Dynamics of growth and yield of garlic in variable planting time and applied nutrients

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in rabi season to assess the performance of garlic under three sowing dates and eight nutrient levels. Vegetative growth parameters significantly influenced with the earliest dates of planting (November 15) along with NPK at 60, 60, 120 kg ha-1 in combination with either mustard cake or neemcake (5 t ha-1) or FYM (30 t ha-1). A reduction in nutrient levels and delay in planting beyond November 15 increased in shoot/ bulb ratio. The migration coefficient gradually decreased with delay in planting beyond November 15. The weight of individual clove was reduced by nearly 60% with delayed planting on December 25. Maximum yield of bulb was recorded (5.4 t ha-1) with early planting date (November 15) along with application on NPK at the highest level in combination with mustard cake @ 5 t ha-1. Compared to other dates of plantings under West Bengal conditions.