EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF NITROGEN AND DATES OF PLANTING ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF STEVIA (Stevia rebaudiana Bert.

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

MASTER OF SCIENCE (AGRICULTURE) In HORTICULTURE

By H.M. MAHESHWAR

DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, DHARWAD UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, DHARWAD 580 005 SEPTEMBER, 2005

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

DHARWAD SEPTEMBER, 2005

(S.G. ANGADI) MAJOR ADVISOR

Approved by: Chairman : __________________________ (S.G. ANGADI) Members : 1.___________________________ (S.S. PATIL) 2. __________________________ (V.S. PATIL) 3. __________________________ (LAXMINARAYANA HEGDE) 4. ___________________________ (R.V. KOTI)

CONTENTS

Chapter No.
I. INTRODUCTION

Title

Page No.
1-3

II.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

4-22

III.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

23-31

IV.

EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

32-70

V.

DISCUSSION

71-81

VI.

SUMMARY

82-84

VII.

REFERENCES

85-99

APPENDIX

100

LIST OF TABLES
Table No.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Title
Physical and chemical properties of the soil of the experiment site Plant height (cm) at 30 and 45 DAP as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting Plant height (cm) at 60, 75 DAP and harvest as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting Number of primary and secondary branches per plant at harvest as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting Number of branches per plant at 30 and 45 DAP as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting Number of branches at 60, 75 DAP and harvest as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting Number of leaves per plant at 30 and 45 DAP as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting Number of leaves per plant at 60, 75 DAP and harvest as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting Per cent nitrogen in leaf and days taken for first flowering as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting 2 Leaf area (cm /plant) and leaf area index (LAI) at harvest as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting Dry matter (g/plant) accumulation in plants and leaves at harvest as influenced by dates of planting and nitrogen levels Dry matter (g) accumulation in stem and flower at harvest as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting Fresh leaf yield per plant and dry leaf yield per plant as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting Fresh leaf yield per plot and dry leaf yield per plot as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting Biomass yield (t/ha) and fresh leaf yield (t/ha) as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

Page No.
25 33 36 39 41 45 47 50 52 54 58 60 63 66 69

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure No.
1. 2. Layout of the experimental site Plant height (cm) at harvest as influenced different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting Number of branches at harvest as influenced different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting Number of leaves at harvest as influenced different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting Days taken for first flower as influenced different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting Dry matter (g) accumulation in flower at harvest as influenced different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting Biomass yield (t/ha) as influenced different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

Title

Between Page
25-26 36-37

3.

45-46

4.

50-51

5.

52-53

6.

60-61

7.

69-70

LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix No.
V.

Title
Monthly meteorological data for experimental year (2004) and average of past 54 years (1950-2004) of Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad

Page No.
100

LIST OF PLATES
Plate No.
1.

Title
General view of the experimental site

Between No.
27-28

I. INTRODUCTION
Sugar forms an indispensable ingredient in the food habits of human beings. The main source of sugar has been cane sugar with beet sugar contributing a small percentage. The production of cane sugar has been of the order 240 million tonnes and that of beet sugar 19,500 tonnes in India. Though, these sugars have sweetening qualities, yet they have been found to contribute to calories and are not advised for consumption by diabetic patients. For these people, the world of sweetness has seen a sweeter change in recent past with the introduction of Stevia sugar obtained from leaves of Stevia containing compounds about 250 times as sweet as table sugar (Shock, 1982) and 300 times sweeter than sucrose (Nishiyama et al., 1991). Originally Eupatorium rebaudianum, the sweet herb of Paraguay came to the attention of bertoni who later studied it and found that the plant was new to science, which he renamed as Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (Bertoni, 1905). Stevia rebaudiana Bert. is one of the 154 members of the genus Stevia and one of only two that produce sweet Steviol glycosides (Soejarto et al., 1982, 1983). It is native to the valley of the Rio Monday in paraguay, between 25 and 26 degrees south latitude, where it grows in sandy soils near streams. The first reports of commercial cultivation in paraguay were in 1964 (Lewis, 1992). Since, then, stevia has been introduced as a crop in a number of countries including Brazil, Korea, Mexico, United States, Indonesia, Tanzania and Canada (Lee et al., 1979; Donalisio et al., 1982; Goeinadi, 1983; shock, 1982; Brandle and Rosa, 1992). Currently Stevia production is concentrated in China and the major market is Japan (Kinghorn and Soejarto, 1985). The leaves of Stevia rebaudiana originating in Paraguay and NE Brazil containing glucosides which can be extracted and used as sweetners. It is a perennial, requiring short day length, making vegetative propagation more effective. It requires liberal watering after transplanting, before and after harvesting of leaves. These leaves can be harvested in one cut before flowering or in more cuts (Andolfi et al., 2002). There have been varying reports on the most suitable climatic conditions for stevia cultivation. The ideal climatic conditions for stevia according to Shock (1982) was semi-humid sub-tropical with temperature of extremes from 11 to 610C, average annual temperature of 0 41 C and rainfall of 140 cm per year. He also pointed out that planting after May decreased production. From another study, Jia (1984) concluded that the plant thrived well in a warm humid sunny climate, but was susceptible to drought. Matejka (1992) reported that the herb stevia can be grown in warm regions. Stevia still a plant of very recent domestication. If cultivation of stevia is standardized, it may replace the low calorie table top sweeteners of the world such as saccharine, aspartame, asulfam-K, etc. which have prominent place in food and beverage industry, however, these are not only expensive but have bitter after taste. It is believed that yield improvements of stevia can be achieved by selection and breeding for stevioside content, leaf to stem ratios and plant response to fertilization. Hence, there is urgent need of research to establish optimal fertilizer dose and dates of planting to achieve higher vegetative growth. In this line present investigation is initiated with the following objectives. 1. To know the effect of different levels of nitrogen on growth and yield of stevia. 2. To know the effect of different dates of planting on growth and yield of stevia. 3. To know the interaction effects of different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting on growth and yield of stevia.

II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

The review of literature pertaining to the history, agronomic cultivation, method of planting, fertilizer requirement, date of planting of stevia are presented in this chapter. However, the literature on stevia is very limited.

2.1

HISTORY OF STEVIA

Originally Eupatorium rebaudianum, the sweet herb of Paraguay came to the attention of Bertoni who later studied it and found that the plant was new to science, which he renamed as Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (Bertoni, 1905). Shock (1982) reported that leaves of Rebaudis stevia were used historically in Paraguay as a sweetner and as a herbal remedy. There are more than 180 species of the stevia plant. Soejarto et al. (1982) proved that Stevia rebaudiana provided the sweetest essence. Soejarto et al. (1983) reported that there are 200 species of stevia and 40 other species of stevia studied possessed a potent sweet taste comparable to the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves. However, Stevia rebaudiana, Stevia lemomoni and Stevilla monadifalia were found to possess very little sweeteness. Stevia rebaudiana was originally grown in South America. Historically, the natives of Paraguay and Brazil have been using the leaves of stevia as a sweetening essence for centuries. In 1889, Bertoni a scientist in Paraguay discovered that the leaves were being used to sweeten mate tea by the Northern Paraguayans. Half a century late, the British tried to cultivate stevia as a replacement for sugar but the idea never materialized. Three decades later in 1971, Sumidaf Japan was brought and six years later Japan was marketing a sweetner extracted from the stevia leaves (Crammer and Ikan, 1986). Brandle and Rosa (1992) reported that the sweet herb stevia known to the Gurani Indians as Ka-a-He-e have been used for centuries as a sweetner for bitter drinks such as mate tea. Chalapathi (1997) reported that Japan markets a sweetener extracted from the leaves of the South American herb S. rebaudiana. These leaves contain compounds about 250 to 300 times as sweet as sugar. To standardize the cultivation requirements of this crop on a commercial scale. In India, agronomic and physiological investigations are being conducted at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. The leaves of Stevia rebaudiana originating in Paraguay and NE Brazil contain glucosides which can be extracted and used as sweetners. It is a perennial, requiring short day length, making vegetative propagation more effective. It requires liberal watering after transplanting and before and after harvesting the leaves. The leaves can be harvested in one cut before flowering or in more cuts (Andolfi, 2002).

2.2

AGRONOMY OF STEVIA

Stevia performed well on sandy or muck soil with an ample supply of water (Shock, 1982) and on most friable fertile soils (Jia, 1984). There have been varying reports on the most suitable climatic conditions for stevia cultivation. The ideal climatic conditions for stevia according to Shock (1982) was semi-humid 0 sub-tropical with temperature of extremes from 11 to 61 C, average annual temperature of 0 41 C and rainfall of 140 cm per year. He also pointed out that planting after may decreased production. From another study, Jia (1984) concluded that the plant thrived well in a warm humid sunny climate, but was susceptible to drought. Matejka (1992) reported that the herb stevia can be grown in warm regions.

2.3

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF NITROGEN ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF STEVIA

2.3.1 Plant height

Experiments conducted in India and elsewhere indicated that plant height, peduncle length, flower diameter and flower weight of china aster significantly increased with nitrogen application. Watson (1952) in his review on physiological basis for variation in yield concluded that leaf area index is more related to the crop yield as it forms the size of the photosynthetic system. He further stated that any treatment which influenced leaf area and dry matter production would have a bearing on final yield. Regarding the effects of nitrogen on leaf area, almost all the findings indicated that leaf area could be manipulated by nitrogen fertilization. Among the essential elements required for plant height, nitrogen has great influence right from cell division to formation and development of vegetative and reproductive organs. It is a component of protoplasm, proteins, nucleic acids and chlorophyll. It is thus, a basic constituent for life. It is most mobile of all the mineral nutrients absorbed by the plant. Mukundan (1972) at Coimbatore did not notice any influence of nitrogen on plant height and stem girth in two safflower varieties, but significant increase noticed in the number of leaves per plant, leaf area index and dry matter at flowering and maturity stages. Sheelavantar (1973) reported that application of 40 kg N per ha under rainfed condition increased plant height over no nitrogen and 20 kg N per ha. Further, increase in N levels to 60 kg per ha did not affect the plant height compared to 40 kg N per ha. He indicated that total dry matter accumulation and its distribution in leaf and stem at all the growth stages increased in N level upto 40 kg per ha. Further, increase in N levels to 60 and 80 kg N per ha did not increase dry matter production over 40 kg N per ha. Sheelavantar (1973) reported that the plant height was increased by application of higher levels of nitrogen. He obtained 53.1 cm height of safflower plant with 40 kg N per ha, but height was reduced at 60 and 80 kg N per ha which was 50.7 cm and 47.5 cm, respectively. Maheshwar (1977) reported that increased levels of N had favourable and significantly influenced all the vegetative growth parameters studied in maximum increase in plant height, number of nodes, number of branches and number of leaves and leaf area index upto flowering in asters. He also observed increased plant height and number of branches with increased levels of nitrogen upto 180 kg per ha in China aster. Ramachandra (1982) reported increased plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index, total dry matter production and dry matter accumulation in different parts of china aster upto the level of 120 kg N and 60 kg P2O5 per ha and reduced growth at higher levels N and P2O5. Vijayakumar et al. (1988) reported that increasing levels of nitrogen from 180 to 300 kg per ha increased the flower yields in china aster but the increase in the yield was not significant. Plant growth analysis revealed higher leaf area (LA), leaf area index (LAI), total dry matter production, crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) in plants supplied with 240 kg nitrogen per ha. Plant height and leaf number increased with varying levels of NPK, FYM or a super mineral fertilizer (Buana and Goenadi, 1985). Megur (1988) concluded that application of 120 kg N per ha resulted in increased plant height, higher total dry matter production and higher leaf area index in sunflower. Raghuraja (1992) observed the increase in plant height, number of leaves and total dry matter production at the cost of flower yield by the application of higher levels of nitrogen.

2.3.2 Number of branches

Girase et al. (1976) indicated that in safflower number of primary and secondary branches per plant increased with increased dose of N upto 40 kg per ha.

Ingawale (1979) reported that application of 150 kg N, 120 kg P2O5 and 60 kg K2O per ha to Gaint Double African orange marigold gave significant increase in spread of the plants, stem thickness, number of branches and leaf area index. Arora and Jaswinder Sing (1980) reported that application of 40 kg N per m2, 40 g P2O5 per m2, increased the height and yield of marigold plans. Ganga (1980) stated that application of fertilizers resulted in early flowering of safflower when compared to unfertilized ones. Nalawadi (1982) reported that in marigold, highest plant height, number of leaves and yield were obtained with the application of 225 kg N + 120 kg P2O5 per ha. He opined that increase in the fertilizer level increased the cost of cultivation which in turn reduced the net returns per rupee spent on fertilizers. In chrysanthemum, Jayanthi and Gowda (1988) recorded the higher plant height with fertilizer dose of 40 g N + 40 g P2O5 per m2 and more plant spread, number of branches per 2 plant and total dry matter production with fertilizer dose of 30 g N and 40 g P2O5 per m . In the same year Mokashi reported non-increase in the plant height, number of branches, number of leaves with increased levels of N, P in gaillardia. Arulmozhiyan and Pappaiah (1988) obtained higher plant height in marigold by applying 120 kg N, 90 kg P2O5 per ha. Venugopal (1991) noticed the increased values of plant height number of branches, number of leaves, leaf area and dry matter production with increase in the nitrogen levels upto 200 kg per ha.

2.3.3 Number of leaves

Sheelavantar (1974) reported that daily rate of dry matter accumulation during early stages in the whole leaf and stem of safflower was very slow. It was increased slowly during the budding stage. Dry matter distribution in leaf at budding stage. The total dry matter production was more at lower levels of fertilizer whereas it was less at higher levels of fertilizers. Comparison of FYM at 0, 100 or 200 g per plant NPK (28.75:9.38:10.00) at 0, 1.2 or 2.4 g per plant and liquid organic fertilizers as a 200 ml solution at 0, 5 or 10 per cent (v/v) plant. Plant growth and leaf number per plant were increased by FYM and liquid fertilizer, the best calculated results being obtained at 175 g per plant and 6.25 per cent, liquid fertilizer per plant, respectively NPK had no effect (Goenadi, 1985). Goenadi (1985) conducted a glasshouse trial with pot grown plants. The effects of FYM at 0, 100 or 200 g per plant, NPK (28.75:9.38:10.00) at 0, 1.2 or 2.4 g per plant and liquid organic fertilizer as 200 ml solution at 0, 5 or 10 per cent (v/v) per plant were compared. Plant growth and leaf number increased due to FYM (175 g/plant) and liquid fertilizer (6.25%). Narayanagouda (1985) noticed increase in plant height, number of nodes, branches, leaves, leaf area and dry weight at 180 kg N, 120 kg P2O5 and 100 kg K2O per ha. Mantur (1988) reported higher plant height, number of branches, total dry matter accumulation, leaf area, leaf area index, leaf area duration with a combination of 180:120:75 kg NPK per ha in china aster. Mokashi (1988) stated that in gaillardia, the increasing levels of N (180 to 250 kg/ha) and P (80 to 120 kg/ha) did not increase the plant height, number of branches, number of leaves and plant spread. Singhlodhi and Tiwari (1993) observed significant increase in plant height and spread in chrysanthemum with the application of 45 g nitrogen along with 45 g per m2. In golden rod, Ryagi (1994) noticed higher plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and total dry matter production due to increased levels of N.

2.3.4 Fresh and dry leaf yield

Bose (1978) in their manurial study in chrysanthemum reported that 40 g N, 40 g P2O5 and 20 g K2O per sq. m. produced maximum vegetative growth and flower production.

The maximum flower diameter and fresh weight of the flower were also noted in this experiment. Ganga (1980) investigated that total dry matter production (g/plant) and its distribution into leaves, stems and fruiting parts of safflower at various growth stages was more with 120 kg N and 80 kg P2O5 per ha. Murayama (1980) reported that application of 2.1 kg or 1.4 kg per acre of NPK fertilizer produced a better growth rate and dry leaf yield than on application of 0.7 kg. The 2.1 kg per acre application gave slightly better growth and yield than 1.4 kg NPK per acre. Results of Murayama et al. (1980) showed that application of higher dose of NPK produced better growth rate and dry leaf yield than application of lower dose. However, Lee et al. (1980) opined that nitrogen P2O5 and K2O at increased rates did not affect significantly plant height, number of branches and number of internodes but the dry leaf yield was best when higher dose of each of the nutrient was applied. Top dress and foliar sprays of ured did not improved leaf yields. Nalawadi (1982) observed linear increase in dry matter production with the increase in nitrogen level from 75 to 225 kg per ha in marigold. With the increase in nitrogen application, he observed increased plant height, branching, plant spread, leaf area index and leaf area duration in marigold (Tagetes erecta L.). Application of N upto 40 g per sq. m significantly increased the plant height and number of branches in marigold (Arora and Khanna, 1986). Shock (1982) concluded that increased leaf yield resulted from moderate application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Gradual and significant increase in fresh and dry leaves, stem, biomass yields, total soluble carbohydrate and Stevioside content in Stevia rebaudiana Bert. over and within cuts as nitrogen fertilizer increased upto 30 kg N feddan there was increase in dry leaves yield and Stevioside content by 1.9 per cent when compared with 10 kg N per feddon (Allam et al., 2001).

2.3.5 Biomass yield

Junk (1962) in his study with petunia also placed emphasis on high nitrogen requirement for vegetative growth than for generative growth and reduced nitrogen levels at the onset of generative development. Waters (1964) indicated that the effect of excessive nitrogen in chrysanthemum manifested in low marketable flower yield and dry matter production. In petunia, Junk (1968) opined that application of excess nitrogen caused drastic effects on growth and development. A significant revaluation was that stevia did not require high fertility (Goenadi, 1987). Urea treatment with 0 or 1 g per plant combined with 0, 38.4 or 59.5 per cent shade according to Slanet and Mahardi (1988) did not affect the time of flowering and the C:N ratio. Vijayakumar et al. (1989) reported that increasing levels of nitrogen from 180 to 300 kg per ha increased the flower yields in china aster but the increase in the yield was not significant plant growth analysis revealed higher leaf area (LA), leaf area index (LAI), total dry matter production, crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) in plants supplied with 240 kg nitrogen per ha. The growth and yield significantly increased with increasing rates of N:P:K upto 40:20:30 kg per ha. Growth and yield exhibited marginal increase with increasing N:P:K upto 60:3045 kg per ha. Dry leaf yield was high at the rate of 40:20:30 kg per ha (33.1 q/ha). Uptake of N, P and K increased with increasing rates of fertilizers (Chalapathi et al., 1999).

2.3.6 Nitrogen content

Donaldo et al. (1963) noted that nitrogen is an essential unit of chlorophyll molecule, which in turn is essential for photosynthetic process in plants. From the seedlings stage

through final harvest, the soil nitrogen regime affects the process of plant development more than any other mineral elements. In pot culture studies, Bose and Das (1966) observed the deficiency symptoms of each nutrient as aster, Salvia and Zinnia. In this study, the effects of acute N and P deficiency in aster were noticed at the early stages of growth while K deficiency was pronounced only during vigorous vegetative growth period. Nitrogen and phosphorus deficiency resulted in greatest reduction in plant height, number of branches and leaves. Junk (1968) in his study with petunia gave emphasis on high nitrogen requirements for vegetative growth than for generative growth. Penninsfield (1973) studied the nutrient requirement of herbaceous plants and it revealed that phlox tolerated upto 300 kg N per ha and chrysanthemum grew best with 200 kg N per ha. Extensive trials of Penningsfeld (1973) on the nutrient requirement of herbaceous plants revealed that pholx tolerated upto 300 kg N per ha and chrysanthemum grew best with 200 kg N per ha. Angkapradipta et al. (1986a) reported that increased rates of N increased the plant N content and reduced soil P, K, Ca and Mg. The P and K fertilizers increased soil P and K contents but did not affect plant P and K contents. N at 1 g per plant significantly increased foliages fresh and dry matter production and the fresh weight of roots. Application of 0, 0.5 of 1.0 g per plant of urea, triple super phosphate and potassium chloride in all combinations showed that nitrogen had no significant effect. P and K fertilizers increased biomass production. The optimal rate of potassium chloride was 1.08 g per plant. They recommended 1 g per plant of each of the three fertilizers (Angkapradipta et al., 1986b). Lima Filho et al. (1997) reported Stevia rebaudiana grown in nutrient solutions containing four concentrations each of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B and Zn were sampled twice before flowering. Foliar analysis of these nutrients and also Mn, Fe and Cu showed synergistic effects between N and P, K and Cu and P and Fe, antagonistic effects between N and K, N and Zn, K and MG and K and S and bot. Nutrient uptake in Stevia rebaudiana significantly increased with increasing application of N, P and K. The highest uptake of N, P and K (190.1, 8.83 and 161.75 kg/ha, respectively) was observed following application of N, P and K at 60:30:45 kg per ha (Shivaraj et al., 1997). Utumi et al. (1999) reported that macronutrient deficiency in Stevia rebaudiana. Symptoms were yellowing with N deficiency, dark green leaves with P deficiency, chlorotic mottled and necrotic leaves with K deficiency, N, K deficiency reduced leaf growth and therefore the marketable part of the plant, N, P, K and S deficiencies decreased the shoot:root dry weight ratio. The chemical content of the last 5 fully expanded leaf pairs showed good correlation with plant nutritional status.

2.3.7 Leaf area and leaf area index

Leaf area index has been considered as one of the physiological index in determining the crop yields as it represents the size of the photosynthetic system. So, the leaf area is indispensable observation to be made on manurial experiments. The leaf area varies from season to season. Petric et al. (1943) reported that in general, restriction of water supply reduced the leaf area. It was however, true only in the earlier part of the growth period in the field crops. Watson (1952) reported that any treatment that influenced the leaf area and dry matter would have a bearing on the final yield. Brougham (1960) found a positive correlation between leaf area index absorbing 95 per cent of light and maximum growth rate of different species. Several workers gave reported that nitrogen increased the leaf area (Watson, 1947) and Thomas Vergeese et al. (1973). Kbuspe and Sooji (1968) obtained increased number of branches of safflower with increase in nitrogen levels. Extensive trials of Penningsfield (1973) on the nutrient requirement of

herbaceous plants revealed that phlox tolerated upto 300 kg N per ha and chrysanthemum grew best with 200 kg N per ha. Sheelavantar (1973) also reported that higher fertilizer levels produced the highest leaf area over the control and treatment with low levels of nutrients. Thomas et al. (1973) from their studies on the leaf area index, observed that net assimilation rate of sunflower variety, Peredovik as influenced by graded dose of N and P and also revealed that increased nitrogen application increased the leaf area. Maheshwar (1977) reported that in aster leaf area increased with increased levels of nutrient levels and attained maximum leaf area on 56th day after transplanting. Till 56th day, N at 180 kg per ha proved its superiority in maintaining higher leaf area index with both N and P was noticed with advancing stages of growth. Hegde and Havanagi (1987) reported that at high fertility level (80 kg N + 80 kg P2O5), LAI was significantly superior which in turn helped to realize higher yields in sunflower. Sharanabasappa (1990) reported increased leaf area, leaf area index and total dry matter production with increasing levels of nitrogen from 0 to 150 kg per ha in helichrysum. Khimani (1991) in gallardia leaf area per plant and total dry matter production at 100 kg N per ha.

2.4

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT DATES OF PLANTING ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF STEVIA

2

2.4.1 Plant height

Lawrence (1950) found that a daily radiation integral between 1.2 and 1.6 MJ per m per day is necessary for adequate growth in chrysanthemum. The plant height of wild chrysanthemum was reduced by short day treatment i.e., seven hours treatment (Shin et al., 19950. In contrast, long days (16 hours) promoted stem elongation in chrysanthemum (Yulian et al., 1995). Vegetative growth continued for a longer period and the final plant size was greater in April than May planting in Tagetus erecta, Zinnia elegans, Cosmos sulphures (Gamassy et al., 1965). Planting in May resulted in good and well developed plants, while late planting resulted in reduction in stem height and overall vegetative growth in chrysanthemum (Kiyatkin, 1975). The plant height was promoted by early planting when wild chrysanthemums were sown at monthly intervals from June to August (Shin et al., 1995). Plant height was higher in chrysanthemum cv. Raja in case of June planting at 120 days after planting (Deotale et al., 1995). Influence of date of planting on the chrysanthemum has been reported previously by very few workers, plating in may resulted in good and well developed plants, while late plantings resulted in reduction in stem height and overall vegetative growth in chrysanthemum (Kiyatkin, 1975). The plant height was promoted by early planting when wild chrysanthemum were sown at monthly intervals from June to August (Shin et al., 1995). Plant height was maximum in chrysanthemum cv. Raja in case of June planting at 120 days after planting (Deotale et al., 1995). Chrysanthemum planting in May at Pune conditions produced the tallest and most spreading plants when compared to June or July plantings (Meher et al., 1999a). Influence of date of planting on the china aster has been reported previously by few workers. Goldsberry et al. (1988) observed improvement of stem length in china aster with th th th th 29 March planting when compared to planting done on 4 December, 15 January and 6 February. The plant height was higher in July, August and September plantings, when the china aster was transplanted at fortnightly intervals from first January, 1980 to 14th May 1982 under Bangalore conditions (Gowda, 1990). The plants of November planting followed by October planting were superior in plant height, stem girth, number of branches and leaves, when china aster was transplanted at monthly intervals from July to November under Dharwad conditions (Guruprasad, 1999). The stem length decreased to 50.7 cm and 41.3 cm,

when summer aster (Callistephus chinensis) cv. Standby Hellrosa was sown in week 27 and 29, respectively as compared to 62.3 cm when sown in week 25 (Saucer, 1996). Shyu et al. (1994) reported the effect of harvesting dates (May, July and September, 1990) on the plant characteristics, yield and sweet components of stevia. There was significant effect on plant height, leaf length, leaf width, fresh and dry weight of stems and leaves yield and sweet components.

2.4.2 Number of branches

Narayanagouda (1985) observed that in china aster, the plant height, number of leaves and leaf area were more in July. The production of branches per plant was maximum in November planting, while leaf production per plant was maximum in August and October plantings in both years, when the china aster was transplanted at fortnightly intervals from 1st January, 1980 to 14th May 1982 at Bangalore conditions (Gowda, 1990).

2.4.3 Number of leaves

Metitier (1979) reported that plants of Stevia rebaudiana were grown in long (16 h) or short (8 h) days in growth cabinet studies. Long day conditions increased the internode lengths, leaf area and dry weight and reduced the interval between the appearance of successive leaf pairs as compared with the effects of short days.

2.4.4 Fresh and dry leaf yield

Reyes and Manzo (1961) in their studies on sowing date of safflower indicated that later sowing date of safflower between mid-October to late-December, another was the time of harvesting and there was also progressive decrease in yield. Nalawadi (1982) reported that among the eight marigold varieties, significantly highest flower yield was obtained in the variety Gaint Double African orange in kharif and Gaint Double Africanm Lemon in rabi. However, the yields obtained from all eight varieties were higher during kharif than rabi season. The short-day treatment (8 or 8.5 hours) to the vegetative shoots of garden chrysanthemum resulted in quick initiation of flower buds (Cockshull and Kofranek, 1992). Short day treatment (7 or 11 hours) for four weeks promoted early flowering in wild chrysanthemum (Shin et al., 1995). There was delay in commencement of flowering in chrysanthemum CO-1 with a day length of 18 hours for 30 days beginning two months after planting (Dutt et al., 1995). Longer the day length, earlier was the bud initiation in chrysanthemum (Yulian et al., 1996). Ermakov and Kochetov (1994) reported that photoperiod and light intensity were shown to influence growth and biomass yield of stevia under controlled conditions. 2 Regression analysis indicated an optimum light intensity of 90-110 W/m PAR and the optimum photoperiod was 16 hrs. Yermakov (1994) reported the photoperiod and light intensity have been shown to be factors determining the growth and yielding capacity of stevia in controlled conditions. The optimal lighting range gas been determined. The regressive correlation between the dry mass accumulation and the lighting intensity has been derived. Duration of flowering (205.33 days) was the longest when plants were subjected to day length of 16 hours beginning one month after planting for 15 days (Dutta et al., 1995). Yermakov (1996) shown that rooted Stevia rebaudiana cuttings were grown in photoperiods of 12, 14, 16 or 18 h at irradiances of 50 or 100 w per m2. Increasing the photoperiod from 12 to 16 h produced a linear increase in shoot dry mass accumulation and leaf dry weight.

2.4.5 Day taken for first flowering

Maheshwar (1977) reported that flowering was earlier in winter compared to monsoon grown china aster, mainly due to shorter photoperiod and temperatures (minimum temperature 28-300C). However, none of the nutrients and their combinations did significant influence days to fifty per cent flowering. Evidently, climate had dominating influence on flowering in china aster.

2.5

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF NITROGEN AND DATES OF PLANTING ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF STEVIA

Gamassay et al. (1965) studied the effects of two planting dates and three levels of complete fertilizers in Tagetes erecta, Zinnia elegans and Cosmos sulphures. Vegetative growth of T. erecta and Z. elegans continued for a longer period and final plant size was greater with planting in April than with planting in May and the Seed yield was almost doubled with the early planting. Seed production of C. sulphures at an earlier planting was less pronounced and was proportional to the increase in the period of vegetative growth. The fertilizer levels did not have a greater effect on seed production as did the time of planting. The lower fertilizer level used as 400 kg calcium nitrate, 200 kg superphosphate and 80 kg potassium sulphate per ha which gave higher seed yield when combined with early plating dates. Treatments providing 0, 38.4 or 59.5 per cent shade were combined with urea treatment with 0 or 1 g per plant. Shading especially at 59.5 per cent delayed flowering, decreased plant biomass production, significantly decreased the percentage of flowering plants and reduced the rate of flowering. Interaction between shading and urea treatments did not affect the time of flowering or the C:N ratio (Slamet and Tahardi, 1988).

III. MATERIAL AND METHODS

A field experiment was conducted during 2004-05 at Saidapur Farm, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad to study the Effect of different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting on growth and yield of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana). The details of materials used and techniques adopted in the present investigation are described below.

3.1 EXPERIMENT : TO STUDY THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF NITROGEN AND DATES OF PLANTING ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF STEVIA (Stevia rebaudiana) Bert.
3.1.1 Location of experiment
The field experiments were conducted at Saidapur Farm, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. It lied between 15012' N latitude and 70007' E longitude and has altitude of 678 m, it comes under Northern Transitional Tract (Zone-8) of Karnataka state laying between the Western heavy rainfall tract and the eastern low rainfall tract. The laboratory studies were carried out in the Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad.

3.2

SOIL AND ITS CHARACTERISTICS

The experimental site consisted of red soil and loamy in texture. Composite soil samples to a depth of 0-30 cm was drawn from the experimental area before sowing and was analysed for physical and chemical properties. Soil moisture constants and apparent specific gravity values were also estimated for different soil layers upto 45 cm depth. The values obtained along with the method of their estimation are presented in Table 1.

3.3

CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

The meteorological data was recorded during the period of experimentation and average of past 54 years at MARS, Dharwad. The total annual rainfall received during 2004 was 178.0 mm, as against normal rainfall of 763.0 mm for the past 54 years. The mean 0 0 monthly minimum and maximum temperatures were 19.3 and 32.5 C, respectively with 3.94 mm mean evaporation. The mean relative humidity was 61.7 per cent during the period of investigation. The meteorological data during crop growth, development and maturity from May 2004 to December 2004 is presented in Appendix I.

3.4

EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS

3.4.1 Design and layout

The experiment was conducted in Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Considering nitrogen levels as first factor and different dates of planting as second factor. The plan of layout of the field experiment is given in Fig. 1.

3.4.2 Experimental details

There were 12 treatment combinations comprising of four different levels of nitrogen and three different dates of panting. The details of treatments are as under.

Table 1: Physical and chemical properties of the soil of the experiment site

Particulars Particle size analysis Coarse sand (% Fine and (%) Silt (%) Clay (%) Soil texture Physical properties

Values

Method employed

29.84 9.54 42.96 17.63 Loamy International (Piper, 1966) pipette method

Depth 0-15 Apparent specific gravity (mg/m3) Field capacity (%) Permanent wilting percentage (%) Chemical properties Available nitrogen (kg/ha) Available phosphorus (kg/ha) Available potassium (kg/ha) Available sulphur (kg/ha) Organic carbon (%) pH (1:2.5) EC (dS/m) 220 21.5 232 19.5 0.79 6.93 0.65 Alkaline permanganate method (Subbaiah and Asija, 1956) Olsens method (Jackson, 1967) Flame photometer (Jackson, 1967) method 1.41 20.80 9.2 15-30 1.40 21.50 9.4 30-45 1.43 19.92 8.7 Core sampler method (Dastane, 1967) Field method (Dastane, 1967) Pressure plate apparatus 15 bar

Turbidimetric method (Tandon, 1993) Wet oxidation method (Jackson, 1967) Buckmans pH meter (Piper, 1966) Jackson (1973)

LEGEND

P: Planting dates P1 P2 P3 : Planting in October (2004) : Planting in November (2004) : Planting in January (2005)

N: Nitrogen Levels N1 N2 N3 N4 : 60 : 30 : 45 Kg NPK/ha : 75 : 30 : 45 Kg NPK/ha : 90 : 30 : 45 Kg NPK/ha : 105 : 30 : 45 Kg NPK/ha

Fig 1: Layout of the experimental site

3.4.3 Treatment details

Nitrogen levels N1 N2 N3 N4 : RDF - 60:30:45 NPK/ha

: RDF + 25% N - 75 kg N/ha : RDF + 50% N - 90 kg N/ha : RDF + 75% N - 105 kg N/ha

(K and P are applied as per RDF only) Planting dates P1 P2 P3 : Planting in October (2004) : Planting in November (2004) : Planting in January (2005)

Treatment combinations : 4 3 = 12 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T11 T12 : N1P1 : N2P1 : N3P1 : N4P1 : N1P2 : N2P2 : N3P2 : N4P2 : N1P3 : N2P3 : N3P3 : N4P3

3.4.4 Other treatment details

Design Replication Plot size Spacing No. of plants per plot : Factorial Randomized Block Design : Three : 5 sq. m : 45 20 cm : 40 plants

The plan of layout is given in Fig. 1 and the overall view of experimental field layout is shown in Plate 1.

3.5

IMPOSITION OF TREATMENTS

The land was brought to good tilth by ploughing and harrowing. A spacing of 0.5 m between two replications was provided for irrigation channels and working space.

Plate 1: General view of the experimental site

1.

Planting : Planting done in three different months those are planting during (2004) October, November and January (2005).

3.5.1 Nitrogen fertilizer application

Four different levels of nitrogen doses are applied to the respective treatments in the form of DAP, MOP, entire P and K different levels of nitrogen were applied. Fifty per cent of N was applied at the time of planting. Remaining 50 pet cent applied in split doses at 30, 60 and 90 days after planting.

3.5.2 Irrigation
Irrigation was scheduled twice a week.

3.5.3 Intercultivation
Soil loosening was done at 15 and 30 days after planting.

3.5.4 Weed control

Hand weeding was done at 15 and 30 and 45 days after planting.

3.5.5 Plant protection

Termite, black and red ant incidence was noticed. To control them BHC (Benzene hexachloride) was applied to soil.

3.5.6 Removal of flowers

This is done since the leaves are supposed to contain the stevioside and in order to facilitate more photosynthetic leaves the flowers were removed. Flowering as observed 30 th days after planting. Deflowering was done on 30, 45, 60, 75 and 85 day after planting and at harvest. The dry weight (g/plant) removed was recorded.

3.5.7 Harvesting
The biomass was out manually leaving 10 cm of the main branch above ground level 10 days after plating in case of plant crop.

3.6

OBSERVATIONS RECORDED

In order to understand the growth and development of the crop, specific growth and yield parameters were studied. These have been briefly described here. The growth and yield parameters were recorded from the selected plants in each plot.

3.6.1

Morphological characters

3.6.1.1 Plant height Height of the plant was measured in centimeter from ground to base of the fully opened leaf. The mean plant height was worked out from the heights recorded from random th selected plants at 30 days interval starting from 30 day after planting upto harvest. 3.6.1.2 Number of branches per plant Number of branches were recorded at 30 days interval starting from 30th day after planting upto harvest. The mean of five plants was worked out to get the number of branches per plant. 3.6.1.3 Number of leaves per plant Number of fully opened leaves were recorded at 30 days interval starting from 30th day after planting upto harvest. The mean of five plants was worked out to get number of leaves per plant.

3.6.2

Growth characters

3.6.2.1 Dry matter accumulation at harvest After the harvest of crop the leaves, stem and flowers were separated in each plot, 0 dried under shade, for one week then kept at 60 C for one hour and oven dry weights were recorded based on dry weight (g) per pant was worked out. 3.6.2.2 Leaf area per plant at harvest The leaf area was estimated by using LI-COR 3000 leaf area meter. After the harvest of crop, 50 leaves were randomly selected from each plot and leaf area was obtained by leaf area meter. Leaf area per leaf was worked and multiplied with respective number of leaves 2 per plant to get leaf area per plant and expressed in cm .

3.6.3

Physiological studies
Leaf area index was calculated for the crop as given by Watson (1952). Leaf area per plant in cm2 LAI = Land area per pant in cm2

3.6.3.1 Leaf area index (LAI)

3.6.4

Yield and yield components

Biomass yield was represented as total leaf, stem and flower yield and expressed as t

3.6.4.1 Biomass yield per ha.

3.6.4.2 Fresh leaf yield On the day of harvest, leaves were separated and fresh weight was recorded and expressed in t per ha. 3.6.4.3 Dry leaf yield Leaves were dried under shade and kept at 600C for one hour in oven. Oven dry weight was recorded and expressed in t per ha.

3.6.5 Quality parameters

3.6.5.1 Plant analysis for nitrogen content in leaves Plant samples were collected after the harvest of plant and dried first under shade 0 and then in hot air oven at 60 C. The dried samples were powered finely in pestle and morter and analysed for nitrogen, content in leaves adopting microkjeldhal digestion and distillation method (Jackson, 1973).

3.7

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The analysis and interpretation of data were done using the Fishers method of analysis of variance technique as described by Gomez and Gomez (1984). The levels of significance used in F and t test was P = 0.05, critical difference values were calculated wherever the f test was significant. The data was analysed in Dry Soft Computer Programme.

IV. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

The results pertaining to the effect of different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting on growth and yield of Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bert.) are presented in this chapter.

4.1

GROWTH PARAMETERS

4.1.1 Plant height

The data pertaining to plant height at different growth stages enhanced due to different nitrogen levels, dates of planting and their interaction effects are presented in Table 2, 3 and Fig. 2. 4.1.1.1 Plant height at 30 days after planting The plant height recorded under different levels of nitrogen markedly differed from each other. Significantly higher plant height (20.93 cm) was recorded in N4 (105:30:45 NPK kg/ha) over N1 (60:30:45 kg NPK per ha) and N2 (75:30:45 kg NPK/ha). And it was on par with N3. Whereas, significantly lower plant height (18.60 cm) was recorded in N1 compared to other treatments. Significant differences were resulted due to different dates of planting with respect to plant height. Among the three dates of planting plants in January (P3) recorded higher plant height (21.43 cm). While, the plants of October planting (P1) recorded the lower plant height (18.63 cm), which is on par with November planting (P2) (19.31 cm). Plant height did not differ significantly due to interaction effects between levels of nitrogen and dates of planting. However, numerically higher plant height (22.99 cm) was obtained with the combination of N1 and P3 and lower plant height (17.78 cm) obtained with combination of N1 and P1. 4.1.1.2 Plant height at 45 days after planting The plant height differed significantly with the different nitrogen levels. Significantly higher plant height was recorded in N4 (26.68 cm) over other nitrogen levels. However, N3 (26.09) was on par with N4. While, N1 recorded significantly lower plant height (23.83 cm) compared to other treatments but N1 and N2 (24.59 cm) were on par. Significant difference were resulted due to different dates of planting with respect to plant height. The plants of January planting (P3) were significantly taller (26.36 cm) as compared to other planting dates. While, the plants of October planting (P1) recorded the least plant height (24.56 cm) over P3 and was on par with P2 (24.97 cm) November planting. None of the interaction effects between nitrogen levels and dates of planting on planting height were significant. However, maximum plant height (28.01 cm) was recorded during January planting with 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha. 4.1.1.3 Plant height at 60 days after planting Significantly higher plant height was recorded in N4 (34.98 cm) over N1 and N2 and it was on par with N3. Whereas, significantly lower plant height was recorded in N1 (32.05 cm) compared to other treatments. Plant height varied significantly due to differed dates of planting. Among the three dates of planting. Plants of January (P3) planting recorded significantly higher plant height (34.67 cm), while those of October planting recorded the lower plant height (32.72 cm). November (N2) planting on par with both January and October planting. Plant height did not differ significantly due to interaction effects between levels of nitrogen and dates of planting. However, higher plant height (36.42 cm) was recorded in treatment combination of 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha with January planting and lowest plant height (31.11 cm) was recorded in treatment combination of 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha with October planting.

Table 2: Plant height (cm) at 30 and 45 DAP as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

Plant height (cm) Treatments P1 N1 N2 N3 N4 Mean For comparing means of Planting dates (P) Nitrogen levels (N) NP NS : Non-significant P : Planting dates P1 : Planting in October (2004) P2 : Planting in November (2004) P3 : Planting in January (2005) 17.78 18.18 18.92 19.62 18.63 SEm+ 0.31 0.35 0.61 P2 18.11 18.99 19.94 20.19 19.31 30 DAP P3 19.92 20.31 22.53 22.99 21.43 CD at 5% 0.89 1.03 NS DAP : Days after planting N : Nitrogen levels N1 : 60:30:45 kg NPK/ha N2 : 75:30:45 kg NPK/ha N3 : 90:30:45 kg NPK/ha N4 : 105:30:45 kg NPK/ha Mean 18.60 19.16 20.47 20.93 P1 23.11 24.01 25.23 25.90 24.56 SEm+ 0.42 0.48 0.83 P2 23.39 24.45 25.91 26.13 24.97 45 DAP P3 24.98 25.32 27.13 28.01 26.36 CD at 5% 1.22 1.41 NS Mean 23.83 24.59 26.09 26.68

Table 3: Plant height (cm) at 60, 75 DAP and harvest as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

Plant height (cm) Treatments P1 N1 N2 N3 N4 Mean For comparing means of Planting dates (P) Nitrogen levels (N) NP NS : Non-significant P : Planting dates P1 : Planting in October (2004) P2 : Planting in November (2004) P3 : Planting in January (2005) 31.11 32.02 33.63 34.11 32.72 P2 31.91 32.73 33.99 34.41 33.26 60 DAP P3 33.13 34.01 35.11 36.42 34.67 CD at 5% 1.56 1.80 NS Mean 32.05 32.92 34.27 34.98 P1 37.14 38.00 39.90 40.50 38.89 P2 39.99 40.78 42.58 43.63 41.74 75 DAP P3 41.13 41.83 44.80 45.74 43.38 CD at 5% 2.04 2.36 NS Mean 39.42 40.20 42.43 43.29 P1 48.00 49.00 51.85 52.88 50.43 At harvest P2 48.98 50.13 56.89 58.20 53.55 P3 49.90 50.71 58.95 59.31 54.72 CD at 5% 3.40 3.92 NS Mean 48.96 49.95 55.89 56.80

SEm+ 0.53 0.61 1.063

SEm+ 0.70 0.81 1.39

SEm+ 1.16 1.34 2.32

DAP : Days after planting N : Nitrogen levels N1 : 60:30:45 kg NPK/ha N2 : 75:30:45 kg NPK/ha N3 : 90:30:45 kg NPK/ha N4 : 105:30:45 kg NPK/ha

P1
60

P2

P3

50

40 Plant height (cm)

30

20

10

0 N1 N2 Dates of planting N3 N4

Fig. 2: Plant height (cm) at harvest as influenced different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

Fig. 2: Plant height (cm) at harvest as influenced different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

4.1.1.4 Plant height at 75 days after planting The plant height differed significantly due to different levels of nitrogen. Significantly higher plant height (43.29 cm) was recorded in N4 followed by N3 (42.43 cm) while significantly lesser plant height (39.42 cm) was noticed in N1. Plant height varied significantly due to different dates of planting. Among the three dates of planting, plants of January (P3) planting recorded higher plant height (43.38 cm), which was on par with November (P2) planting while those of October planting recorded the least plant height (38.89 cm). A non-significant interaction effects were recorded between different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting. However, higher plant height (45.74 cm) was obtained with the combination of N4 and P3 while lesser plant height (37.14 cm) was recorded with the combination of N1 and P1. 4.1.1.5 Plant height at harvest The plant height differed significantly between the nitrogen levels. Significantly higher plant height (56.80 cm) was recorded in N4 over other nitrogen levels, except N3 which was on par with N4. While, N1 recorded significantly lower plant height (48.96 cm) compared to other treatments. However, N1 and N2 were on par (Fig. 2). Significant differences were resulted due to different dates of planting. Among the three dates of planting plants of January (P3) planting recorded highest plant height (54.72 cm), which was on par with November planting (N2) (53.55) while those of October planting recorded the lowest plant height (50.43 cm). Plant height did not differ significantly due to interaction effects between levels of nitrogen and dates of planting. However, higher plant height (59.31 cm) was recorded with the combination of N4 and P3 and lesser plant height (48.00 cm) was recorded with combination of N1 and P1.

4.1.2 Number of primary branches per plant at harvest

The data on number of primary branches per plant at harvest as influenced by nitrogen levels, dates of planting and their interaction effects are presented in Table 4. The statistical differences on number of primary branches per plant at harvest were found to be significant only for nitrogen levels and dates of planting. Irrespective of dates of planting, the number of primary branches per plant at harvest was significantly the highest in 105 kg N per ha (N4) (16.08), which was on par with 90 kg N per ha (N3) while, it was lowest in N1 (12.90) i.e., 60 kg N per ha. At harvest, the number of primary branches per plant were significantly maximum in January planting (P3) (17.28), while it was lowest in October (P1) planting (12.42). The interaction effects between nitrogen level and dates of planting was found nonsignificant for the number of primary branches per plant at harvest. However, numerically more number of branches per plant were observed in combination with N4 and P3 (20.00), while these were less in combination with N1 and P1 (11.20).

4.1.3 Number of secondary branches per plant at harvest

The data on number of secondary branches per plant at harvest as influenced by nitrogen levels, dates of planting and their interaction effects are presented in Table 4. The statistical differences on number of secondary branches per plant at harvest were found to be significant only for nitrogen levels and dates of planting. Irrespective of dates of planting, the number of secondary branches per plant at harvest was significantly the highest in 105 kg N per ha (N4) (37.14), which was on par with 90 kg N per ha (N3) while, it was lowest in N1 (33.94) i.e., 60 kg N per ha.

Table 4: Number of primary and secondary branches per plant at harvest as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

Treatments P1 N1 N2 N3 N4 Mean For comparing means of Planting dates (P) Nitrogen levels (N) NP NS : Non-significant 11.2 11.9 13.3 13.3 12.4

No. of primary branches per plant P2 12.5 12.7 13.0 15.0 13.3 SEm+ 0.37 0.43 0.74 P3 15.0 15.5 18.6 20.0 17.3 CD at 5% 1.09 1.25 NS Mean 12.9 13.4 15.0 16.1 P1 32.7 33.9 35.3 36.0 34.5

No. of secondary branches P2 34.1 34.9 36.1 36.7 35.4 SEm+ 0.52 0.60 1.05 P3 35.1 35.7 38.0 38.7 36.9 CD at 5% 1.53 1.78 NS Mean 33.9 34.8 36.4 37.1

P : Planting dates P1 : Planting in October (2004) P2 : Planting in November (2004) P3 : Planting in January (2005)

N : Nitrogen levels N1 : 60:30:45 kg NPK/ha N2 : 75:30:45 kg NPK/ha N3 : 90:30:45 kg NPK/ha N4 : 105:30:45 kg NPK/ha

At harvest, the number of secondary branches per plant were significantly maximum in January planting (P3) (36.86), while it was lowest in October (P1) planting (34.48). The interaction effects between nitrogen level and dates of planting was found nonsignificant for the number of secondary branches per plant at harvest. However, numerically more number of branches per plant were observed in combination with N4 and P3 (38.66), while these were less in combination with N1 and P1 (32.67).

4.1.4 Number of branches per plant

The data on number of branches per plant at different growth stages due to different nitrogen levels, dates of planting and their interaction effects are presented in Table 5. 4.1.4.1 Number of branches at 30 DAP Number of branches at 30 DAP, the significant variations on number of branches per plant were observed for levels of nitrogen and dates of planting except their interaction effects. At 30 DAP, number of branches per plant were significantly more and less in 105:30:45 kg per ha (17.79) (N4) and 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha (15.30) (N1) nitrogen levels. Among different dates of planting, number of branches per plant at 30 DAP were significantly more in January planting (P3) (17.12) and less in October planting (P1) (15.79). The interaction effects due to levels of nitrogen and dates of planting was found to be non-significant. However, numerically maximum and minimum number of branches per plant were recorded in treatment combination of N2 and P3 (18.56) and N1 and P1 (15.01), respectively. 4.1.4.2 Number of branches at 45 DAP At 45 DAP, the number of branches per plant were significantly the highest (28.36) in higher dose of N level N4 (105:30:45 kg NPK/ha) followed by N3 (27.71), while significantly the lowest number of branches (25.71) were recorded with lowest N level N1 (60:30:45 kg NPK/ha). At 45 DAP, number of branches per plant were significantly highest in January (27.67) and lowest in October (26.38) planting, respectively, while October planting (P1) was on par with November planting (P2) (26.84). Interaction effects due to nitrogen levels and dates of planting on number of branches at 45 DAP were non-significant. However, numerically more number of branches (29.50) per plant were noticed in treatment combination of N4 and P3. 4.1.4.3 Number of branches per plant at 60 DAP The data on number of branches per plant at 60 DAP showed significant variations due to nitrogen levels and dates of planting except their interaction effect as presented in Table 6. Irrespective of the date of planting at 60 DAP, the number of branches per plant were significantly more in 90:30:45 kg NPK per ha (38.81) (N3) and less in 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha (36.03) (N1) nitrogen levels, respectively. At 60 DAP, significantly higher and lower number of branches per plant were seen in January planting (P3) (38.62) and October planting (P1) (36.08) over other dates of planting, respectively. The interaction effect of nitrogen levels and dates of planting was found to be nonsignificant for number of branches per plant at 60 DAP. The number of branches per plant was numerically more and less in treatment combination N4 and P3 (40.04) and N1 and P1 (34.34), respectively.

Table 5: Number of branches per plant at 30 and 45 DAP as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

Number of branches Treatments P1 N1 N2 N3 N4 Mean For comparing means of Planting dates (P) Nitrogen levels (N) NP NS : Non-significant P : Planting dates P1 : Planting in October (2004) P2 : Planting in November (2004) P3 : Planting in January (2005) 15.01 15.51 15.78 16.88 15.79 SEm+ 0.28 0.32 0.56 P2 15.19 15.68 17.68 17.89 16.61 30 DAP P3 15.69 16.01 18.22 18.56 17.12 CD at 5% 0.82 0.94 NS DAP : Days after planting N : Nitrogen levels N1 : 60:30:45 kg NPK/ha N2 : 75:30:45 kg NPK/ha N3 : 90:30:45 kg NPK/ha N4 : 105:30:45 kg NPK/ha Mean 15.30 15.70 17.23 17.79 P1 25.11 25.81 27.03 27.56 26.38 SEm+ 0.34 0.40 0.69 P2 25.56 25.88 27.89 28.03 26.84 45 DAP P3 26.46 26.50 28.22 29.50 27.67 CD at 5% 1.01 1.60 NS Mean 25.71 26.06 27.71 28.36

4.1.4.4 Number of branches per plant at 75 DAP The data on number of branches per plant as influenced by nitrogen levels and dates of planting and their interaction effects are presented in Table 6. The marked variation on number of branches per plant at 75 DAP were observed for nitrogen levels and dates of planting only. At 75 DAP, number of branches per plant was significantly more in 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha (46.65) (N4) and less in 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha (43.59) (N1) nitrogen levels, respectively. At 75 DAP, the number of branches per plant were significantly maximum and minimum in January planting (P3) (45.75) and October planting (P1) (44.28), respectively over other dates of planting. The results on number of branches per plant at 75 DAP were recorded for the interaction due to nitrogen levels and dates of planting. However, numerically more branches were recorded in N4P3 (47.44) and less in N1P1 (43.09) treatment combinations, respectively. 4.1.4.5 Number of branches per plant at harvest The data on number of branches per plant at harvest as influenced by nitrogen levels and dates of planting and their interaction effects are presented in Table 6 and 3. The statistical differences on number of branches per plant at harvest were found to be significant only for nitrogen levels and dates of planting. Irrespective of the dates of planting, the number of branches per plant at harvest was significantly highest in N4 (48.39), which was on par with N3 (48.17) nitrogen levels, while it was the lowest in N1 (46.32), which was on par with N2 (46.75) nitrogen level. At harvest the number of branches per plant were significantly maximum in January planting (P3) (48.04), which was followed by (P2) November planting (47.42). It was lowest in October (P1) (46.82) planting. The interaction effects between nitrogen level and dates of planting was found nonsignificant for the number of branches per plant at harvest. However, numerically more number of branches per plant were seen in N4P3 (49.39) level, which was followed by N3P3 and it was less in N1P3 (46.78), which was on par with N2P3.

4.1.5 Number of leaves per plant

The data pertaining number of leaves per plant at different growth stages as influenced by levels of nitrogen and dates of planting are presented in Table 7, 8 and Fig. 4. 4.1.5.1 Number of leaves per plant at 30 DAP The number of leaves differed significantly between the nitrogen levels. Significantly more number of leaves (95.40) was recorded in N4 followed by N3 (93.97), while significantly less number of leaves (72.64) in N1. Significant differences with respect to number of leaves were recorded due to different dates of planting at 30 DAS. The plants of January planting (P3) recorded significantly more number of leaves (87.01). Significantly less number of leaves (81.91) were recorded during October planting, which was on par with November planting (P2) i.e., 83.73. Non-significant interaction effects were recorded in different nitrogen levels and dates of planting. However, more number of leaves per plant (100.30) was obtained in combination of N4 and P3 and less number of leaves per plant (71.81) was recorded with combination of N and P1.

Table 6: Number of branches at 60, 75 DAP and harvest as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

Number of branches Treatments P1 N1 N2 N3 N4 Mean For comparing means of Planting dates (P) Nitrogen levels (N) NP NS : Non-significant P : Planting dates P1 : Planting in October (2004) P2 : Planting in November (2004) P3 : Planting in January (2005) 34.34 35.03 37.80 37.15 36.08 P2 36.31 36.88 38.99 39.11 37.82 60 DAP P3 37.42 37.36 39.63 40.04 38.62 CD at 5% 1.56 1.80 NS Mean 36.03 36.42 38.81 38.77 P1 43.09 43.41 45.13 45.50 44.28 P2 43.66 43.94 46.81 47.00 45.35 75 DAP P3 44.02 46.81 47.24 47.44 45.75 CD at 5% 1.06 1.23 NS Mean 43.59 43.89 46.39 46.65 P1 45.78 46.55 47.3 47.64 46.82 At harvest P2 46.39 46.70 48.19 48.39 47.42 P3 46.78 47.00 49.00 49.39 48.04 CD at 5% 0.92 1.06 NS Mean 46.32 46.75 48.17 48.39

SEm+ 0.53 0.61 1.06

SEm+ 0.36 0.42 0.73

SEm+ 0.31 0.36 0.63

DAP : Days after planting N : Nitrogen levels N1 : 60:30:45 kg NPK/ha N2 : 75:30:45 kg NPK/ha N3 : 90:30:45 kg NPK/ha N4 : 105:30:45 kg NPK/ha

P1
50

P2

P3

49

48 No. of branches per plant

47

46

45

44

43 N1 N2 Dates of planting N3 N4

Fig. 3: Number of branches at harvest as influenced different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

Fig. 3: Number of branches at harvest as influenced different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

Table 7: Number of leaves per plant at 30 and 45 DAP as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

Number of leaves per plant Treatments P1 N1 N2 N3 N4 Mean For comparing means of Planting dates (P) Nitrogen levels (N) NP NS : Non-significant P : Planting dates P1 : Planting in October (2004) P2 : Planting in November (2004) P3 : Planting in January (2005) 71.81 74.55 89.23 92.00 81.91 SEm+ 1.225 1.415 2.450 P2 72.91 74.67 93.48 93.85 83.73 30 DAP P3 73.21 75.32 99.20 100.30 87.01 CD at 5% 3.592 4.148 NS DAP : Days after planting N : Nitrogen levels N1 : 60:30:45 kg NPK/ha N2 : 75:30:45 kg NPK/ha N3 : 90:30:45 kg NPK/ha N4 : 105:30:45 kg NPK/ha Mean 72.64 74.85 90.97 95.40 P1 130.64 135.08 187.10 19068 160.87 SEm+ 2.486 2.870 4.971 P2 133.81 138.22 190.55 194.90 164.37 45 DAP P3 135.99 141.90 198.90 205.08 170.47 CD at 5% 7.289 8.417 NS Mean 133.48 138.40 192.18 196.89

4.1.5.2 Number of leaves per plant at 45 DAP The number of leaves differed significantly between the nitrogen levels. Significantly higher more number of leaves (196.89) were recorded in N4 followed by N3 (192.18). Whereas, significantly less number of leaves (133.48) was recorded in N1. Significant differences in number of leaves were recorded due to different dates of planting. Among three dates of planting, plants of January (P3) planting recorded higher number of leaves (170.47), while those of October planting recorded lower number of leaves (160.87). However, November planting was on par with (164.37) both January and October panting. Number of leaves did not differ significantly due to interaction effects between levels of nitrogen and dates of planting. 4.1.5.3 Number of leaves per plant at 60 DAP The number of leaves differed significantly between the nitrogen levels, significantly higher number of leaves (377.95) was recorded in N4 followed by N3 (368.41). Whereas, significantly lesser number of leaves (218.34) were recorded in N1. Significant differences in number of leaves were noticed due to different dates of planting. The plants of January planting (P3) noticed significantly more number of leaves (305.63), which was on par with November planting (P2) (299.35) over other dates of planting. Significantly less number of leaves (288.38) were noticed during October planting. A non-significant interaction effects were recorded due to different nitrogen, levels and dates of planting. However, more number of leaves per plant (386.01) was obtained with the combination of N4 and P3 and less number of leaves per plant (212.00) was recorded with combination of N1 and P1. 4.1.5.4 Number of leaves per plant at 75 DAP The number of leaves differed significantly between the nitrogen levels. More number of leaves (411.36) were recorded in N4 followed by N3 (397.39). Whereas, lesser number of leaves (268.42) were recorded in N1. Significant differences in relation with number of leaves were observed due to different dates of planting. The plants of January planting (P3) observed higher number of leaves (346.07), which was on par with November planting (P2) (339.50) over other dates of planting. Significantly lower number of leaves (328.94) were observed during October planting. A non-significant interaction effects were observed due to different nitrogen levels and dates of planting. However, more number of leaves (416.2) per plant was obtained with the combination of N4 and P3 and less number of leaves (260.43) was recorded with the combination of N1 and P1. 4.1.5.5 Number of leaves at harvest The number of leaves differed significantly between the nitrogen levels. Higher number of leaves (454.50) were recorded in N4 followed by N3 (445.83). Whereas, lesser number of leaves (304.77) were recorded in N1 (Fig. 4). Significant differences with respect to number of leaves were recorded due to different dates of planting. The plants of January planting (P3) recorded increased number of leaves (391.36). Whereas, decreased number of leaves (370.33) were recorded during October planting, while November planting (P2) was on par with both January (P3) and October (P2) planting. Non-significant interaction effects due to different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting was observed on number of leaves. However, numerically more number of leaves (468.00) were recorded in treatment combination of N4 and P3 and less number of leaves (295.78) were recorded in treatment combination of N1 and P1.

Table 8: Number of leaves per plant at 60, 75 DAP and harvest as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting Number of leaves per plant Treatments P1 N1 N2 N3 N4 Mean For comparing means of Planting dates (P) Nitrogen levels (N) NP NS : Non-significant P : Planting dates P1 : Planting in October (2004) P2 : Planting in November (2004) P3 : Planting in January (2005) 212.00 220.21 354.60 366.70 288.8 P2 218.21 227.32 370.71 381.15 299.35 60 DAP P3 224.81 231.80 379.91 386.01 305.63 CD at 5% 11.53 13.31 NS Mean 218.34 226.44 368.41 377.95 P1 260.13 268.50 383.21 403.60 328.94 P2 268.71 275.21 399.81 414.28 339.50 75 DAP P3 276.13 282.80 409.15 416.2 346.07 CD at 5% 11.49 13.27 NS Mean 268.72 275.50 397.39 411.36 P1 295.78 306.13 436.19 443.20 370.33 At harvest P2 303.71 314.21 442.20 452.30 378.11 P3 314.81 323.56 459.09 468.00 391.36 CD at 5% 16.73 19.32 NS Mean 304.77 314.63 445.83 454.50

SEm+ 3.90 4.54 7.86

SEm+ 3.92 4.53 7.84

SEm+ 5.71 6.59 11.41

DAP : Days after planting N : Nitrogen levels N1 : 60:30:45 kg NPK/ha N2 : 75:30:45 kg NPK/ha N3 : 90:30:45 kg NPK/ha N4 : 105:30:45 kg NPK/ha

P1
500 450 400 350

P2

P3

No. of leaves per plant

300 250 200 150 100 50 0 N1 N2 N3 N4

Dates of planting

Fig. 4: Number of leaves at harvest as influenced different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

Fig. 4: Number of leaves at harvest as influenced different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

Table 9: Per cent nitrogen in leaf and days taken for first flowering as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

Treatments P1 N1 N2 N3 N4 Mean For comparing means of Planting dates (P) Nitrogen levels (N) NP NS : Non-significant P : Planting dates P1 : Planting in October (2004) P2 : Planting in November (2004) P3 : Planting in January (2005) 1.42 1.46 1.51 1.54 1.48 SEm+ 0.004 0.005 0.007

Per cent nitrogen in leaf P2 1.44 1.47 1.52 1.54 1.49 P3 1.46 1.47 1.53 1.55 1.50 CD at 5% 0.015 0.017 NS Mean 1.43 1.46 1.52 1.54 P1 15.20 15.60 16.60 18.20 16.40

Days taken for first flowering P2 18.00 18.80 19.20 21.20 19.30 SEm+ 0.50 0.58 1.00 P3 24.80 25.60 26.80 29.80 26.75 CD at 5% 1.47 1.69 NS Mean 19.33 20.00 20.87 23.07

N : Nitrogen levels N1 : 60:30:45 kg NPK/ha N2 : 75:30:45 kg NPK/ha N3 : 90:30:45 kg NPK/ha N4 : 105:30:45 kg NPK/ha

P1
30

P2

P3

25

Days taken for first flowering (days)

20

15

10

0 N1 N2 N3 N4

Dates of planting

Fig. 5: Days taken for first flower as influenced different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

Fig. 5: Days taken for first flower as influenced different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

4.1.6 Days taken for first flowering

The results on days taken for first flowering are given in Table 9 and Fig. 5. Significant differences were found among the different nitrogen levels for the number of days taken to first flowering. The days taken for first flowering are significantly more (23.07 days) in 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N4), whereas it was minimum (19.33 days) in 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N1), which was on par with 75:30:45 kg NPK per ha (20 days) i.e., in N2. Dates of planting influenced significantly on days taken for first flowering. The days taken for first flowering significantly more days (26.75) in plants which were planted during January (P3), while significantly less number of days (16.40) were taken for first flowering in plants which are planted during October (P1). The interaction of different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting with respect to number of days taken for first flowering found to be non-significant. However, numerically more number of days (29.80) were required in treatment combination of N4 and P3, while less number of days (15.20 days) were taken in treatment combination of N1 and P1.

4.1.7 Leaf area per plant

The data pertaining to leaf area per plant at harvest as influenced by levels of nitrogen, dates of planting and their interactions are presented in Table 10. Comparing the leaf area as influenced by nitrogen levels showed significant variation 2 in influencing the leaf area. Highest leaf area (5667.23 cm /plant) was obtained on addition of 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N4), which was on par with 90:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N3). These two levels of nitrogen were significantly superior to 75:30:45 kg NPK per ha i.e., N2 (4609.34 cm2/plant) and 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha i.e., N1 (3083.12 cm2/plant). The dates of planting showed significant variation in influencing the leaf area. Highest 2 leaf area (4825.73 cm /plant) was recorded in January planting (P3), while significantly lowest leaf area (4656.36 cm2/plant) in October planting (P1). November planting (P2) was on par with January and October plantings. The leaf area did not differ significantly due to interaction effect between levels of 2 nitrogen and dates of planting. However, higher leaf area (5738.91 cm /plant) was obtained 2 due to combination of N4 and P3 and lowest leaf area (2957.65 cm /plant) was recorded on combination of N1 and P1.

4.1.8 Leaf area index (LAI)

The data pertaining to leaf area index at harvest as influenced by levels of nitrogen dates of planting and their interactions are presented in Table 10. Comparing the leaf area index as influenced by nitrogen levels, it was seen that there was significant variation in influencing the leaf area index. Highest leaf area index (5.58) was obtained on addition of 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N4) which was on par with 90:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N3). These two levels of nitrogen were significantly superior to 75:30:45 kg NPK per ha i.e., N2 (4.64) and 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha i.e., N1 (3.06). The dates of planting showed significant variation in influencing the leaf area index. Highest leaf area index (4.84) was recorded in January planting (P3), which was on par with November (P2) planting (4.69) while significantly lowest leaf area index (2.89) in October planting (P1). The leaf area index did not differ significantly due to interaction effect between levels of nitrogen and dates of planting. However, higher leaf area index (5.70) was obtained due to combination of N4 and P3 and lowest leaf area index (2.89) was recorded in combination of N1 and P1.

Table 10: Leaf area (cm2/plant) and leaf area index (LAI) at harvest as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

Treatments P1 N1 N2 N3 N4 Mean For comparing means of Planting dates (P) Nitrogen levels (N) NP NS : Non-significant P : Planting dates P1 : Planting in October (2004) P2 : Planting in November (2004) P3 : Planting in January (2005) 2957.65 4584.15 5499.20 5584.43 4656.36 SEm+ 40.09 46.29 80.17

Leaf area (cm2/plant) P2 3072.01 4609.34 5621.15 5678.34 4745.21 P3 3219.7 4634.54 5709.78 5738.91 4825.73 CD at 5% 117.55 135.74 Ns Mean 3083.12 4609.34 5610.04 5667.23 P1 2.89 4.56 5.46 5.45 4.59 SEm+ 0.06 0.07 0.11

Leaf area index (LAI) P2 2.96 4.65 5.55 5.61 4.67 P3 3.31 4.71 5.64 5.70 4.84 CD at 5% 0.16 0.19 Ns Mean 3.06 4.64 5.55 5.58

N : Nitrogen levels N1 : 60:30:45 kg NPK/ha N2 : 75:30:45 kg NPK/ha N3 : 90:30:45 kg NPK/ha N4 : 105:30:45 kg NPK/ha

4.1.9 Nitrogen content in leaf dry matter

The data pertaining to percentage of nitrogen in leaf dry matter at harvest as influenced by nitrogen levels and dates of planting are presented in Table 9. Irrespective of dates of planting, nitrogen content increased significantly due to increase in levels of nitrogen. highest nitrogen content (1.54%) was recorded due to addition of 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N4) and was followed by 90:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N3) (1.52%), 75:30:45 kg NPK per ha i.e., N2 (1.46%) and lowest (1.43%) in 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha i.e., N1. Significant increase in nitrogen content due to different dates of planting were recorded. Highest nitrogen content (1.50%) was recorded in January planting (P3), which was on par with November planting (P2) (1.49) and significantly lowest nitrogen content (1.48%) was recorded in October planting (P1). The nitrogen content did not differ significantly due to interaction effect of levels of nitrogen and dates of planting. However, higher nitrogen content (1.55%) was recorded due to combination of N4 and P3 and lower nitrogen content (1.42%) was recorded on combination of N1 and P1.

4.1.10

Dry matter accumulation

4.1.10.1 Total dry matter accumulation (TDMA) The data on total dry matter accumulation (TDMA) at harvest as influenced by nitrogen levels, dates of planting and their interaction effects are presented in Table 11. The nitrogen levels showed significant variation in influencing the TDMA. Highest TDMA (126.41 g/plant) was obtained on application of 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N4), which was on par with 90:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N3) (121.66). These two levels of nitrogen were significantly superior to 75:30:45 kg NPK per ha i.e., (N2) (90:89 g/plant) and 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha i.e., N1 (81.63 g/plant). Comparing the TDMA as influenced by dates of planting it was seen that there was no significantly higher TDMA (108.78 g/plant) in January planting (P3) and it was on par with November planting (P2) (105.71 g/plant) significantly lower TDMA (100.96 g/plant) was obtained in October planting (P1) compared to January planting. The TDMA did not differ significantly due to interaction between levels of nitrogen and dates of planting. However, higher TDMA (131.63 g/plant) was obtained with treatment combination N4 and P3 and lowest TDMA (80.60 g/plant) was recorded with combination of N and P1. 4.1.11 Leaf dry matter accumulation (LDMA) The data on leaf dry matter accumulation (LDMA) at harvest in this crop as influenced by different levels of nitrogen, dates of planting and their interaction effects are presented in Table 11. The nitrogen levels showed significant variation in influencing the LDMA. Increased LDMA (33.17 g/plant) was observed with application of 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N4), which was on par with 90:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N3) (32.90 g/plant). These two levels of nitrogen were significantly superior over 75:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N2) (23.97 g/plant) and 60:30:45 kg per ha N1 (19.85 g/plant). The different dates of planting significantly recorded higher LDMA (29.61 g/plant) during January planting (P3), while significantly lower LDMA (26.11 g/plant) was recorded in October planting (P1), which was on par with November planting (P2) (26.70 g/plant). The LDMA did not differ significantly due to interaction effect between nitrogen levels and dates of planting. However, numerically higher LDMA (35.82 g/plant) was obtained with the combination of N4 and P3 and lower LDMA (18.95 g/plant) was obtained with the combination of N1 and P1.

Table 11: Dry matter (g/plant) accumulation in plants and leaves at harvest as influenced by dates of planting and nitrogen levels

Treatments P1 N1 N2 N3 N4 Mean For comparing means of Planting dates (P) Nitrogen levels (N) NP NS : Non-significant

Dry matter accumulation in plant (g/plant) P2 81.60 90.92 123.80 126.53 105.71 SEm+ 1.73 2.00 3.46 P3 82.70 93.56 127.22 131.63 108.78 CD at 5% 5.08 5.86 NS Mean 81.63 90.89 121.66 126.41 P1 18.95 22.88 30.80 31.83 26.112

Dry matter accumulation in leaves (g) P2 19.42 23.40 32.10 31.87 26.70 SEm+ 0.75 0.87 1.51 P3 21.18 25.64 35.80 35.82 29.61 CD at 5% 2.21 2.56 NS Mean 19.85 23.97 32.90 33.17

80.60 88.20 113.96 121.06 100.96

P : Planting dates P1 : Planting in October (2004) P2 : Planting in November (2004) P3 : Planting in January (2005)

N : Nitrogen levels N1 : 60:30:45 kg NPK/ha N2 : 75:30:45 kg NPK/ha N3 : 90:30:45 kg NPK/ha N4 : 105:30:45 kg NPK/ha

Table 12: Dry matter (g) accumulation in stem and flower at harvest as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

Treatments P1 N1 N2 N3 N4 Mean For comparing means of Planting dates (P) Nitrogen levels (N) NP NS : Non-significant 46.62 50.32 60.65 62.70 55.07

Dry matter accumulation in stem (g) P2 48.70 52.97 63.93 65.62 57.81 SEm+ 1.20 1.38 2.39 P3 50.66 53.14 68.79 70.16 60.69 CD at 5% 3.51 4.05 NS Mean 48.66 52.14 64.46 66.16 P1 4.73 6.17 9.30 9.43 7.41

Dry matter accumulation in flower (g) P2 4.94 6.03 9.02 9.42 7.35 SEm+ 0.12 0.14 0.25 P3 5.15 5.88 8.73 9.40 7.29 CD at 5% NS 0.42 NS Mean 4.94 6.03 9.02 9.42

P : Planting dates P1 : Planting in October (2004) P2 : Planting in November (2004) P3 : Planting in January (2005)

N : Nitrogen levels N1 : 60:30:45 kg NPK/ha N2 : 75:30:45 kg NPK/ha N3 : 90:30:45 kg NPK/ha N4 : 105:30:45 kg NPK/ha

P1
10 9 8

P2

P3

Dry matter accumulation in flowers (g)

7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 N1 N2 N3 N4

Dates of planting

Fig. 6: Dry matter (g) accumulation in flower at harvest as influenced different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

Fig. 6: Dry matter (g) accumulation in flower at harvest as influenced different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

4.1.12 Stem dry matter accumulation (SDMA) The data on stem dry matter accumulation (SDMA) at harvest as influenced by nitrogen levels, dates of planting and their interaction effects are presented in Table 12. The nitrogen levels showed significant variation in influencing the SDMA. Highest SDMA (66.16 g/plant) was obtained on addition of 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N4), which was on par with 90:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N3) (64.46 g/plant). These two levels of nitrogen were significantly superior 75:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N2) (52.14 g/plant) and 60:30:30 kg NPK per ha (48.66 g/plant). The different dates of planting, significantly higher SDMA (60.69 g/plant) was recorded during January planting (P3), while significantly lower SDMA (55.07 g/plant) was recorded in October planting (P1), which was on par with November planting (P2) (57.81). The SDMA did not differ significantly due to interaction effect between nitrogen levels and dates of panting. However, higher SDMA (70.16 g/plant) was obtained due to treatment combination of N4 and P3 and lower SDMA (46.62 g/plant) was obtained with combination of N1 and P1. 4.1.13 Flower dry matter accumulation (FDMA) The data on flower dry matter accumulation (FDMA) at harvest as influenced by nitrogen levels, dates of planting and their interaction effects are presented in Table 12 and Fig. 6. The nitrogen levels showed significant variation in influencing the FDMA, highest FDMA (9.42 g/plant) was observed on introduction of 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N4), which was on par with 90:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N3) (9.02 g/plant). These two levels of nitrogen were significantly superior 75:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N2) (6.03 g/plant) and N1 i.e., 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha (4.94 g/plant). The different dates of planting showed non-significant variation in influencing the FDMA. However, higher FDMA (7.41 g/plant) was obtained in October planting (P1) and lower FDMA (7.30 g/plant) was obtained in January planting (P3). The FDMA did not differ significantly due to interaction between levels of nitrogen and dates of planting. However, higher FDMA (9.43 g/plant) was obtained with treatment combination of N4 and P1 and lowest FDMA (4.73 g/plant) was recorded with combination of N1 and P1.

4.2

YIELD AND YIELD PARAMETERS

4.2.1 Fresh leaf yield (g/plant)

The data pertaining to fresh leaf yield as influenced by nitrogen levels, dates of planting and their interactions are presented in Table 13. Comparing the fresh leaf yield as influenced by levels of nitrogen it showed significant variation in the fresh leaf yield. Fresh leaf yield (124.24 g/plant) was noticed on application of 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha, which was on par with 90:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N3) (119.55 g/plant). These two levels of nitrogen were significantly superior to 75:30:45 kg NPK per ha i.e., (N2) (74.10 g/plant) and 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha i.e., N1 (63.86 g/plant). The dates of planting showed significant variation in influencing the fresh leaf yield. Significantly higher fresh leaf yield (104.27 g/plant) was noticed from plants of January planting (P3) while those of October planting recorded significantly lower fresh yield (87.57 g/plant), which was on par with November planting (P2) (94.47 g/plant). The fresh leaf yield did not differ significantly due to interaction between nitrogen levels and dates of planting. However, higher fresh leaf yield (134.37 g/plant) was obtained due to combination of N4 and P3 and lower fresh leaf yield (56.17 g/plant) was produced on combination of N1 and P1.

Table 13: Fresh leaf yield per plant and dry leaf yield per plant as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

Treatments P1 N1 N2 N3 N4 Mean For comparing means of Planting dates (P) Nitrogen levels (N) NP NS : Non-significant P : Planting dates P1 : Planting in October (2004) P2 : Planting in November (2004) P3 : Planting in January (2005) 56.17 71.50 109.26 113.34 87.57

Fresh leaf yield per plant (g) P2 63.90 70.08 118.89 125.01 94.47 SEm+ 0.48 2.86 4.95 P3 71.50 80.73 130.50 134.37 104.27 CD at 5% 7.26 8.38 NS Mean 63.86 74.10 119.55 124.24 P1 16.20 19.62 28.17 29.07 23.27

Dry leaf yield per plant (g) P2 17.28 21.15 29.88 30.51 24.71 SEm+ 0.52 0.60 1.05 P3 18.00 22.50 35.28 36.09 27.97 CD at 5% 1.53 1.78 NS Mean 17.16 21.09 31.11 31.89

N : Nitrogen levels N1 : 60:30:45 kg NPK/ha N2 : 75:30:45 kg NPK/ha N3 : 90:30:45 kg NPK/ha N4 : 105:30:45 kg NPK/ha

4.2.2 Dry leaf yield (g/plant)

The data pertaining to dry leaf yield as influenced by nitrogen levels, dates of planting and their interactions are presented in Table 13. Comparing the dry leaf yield as influenced by levels of nitrogen, it showed significant variation in influencing the dry leaf yield. Significantly highest dry leaf yield (31.89 g/plant) was produced on addition of 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N4) which was on par with 90:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N3) (31.11 g/plant). These two levels of nitrogen were significantly superior to 75:30:45 kg NPK per ha i.e., N2 (21.09 g/plant) and 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha i.e., N1 (17.16 g/plant). The dates of planting showed significant variation in influencing the dry leaf yield. Significantly higher dry leaf yield (27.97 g/plant) was produced in plants of January planting (P3, while those of October planting recorded significantly lower dry leaf yield (23.27 g/plant) (P1), which was on par with November planting (24.71 g/plant) i.e., P2. The dry leaf yield did not differ significantly due to interaction between nitrogen levels and dates of planting. However, numerically higher dry leaf yield (36.09 g/plant) was obtained with the treatment combination of N4 and P3 and lower dry leaf yield (16.20 g/plant) was produced with the combination of N1 and P1.

4.2.3 Fresh leaf yield (g/plot)

The data pertaining to fresh leaf yield as influenced by nitrogen levels, dates of planting and their interactions are presented in Table 14. Comparing the fresh leaf yield as influenced by levels of nitrogen it showed significant variation in influencing the fresh leaf yield. Significantly increased fresh leaf (4968 g/plant) was noticed on application of 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha, while significantly decreased fresh leaf yield (2561 g/plot) was noticed on application of 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N1). The dates of planting showed significant variation in influencing the fresh leaf yield. Significantly highest leaf yield (4170 g/plot) was produced in plants of January planting (P3) over other dates of planting, while those of October planting recorded significantly lower fresh leaf yield (3508 g/plant) (P1). The fresh leaf yield did not differ significantly due to interaction between nitrogen levels and dates of planting. However, numerically higher fresh leaf yield (5370 g/plot) was obtained with the treatment combination of N4 and P3 and lower fresh leaf yield (2268 g/plot) was produced with the combination of N1 and P1.

4.2.4 Dry leaf yield (g/[plot)

The data pertaining to dry leaf yield as influenced by nitrogen levels, dates of planting and their interactions are presented in Table 14. Comparing the dry leaf yield as influenced by levels of nitrogen, it showed significant variation in influencing the dry leaf yield. Significantly highest dry leaf yield (1275 g/plot) was recorded on application of 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha which was on par with 90:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N3) (1244 g/plot). These two levels of nitrogen were significantly superior to 75:30:45 kg per ha i.e., N2 (843 g/plot) and 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha i.e., N1 (686 g/plot). The dates of planting showed significant variation in influencing the dry leaf yield. Significantly higher dry leaf yield (1119 g/plot) was noticed from plants of January planting (P3) over other dates of planting, while those of October planting recorded significantly lower dry leaf yield (930 g/plot) in P1. The dry leaf yield did not differ significantly due to interaction between nitrogen levels and dates of planting. However, higher dry leaf yield (1443 g/plot) was noticed with the combination of N4 and P3 and lower dry leaf yield (648 g/plot) was noticed with the combination of N1 and P1.

Table 14: Fresh leaf yield per plot and dry leaf yield per plot as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

Treatments P1 N1 N2 N3 N4 Mean For comparing means of Planting dates (P) Nitrogen levels (N) NP NS : Non-significant P : Planting dates P1 : Planting in October (2004) P2 : Planting in November (2004) P3 : Planting in January (2005) 2268.00 2860.00 4370.00 4533.00 3508.00

Fresh leaf yield per plot (g) P2 2556.00 2923.00 4755.00 5000.00 3808.00 SEm+ 47.41 54.74 94.82 P3 2860.00 3229.00 5220.00 5370.00 4170.00 CD at 5% 139.03 160.54 NS Mean 2561.00 3004.00 4782.00 4968.00 P1 648.00 784.00 1126.00 1162.00 930.00

Dry leaf yield per plot (g) P2 691.00 846.00 1195.00 1220.00 988.00 SEm+ 19.97 23.06 39.94 P3 720.00 900.00 1411.00 1443.00 1119.00 CD at 5% 58.57 67.63 NS Mean 686.00 843.00 1244.00 1275.00

N : Nitrogen levels N1 : 60:30:45 kg NPK/ha N2 : 75:30:45 kg NPK/ha N3 : 90:30:45 kg NPK/ha N4 : 105:30:45 kg NPK/ha

4.2.5 Biomass yield (t/ha)

The data pertaining to biomass yield as influenced by nitrogen levels, dates of planting and their interactions are presented in Table 15 and Fig. 7. Comparing the biomass yield as influenced by different levels of nitrogen, it was showed significant variation in influencing the biomass yield. Highest biomass yield (43.82 t/ha) was produced on addition of 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N4), which was on par with 90:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N3) (42.60 t/ha). These two levels of nitrogen were significantly superior to 75:30:45 kg NPK per ha i.e., N2 (30.48 t/ha) and 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha i.e., N1 (24.12 t/ha). The dates of planting showed significant variation in influencing the biomass yield significantly higher biomass yield (37.67 t/ha) was produced in plants of January planting (P3) over other dates of planting, while those of October planting recorded significantly lower biomass yield (32.80 t/ha) in P1. The biomass yield did not differ significantly due to interaction between nitrogen levels and dates of planting. However, numerically higher biomass yield (47.98 t/ha) was obtained due to combination of N4 and P3 and lower biomass yield (23.50 t/ha) was recorded on combination of N1 and P1.

4.2.6 Fresh leaf yield (t/ha)

The data pertaining to fresh leaf yield as influenced by nitrogen levels, dates of planting and their interactions are presented in Table 15. Comparing the fresh leaf yield as influenced by levels of nitrogen. It showed significant variation in influencing the fresh leaf yield. Increased fresh leaf yield (13.81 t/ha) was noticed on application of 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N4) which was on par with 90:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N3) (13.29 t/ha). These two levels of nitrogen were significantly superior to 75:30:45 kg NPK per ha i.e., N2 (8.38 t/ha) and 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha i.e., N1 (7.10 t/ha). The dates of planting showed significant variation in influencing the fresh leaf yield. Significantly higher fresh leaf yield (11.58 t/ha) was produced from plants of January planting (P3), while those of October planting recorded lower fresh leaf yield (9.73 t/ha) in P1, which was on par with November planting (P2) (10.58 t/ha). The fresh leaf yield did not differ significantly due to interaction between nitrogen levels and dates of planting. However, higher fresh leaf yield (14.93 t/ha) was obtained due to combination of N4 and P3 and lower fresh leaf yield (6.30 t/ha) was produced on combination of N1 and P1.

4.2.7 Dry leaf yield (t/ha)

The data pertaining to dry leaf yield as influenced by nitrogen levels, dates of planting and their interactions are presented in Table 15. Comparing the dry leaf yield as influenced by levels of nitrogen it showed significant variation in influencing the dry leaf yield. Significantly highest dry leaf yield (3.54 t/ha) was produced on addition of 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N4) which was on par with 90:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N3) (3.46 t/ha). These two levels of nitrogen were significantly superior to 75:30:45 kg NPK per ha i.e., N2 (2.34 t/ha) and 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha i.e., N1 (1.91 t/ha). The dates of planting showed significant variation in influencing the dry leaf yield. Significantly higher dry leaf yield (3.11 t/ha) was produced in plants of January planting (P3), while those of October planting recorded significantly lower dry leaf yield (2.59 t/ha) (P1), which is on par with November planting (2.75 t/ha) (P2). The dry leaf yield did not differ significantly due to interaction between nitrogen levels and dates of planting. However, numerically higher dry leaf yield (4.01 t/ha) was obtained with the treatment combination of N4 and P3 and lowest dry leaf yield (1.80 t/ha) was produced with combination of N1 and P1.

Table 15: Biomass yield (t/ha) and fresh leaf yield (t/ha) as influenced by different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

Treatments P1 N1 N2 N3 N4 Mean For comparing means of Planting dates (P) Nitrogen levels (N) NP NS : Non-significant 23.50 29.82 38.05 39.82 32.80

Biomass yield (t/ha) P2 23.64 30.41 43.45 43.67 35.29 P3 25.21 31.20 46.29 47.98 37.67 CD at 5% 1.84 2.12 NS Mean 24.12 30.48 42.60 43.82 P1 6.30 7.89 12.14 12.60 9.73

Fresh leaf yield (t/ha) P2 7.10 8.12 13.21 13.89 10.58 SEm+ 0.31 0.36 0.63 P3 7.89 8.97 14.51 14.93 11.58 CD at 5% 0.92 1.05 NS Mean 7.10 8.33 13.29 13.81 P1 1.80 2.18 3.13 3.23 2.59

Dry leaf yield (t/ha) P2 1.92 2.35 3.32 3.39 2.75 SEm+ 0.11 0.13 0.23 P3 2.00 2.50 3.92 4.01 4.10 CD at 5% 0.33 0.38 NS Mean 1.91 2.34 3.46 3.54

SEm+ 0.63 0.72 1.25

P : Planting dates P1 : Planting in October (2004) P2 : Planting in November (2004) P3 : Planting in January (2005)

N : Nitrogen levels N1 : 60:30:45 kg NPK/ha N2 : 75:30:45 kg NPK/ha N3 : 90:30:45 kg NPK/ha N4 : 105:30:45 kg NPK/ha

P1
50 45 40 35

P2

P3

Biomass yield (t/ha)

30 25 20 15 10 5 0 N1 N2 N3 N4

Dates of planting

Fig. 7: Biomass yield (t/ha) as influenced different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

Fig. 7: Biomass yield (t/ha) as influenced different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting

V. DISCUSSION
The results obtained from the investigation on the Effect of different levels of nitrogen and dates of planting on growth and yield of stevia conducted at the Main Campus (Saidapur Farm), Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during the year 2004-05 and in comparison and contrast of the research results on similar or related topics conducted elsewhere are discussed in this chapter.

5.1 GROWTH AND YIELD OF INFLUENCED BY DIFFERENT NITROGEN

STEVIA LEVELS

AS OF

The analysis of variance on dry leaf yield due to different levels of nitrogen indicated that the treatment which received 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N4) recorded the highest dry leaf yield (3.54 t/ha) which was on par with 90:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N3) and it was lowest (1.91 t/ha) in case of 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha (N1). The higher dry leaf yield due to application of 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha and 90:30:45 kg NPK per ha may be due to the supply of sufficient quantity of nitrogen throughout crop growth period. Shock (1982) concluded that increased dry leaf yield resulted from moderate application of nitrogen. Murayama et al. (1980) showed that application of increased levels of NPK produced better growth and dry leaf yield than lower doses of fertilizers. The higher dry leaf yield with either 105:30:45 kg NPK or 90:30:45 kg NPK per ha has resulted by higher dry matter accumulation in leaf. Leaf dry matter production was maximum 33.17 g per plant due to addition of 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha, which was on par with 90:30:45 NPK kg per ha. However, these levels were significantly superior to 75:30:45 kg NPK per ha and 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha. In this dry matter distributed to leaves of around 26.75 per cent. The variation in leaf dry matter production could be attributed to the variation in the number of leaves per plant. The number of leaves per plant at harvest was maximum (454.50) due to application of 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha, which was on par with 90:30:45 kg NPK per ha. Lower number of leaves per plant (304.77) was recorded in case of 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha. Buana and Goendi (1985) obtained increased number of leaves per plant with increased levels of NPK. Further, the improvement in the number of leaves per plant was found to be concomitant with the increase in number of branches per plant. At harvest, higher number of branches per plant (48.39) due to application of 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha which was on par with 90:30:45 kg NPK per ha. Significantly lower number of branches per plant (46.32) was recorded in case of 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha. Relationship between dry leaf yield and number of branches per plant at harvest contribute to dry leaf yield. The variation in plant height at harvest may also be responsible for the variation in number of branches per plant and number of leaves per plant. The nitrogen levels 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha enhanced plant height (56.80 cm) which was on par with 90:30:45 kg NPK per ha. Lowest plant height (48.96 cm) was recorded in case of 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha. This observation is in confirmity with the results of Patel and Parmar (1986), who reported that plant height and dry matter accumulation were increased due to application of higher nutrient levels. The higher dry leaf yield at higher nitrogen levels may be attributed to higher leaf area per plant and leaf area index at harvest. The highest leaf area (5667.23 cm2/plant) was found to be due to addition of 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha, which was on par with 90:30:45 kg NPK per ha. The lower leaf area (3083.12 cm2/plant) was recorded in case of 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha. The leaf area index increased significantly upto 90:30:45 kg NPK per ha (5.55) and further it was on par with 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha (5.58). As the leaf area index increased the dry leaf yield was also increased, since leaf area index and dry leaf yield were related with each other. Positive relationship between yield and leaf area index was observed in soybean (Santos et al., 1979). The leaf area per unit leaf dry weight i.e., specific leaf area decreased as the dry leaf yield increased i.e., thickness of leaf increases when specific leaf area decreases.

The total dry matter production of crop during the growth period is important for determination of economic yield (Donald, 1962). Total dry matter production was highest due to addition of 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha (126.4 g/plant). Lowest dry matter (81.63 g/plant) was recorded in case of 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha. Higher nitrogen has helped for higher dry matter accumulation which is an absolute essential pre-requisite and photosynthetic ability in a given canopy and in turn during the process of developmental sequence. However, significant amount of dry matter was simply partitioned into flowers, since, flowering was observed in 23 days after planting. The amount of dry matter not realized due to flowering and is given in Appendix II and III. Thus growth advancement declined after flowering. The dry matter production may be further increased if crop would not have flowered. The nitrogen fertilizer application had a significant influence on biomass yield. The biomass yield was highest (43.82 tonnes/ha) due to application of 105:30:45 kg NPk per ha, which was on par with 90:30:45 kg NPK pr ha. This is in confirmation with Angkapradipta et al. (1986a) and Angkapradipta et al. (1986b). They obtained increased biomass production and dry matter accumulation due to application of higher levels of nitrogen. The higher biomass yield was attributed to higher dry matter accumulation at higher nitrogen fertilizer dose. The nitrogen fertilizer levels also influenced nitrogen nutrient concentration in stevia. The nitrogen concentration of the whole plant was maximum (1.54%), which was on par with 90:30:45 kg NPK per ha. Lowest nitrogen concentration was obtained in case of 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha (1.43%). These results are in confirmity with those of Angkapradipta et al. (1986a). They reported that stevia plant nitrogen content increased due to increased concentration in plant which could be attributed to higher availability and uptake of nutrients. Trung and Yoshidha (1983) also reported that nitrogen concentration of mungbean increased with increase in nitrogen fertilizer levels.

5.2

EFFECT OF DATES OF PLANTING ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF STEVIA

Among the various factors that influence plant growth and development, climatic conditions play an important role in the performance of crops. For successful cultivation of any crop, crop should be exposed to an optimum climatic conditions during the growing period, so as to get maximum growth and yield of stevia. Difference in planting dates would bring about a variation in growth and yield of stevia. So, selection of suitable time of planting is necessary to maximize the growth and biomass yield in stevia.

5.2.1 Growth parameters

Dates of planting did not exhibit significant differences with respect to dry leaf yield. Irrespective of nitrogen levels, January planting produced higher dry leaf yield (3.11 t/ha) compared to October planting (2.59 t/ha). Assessment of dry matter production and distribution to various plant parts is important for determination of total yield of crop (Donald, 1962). The reasons for higher dry leaf yield in case of January planting may be attributed to higher leaf dry matter accumulation. The leaf dry matter accumulation was higher in case of January planting (29.61 g/plant) and it was lower in case of October planting (26.11). The variation in leaf dry matter may be related to the variation in number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant and plant height. The number of leaves per plant was higher in case of January planting (391.36) compared to October planting (370.33). The plants planted in January produced higher number of branches per plant as compared in October and November, which produced minimum number of branches per plant. The plants of January planting, which experienced congenial long-day conditions with high temperature and light intensity during vegetative growth resulted in vigorous growth, which enabled them to produce more branches. October and November plants experienced unfavouarble climatic conditions (short-days and low temperature) and as a result had poor growth and in turn had less branches production.

The variation in number of leaves per plant may be due to difference in number of branches per plant, it was highest (48.04) in case of January planting compared to November planting (47.42) and lowest in case of October planting (46.82). The plant height was higher (54.72 cm) in case of January planting and it was lower (50.43 cm) in case of October planting. This increased number of leaves in early planting dates could be directly correlated to the fact that early planting had increased number of leaf bearing points in terms of increased number of branches per plant. The crop planted in October and November produced minimum number of leaves, due to the fact that they did not experience favourable growing conditions during their grand vegetative growth period. The results obtained in the present study are in confirmity with the findings of Kiyatkin (1975) in chrysanthemum. The reasons for higher dry leaf yield in case of January planting, probably due to higher leaf area (4825.73 cm2/plant) produced in case of January planting compared to October planting (4656.36 cm2/plant) January planting recorded higher LAI (4.84) compared to October planting (4.59). Leaf area in stevia differed significantly due to different dates of planting. The leaf area per plant was highest in plants planted in January. Leaf area was minimum in plants planted during October and November. This reduced leaf area in later planting dates might be due to production of less number of leaves, which could be due to reduction in plant height and number of branches. Increased leaf area in the plants of January planting could be attributed to the production of more number of leaves per plant which could be directly correlated to the increased plant height and number of branches. The higher dry leaf yield and growth parameters in case of January planting may be due to dense canopy compared to October panting. Economical yield is part of the total biological yield of the crop and hence the dry matter production is an important determinant of the economic yield (Donald, 1963). The total dry matter production was higher (108.78 g/plant) in case of January planting compared to October planting (100.96 g/plant). The higher fresh leaf yield (11.58 t/ha) was obtained in case of January planting than in October planting (9.73 t/ha). However, there was non-significant differences in fresh leaf yield between the dates of planting. The reasons for marginally higher fresh leaf yield with January planting may be attributed to more number of leaves per plant. This increased number of leaves in early planting dates could be directly correlated to fact that early planted plants had increased number of leaf bearing points in terms of increased number of branches per plant. In initial stages of growth (30 DAP) October planting had putforth good growth with respect to plant height and number of branches per plant, though there were no statistical differences between them. But after 45 DAP, January planting performed better compared to October planting by providing higher plant height, number of branches and leaves per plant. The reasons may be due to (day length) favourable soil physical conditions offered for the penetration and distributing roots.

5.2.2 Flowering
The plants of October and November plantings were early to initiate flower buds, early to flower and early to reach for first flowering while the plants of January were late for the same. Early flowering in October and November plants could be due to exposure of plants to unfavourable climatic conditions during the vegetative growth period as a result they entered early into the reproductive phase as they experienced short days and low temperature which favours flowering in stevia. The earliness in flowering due to short days may be attributed to an earlier morphological differentiation of flowers The earlier cessation of vegetative phase immediately after planting as observed in the plant height and number of leaves per plant at early stages of growth in the treatments of October and November plantings should have also contributed to the earliness in flowering in these treatments. Earliness in flowering due to short-day conditions has been reported by previous workers in chrysanthemum (Bareman et al., 1993 and Meher et al., 1999b). On the other hand, the January planting experienced congenial climate (long days and optimum temperature) and remained sufficiently longer in vegetative phase. The delay may be attributed to the floral inhibitors produced by the leaves under long day conditions, which in turn affects the apical differentiation as suggested by Tanaka (1968).

Plants of later plantings (October, November), which experienced lower light intensity and duration, lower night temperature during their vegetative growth period, remained dwarf and had less number of branches and leaves and as a result had decreased flowering duration. Similarly, Nagaraju (2001) reported wider flowering duration in China aster when planted during May months.

5.2.3

Interaction effects nitrogen levels and dates planting on growth and yield

The interaction effects between dates of planting and nitrogen levels did not exhibit significant differences with respect to dry leaf yield. However, the higher dry leaf yield (4.01 t/ha) was recorded in case of January planting when 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha was applied. Whereas, the lowest dry leaf yield (1.8 t/ha) was obtained in case of October planting with 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha. The differences in dry leaf yield due to dates of planting and nitrogen levels interaction may be attributed to variations in growth parameters due to variations in temperature and light intensity. January planting which received 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha recorded maximum number of leaves per plant at harvest (468), whereas lower number of leaves per plant (295.78) was recorded in case of interaction between October planting and 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha. The number of branches per plant at harvest was maximum (49.39) in case of January planting which received 105:30:45 kg NPK per ha. Whereas, lower number of branches per plant (45.78) was obtained due to combination of October planting and 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha. The higher plant height (59.31 cm) was recorded in case of January planting when 105:30:45 kg NPK ha was applied, whereas, lowest plant height (48.00 cm) was recorded in case of October planting received 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha. At harvest, dry matter accumulation was maximum (131.63 g/plant) in case of January planting when 105:30:45 kg NPK ha was applied compared to that of lowest (80.60 g/plant) dry matter accumulation in case of October planting received 60:30:45 kg NPK per ha. Similar results with respect to maximum leaf dry matter production (35.82 g/plant) was recorded in the same treatment combination. The maximum dry matter accumulation due to higher levels of nutrients may be due to the fact that for initial impetus for plants to grow, sufficient nutrient is very much essential. The plants will have good vegetative growth which in turn helps to utilize light better.

5.3

FUTURE LINE OF WORK

Stevia being a new introduction to India, further confirmatory studies on agronomic practices to enhance dry leaf yields are required to be under taken under varied agro-climatic situations. Future research in stevia needs to be focussed with respect to the following aspects. 1. There is need to carry further studies of this investigation on macro plots followed by large scale demonstrations. 2. There is a strong need to standardize the agronomy of stevia specially with respect to water management, fertilizer and weed management. 3. With the above stated objectives there is an urgency to secure sustainable dry leaf yield through integrated nutrient management and organic farming. 4. Standardization of level of harvesting and interval of harvesting and spacing. 5. Standardization in dates of planting during different months of the year.

VI. SUMMARY
The plant height (56.80 cm) was found to be significantly higher with the application of nitrogen @ 105 kg per ha. The maximum number of leaves (454.50) was recorded with 105 kg per ha nitrogen application. This treatment was on par with 90 kg per ha nitrogen. Higher number of branches (48.39) was recorded with 105 kg per ha nitrogen Application of nitrogen @ 105 kg per ha, it took (23.07) more number of days for first flowering as compared to other levels of nitrogen i.e., (19.33 days). High biomass yield (43.82 t/ha) was recorded by application of 105 kg per ha nitrogen as compared to other levels of nitrogen i.e., 24.12 t per ha. Maximum fresh and dry leaf yield (13.87 t/ha and 3.54 t/ha) nitrogen as compared to other levels of nitrogen. Dry matter production was also recorded high (126.41 g/plant) in 105 kg per ha nitrogen application as compared to other levels of nitrogen. Maximum leaf area (5667.23 cm /plant) and leaf area index (5.58 cm /plant) were recorded in 105 kg per ha nitrogen, which was on par with 90 kg per ha nitrogen (5610.04 cm2/plant). Leaf nitrogen percentage (1.54%) was found to be more with application of 105 kg per ha nitrogen. Since, the results of N3 and N4 were statistically on par to each other with respect to growth and yield parameters. N3 (90 kg N/ha) is the best treatment in relation with cost effectiveness. The plant height (54.72 cm) was found to be significantly higher during January planting (P3). Significantly increased number of branches (48.04) was observed during January planting (P3). Number of leaves were also found to be significantly more (391.36) during January planting. Higher plant height, number of branches and number of leaves were recorded during January planting. Significantly higher leaf area (4825.73 cm2/plant) and leaf area index (4.84) were recorded when planting was done in January planting (P3). Total dry matter production was significantly higher in January planting. Days taken for first flowering were more in January planting (108.78 g/plant).
2 2

Higher biomass yield (37.67 t/ha) was noticed during January planting. Biomass yield, fresh leaf yield and dry leaf yield were also more in January planting (37.67, 11.58 and 4.10 t/ha, respectively). Fresh leaf yield (11.58 t/ha) and dry leaf yield (4.10 t/ha) were also higher during January planting.

From these investigations, it can be inferred that under Dharwad conditions, the application of 105 kg nitrogen per ha was found to be ideal to get higher yield levels. Further, to maximize the yield levels, planting in the month of January was suitable.

Interaction effect between dates of planting and different levels of nitrogen was found to be statistically non-significant.

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Appendix I: Monthly meteorological data for experimental year (2004) and average of past 54 years (19502004) of Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad

Rainfall (mm) Month 2004 January February March April May June July August September October November December Total Traces Traces Traces 24.4 61.1 43.8 24.8 160.7 222.1 64.6 0.6 0.0 602.10 1950-2004 0.086 1.161 0.147 48.45 81.40 109.14 15.77 95.30 100.54 130.99 32.04 54.50 615.52 2004 29.6 32.5 36.5 37.4 33.6 28.8 29.2 27.0 28.6 30.1 30.2 29.4

Temperature (0C) Maximum 1950-2004 29.15 34.52 35.73 37.00 36.52 29.50 22.06 22.01 28.75 30.12 29.46 29.18 Minimum 2004 14.7 16.4 19.6 19.8 21.4 21.5 21.0 20.3 19.9 18.4 15.9 12.5 1950-2004 19.23 16.02 18.81 21.32 21.48 21.21 20.95 20.62 20.16 19.30 15.50 13.44

Relative humidity (%) 2004 54 53 49 51 66 80 79 83 77 65 52 45 1950-2004 63.37 51.18 56.47 76.98 66.71 81.69 87.46 86.51 82.40 76.44 68.13 63.81

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF NITROGEN AND DATES OF PLANTING ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF STEVIA (Stevia rebaudiana Bert.)
H. M. MAHESHWAR 2005
ABSTRACT
Sugar forms an indispensable ingredient in the food habits of human beings. The production of cane sugar has been of the order 240 million tonnes and that of beet sugar 19,500 tonnes in India. Though, these sugars have sweetening qualities, yet they have been found to contribute to calories and are not advised for consumption by diabetic patients. For these people, the world of sweetness has seen a sweeter change in recent past with the introduction of Stevia sugar obtained from leaves of Stevia containing compounds about 250 times as sweet as table sugar and 300 times sweeter than sucrose. The plant height (56.80 cm) was found to be significantly higher with the application of nitrogen @ 105 kg per ha. The maximum number of leaves (454.50) was recorded with 105 kg per ha nitrogen application. This treatment was on par with 90 kg nitrogen per ha. Higher number of branches (48.39) was recorded with 105 kg nitrogen per ha. High biomass yield (43.82 t/ha) was recorded by application of 105 kg nitrogen per ha. Maximum fresh and dry leaf yield (13.87 t/ha and 3.54 t/ha, respectively) nitrogen as compared to other levels of nitrogen. Dry matter production was also recorded high (126.41 g/plant) in 105 kg nitrogen per ha application as compared to other levels of nitrogen. Maximum leaf area (5667.23 cm2/plant) and leaf area index (5.58 cm2/plant) were recorded in 105 kg nitrogen per ha, which was on par with 90 kg nitrogen per ha (5610.04 cm2/plant). Leaf nitrogen percentage (1.54%) was found to be more with application of 105 kg nitrogen per ha, 105 and 90 kg nitrogen per ha were on par with each other with respect to most of the growth and yield attributes. Hence, 90 kg nitrogen per ha is more economical.

Dr. S. G. ANGADI
Major Advisor