Y. Poorna Chandra Rao, C. Kalaiyarasan, S. Kandasamy, P. Sudhakar and K. Dhanasekaran
Abstract
Two field experiments were conducted during February, 2024 to May, 2024 and June, 2024 to September 2024 at Annamalai University to evaluate the combined effects of genotype, plant spacing and INM on sunflower performance in North Eastern region Tamil Nadu. The experimental frame work was methodically established as Factorial Randomized Block Design comprising 20 treatments and 3 replications. The particulars of the treatments incorporated into the experimental design consisted of Factor-A (Genotypes and Spacing): A1 - COSFH4 with 60Ã30 cm, A2 - COSFH4 with 60Ã45 cm, A3- KBSH 44 with 60Ã30 cm, A4 - KBSH 44 with 60Ã45 cm and Factor-B (Integrated Nutrient Management): B1 â Control, B2 - 100 % RDF + 45 kg S ha-1, B3 - 75 % RDN+100 % P K +25 % N through vermicompost (VC) + 45 kg S ha-1, B4 - 75 % RDN + 100 % P K +25 % N through poultry manure (PM) + 45 kg S ha-1 and B5 - 75 % RDN + 100 % P K +12.5 % N through VC +12.5 N through PM + 45 kg S ha-1. The findings indicated that yield, quality and nutrient uptake were markedly influenced by the various genotypes, plant geometry and integrated nutrient management practices. Among the diverse genotypes and spacings assessed, the genotype COSFH4 at a spacing of 60Ã30 cm (A1) distinctly exhibited the highest yield, quality and nutrient uptake of sunflower in both the crops. Concerning the array of integrated nutrient management practices implemented the treatment B5 significantly yielded maximum values for yield, quality and nutrient uptake of sunflower in both cropping seasons. The interaction effect between genotype and plant geometry, along with integrated nutrient management (A Ã B), was found to be statistically significant. In terms of interactions, A1B5 significantly achieved the highest seed yield (2441.74 and 2612.66 kg ha-1), quality viz., oil content (42.00 and 43.00 %), oil yield (1025.53 and 1101.42 kg ha-1) and crude protein content (29.67 and 29.98 %) and nutrient uptake of N (81.27 and 82.82 kg ha-1), P (22.13 and 22.55 kg ha-1), K (73.41 and 74.80 kg ha-1) and S(15.02 and 15.31 kg ha-1) sunflower across both the crops. The lowest recorded values for yield, quality and nutrient uptake of sunflower were noted in the genotype KBSH 44 at a spacing of 60Ã45 cm in conjunction with the control treatment (A4B1) throughout both the crops.