Exploring possibilities of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) production under organic management

Abstract

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) was introduced as part of the Indian government's efforts to diversify and modernize agriculture in the region. Its introduction has helped J&K farmers to increase their income through higher market prices and to gain access to new markets and trade opportunities. It being a nutrient-demanding crop, farmers use high doses of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides and if consumed as salad or half-boiled in many culinary dishes, these chemicals are likely to impact the health of consumers and affect the environment. Therefore, alternative usage to these chemicals using combinations of organic inputs was aimed at producing a healthy crop of broccoli. It was concluded that the application of FYM@ 25 t/ha as a basal dose in the presence of seedling dip treatment of biofertilizers (Azotobacter @ 0.5 kg/ha + Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria @l kg/ha + Potassium-Mobilizing Bacteria @ 750 ml/ha) along with the scheduled application of Neem oil +Baeuveria bassiana at 1, 3, 7 and 15 days of interval after disease symptoms was found superior in obtaining higher curd yield (109.57 q/ha) and seed yield (604.96 kg/ha).

Keywords

• brassica oleracea var. italica
• organic manures
• biopesticides
• biofertilizers
• subtropical conditions