Abstract

Cole crops are an indicator of many nutrient deficiencies. Combined application of different micronutrients may have a synergistic and antagonistic effect on growth and yield. However, the combined effects of micronutrients with PSB was poorly studied in Nepal. The present study was conducted during 2018 to 2019 at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Paklihawa Campus, Rupandehi, Nepal to assess the most economical combination of micronutrients along with phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB). Also, quality parameters such as total soluble solid (TSS), Vitamin C, and pH content in broccoli sprout were quantified. The yield of broccoli was significantly higher (14.39 t/ha) with the application of PSB 10 L/ha + Boron 15 kg/ha + Zinc 1 kg/ha + Molybdenum 1 kg/ha + Manganese 1kg/ha compared to control (11.33 t/ha) and other treatments. Also, the number and weight of primary and secondary branches were significantly higher than the rest of the treatments. The TSS content was significantly higher in broccoli sprout with the application of PSB 10 L/ha + Boron 15 kg/ha + Zinc 1 kg/ha + Molybdenum 1 kg/ha + Manganese 1kg/ha compared to other treatments. However, the application of PSB 10 L/ha + Boron 15 kg/ha resulted in significantly higher Vitamin C content and Boron 15 kg/ha resulted in significantly higher pH among the treatments. Thus, PSB 10 L/ha + Boron 15 kg/ha + Zinc 1 kg/ha + Molybdenum 1 kg/ha + Manganese 1kg/ha was found economically suitable for yield and TSS of broccoli in the plain of Nepal.