of kg ha -1 in shoot and kg ha -1 in curd, which were on par with T 9. T 2 and T 3 and were significantly higher for N uptake as compared to RDF. The significantly lowest uptake (20.62 kg ha -1 in shoot and kg ha -1 in curd) was recorded with the RDF (T 1 ). Among the rest of the treatments T 7, T 5, T 3 and T 10 were on par with each other. Similarly at harvest, the highest uptake of nitrogen (35.87 kg ha -1 in shoot and kg ha -1 in curd) was recorded in the treatment receiving soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ), which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments. Soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) also resulted in significantly higher nitrogen uptake of kg ha -1 in shoot and kg ha -1 in curd, which was on par with T 9, T 2 and T 3. The significantly lowest uptake (26.44 kg ha -1 in shoot and kg ha -1 in curd) was recorded with the RDF (T 1 ). Among the rest of the treatments, T 7, T 5, T 6 and T 10 were on par with each another with respect to N uptake by crop. The same trend was observed in case of total N uptake with higher value in T 4 ( kg ha -1 ), which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments. However, treatment T 8 (96.27 kg ha -1 ), which was on par with T 9, T 2 and T 3 also improved nitrogen uptake significantly. RDF showed the significantly lowest N uptake (84.39 kg ha -1 ) by crop Phosphorus uptake (kg ha -1 ) Phosphorus uptake by cauliflower at various stages as influenced by soil and/or foliar application of zinc and boron and their combinations is presented in Table 12. The results revealed that the uptake of phosphorus by cauliflower at various stages of crop did not differ significantly due to soil or foliar application of zinc and boron and their combinations. At 45 DAT, the phosphors uptake ranged from 3.00 to 3.50 kg ha -1. At 70 DAT, P uptake ranged from 2.68 to 3.58 kg ha -1 in shoot and from 3.73 to 4.74 kg ha -1 in curd. At harvest, the uptake of P varied from 3.71 to 4.25 kg ha -1 in shoot and from 8.44 to 9.55 kg ha -1 in curd. The total uptake also followed the same trend. It ranged from to kg ha Potassium uptake (kg ha -1 ) Potassium uptake by cauliflower at various stages as influenced by soil and/or foliar application of zinc and boron and their combinations is presented in Table 13 The uptake of potassium by cauliflower differed significantly due to soil or foliar application of zinc and boron and their combinations. At 45 DAT, soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) resulted in significantly highest potassium uptake of kg ha -1, which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments followed by the soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha - 1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) (16.53 kg ha -1 ), which was on par with soil application of 2 kg ha -1 along with foliar 0.5% (T 9 ), soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 2 ) and soil application of 2 kg ha -1 (T 3 ) (16.23, and kg ha -1, respectively). The significantly lowest K uptake (12.71 kg ha -1 ) was recorded with the treatment RDF (T 1 ). Among the other treatments, application of gypsum equivalent to sulphur content in ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 10 ), foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% along with foliar application of 0.5% (T 7 ), foliar application either ZnSO 4 (T 5 ) or borax (T 6 0.5% were on par with each other.

39 Table 11: Nitrogen uptake (kg ha -1 ) by cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Treatment 45 DAT 70 DAT At harvest Shoot Curd Shoot Curd Total T 1 - RDF T 2 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha T 3 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 4 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 5 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 6 - RDF + Borax foliar 0.5% T 7 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5%+ Borax foliar 0.5% T 8 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 9 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha -1 + Borax foliar 0.5% T 10 - RDF + Gypsum equivalent to sulphur in ZnSO S. Em CD (P = 0.05) RDF -Recommended dose of 150:100:125 kg:: N: P 2O 5: K 2O ha -1 DAT -Days after transplanting

40 Table 12: Phosphorus uptake (kg ha -1 ) by cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Treatment 45 DAT 70 DAT At harvest Shoot Curd Shoot Curd Total T 1 - RDF T 2 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha T 3 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 4 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 5 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 6 - RDF + Borax foliar 0.5% T 7 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5%+ Borax foliar 0.5% T 8 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 9 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha -1 + Borax foliar 0.5% T 10 - RDF + Gypsum equivalent to sulphur in ZnSO S. Em CD (P = 0.05) NS NS NS NS NS NS RDF -Recommended dose of 150:100:125 kg:: N: P 2O 5: K 2O ha -1 DAT -Days after transplanting NS : Non significant

41 Table 13: Potassium uptake (kg ha -1 ) by cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Treatment 45 DAT 70 DAT At harvest Shoot Curd Shoot Curd Total T 1 - RDF T 2 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha T 3 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 4 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 5 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 6 - RDF + Borax foliar 0.5% T 7 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5%+ Borax foliar 0.5% T 8 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 9 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha -1 + Borax foliar 0.5% T 10 - RDF + Gypsum equivalent to sulphur in ZnSO S. Em CD (P = 0.05) RDF -Recommended dose of 150:100:125 kg:: N: P 2O 5: K 2O ha -1 DAT -Days after transplanting

42 Table 14: Sulphur uptake (kg ha -1 ) by cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Treatment 45 DAT 70 DAT At harvest Shoot Curd Shoot Curd Total T 1 - RDF T 2 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha T 3 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 4 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 5 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 6 - RDF + Borax foliar 0.5% T 7 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5%+ Borax foliar 0.5% T 8 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 9 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha -1 + Borax foliar 0.5% T 10 - RDF + Gypsum equivalent to sulphur in ZnSO S. Em CD (P = 0.05) NS NS NS NS NS NS RDF -Recommended dose of 150:100:125 kg:: N: P 2O 5: K 2O ha -1 DAT -Days after transplanting NS : Non significant

43 At 70 DAT, the significantly highest uptake of potassium in shoot (17.08 kg ha -1 ) and in curd (23.00 kg ha -1 ) was recorded in the soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) and which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments. Soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) also resulted in significantly highest potassium uptake of kg ha -1 in shoot and kg ha -1 in curd, which was on par with T 9, T 2 and T 3. The significantly lowest uptake (8.38 kg ha -1 in shoot and kg ha -1 in curd) was recorded with the RDF (T 1 ). Among the rest of the treatments, T 7, T 5, T 6 and T 10 were on par with each other. Similarly, at harvest, the significantly highest uptake of potassium (25.97 kg ha -1 in shoot and kg ha -1 in curd) was resulted in the treatment receiving soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ), which was significantly superior compared to rest of the treatments. Soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) also resulted in significantly higher potassium uptake of kg ha -1 in shoot and kg ha -1 in curd, which was on par with T 9, T 2 and T 3. The significantly lowest uptake (13.98 kg ha -1 in shoot and kg ha -1 in curd) was noticed with the RDF (T 1 ). Among the rest of the treatments, T 7, T 5, T 6 and T 10 were on par with each other. The same trend was observed in case of total K uptake with higher value obtained in T 4 (74.12 kg ha -1 ), which was significantly higher than that noticed in all other treatments. However, treatment T 8 (57.91 kg ha -1 ) also resulted in significantly higher uptake, which was on par with T 9, T 2 and T 3. RDF (T 1 ) showed the significantly lowest K uptake (43.18 kg ha -1 ) Sulphur uptake (kg ha -1 ) Sulphur uptake by cauliflower at various stages as influenced by soil and/or foliar application of zinc and boron and their combinations is presented in Table 14. The results revealed that the uptake of sulphur by cauliflower at various stages of crop did not differ significantly due to soil or foliar application of zinc and boron and their combinations. At 45 DAT, the sulphur uptake ranged from o.85 to 1.13 kg ha -1. At 70 DAT, it ranged from 0.69 to 1.25 kg ha -1 in shoot and from 1.70 to 2.30 kg ha -1 in curd. At harvest, the uptake of sulphur varied from 1.33 to 2.02 kg ha -1 in shoot and from 3.88 to 4.61 kg ha -1 in curd. The total uptake also followed the similar trend. It ranged from 5.21 to 6.63 kg ha Effect of zinc and boron on uptake of micronutrients In general, the concentration of micro nutrients in plants decreased and uptake increased with the age of the crop Uptake of zinc (g ha -1 ) Zinc uptake by cauliflower at various stages as influenced by soil and/or foliar application of zinc and boron and their combinations is presented in Table 15. At 45 DAT, soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) recorded the significantly highest zinc uptake of g ha -1, which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments. Soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) also resulted in significantly higher zinc uptake (45.49 g ha -1 ), which was on par with soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 2 ) (44.90 g ha -1 ). Next in the order were soil application of 2 kg ha -1 along with foliar 0.5% (T 9 ) and soil application of 2 kg ha -1 (T 3 ) which recorded the zinc uptake of and g ha -1, respectively and were on par with each other. The significantly lowest zinc uptake (36.43 g ha -1 ) was noticed in the treatment RDF (T 1 ). Among the other treatments, foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% along with foliar application of 0.5% (T 7 ), foliar application of either ZnSO 4 (T 5 ) or borax (T 6 0.5% each also increased zinc uptake significantly and were on par with each other. At 70 DAT, the highest zinc uptake (51.14 g ha -1 in shoot and kg ha -1 in curd) was recorded in the treatment receiving soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha - 1 (T 4 ) and which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments, followed by soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) (46.41g ha -1 in plant and g ha -1 in curd) and was on par with soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 2 ), soil application of 2 kg ha -1 along with foliar 0.5% (T 9 ) and soil application of 2 kg ha - 1 (T 3 ) (45.18, and g ha -1 in shoot and 58.15, and g ha -1 in head, respectively).

44 Table 15: Zinc uptake (g ha -1 ) by cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Treatment 45 DAT 70 DAT At harvest Shoot Curd Shoot Curd Total T 1 - RDF T 2 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha T 3 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 4 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 5 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 6 - RDF + Borax foliar 0.5% T 7 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5%+ Borax foliar 0.5% T 8 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 9 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha -1 + Borax foliar 0.5% T 10 - RDF + Gypsum equivalent to sulphur in ZnSO S. Em CD (P = 0.05) RDF -Recommended dose of 150:100:125 kg:: N: P 2O 5: K 2O ha -1 DAT -Days after transplanting

45 Table 16: Iron uptake (g ha -1 ) by cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Treatment 45 DAT 70 DAT At harvest Shoot Curd Shoot Curd Total T 1 - RDF T 2 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha T 3 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 4 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 5 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 6 - RDF + Borax foliar 0.5% T 7 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5%+ Borax foliar 0.5% T 8 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 9 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha -1 + Borax foliar 0.5% T 10 - RDF + Gypsum equivalent to sulphur in ZnSO S. Em CD (P = 0.05) NS NS NS NS NS NS RDF -Recommended dose of 150:100:125 kg:: N: P 2O 5: K 2O ha -1 DAT -Days after transplanting NS : Non significant

46 Table 17: Manganese uptake (g ha -1 ) by cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Treatment 45 DAT 70 DAT At harvest Shoot Curd Shoot Curd Total T 1 - RDF T 2 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha T 3 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 4 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 5 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 6 - RDF + Borax foliar 0.5% T 7 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5%+ Borax foliar 0.5% T 8 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 9 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha -1 + Borax foliar 0.5% T 10 - RDF + Gypsum equivalent to sulphur in ZnSO S. Em CD (P = 0.05) NS NS NS NS NS NS RDF -Recommended dose of 150:100:125 kg:: N: P 2O 5: K 2O ha -1 DAT -Days after transplanting NS : Non significant

47 The next in the order were foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% along with foliar application of 0.5% (T 7 ), foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 5 ) and foliar application of 0.5% (T 6 ), which recorded zinc uptake of 38.18, and g ha -1 in shoot and 50.37, and g ha -1 in curd respectively. The significantly lowest zinc uptake (33.71 g ha -1 in plant and g ha -1 in curd) was recorded with the RDF (T 1 ). At harvest, zinc uptake was significantly highest with soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) with an uptake of g ha -1 in shoot and g ha -1 in curd and which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments. Soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) also resulted in significantly higher zinc uptake of g ha -1 in shoot and g ha -1 in curd, which was on par with soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 2 ), soil application of 2 kg ha -1 along with foliar 0.5% (T 9 ) and soil application of 2 kg ha -1 (T 3 ) (55.48, and g ha -1 in shoot and , and g ha -1 in head, respectively. Among the other treatments, foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% along with foliar application of 0.5% (T 7 ), foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 5 ) and foliar application of 0.5% (T 6 ) also increased the zinc uptake significantly (46.56, and44.65 g ha -1 in shoot and 90.19, and g ha -1 in curd, respectively) and were on par with each other. The significantly lowest uptake of g ha -1 in shoot and g ha -1 in curd was observed with the RDF (T 1 ). The similar trend was observed with respect to total zinc uptake with higher value obtained in T 4 ( g ha -1 ), which was significantly superior compared to rest of the treatments. However, treatment T 8 ( g ha -1 ) also increased zinc uptake significantly, which was on par with T 9, T 2 and T 3. RDF had significantly lowest zinc uptake of g ha Uptake of iron (g ha -1 ) Iron uptake by cauliflower at various stages as influenced by soil and/or foliar application of zinc and boron and their combinations is presented in Table 16 The uptake of iron by cauliflower crop did not differ significantly due to soil and/or foliar application of zinc and boron and their combinations at various stages of crop growth. At 45 DAT, Fe uptake ranged from to g ha -1. At 70 DAT, it ranged from to g ha -1 in shoot and from to g ha -1 in curd. At harvest, the uptake of Fe varied from to g ha -1 in shoot and from to g ha -1 in curd. The total uptake of Fe followed the similar trend. It ranged from to g ha Uptake of manganese (g ha -1 ) Manganese uptake by cauliflower at various stages as influenced by soil and/or foliar application of zinc and boron and their combinations is presented in Table 17. Soil or foliar application of zinc and boron and their combination had no significant effect on uptake of manganese at various stages of crop growth. At 45 DAT, manganese uptake ranged from to g ha -1. At 70 DAT, it ranged from to g ha -1 in shoot and from to g ha -1 in curd. At harvest, the uptake of manganese varied from to g ha -1 in shoot and from to g ha -1 in curd. The total uptake also followed the similar trend. It ranged from to g ha Uptake of copper (g ha -1 ) Copper uptake by cauliflower at various stages as influenced by soil and/or foliar application of zinc and boron and their combinations is presented in Table 18. The uptake of Cu by cauliflower crop was not significantly influenced by soil and/or foliar application of zinc and boron and their combinations at various stages of crop growth. At 45 DAT, copper uptake ranged from to g ha -1. At 70 DAT, it ranged from 8.43 to g ha -1 in shoot and from to g ha -1 in curd. At harvest, the uptake of copper varied from 7.23 to 8.58 g ha -1 in shoot and from to g ha -1 in curd. For the total uptake also the similar trend was followed. It ranged from to g ha -1.

48 Table 18: Copper uptake (g ha -1 ) by cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Treatment 45 DAT 70 DAT At harvest Shoot Curd Shoot Curd Total T 1 - RDF T 2 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha T 3 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 4 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 5 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 6 - RDF + Borax foliar 0.5% T 7 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5%+ Borax foliar 0.5% T 8 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 9 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha -1 + Borax foliar 0.5% T 10 - RDF + Gypsum equivalent to sulphur in ZnSO S. Em CD (P = 0.05) NS NS NS NS NS NS RDF -Recommended dose of 150:100:125 kg:: N: P 2O 5: K 2O ha -1 DAT -Days after transplanting NS : Non significant

49 Table 19: Boron uptake (g ha -1 ) by cauliflower as influenced by sulphate and borax Treatment 45 DAT 70 DAT At harvest Shoot Curd Shoot Curd Total T 1 - RDF T 2 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha T 3 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 4 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 5 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 6 - RDF + Borax foliar 0.5% T 7 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5%+ Borax foliar 0.5% T 8 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 9 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha -1 + Borax foliar 0.5% T 10 - RDF + Gypsum equivalent to sulphur in ZnSO S. Em CD (P = 0.05) RDF -Recommended dose of 150:100:125 kg:: N: P 2O 5: K 2O ha -1 DAT -Days after transplanting

50 4.6.5 Uptake of boron (g ha -1 ) Boron uptake by cauliflower at various stages as influenced by soil and/or foliar application of zinc and boron and their combinations is presented in Table 19. At 45 DAT, soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) recorded the significantly highest boron uptake of g ha -1, which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments followed by soil application of 2 kg ha -1 along with foliar 0.5% (T 9 ) (24.62 g ha -1 ), which was on par with soil application of 2 kg ha -1 (T 3 ) resulting in boron uptake of g ha -1. Next in the order were soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) and soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 2 ) which resulting in boron uptake of g ha -1 and g ha -1, respectively. The significantly lowest zinc uptake of g ha -1 was noticed in the treatment RDF (T 1 ). Among the other treatments, foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% along with foliar application of 0.5% (T 7 ), foliar application of either ZnSO 0.5% (T 5 ) or foliar application of 0.5% (T 6 ) also increased boron uptake significantly and were on par with each other. At 70 DAT, boron uptake was significantly higher with soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) (30.42 g ha -1 in shoot and g ha -1 in curd), which was significantly superior as compared to rest of the treatments. Soil application of 2 kg ha -1 along with foliar 0.5% (T 9 ) resulted in boron uptake of g ha -1 in shoot and g ha -1 in curd, which was on par with soil application of 2 kg ha -1 (T 3 ) (27.07 g ha -1 in shoot and g ha -1 in curd). The significantly lowest B uptake of g ha -1 in shoot and g ha -1 in curd was recorded with the RDF (T 1 ). Among the other treatments, foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% along with foliar application of 0.5% (T 7 ), foliar application of 0.5% (T 6 ), soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 2 ), soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) and foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 5 ) also increased boron uptake significantly (24.24, 24.11, 23.27, and g ha -1 in shoot and 33.60, 33.05, 32.66, and g ha -1 in curd, respectively). At harvest, uptake of boron was significantly higher with soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) (56.60 g ha -1 in shoot and g ha -1 in curd) and which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments. However, soil application of 2 kg ha -1 along with foliar 0.5% (T 9 ) also resulted in significantly greater uptake of boron (50.84 g ha -1 in shoot and g ha -1 in curd), which was on par with soil application of 2 kg ha -1 (T 3 ) (48.32 g ha -1 in shoot and g ha -1 in curd). The significantly lowest B uptake of g ha -1 in shoot and g ha -1 in curd was recorded with the RDF (T 1 ). Among the other treatments, foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% along with foliar application of 0.5% (T 7 ), foliar application of 0.5% (T 6 ), soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 2 ), soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) and foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 5 ) also enhanced the uptake of boron significantly (44.64, 45.67, 42.46, and g ha -1 in shoot and , , , and g ha -1 in curd, respectively). The same trend was observed in case of total B uptake also with higher value noticed with T 4 ( g ha -1 ) and which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments. However, treatment T 9 also enhanced the uptake of boron significantly ( g ha -1 ) and was on par with T 7, T 6 and T 3 (178.14, and g ha -1 respectively). RDF resulted in significantly lowest ( g ha -1 ) uptake of boron. 4.7 Effect of zinc and boron on soil properties after harvest of the cauliflower crop The results on changes in soil properties such as available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, available sulphur and available micronutrients due to soil and foliar application of zinc and boron are presented (Table 20) Available N, P, K and S (kg ha -1 ) Available N, P, K and S status of soil after harvest of crop did not differ significantly due to soil and/or foliar application of zinc and boron. Available nitrogen content in soil ranged from to kg ha -1, the available phosphorus status of soil varied from to kg ha -1, the available potassium content in soil ranged from to kg ha -1 and available sulphur status of soil varied from to kg ha -1.

51 Table 20: Effect of zinc and boron on soil available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur after harvest of the cauliflower Treatment After harvest (kg ha -1 ) Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium Sulphur T 1 - RDF T 2 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha T 3 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 4 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 5 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 6 - RDF + Borax foliar 0.5% T 7 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5%+ Borax foliar 0.5% T 8 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 9 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha -1 + Borax foliar 0.5% T 10 - RDF + Gypsum equivalent to sulphur in ZnSO S. Em CD (P = 0.05) NS NS NS NS RDF -Recommended dose of 150:100:125 kg:: N: P 2O 5: K 2O ha -1 DAT -Days after transplanting NS - Non significant

52 Table 21: Effect of zinc and boron on soil available micronutrients after harvest of the cauliflower Treatment Zinc (mg kg -1 ) Iron (mg kg -1 ) Manganese (mg kg -1 ) Copper (mg kg -1 ) Boron (mg kg -1 ) T 1 - RDF T 2 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha T 3 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 4 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + Borax soil 2 kg ha T 5 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 6 - RDF + Borax foliar 0.5% T 7 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5%+ Borax foliar 0.5% T 8 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 9 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha -1 + Borax foliar 0.5% T 10 - RDF + Gypsum equivalent to sulphur in ZnSO S. Em CD (P = 0.05) NS NS NS RDF -Recommended dose of 150:100:125 kg:: N: P 2O 5: K 2O ha -1 DAT -Days after transplanting NS : Non significant

53 4.7.2 Available micro nutrients (mg kg -1 ) The data on DTPA extractable Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu and hot water soluble (Azomethane-H method) B as influenced by soil and/or foliar application of zinc and boron after harvest of the cauliflower crop are presented in Table DTPA extractable Zn (mg kg -1 ) The treatment receiving soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 (T 2 ) resulted in significantly highest available zinc status of soil (0.687 mg kg -1 ) after harvest the of cauliflower, which was on par with soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) and soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) (0.685 and mg kg -1, respectively), which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments. The significantly lowest available zinc content of mg kg -1 was observed with RDF (T 1 ). Where as soil or foliar application of borax or foliar application of ZnSO 4 had no significant effect on DTPA extractable Zn. Application of gypsum equivalent to sulphur content in ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 showed no significant difference for available zinc status of soil over RDF DTPA extractable Fe (mg kg -1 ) The DTPA extractable Fe did not differ significantly due to soil and/or foliar application of zinc and boron after harvest of the cauliflower crop. It ranged from14.96 to15.72 mg kg DTPA extractable Mn (mg kg -1 ) The DTPA extractable Mn was not affected by soil and/or foliar application of zinc and boron singly or in combination after harvest of the cauliflower crop. It ranged from 8.96 to mg kg DTPA extractable Cu (mg kg -1 ) Soil and/or foliar application of zinc and boron had no significant effect on DTPA extractable copper after harvest of the cauliflower crop. It ranged from to mg kg Hot water soluble (Azomethane-H method) B (mg kg -1 ) Soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) recorded significantly highest available boron status of soil (0.591 mg kg -1 ) after harvest of the cauliflower crop and was on par with soil application of 2 kg ha -1 (T 3 ) and soil application of 2 kg ha -1 along with foliar 0.5% borax (T 9 ) (0.577 and mg kg -1, respectively). These treatments were significantly superior over other treatments. The significantly lowest available boron (0.401 mg kg -1 ) was observed with RDF (T 1 ). While soil and/or foliar application of ZnSO 4, foliar application of borax and soil application of gypsum equivalent to sulphur content in ZnSO 4 resulted in no significant increase differences in boron content of the soil. 4.8 Economics Cost of cultivation, gross returns, net returns and benefit: cost (B: C) ratio by cauliflower crop cultivation as influenced by soil and/or foliar application of zinc and boron and their combinations is presented in Table Cost of cultivation (` ha -1 ) The cost of cultivation of cauliflower was the highest (` 45,167 ha -1 ) with soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ), followed by soil application of 2 kg ha - 1 along with foliar 0.5% (T 9 ) and soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) (` 44,965 ha -1 and ` 44,497 ha -1, respectively). Rest of the treatments had small variation among them Gross returns (` ha -1 ) The gross returns obtained cultivation of cauliflower was highest (` 1,81,415 ha -1 ) with soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ), followed by soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) and soil application of 2 kg ha -1 along with foliar 0.5% (T 9 ) (` 1,70,560 ha -1 and ` 1,69,195 ha -1, respectively). The lowest gross returns was obtained with application of RDF alone (T 1 ) (` 1,39,035 ha - 1 ).

54 4.8.3 Net returns (` ha -1 ) The highest net returns (` 1,36,248 ha -1 ) was recorded with soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ), followed by in soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) (` 1,26,063 ha -1 ) and soil application of 2 kg ha -1 along with foliar 0.5% (T 9 ) (` 1,24,230 ha -1 ). The lowest net returns of ` 95,618 ha -1 was obtained with RDF (T 1 ) Benifit: cost (B: C) ratio Higher benefit cost ratio of 3.02 was recorded with soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ), followed by soil application of ZnSO 25 kg ha -1 along with foliar application of ZnSO 0.5% (T 8 ) and soil application of 2 kg ha -1 along with foliar 0.5% (T 9 ), which recorded benefit cost ratio of 2.83 and 2.76, respectively. The least benefit cost ratio of 2.20 was obtained with RDF (T 1 ).

55 Table 22: Economic parameters of cauliflower cultivation as influenced by zinc and boron Treatment Yield (t ha -1 ) Gross returns (` ha -1 ) Cost of cultivation (` ha -1 ) Net returns (` ha -1 ) B: C ratio T 1 - RDF ,39,035 43,417 95, T 2 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha ,65,425 44,367 1,21, T 3 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha ,63,020 44,217 1,18, T 4 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + Borax soil 2 kg ha ,81,415 45,167 1,36, T 5 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% ,49,695 43,547 1,06, T 6 - RDF + Borax foliar 0.5% ,47,810 44,165 1,03, T 7 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5%+ Borax foliar 0.5% ,52,815 44,295 1,08, T 8 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha -1 + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% ,70,560 44,497 1,26, T 9 - RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha -1 + Borax foliar 0.5% ,69,195 44,965 1,24, T 10 - RDF + Gypsum equivalent to sulphur in ZnSO ,42,415 44,087 98, RDF -Recommended dose of 150:100:125 kg:: N: P 2O 5: K 2O ha -1

56 DISCUSSION The nutrient elements indispensable for growth and yield of plants are divided into; primary nutrients, secondary nutrients and micronutrients. This classification, however, does not undermine essentially of one element over the other. In the post green revolution era, with the introduction of high yielding crop cultivars and use of high analysis chemical fertilizers, multiple and intensive cropping especially under irrigated condition and decrease in use of organics, has resulted rapid decline in the availability of essential micronutrients. Accelerated depletion of these minor elements from the finite soil reserves have restrained and constrained sustainable growth in productivity of several crops including vegetables. As a result, recent years have witnessed an ever-sharpening research focus on micronutrients. However, several aspects like micronutrient fertilization of vegetables, especially cole crops have not received due attention. The results of the field experiment conducted during kharif, 2012 to studies on zinc and boron nutrition on yield, quality and nutrient uptake in cauliflower crop were discussed in this chapter. 5.1 Effect of zinc and boron on growth parameters Application of zinc and boron to cauliflower in Zn and B deficient soils of NEW ORCHARD, UAS, Dharwad resulted in significant increase in all the growth parameters indicating good response of the crop to these micronutrients. Growth parameters are indicators of growth performance of the crop as influenced by the soil nutrient status and management factors. Soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) recorded significantly more plant height (67.50 cm), number of leaves (33.83), plant spread (92.88 cm plant -1 ) and leaf area (864.4 cm 2 plant -1 ) The enhancement of plant height might be due to higher nutrient absorption and uptake, particularly zinc and boron as the soils of the experimental site was deficient in these nutrients. Increase in plant height as a result of Zn application may be due to the essential metabolic roles, Zn plays in the plant, the most significant being its activity as a component of many enzymes (Lindsay, 1972). Singh et al. (2002) reported an increase in vegetative growth in cauliflower as a result of B application, which might be due to the beneficial effect of B in the growth of tissue. The beneficial influence of B on plant height was observed by Rao and Vidyasagar (1981) in sunflower and Verma et al. (1985) in mustard. The increase in number of leaves per plant may also be due to good response of crop. These results are in accordance with the finding of Thakur et al. (1991) and Singh (2003). Singh and Dixit (1994) also reported a similar promotive effect of B application on cauliflower yield and growth parameters. Singh et al. (2002) have opined an increase in vegetative growth in cauliflower as a result of B application, which might be due to the beneficial effect of B in the growth of metabolic tissues. The increase in leaf area as a result of boron application may be due to better growth of meristematic tissues, resulting in increased vegetative growth (Singh, 2003). The zinc and boron treatments significantly improved the dry matter production (Fig. 3). The dry matter increase was more prominent from the curd development to the harvest stage. The total dry matter accumulation was considerably maximum with the combined soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) at 45 and 70 DAT and at harvest (23.7, 61.2 and g plant -1, respectively). Optimum supply of Zn favors normal activity of plant enzymes and hormones, especially IAA (Zaidi et al., 1997), while boron nutrition is closely associated with carbohydrate metabolism (Pilbeam and Kirkby, 1985). The increased dry matter yield was probably the result of Zn and B favoring hormone activity and carbohydrate metabolism. Malewar et al. (1999) also reported similar results in cauliflower as a result of B application, particularly in soils with low and marginal B as was observed in the present investigation where in the soil was deficient in Zn and B. 5.2 Effect of zinc and boron on yield attributes Application of zinc and boron and their combination had significant effect on yield attributes like curd diameter, curd weight and curd density. Soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) recorded significantly higher diameter (18.19 cm), weight ( g plant -1 ) and density (0.651g cm -1 ) of curd. The probable reason for increased curd diameter might be due to enhanced yield of cauliflower caused by increased uptake of nutrient with B application (Singh and Thakur, 1991). The increase in the curd weight by the application of Zn and B may be due to their role in enhancing the translocation of carbohydrates from the site of synthesis to the storage tissue in curd due to enhanced uptake of Zn and B as these nutrients were deficient in experimental site (Sisler et al., 1956).

57 DAT 70 DAT At harvest Legend 120 T 1 - RDF T 2 -RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha-1 Dry matter accumulation (g plant -1 ) T 3 -RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha-1 T 4 -RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha-1 + Borax soil 2 kg ha-1 T 5 -RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 6 -RDF + Borax foliar 0.5% T 7 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5%+ Borax foliar 0.5% T 8 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha-1+ ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 9 -RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha-1+ Borax foliar 0.5% T 10 - RDF + Gypsum equivalent to sulphur in ZnSO 4 0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 Treatment Fig. 3: Dry matter accumulation in cauliflower as influenced by zinc and born Fig 3: Dry matter accumulation in cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron

58 Zinc and boron treatments exhibited their usefulness in enhancing the curd yield of cauliflower (Fig. 4). Soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ) contributed spectacularly towards yield (27.91 t ha -1 ) increasing up to per cent over RDF (Plate 2). The experimental soil being deficient in zinc and boron, it was quite obvious to expect response of crop to zinc and boron application. The increased curd yield might also be attributed to significant increase in growth parameter and yield components due to application of zinc and boron, which is evidenced by significantly increased uptake of these nutrients at various stages of crop. The results are in conformity with the findings of Gupta and Cutcliffe (1984), Batal et al. (1997) and Singh et al. (2002). 5.3 Quality parameters The various quality parameters in cauliflower viz., crude protein, ascorbic acid content and total soluble solids increased significantly as a result of soil application of zinc and boron and their combination. The quality parameters were significantly highest in treatment with soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (T 4 ). An improvement in the ascorbic acid content through the application of trace elements like boron has been reported by Darkanbaev et al. (1964) and Mehrotra et al. (1975) in cauliflower. The significant increase in TSS might be attributed to significant role of Zn in carbohydrate metabolism and that of boron in the translocation of sugars to the economically important parts. The profound effect of zinc and boron on yield and quality of cauliflower are suggestive of the fact that both nutrients are compatible and together can improve not just yield but also the quality in cauliflower. 5.4 Effect of zinc and boron on uptake of macro nutrients Application of zinc and boron exerted considerably positive influence on uptake of N (Fig. 5) and K (Fig. 6) by crop at various stages including shoot and curd. The maximum uptake was noticed in the treatment receiving 25 kg ha -1 along with 2kg ha -1 indicating synergetic effect among the nutrients. Besides application of these two micronutrients increase the dry matter production which in turn might have increased the uptake of N and K. The uptake by curd was more than that of shoot. Similar finding were also obtained by Balyan and Singh (1994) and Mishra (2003). However the uptake of phosphorus and sulphur were not significantly affected by application of either zinc and boron or their combinations. This may be attributed to decreased concentration, particularly phosphorus in plant due to its antagonism with zinc (Vinay Singh et al., 1994). The concentration of sulphur was not significantly affected by the application of either zinc or boron or their combination. 5.5 Effect of zinc and boron on uptake of micronutrients Application of zinc and boron significantly influenced the uptake of Zn by cauliflower (Fig. 7). Maximum uptake was noticed with soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 (168.8 g ha -1 ). However, either soil or foliar application of zinc also influenced the uptake of zinc significantly. This may be attributed to the increased availability and absorption of zinc, when applied to zinc deficient soil or direct absorption of zinc through leaves when applied as foliar application, which enhanced the growth parameters and yield components that in turn increased the curd yield of cauliflower significantly. Further synergistic effect was observed between zinc and boron with respect to zinc uptake by crop as well as yield. Increased Zn uptake through Zn fertilization in maize, pulses and oil seeds was reported in several studies (Anon., 2002). Soil or foliar application of zinc and boron individually or in combination increased the uptake of B by the crop significantly (Fig. 8). The highest B uptake was recorded in the treatment receiving soil application of ZnSO 25kg ha -1 along with 2 kg ha -1 ( g ha -1 ) followed by soil application of 2 kg ha -1 along with foliar 0.5%. The boron uptake was significantly higher, where ever borax was applied to soil or through foliar application compared to RDF ( g ha -1 ). This may be probably due to increase in availability and absorption of boron, when boron was applied to soil deficient in the nutrient and increased absorption of boron when sprayed to foliage. The increased uptake might have increased the yield. Several workers have reported increased B uptake due to B application (Singh et al., 1994; Singh and Dixit, 1994 and Cutcliffe and Gupta, 1980). Further synergistic effect was noticed between boron and zinc with respect to uptake and yield as well.

59 35 Total dry matter (t/ha) Curd yield (t /ha) Legend 30 T 1 - RDF T 2 -RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha-1 Total dry matter and curd yield (t ha -1 ) T 3 -RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha-1 T 4 -RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha-1 + Borax soil 2 kg ha-1 T 5 -RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 6 -RDF + Borax foliar 0.5% T 7 - RDF + ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5%+ Borax foliar 0.5% T 8 - RDF + ZnSO 4 soil kg ha-1+ ZnSO 4 foliar 0.5% T 9 -RDF + Borax soil 2 kg ha-1+ Borax foliar 0.5% T 10 - RDF + Gypsum equivalent to sulphur in ZnSO 4 0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 Treatments Fig. 4: Total dry matter and curd yield of cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron Fig 4: Total dry matter and curd yield of cauliflower as influenced by zinc and boron

60 RDF+ZnSo 4 soil 25 Kg ha -1 + borax soil 2 kg ha- 1 RDF+ZnSo 4 soil 25 Kg ha -1 + Znso 4 foliar 0.5% RDF+Boraz soil 2 Kg ha -1 + Borax foliar 0.5% Plate 2: Comparative effect of different treatments with RDF RDF