Response of Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) to Potassium and Planting Depth

Abstract

A research work was carried to find out the effect of planting depths, potassium levels and their interaction during the year 2012. The corms of tuberose were planted at a depth of 5, 10, and 15 cm and were fertilized with four levels of potassium 0, 50, 100 and 150 Kg of K₂O per hectare using K₂SO₄ as a source of K₂O. Result of the study revealed that planting depth of 15 cm significantly increased length of spike (56.9 cm), number of florets spike^-1 (54.84), and plant height (103.13) cm. Planting depth of 5cm cause decreased number of days to last floret opening (180.08). Potassium level of 150 kg of K₂O ha^-1 length of spike (55.24 cm), number of florets spike^-1 (49.2) and plant height (100.29 cm). Planting depth of 15 cm and fertilizer application of 150 kg of K₂O ha^-1proved to be superior regarding length of spike opening (64.4cm), number of florets spike^-1 (62.2) and plant height (106.20 cm). Hence planting tuberose at a depth of 15cm and fertilizer application of 150 kg of K₂O ha^-1 is recommended for commercial cultivation of tuberose.

Keywords: Tuberose; Potassium; Planting Depth; Number of Florets Spike^-1; Spike Length.