Effect of Azolla Biofertilizer Extract on gro...

Effect of Azolla Biofertilizer Extract on growth development of Tomato (PKM - 1) by Protray method

Author Name : S.J. Aruna, J.P. Jinisha Blessie, D. Gayathri, V. Preethi, A. Roshan Sarmila, N. Tharani

ABSTRACT

A study was conducted to know the effect of Azolla biofertilizer extract on seed germination and vegetative growth of Tomato (PKM-1). All seeds were grouped into 7 groups (5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100% and Control), which were equivalent to different Azolla biofertilizer extract. Seeds of each group were left immersed in the equivalent concentration 24 hours before sowing with growing media of vermicompost and cocopith in 1:1 ratio (Last week of May). A total of seven different treatments of protray containing vermicompost and cocopith (1:1) amended with 10% (T1), 20% (T2), 30% (T3), 40% (T4), 50% (T5), 100% (T6) and control of fresh Azolla biofertilizer extract.

Seed germination was determined at 14 DAS and 25 DAT. Vegetative growth parameters like number of leaves, plant height and number of branches were observed. The results of the study showed that, high percentage of seed germination (84.61%) was recorded with the treatment incorporated 30% (T3) of Azolla biofertilizer extract followed by 20% (76.92%), 40% (76.92%), 50% (76.92%), 10% (69.23) and 100% (69.23) respectively.

Suggested design for this experiment is Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 7 treatment and 3 replication. This study showed that Azolla could be used as a supplement for increased biomass and overall yield of Tomato.

Key words: Tomato seeds, Azolla biofertilizer extract, Seed germination, Vegetative growth