Evaluation of effect of different doses of CaCl2 and CaNO3 foliar applications on Growth and Flowering of Petunia grandiflora

Abstract

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17863376

The experiment was based on a randomized complete block design with six calcium doses of 0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0 g L-1 supplied from CaCl2 and CaNO3 with three replicates in 2018-2020. Uniform-sized petunia corms were planted in plots spaced by 30 × 25 cm. Foliar fertilizers were sprayed twice, first after inflorescence emergence and second 12 days later. All the cultural operations (fertilization, irrigation, and control) were conducted similarly in all plots. The soil was analyzed for physicochemical properties. The soil texture was Loamy soils (Moderately fine texture)  sand-45, Silt-Clay-22 (Sandy clay loam). The soil organic C-0.38, total N0.05, P-8.9, and K198mg kg^-1 contents were observed. The total Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and B concentrations were 4.00, 0.67, 5.21, 0.4, and 0.71 mg kg^-1, respectively. Also, the soil pH and EC were 7.2 and 1.0 dS m^-1, respectively. Each plot was treated with Sulphur 90% W.D.G. Helps in maintaining the appropriate pH of the soil, thereby better uptake of other nutrients. , ammonium nitrate used in agriculture as a high-nitrogen fertilizer, Super phosphate at 200kg per hectare and phosphorus and potassium sulfate (K2SO⁴) as potassium sources were added to the field at the rates of 200 and 380 kg ha^-1, respectively. ZnSo4, Cuso4, MnSo4Fe, Boric Acid are also added to enrich micronutrients in the field.