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GROWTH AND YIELD OF CABBAGE AS INFLUENCED BY GA3 AND PHOSPHORUS. FALGONI AFRIN. DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE SHER-E-BANGLA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY DHAKA-1207. DECEMBER, 2013. GROWTH AND YIELD OF CABBAGE AS INFLUENCED BY GA3 AND PHOSPHORUS. BY FALGONI AFRIN Reg. No.: 07-02522 A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Horticulture Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka. In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS) IN HORTICULTURE SEMESTER: JULY-DECEMBER, 2013 APPROVED BY:. _____________________________ ___ Prof. Md. Hasanuzzaman Akand. Islam Department of Horticulture SAU, Dhaka Supervisor. _______________________-. Prof. Dr. Md. Nazrul Department of Horticulture SAU, Dhaka Co-Supervisor. _______________________ Dr. A. F. M. Jamal Uddin. Chairman Examination Committee. DEDICATED TO BELOVED PARENTS. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS All praises to the Almightly and Kindfull trust on to “Omnipotent Creator” for His never-ending blessing, the author deems it a great pleasure to express her profound gratefulness to her respected parents, who entiled much hardship inspiring for prosecuting her studies, receiving proper education. The author feels proud to express her heartiest sence of gratitude, sincere appreciation and immense indebtedness to her supervisor Professor Md. Hasanuzzaman. Akand,. Department. of. Horticulture,. Sher-e-Bangla. Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka, for his continuous scholastic and intellectual guidance, cooperation, constructive criticism and suggestions in carrying out the research work and preparation of thesis, without his intense cooperation this work would not have been possible. The author feels proud to express her deepest respect, sincere appreciation and immense indebtedness to her co-supervisor Profesor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Department of Horticulture, SAU, Dhaka, for her scholastic and continuous guidance, constructive criticism and valuable suggestions during the entire period of course and research work and preparation of this thesis. The author expresses her sincere respect to Dr. A. F. M. Jamal Uddin, Associate Professor. and. Chairman,. Departement. of. Horticulture,. Sher-e-Bangla. Agricultural University, Dhaka for valuable suggestions and cooperation during the study period. The author also expresses her heartfelt thanks to all the teachers of the Department of Horticulture, SAU, for their valuable teaching, suggestions and encouragement during the period of the study.. The author expresses her sincere appreciation to her husband, brother, sisters, relatives, well wishers and friends for their inspiration, help and encouragement throughout the study. The Authress. GROWTH AND YIELD OF CABBAGE AS INFLUENCED BY GA3 AND PHOSPHORUS ABSTRACT The experiment was conducted in the Horticulture Farm, Shar-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during October 2012 to March 2013. The experiment consisted of two factors: Factor A: Three levels of Gibberellic acidGA3 i.e. G0: 0 (control); G1: 70 and G2: 90 GA3 and Factor B: Four levels of phosphorus as- P0: (control); P1: 120; P2: 140 and P3: 160 kg P2O5/ha, respectively. The two factorial experiment was laid out in the Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. For gibberellic acid, the highest gross weight of head (1.49 kg) and marketable yield (52.66 t/ha) was from G1, while the lowest gross weight of head (1.29 kg) and marketable yield (47.19 t/ha) was from G0. For phosphorus, the highest gross weight of head (1.40 kg) and marketable yield (54.28 t/ha) was from P2, whereas the lowest gross weight of head (1.12 kg) and marketable yield (45.94 t/ha) was from P0. For combined effect, the highest gross weight of head (1.73 kg) and marketable yield (60.31 t/ha) was from G1P2 and the lowest gross weight of head (1.21 kg) and marketable yield (44.18 t/ha) was from G0P0. The highest BCR (2.20) was from G1P2 and the lowest (1.67) from G0P0. So, 70 ppm GA3 with 140 kg P2O5/ha is the best for growth and yield of cabbage.. TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER. TITLE. PAGE NO.. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. i. ABSTRACT. ii. LIST OF CONTENTS. iii. LIST OF TABLES. v. LIST OF FIGURES. vi. LIST OF APPENDICES. vii. I. INTRODUCTION. 01. II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE. 04. 2.1 Effect of GA3 on growth and yield of cabbage. 04. 2.2 Effect of phosphorus fertilizer on growth and yield of cabbage. 08. MATERIALS AND METHODS. 14. 3.1 Location of the experimental site. 14. 3.2 Characteristics of soil. 14. 3.3 Climatic condition of the experimental site. 14. 3.4 Planting materials. 15. 3.5 Treatment of the experiment. 15. 3.6 Collection of seedlings. 15. 3.7 Design and layout of the experiment. 15. 3.8 Preparation of the main field. 17. 3.9 Application of manure and fertilizers. 17. 3.10 Collection, preparation and application of growth regulator. 17. 3.11 Raising of seedlings. 18. 3.12 Transplanting. 18. 3.13 Intercultural operation. 19. III. CHAPTER. IV. V. TITLE. PAGE NO.. 3.14 Harvesting. 20. 3.15 Data collection. 20. 3.15 Statistical analysis. 24. 3.16 Economic analysis. 24. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. 25. 4.1 Plant height. 25. 4.2 Number of leaves per plant. 27. 4.3 Plant spread. 31. 4.4 Days to 1st head formation. 31. 4.5 Length of stem. 35. 4.6 Diameter of stem. 37. 4.7 Fresh weight of stem. 37. 4.8 Dry matter content of stem. 38. 4.9 Thickness of head. 38. 4.10 Diameter of head. 40. 4.11 Dry matter content of head. 40. 4.12 Gross weight of head per plant. 43. 4.13 Marketable yield per plant. 44. 4.14 Gross yield per plot. 44. 4.15 Marketable yield per plot. 46. 4.16. Gross yield per hectare. 46. 4.17 Marketable yield per hectare. 48. 4.18 Economic analysis. 49. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION. 51. CHAPTER. TITLE. PAGE NO.. REFERENCES. 56. APPENDICES. 61. LIST OF TABLES TITLE. PAGE NO.. Table 1.. Dose and method of application of fertilizers in cabbage field. 17. Table 2.. Combined effect of different levels of GA3 and phosphorus on plant height and number of leaves per plant of cabbage. 28. Table 3.. Combined effect of different levels of GA3 and phosphorus on plant height and number of leaves per plant of cabbage. 30. Table 4.. Combined effect of different levels of GA3 and phosphorus on plant spread and length of longest leaf of cabbage. 33. Table 5.. Effect of different levels of GA3 and phosphorus on yield contributing characters of cabbage. 34. Table 6.. Combined effect of different levels of GA3 and phosphorus on yield contributing characters of cabbage. 36. Table 7.. Effect of different levels of GA3 and phosphorus on yield contributing characters and yield of cabbage. 41. Table 8.. Combined effect of different levels of GA3 and phosphorus on yield contributing characters and yield of cabbage. 42. Table 9.. Effect of different levels of GA3 and phosphorus on yield of cabbage. 45. Table 10.. Combined effect of different levels of GA3 and phosphorus on yield of cabbage. 47. Table 11.. Cost and return of cabbage cultivation as influenced by different levels of GA3 and phosphorus. 50. LIST OF FIGURES TITLE. PAGE NO.. Fig. 1.. Layout of the experimental plot. 16. Fig. 2.. Effect of different levels of gibberellic acid on plant height of cabbage. 26. Fig. 3.. Effects of phosphorus fertilizer on plant height of cabbage. 26. Fig. 4.. Effect of different levels of gibberellic acid on number of leaves per plant of cabbage. 29. Fig. 5.. Effects of phosphorus fertilizer on number of leaves per plant of cabbage. 29. Fig. 6.. Effect of different levels of gibberellic acid on plant spread of cabbage. 32. Fig. 7.. Effects of phosphorus fertilizer on plant spread of cabbage. 32. Fig. 8.. Effect of different levels of gibberellic acid thickness of head of cabbage. on. 39. Fig. 9.. Effect of different levels of phosphorus fertilizer on thickness of head of cabbage. 39. LIST OF APPENDICES TITLE. PAGE NO.. Appendix I.. Soil characteristics of experimental field as analyzed by Soil Resources Development Institute (SRDI), Khamarbari, Farmgate, Dhaka. 61. Appendix II.. Monthly record of air temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and sunshine hour of the experimental site during the period from October 2012 to March 2013. 61. Appendix III.. Analysis of variance of the data on plant height of cabbage as influenced by different levels of gibberellic acid and phosphorus. 62. Appendix IV.. Analysis of variance of the data on number of leaves of cabbage as influenced by different levels of gibberellic acid and phosphorus. 62. Appendix V.. Analysis of variance of the data on plant spread of cabbage as influenced by different levels of gibberellic acid and phosphorus. 63. Appendix VI.. Analysis of variance of the data on yield contributing characters of cabbage as influenced by different levels of gibberellic acid and phosphorus. 63. Appendix VII.. Analysis of variance of the data on yield contributing characters and yield of cabbage as influenced by different levels of gibberellic acid and phosphorus. 64. Appendix VIII. Analysis of variance of the data on yield of cabbage as influenced by different levels of gibberellic acid and phosphorus. 64. Appendix IX.. 65. Per hectare production cost of cabbage. DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207. CERTIFICATE This is to certify that the thesis entitled ‘Growth and Yield of Cabbage as Influenced by GA3 and Phosphorus submitted to the Department of Horticulture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE in HORTICULTURE, embodies the result of a piece of bona fide research work carried out by FALGONI AFRIN, Registration No. 07-02522 under my supervision and guidance. No part of the thesis has been submitted for any other degree or diploma. I further certify that any help or source of information, received during the course of this investigation has been duly acknowledged.. Dated: December, 2013 Dhaka, Bangladesh. Prof. Md. Hasanuzzaman Akand Department of Horticulture Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Dhaka-1207 Supervisor. CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION. Cabbage or ‘Bhadha Kopi’ (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) is one of the popular winter vegetables in Bangladesh belongs to the family Cruciferae. This vegetable is rich in vitamins and minerals and the scale of its production is increasing day by day (Quayyum and Akanda, 1988). It is a short duration crop and grown for its compact head. This unique vegetable has been widely grown in both tropical and temperate regions of the world (Sarker et al., 2002). It is also a well known and widely distributed crop within Asia and has been introduced successfully into parts of Central America, West Africa, America, Canada and Europe (Talekar and Selleck, 1982). It is one of the five leading vegetables in our country and ranks third in respect of production and area. At present the annual production of cabbage is about 220 thousand metric tons (BBS, 2012). Among the five leading vegetables of Bangladesh, the cabbage occupied an area of 11.37 thousand hectares of land (BBS, 2012). Vegetable production in Bangladesh is far below of actual requirements. In 2010-2011, total vegetable (summer and winter season) production area was 645.04 thousand hectares of land with total production of 1.87 million tons (BBS, 2012). The per capita consumption of vegetables is only about 30 g, when the per capita consumption in Nepal (42 g), Pakistan (69 g), Srilanka (120 g) and India (135 g) which are higher than that of Bangladesh (Ramphall. and Gill, 1990). Cabbage can play a vital role in elevating the nutritional status of Bangladesh, as it is rich in vitamins and minerals such as carotene, ascorbic acid and contains appreciable quantities of thiamin, riboflavin, calcium and iron (Thompson and Kelly, 1985). It has been reported that 100 g of edible portion of cabbage contains 92% water, 24 calories of food energy, 1.5 g of protein, 9.8 g of carbohydrate, 40 mg of Ca, 0.6 mg of Fe, 600 IU of Carotene, 0.05 mg of thiamine, 0.05 mg of riboflavin, 0.3 mg of niacin and 60 mg of vitamin E (Rashid, 1993). According to FAO (1999) the average yield of cabbage is low in Bangladesh compared to other countries like South Korea (61.17 t/ha), Germany (54.81 t/ha), Japan (40.31 t/ha) and India (19.10 t/ha) and the low yield of this crop however is not an indication of low yielding potentiality of this crop. However, low yield may be attributed to a number of reasons viz. unavailability of quality seeds of high yielding varieties, delayed sowing after the harvest of transplanted aman rice, fertilizer management, disease and insect infestation and improper or limited irrigation facilities. Among different factors plant growth regulators and phosphorus fertilizer can play an important role for increasing the production of cabbage in Bangladesh (Dharmender et al., 1996; Yadav et al., 2000). Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are organic compounds other than nutrients; small amount of which are capable of modifying growth. It plays an essential role in many aspects of plant growth and development (Patil et al., 1987 and Dharmender et al., 1996). Cabbage was found to show a quick growth when treated with plant growth regulators (Islam et al., 1993). Application of GA3 stimulates morphological characters like plant height, number of leaves, head diameter, thickness of head as well as the weight of the head. The concentrations of these chemicals interacting with the environmental conditions play an important role in modifying the growth and yield components of cabbage.. Considering the above factors, the present study was undertaken to find out the effect of starter solution, appropriate concentration of GA3 and starter solution along with different concentrations of GA3 for better vegetative growth, maximum yield and economic return of cabbage. This was observed in many plants after treatment with minute amount of gibberellic acid (GA3). However, recently done preliminary trials indicate possibility of yields increase of cabbage in Bangladesh with the use of biochemical (Islam et al., 1993; Biswas and Mondal, 1994). Application of gibberellic acid can stimulate morphological characteristics of cabbage like plant height, number of leaves, head diameter, head thickness as well as weight of head. If growth could be enhanced by applying gibberellic acid, farmers can get higher economic return by matching up the demand of off season. Deficiency of soil nutrient is now considered as one of the major constraints to successful upland crop production in Bangladesh (Islam and Noor, 1982). The cultivation of vegetable crops requires proper supply of plant nutrient. Cabbage responds greatly to major essential elements like N, P and K for its growth and yield (Thompson and Kelly, 1988). Phosphorus is also one of the important essential macro elements for the normal growth and development of plant. The phosphorus requirements vary depending upon the nutrient content of the soil (Bose and Som, 1986). Phosphorus shortage restricted the plant growth and remains immature (Hossain, 1990). Cabbage is a short duration crop, for that easily soluble fertilizer like as phosphorus should be applied in the field. On the other hand nutrient availability in a soil depends on some factors, among them balance fertilizer is the important one. The optimum proportion of fertilizer enhances the growth and development of a crop as well as ensures the availability of other essential nutrients for the plant. Again secondary mechanism of interference was the absorption of phosphorus from the soil through luxury consumption, increasing the tissue content without enhancing smooth biomass accumulation (Santos et al., 2004). Considering the above perspective the present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of GA3 and phosphorus fertilizer with the following objectives-.  To find out the optimum concentration of GA3 for the better vegetative growth, maximum yield and economic return of cabbage;  To find out the optimum level of phosphorus for the better vegetative growth, maximum yield and economic return of cabbage; and  To find out the suitable combination of GA3 and phosphorus for ensuring the maximum yield and economic return from cabbage cultivation.. CHAPTER II REVIEW OF LITERATURE Cabbage is one of the leading vegetables of rabi season in our country. Vegetable production in Bangladesh is far below of actual requirements, so the demand of vegetable is increasing day by day in our country and horizontal expansion of vegetable yield unit-1 area should be increased to meet this ever-increasing demand of vegetable but it will require adoption of new technology such as high management package, high yielding cultivar, higher input use etc. Management practices have considerable effects on the growth and development of any crop particularly vegetable crops. Among these, growth regulator is a modern concept as a management practices and fertilizer is a most important and common practices and both are also important factors. Numerous studies have been performed evaluating the influence of GA3 as growth regulators and phosphorus fertilizer on the performance of cabbage. Among the above factors some of the recent past information on GA3 and phosphorus fertilizer on cabbage have been reviewed under the following headings: 2.1 Effect of GA3 on growth and yield of cabbage The research work was conducted by Roy and Nasiruddin (2011) to study the effect of GA3 on growth and yield of cabbage. Single factor experiment consisted of four concentrations of GA3, viz., 0, 25, 50 and 75 ppm. Significantly the minimum number of days to head formation (43.54 days) and maturity (69.95 days) was recorded with 50 ppm GA3 and 50 ppm GA3 gave the highest diameter (23.81 cm) of cabbage head while the lowest diameter (17.89 cm) of cabbage head was found in control condition (0 ppm GA3) treatment. The application of different concentrations of GA3 as influenced independently on the growth and yield of cabbage. Significantly the highest yield (104.66 t/ha) was found from 50 ppm GA3.. Studies on influence of GA, NAA and CCC at three different concentrations on different growth parameters of cabbage (cv. PRIDE OF INDIA) were studied by Lendve et al. (2010) found that application of GA 50 ppm was found significantly superior over most of the treatments in terms of number of the leaves, plant spread, and circumference of stem, left area, fresh and dry weight of the plant, shape index of head, length of root, fresh and dry weight of root. Except treatment GA 75 ppm, which gave better results for days required for head initiation and head maturity. Yu et al. (2010) conducted an experiment with '8398' cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. captata L.) plants with 7 true leaves and 'Jingfeng No. 1' cabbage plants with 9 true leaves were vernalized in incubator. Then, '8398' cabbage plants vernalized for 18 days and 'Jingfeng No. 1' cabbage plants vernalized for 21 days were treated by high temperature of 370C for 12 hours to explore the changes of endogenous hormone during devernalization in cabbage. The results showed that: GA3 content had less changes, IAA content rose and ABA content decreased during devernalization. Compared with CK (vernalization period), GA3 and ABA content decreased significantly, whereas IAA content rose significantly when devernalization ended. Lower GA3 and ABA content, and higher IAA content can benefit the accomplishment of devernalization. A study was conducted by Roy et al. (2010) at the Horticulture Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to study the effect of starter solution and GA3 on growth and yield of cabbage. The two factor experiment consisted of four levels of starter solution, viz., 0, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% of urea, and four concentrations of GA3, viz., 0, 25, 50 and 75ppm. The application of starter solution and different concentrations of GA3 influenced independently and also in combination on the growth and yield of cabbage. The highest yield (104.93 t/ha) was obtained from 1.5% starter solution which was significantly different from other solutions, and the lowest yield (66.86 t/ha) was recorded from the control. Significantly the highest yield (104.66 t/ha) was found from the treatment of 50. ppm GA3, while the lowest yield (66.56 t/ha) was recorded from control. In case of combined effect, the highest yield of cabbage (121.33 t/ha) was obtained from the treatment combination of 1.5% starter solution + 50 ppm GA3 followed by 1.5% starter solution + 75 ppm GA3 (115.22 t/ha), while the lowest yield (57.11 t/ha) was produced by the control treatment. Economic analysis revealed that 1.5% starter solution + 50 ppm GA3 treatment was the best treatment combination in respect of net return (Tk. 173775/ha) with a benefit cost ratio of 3.52. A field experiment was conducted by Chauhan and Tandel (2009) during the Rabi season at Agronomy farm, N.M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari. Results showed that spray of GA3 and NAA significantly influenced the performance of growth, yield and quality characters of cabbage. The best plant growth regulator treatments for growth, yield and quality characters of cabbage was GA3 100 mg l-1 foliar spray at 30 and 45 days after transplanting (DAT) followed by NAA 100 mg l-1 foliar spray at 30 and 45 DAT. The effect of GA3 and/or NAA (both at 25, 50, 75 or 100 ppm) on the yield and yield parameters of cabbage (cv. Pride of India) was investigated by Dhengle and Bhosale (2008) in the field at Department of Horticulture, college of Agriculture, Parbhani. The highest yield was obtained with GA3 at 50 ppm followed by NAA at 50 ppm (332.01 and 331.06 q/ha, respectively) Combinations and higher concentrations of plant growth regulators proved less effective. An experiment was conducted by Yadav et al. (2000) in Rajasthan, India, during the rabi season of 1996-97 to investigate the effects of NAA at 50, 100 and 150 ppm, gibberellic acid at 50, 100 and 150 ppm and succinic acid at 250, 500 and 750 ppm, applied at 2 spraying levels (1 or 2 sprays at 30 and 60 days after transplanting), on growth and yield of cabbage cv. Golden Acre. The maximum plant height (28.4 cm) and plant spread (0.187 m2) resulted from 2 sprays with gibberellic acid at 150 ppm. The highest number of open leaves (23.6) and yield. (494.78 q/ha) was obtained in the treatment with 2 sprays of gibberellic acid at 100 ppm. Leaf area was highest in 2 sprays of 500 ppm succinic acid. Dharmender et al. (1996) conducted an experiment to find out the effect of GA3 or NAA (both at 25, 50 or 75 ppm) on the yield of cabbage (cv. Pride of India) in the field at Jobner, Rajstan, India. They recorded the highest yield following treatment with GA3 at 50 ppm followed by NAA at 50 ppm (557.54 and 528.66 q/ha respectively). They also reported that combination and higher concentrations of plant growth regulators proved less effective and were uneconomic in comparison to control. Islam et al. (1993) determined the effective concentration of NAA and GA3 for promoting growth, yield and ascorbic acid content of cabbage. They used 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 ppm of both the NAA and GA3. They found that ascorbic acid content increased up to 50 ppm when sprayed twice with both the growth regulator, while its content was declined afterwards. They also added that two sprays with 50 ppm GA3 was suitable both for higher yield and ascorbic acid content of cabbage. Patil et al. (1987) conducted an experiment in a field trial with the cultivar Pride applied GA3 and NAA each at 25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm one month after transplanting. The maximum plant height and head diameter and head weight were noticed with GA3 at 50 ppm. Significant increase in number of outer and inner leaves was noticed with both GA3. Head formation and head maturity was 13 and 12 days earlier with 50 ppm GA3. Maximum number of leaves and maximum yield (63.83 t/ha) were obtained with 50 ppm GA3. Islam (1985) conducted an experiment at the Bangladesh Agricultural University Farm, Mymensingh with applying various growth regulators (CCC, GA3, NAA and IBA) at 30 days after transplanting of 32 day old seedlings and found that GA3 increased the plant height, number of loose leaves per plant, size of leaf and finally the yield.. 2.2 Effect of phosphorus fertilizer on growth and yield of cabbage A field trial with a local variety of Chinese cabbage was carried out by Li et al. (2010) in Fuzhou, Fujian, China to investigate effects of different NPK applied rates on its yield. Eleven treatments were designed, with N, P and K at four different levels, respectively. The average contribution rate of soil fertility to the yield of Chinese cabbage was 47.4%. The yields of Chinese cabbages treated by N, P and K were increased by 41.26, 14.90 and 25.53% on average, respectively. The effects on yield increase was ranked as N>K>P. The output/input ratios of N, P and K were 13.8, 13.2 and 9.7, respectively. The recommended applied rates of NPK fertilizers for the Chinese cabbages in Fuzhou were 232.0 kg N, 70.5 kg P2O5 and 209.6 kg K2O/ha, respectively. An experiment was conducted by Tang et al. (2010) to study effect of different fertilization treatments on yield, nutrients uptake and nutrients use efficiency of Chinese cabbage and cabbage. The results showed that yield of cabbage and Chinese cabbage due to the application of manure, oil cake and special fertilizer for vegetables combined with fertilizer is higher than that of the pure chemical fertilizer treatment. The yield of application of special fertilizer for vegetables combined with fertilizer of Chinese cabbage is the highest, yield of it enhanced 25.30% compared with the pure chemical fertilizer treatment; application of oil cake and special fertilizer for vegetables combined with fertilizer are of the highest N and P nutrient use efficiency, N and P nutrient use efficiency of them enhanced 21.65%, 10.77% compared with the pure chemical fertilizer treatment, respectively. Application of oil cake combined with fertilizer is higher, yield of it enhanced 9.90% compared with the pure chemical fertilizer treatment; application of oil cake combined with fertilizer is of the highest N and P nutrient use efficiency, N and P nutrient use efficiency of it enhanced 29.23% and 14.9% compared with the pure chemical fertilizer treatment, respectively.. A field experiment was conducted by Ghuge et al. (2007) in Parbhani, Maharashtra, India, to assess the effect of combined use of organic and inorganic nutrient sources on the growth and yield of cabbage cv. Pride of India. The treatments comprised: recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) at 150:80:75 kg NPK/ha (T1); 50% RDF + 50% vermicompost at 2.5 t/ha (T2); 25% RDF + 75% vermicompost at 3.75 t/ha (T3); 50% RDF + 50% Terracare at 1.25 t/ha (T4); 50% RDF + 75% Terracare at 1.875 t/ha (T5); 50% RDF + 50% organic booster at 1.0 litres per plant after transplanting in 4 splits (T6); 25% RDF + 75% organic booster at 1.5 litres per plant after transplanting in 4 splits (T7); 100% vermicompost at 5 t/ha (T8); 100% Terracare at 2.5 t/ha (T9); and 100% organic booster at 2 litres per plant after transplanting in 4 splits (T10). T2 gave the maximum plant spread (18.87 cm2), head circumference (57.50 cm), head weight (1232 g per head), chlorophyll content (652.1 micro g/g of leaf), ascorbic acid (29.93 mg/100 g head) and compactness of head (79.07%). A field experiment was conducted by Pintu and Das (2006) in a Haplaquept soil in Gaighata, West Bengal, India, to study the effects of integrated nutrient management (INM) on the yield and uptake of nutrients by cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata cv. Green Express). Overall, the adoption of INM practices increased the yield and nutrient uptake by cabbage. The application of recommended levels of N, P and K with 4 t organic manure ha-1 and 0.5 kg Zn ha-1 proved superior in augmenting yield and nutrient uptake. A significant positive correlation was observed between yield and uptake of N (r=0.928), P (r=0.935), K (r=0.949), Fe (r=0.758), Mn (r=0.744), Cu (r=0.598) and Zn (r=0.846). The uptake of N, P, K and cationic micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) by cabbage accounted for 99% of the variability, while the uptake of Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn accounted for 80% of the variability in yield. The effects of potash fertilizer on the yields of Chinese cabbage on soil P and plant P content were studied by Liu et al. (2005). The application of phosphorus fertilizer at 56.25-225.00 kg/ha increased the yield of cabbage by 47.2-70.3%. A yield response was not observed when potash fertilizer was applied at more than. 225.0 kg/ha to Chinese cabbage. The total P contents of cabbage, soil total P content, and Olsen-P at the 0-20 cm soil profile increased gradually with the increase in the potash fertilizer rate. A yield response was not observed in cabbage when the rate of potash fertilizer applied was more than 450.0 kg/ha. Felczynski (2004) investigated Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis) in a long-term, static fertilization experiment in Skierniewice (Poland). Chinese cabbage cv. Bilko F1 (Bejo Zaden) was cultivated from potted transplants for autumn crop at density of 9 plants/m2. The crop responded very strongly to increasing rates of organic fertilizer. The highest marketable yield (76.1 t/ha) was achieved with the highest rate of farmyard manure (FYM; 60 t/ha) plus 2nd level of mineral fertilizers (M-2), i.e. 150 kg N, 100 kg P2O5 and 200 kg K2O/ha. This yield, however, did not differ statistically from the yields obtained with 40 t FYM+M-2 and with FYM at 60 t/ha alone. In the case of mineral fertilizer application without FYM, the total and marketable yields decreased along with increasing NPK rates, but the differences were not statistically proved and the yields were similar to those obtained with FYM at 40 t/ha. The lowest marketable yield (25.2 t/ha) was obtained from the control plots (without fertilizer application) and it was over 3 times lower than the best treatment. Increasing rates of FYM alone tended to increase nitrates and decreased dry matter content in heads of Chinese cabbage. The effect of fertigation and broadcast mineral fertilizer application on yield and quality of 4 cabbage (B. oleracea var. capitata) cultivars was studied by Marsic and Osvald (2004) in a field trial in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Five treatments were formed: K=classical fertilization with 150 kg N ha-1 (broadcast incorporated); FNPK all nutrients (NPK) were applied via fertigation; FNPK were added by classical methods and total N by fertigation. During the harvest, the height and width of the cabbage, length of stalk, weight of head with leaves and without leaves, height and width of cleaned head, firmness of head and core length were measured and the number of external trimmed leaves was counted. The highest average marketable yield was achieved by fertigation with soluble nutrients,. combined with pre-plant broadcast N incorporation, with each individual cultivar as follows: Hermes F1 (38.7 t ha-1), Parel F1 (71.1 t ha-1) and Tropicana F1 (70.7 t ha-1) and the lowest by fertigation with N, where the total amount of P and K were pre-plant broadcast incorporated, with cultivars as follows: Hermes F1 (20.9 t ha-1), Parel F1 (50.4 ha-1), Tropicana F1 (63.0 t ha-1) and Field winner F1 (66.1 t ha1. ). The firmness of cabbage heads was also affected by the method of nutrient. application. Cabbage [Brassica oleracea var. capitata] was grown by Guo et al. (2004) in two field trials in Hefei, Anhui, China. N, P2O5, K2 was applied at rates of 0-60-0, 350-60-0, 450-60-0, 0-60-300, 350-60-300, and 450-60-300 kg/ha. Nitrogen and potassium and their proper combination significantly improved the yield and its nutrient use efficiency. Potassium sulfate markedly increased the content of ascorbic acid and sugars, and alleviated the unfavourable effect of irrational nitrogen application. Urea increased the content of amino acids, while nitrogen and potassium enhanced the nutritional value of the essential amino acids. Ascorbic acid and sugar contents were correlated negatively with N content in cabbage heads and positively with potassium content. It is concluded that adequate potassium supply and optimum combination of nitrogen and potassium will help to ensure high quality and yield. Field experiments were conducted by Bahadur et al. (2004) at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India to evaluate the effects of organic manures and biofertilizers on the growth and yield of cabbage and they reported that NPK (120:160:180 kg/ha). Pressmud + VAM recorded the highest values for all parameters studied, i.e. number of outer leaves (13.3), fresh weight of outer leaves (476.67 g), number of inner leaves (31.7), head weight (1616.67 g), head length (16.8 cm), head diameter (15.5 cm) and head yield (602.67 q/ha). The effect on water uptake, accumulated dry matter content, and dry matter output per litre of water in cabbage plants grown under different soil water potentials and at different fertilizer application rates was investigated by Yang et al. (2001). For. the same range of soil water potential, an increase in N application rate increased N content in cabbage leaves and roots while P2O5 and K2O contents decreased. The amount of N, P and K absorbed was maximum at 300 kg N/hm2, medium at 0 fertilizer application rate and minimum at 1200 kg N/hm2. N/P and N/K values increased with increases in fertilizer application rate, leading to non-equilibrium of nutrient uptake and inhibition of normal growth. The effects of N:P:K fertilizer rates (56.2:46.6:16.5, 75.0:62.2:22.0, and 93.7:77.8:27.5 kg/ha) and row spacing on cabbage were evaluated by Sharma (2001) in Himachal Pradesh, India,. Plant height, siliquae per plant, seeds per siliqua and seed yield increased significantly with increase in NPK rate. The effect of spacing was significant only for siliquae per plant and seed yield per ha. Wider spacing (60 x 45 cm) resulted in the highest number of siliquae per plant (54.54) and seed yield (62 kg/ha). The interaction effect between NPK fertilizer application and row spacing was significant only for seed yield; the highest value of which was obtained with NPK at 93.7:77.8:27.5. An experiment was conducted by Chaubey and Srivastava (2001) in Pantnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India, during winter to study the effect of N:P:K level (60:30:30, 120:60:60, 180:90:90, and 240:120:120 kg/ha) on the yield and yield-contributing characters (head gross and net weight, head shape index, core length, ascorbic acid, marketable head percentage, and marketability period of heads after maturity) of 23 cultivars. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among cultivars and fertilizer levels in both seasons for all characters studied. The yield ranged from 105.61 to 590.82 q/h. Net head weight and size increased at higher fertility levels; however, head shape index was unaffected. The percentage of marketable heads and their durability also increased at higher levels of fertilizer. Winter-spring season proved to be favourable for higher cabbage productivity. A study was conducted by Zhou et al. (2001) to determine the effect of potash application (at 0, 150, 225, 300 kg K/ha) on the time of ripening and yield of. cabbage. Treatment with potash at 225 kg K/ha resulted in a more rapid heading, rapid maturation and improved cabbage quality compared to other treatments. This treatment produced the highest commercial yield increase of 17.4 t/ha and the highest profit for the farmer (9970 yuan/ha). In the Tianjin region, the rate of 225 kg K/ha, along with 225 kg N/ha and 60 kg P/ha is recommended for cabbage production on soils represented by this trial. This application should bring the farmer a net profit of 9000 to 10000 yuan/ha, depending on local market prices. Liu et al. (1999) studied the effect of different ratios of NPK combination on yield and nitrate accumulation of cabbage. The levels of N were 0, 180, 360, and 540 kg/ha; the levels of P2O5 were 0, 90, 180, 270 kg/ha; the levels of K2O were 0, 90, 180,270 kg/ha. The plant density of cabbage was 31,500/ha. The best results were obtained with N360 + P90 + K180. The nitrate accumulation was increased with the increase of the amount of N applied. The influence of mineral fertilizer rates on the yield and quality of cabbage cv. Eton F1 was studied by Rutkauskiene and Poderys (1999) in the field at the Experimental station of the Lithuanian University of Agriculture. The highest harvest of cabbage was obtained at fertilizer rates (kg/ha) of N240P120K180 and N300P120K180. Increasing the dose of nitrogen fertilizers decreased the quantity of vitamin C [ascorbic acid] and increased the concentration of nitrates in cabbage heads. Phosphorus fertilizers decreased the yield, but increased head quality.. CHAPTER III MATERIALS AND METHODS The experiment was conducted during the period from October 2012 to March 2013 to find out growth and yield of cabbage as influenced by GA3 and phosphorus fertilizer. The materials and methods that were used for conducting the experiment have been presented in this chapter. It includes a short description of the location of experimental site, soil and climate condition of the experimental plot, materials used for the experiment, design of the experiment, data collection procedure and procedure of data analysis. 3.1 Location of the experimental site. The experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Research Farm of. Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU). It is. located in 24.090N latitude and 90.260E longitudes. The altitude of the location is 8 m from the sea level as per the data of Bangladesh Metrological Department, Agargaon, Dhaka-1207. 3.2 Characteristics of soil The experimental site belongs to the Modhupur Tract (UNDP, 1988) under AEZ No. 28 and the selected plot of the land was medium high in nature with adequate irrigation facilities and remained fallow during the previous season. The soil texture of the experimental was sandy loam. The nutrient status of the farm soil under the experimental plot with in a depth 0-20 cm were collected and analyzed in the Soil Resources and Development Institute Dhaka, and result have been presented in Appendix I. 3.3 Climatic condition of the experimental site Experimental area is situated in the sub-tropical climate zone, which is characterized by heavy rainfall during the months of April to September and. scanty rainfall during the rest period of the year. Details of the meteorological data during the period of the experiment was collected from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, Agargoan, Dhaka and presented in Appendix II. 3.4 Planting materials The test crop used in the experiment was cabbage variety Atlas-70. 3.5 Treatment of the experiment The experiment consisted of two factors: Factor A: Gibberellic acid-GA3 (three levels) as i. G0: 0 ppm GA3 (control). ii. G1: 70 ppm GA3 iii. G2: 90 ppm GA3 Factor B: Phosphorus fertilizer (four levels) as i. P0: 0 kg P2O5/ha (control) ii. P1: 120 kg P2O5/ha iii. P2: 140 kg P2O5/ha iv. P3: 160 kg P2O5/ha There were 12 (3 × 4) treatments combination such as G0P0, G0P1, G0P2, G0P3, G1P0, G1P1, G1P2, G1P3, G2P0, G2P1, G2P2 and G2P3. 3.6 Collection of seedlings The seeds of cabbage variety Atlas-70 were collected from Dhaka Seed Store, Dhaka. 3.7 Design and layout of the experiment The two factorial experiment was laid out in the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The total area of the experimental plot was 222.78 m2 with length 23.7 m and width 9.4 m. The total area was divided into three equal blocks. Each block was divided into 12 plots where 12 treatments combination were allotted at random. There were 36 unit plots altogether in the experiment. The size of the each plot was 1.8 m × 1.35 m. The distance. maintained between two blocks and two plots were 1.0 m and 0.5 m, respectively. The layout of the experiment is shown in Figure 1. 9.4 m m N. 1.35 m. 1.8 m. G1P1. 1.0 m. G0P1 1.0 m. G2P2 1.0 m. E. W 1.0 m. G1P3. G1P0. G0P2. G0P0. G1P2. G2P3. S Plot size: 1.8 m × 1.35 m Plot spacing: 0.50 m Between block: 1.00 m Plant spacing: 60 cm × 45 cm Factor A: Gibberellic acid-GA3. G2P2. G0P3. G2P0. G0: 0 ppm GA3 (control) G1: 70 ppm GA3. G0P2. G1P3. G1P2. G2: 90 ppm GA3. 23.7 m. Factor B: Phosphorus fertilizer. G2P1. G0P0. G2P1. P0: 0 kg P2O5/ha (control) P1: 120 kg P2O5/ha P2: 140 kg P2O5/ha. G1P0. G2P0. G0P1. G2P3. G0P2. G1P0. G0P1. G2P2. G0P3. Figure 1. Layout of the experimental plot G1P2. G1P1. G1P3. G2P0. G2P3. G0P0. G0P3. G2P1. G1P1. P3: 160 kg P2O5/ha. 3.8 Preparation of the main field The selected plot of the experiment was opened in the 1st week of November 2012 with a power tiller, and left exposed to the sun for a week. Subsequently cross ploughing was done five times with a country plough followed by laddering to make the land suitable for transplanting the seedlings. All weeds, stubbles and residues were eliminated from the field. Finally, a good tilth was achieved. The soil was treated with insecticides (cinocarb 3G @ 4 kg/ha) at the time of final land preparation to protect young plants from the attack of soil inhibiting insects such as cutworm and mole cricket. 3.9 Application of manure and fertilizers Manures and fertilizers were applied to the experimental plot considering the recommended fertilizer doses of BARI (2005). Table 1. Dose and method of application of fertilizers in cabbage field Fertilizers and Manures Cowdung. Dose/ha. Application (%) 10 DAT 30 DAT ---. 20 tonnes. Basal 100. 50 DAT --. Urea. 300 kg. --. 33.33. 33.33. 33.33. TSP. As per treatment. 100. --. --. --. MoP. 200 kg. 100. --. --. --. The total amount of cowdung, TSP and MoP was applied as basal dose at the time of land preparation. The total amount of urea was applied in three installments at 10, 30 and 50 day after transplanting. 3.10 Collection, preparation and application of growth regulator Plant growth regulator Gibberellic Acid (GA3) was collected from Hatkhola Road, Dhaka. A 1000 ppm stock solution of GA3 was prepared by dissolving 1 g of it in a small quantity of ethanol prior to dilution with distilled water in one litre of volumetric flask. The stock solution was used to prepare the required concentration for different treatment i.e. 70 ml of this stock solution was diluted in 1 litre of distilled water to get 70 ppm GA3 solution. In a similar way, 90 ppm. stock solutions were diluted to 1 litre of distilled water to get 90 ppm solution. Control solution also prepared only by adding a small quantity of ethanol with distilled water. GA3 as per treatment were applied at four times 15, 30 and 45, 60 days after transplanting by a mini hand sprayer. 3.11 Raising of seedlings The seedlings were raised at the Horticultural Farm, SAU, Dhaka under special care in a 3 m × 1 m size seed bed. The soil of the seed bed was well ploughed with a spade and prepared into loose friable dried masses and to obtain good tilth to provide a favorable condition for the vigorous growth of young seedlings. Weeds, stubbles and dead roots of the previous crop were removed. The seedbed was dried in the sun to destroy the soil insect and protect the young seedlings from the attack of damping off disease. To control damping off disease cupravit fungicide were applied. Decomposed cowdung was applied to the prepared seedbed at the rate of 10 t/ha. Ten (10) grams of seeds were sown in seedbed on October 22, 2012. After sowing, the seeds were covered with finished light soil. At the end of germination shading was done by bamboo mat (chatai) over the seedbed to protect the young seedlings from scorching sunshine and heavy rainfall. Light watering, weeding was done as and when necessary to provide seedlings with ideal condition for growth. 3.12 Transplanting Healthy and uniform seedlings of 30 days old seedlings were transplanting in the experimental plots on 22 November, 2012. The seedlings were uploaded carefully from the seed bed to avoid damage to the root system. To minimize the damage to the roots of seedlings, the seed beds were watered one hour before uprooting the seedlings. Transplanting was done in the afternoon. The seedlings were watered immediately after transplanting. Seedlings were sown in the plot with maintaining distance between row to row was 60 cm and plant to plant was 45 cm. The young transplanted seedlings were shaded by banana leaf sheath during day to protect them from scorching sunshine up to 7 days until they were set in the soil. They. (transplants) were kept open at night to allow them receiving dew. A number of seedlings were also planted in the border of the experimental plots for gap filling. 3.13 Intercultural operation After raising seedlings, various intercultural operations such as gap filling, weeding, earthing up, irrigation pest and disease control etc. were accomplished for better growth and development of the cabbage seedlings. 3.13.1 Gap filling The transplanted seedlings in the experimental plot were kept under careful observation. Very few seedlings were damaged after transplanting and such seedling were replaced by new seedlings from the same stock. Replacement was done with healthy seedling having a boll of earth which was also planted on the same date by the side of the unit plot. The transplants were given shading and watering for 7 days for their proper establishment. 3.13.2 Weeding The hand weeding was done 15, 30 and 45, 60 days after transplanting to keep the plots free from weeds. 3.13.3 Earthing up Earthing up was done at 20 and 40 days after transplanting on both sides of rows by taking the soil from the space between the rows by a small spade. 3.13.4 Irrigation Light watering was given by a watering can at every morning and afternoon after transplanting. Following transplanting and it was continued for a week for rapid and well establishment of the transplanted seedlings. Beside this a routine irrigation was given at 3 days intervals. 3.13.5 Pest and disease control Insect infestation was a serious problem during the period of establishment of seeding in the field. In spite of Cirocarb 3G applications during final land preparation, few young plants were damaged due to attack of mole cricket and cut. worm. Cut worms were controlled both mechanically and spraying Darsban 29 EC @ 3%. Some plants were infected by Alternaria leaf spot diseases caused by Alternaria brassicae. To prevent the spread of the disease Rovral @ 2 g per liter of water was sprayed in the field. The diseased leaves were also collected from the infested plant and removed from the field. Birds pest such as nightingales (common Bulbuli) were seen visiting the cabbage field very frequently. The nightingale visited the fields in the morning and afternoon. The birds found to puncture the newly initiated head and were controlled by striking a kerosene tin of metallic container frequently during day time. 3.14 Harvesting Harvesting of the cabbage was not possible on a certain or particular date because the head initiation as well as head at marketable size in different plants were not uniform. Only the compact marketable heads were harvested with fleshy stalk by using as sharp knife. Before harvesting of the cabbage head, compactness of the head was tested by pressing with thumbs. 3.15 Data collection Five plants were randomly selected from the middle rows of each unit plot for avoiding border effect, except yields of heads, which was recorded plot wise. Data were collected in respect of the following parameters to assess plant growth; yield attributes and yields as affected by different treatments of the experiment. Data on plant height, number of leaves and length of large leaf were collected at 20, 30, 40 and 50 days after transplanting (DAT) and at harvest. All other yield contributing characters and yield parameters were recorded during harvest and after harvest. 3.15.1 Plant height Plant height was measured from sample plants by using meter scale in centimeter from the ground level to the tip of the longest leaf and mean value was calculated. Plant height was also recorded at 10 days interval starting from 20 days after transplanting (DAT) upto 50 days and at harvest to observe the growth rate of plants.. 3.15.2 Number of loose leaves per plant The total number of loose leaves per plant was counted from each selected plant. Data were recorded as the average of 5 plants selected at random of each plot at 10 days interval starting from 20 days after transplanting (DAT) upto 50 days and at harvest. 3.15.3 Plant spread The spread of plant was counted from each selected plant. Data were recorded as the average of 5 plants selected at random of each plot at 10 days interval starting from 20 days after transplanting (DAT) upto 50 days and at harvest. 3.15.4 Days to 1st head formation Each plant of the experiment plot was kept under close observation to count days to 1st head formation. Total number of days from the date of transplanting to the 1st head formation was recorded. 3.15.5 Length of stem The length of stem was taken from the ground level to base of the head of plant during harvesting. A meter scale used to measure the length of stem and was expressed in centimeter (cm). 3.15.6 Diameter of stem The diameter of the stem was measured at the point where the central head was cut off. The diameter of the stem was recorded in three dimensions with scale and the average of three figures was taken into account in centimeter (cm). 3.15.7 Fresh weight of stem per plant The fresh weight of stem was recorded from the average of five (5) selected plants in grams (gm) with a beam balance during harvest after detached from head of cabbage and roots.. 3.15.8 Dry matter content of stem At first stem of selected plant was collected, cut into pieces and was dried under sunshine for a 3 days and then dried in an oven at 700C for 72 hours. The sample was then transferred into desiccators and allowed to cool down at room temperature. The final weight of the sample was taken. The dry matter contents of stem were computed by simple calculation from the weight recorded by the following formula: Dry weight of stem Dry matter content of stem (%) =. × 100 Fresh weight of stem. 3.15.9 Thickness of head The thickness of head was measured in centimeter (cm) with a meter scale as the vertical distance from the lower to the upper most leaves of the head after sectioning the head vertically at the middle position and mean value was calculated. 3.15.10 Diameter of head The heads from sample plants were sectioned vertically at the middle position with a sharp knife. The diameter of the head was measured in centimeter (cm) with a meter scale as the horizontal distance from one side to another side of the widest part of the sectioned head and mean value was recorded. 3.15.11 Dry matter content of head At first head from selected plant was collected, cut into pieces and was dried under sunshine for a few days and then dried in an oven at 700C for 72 hours. The sample was then transferred into desiccators and allowed to cool down at room temperature. The final weight of the sample was taken. The dry matter contents of head were computed by simple calculation from the weight recorded by the following formula: Dry weight of head Dry matter content of head (%) =. × 100 Fresh weight of head. 3.15.12 Gross weight of head per plant The heads from sample plants were harvested, cleaned and weighted with folding and unfolded leaves. The gross weight of every head were measured a weighing scale and mean values was counted. 3.15.13 Marketable yield per plant After harvest of head from selected plants from each unit plot the unfolded leaves were removed from the head and weighted by a weighing machine and recorded the weight of head as marketable yield per plant. 3.15.14 Gross yield per plot Gross yield per plot was recorded by multiplying average gross weight of head per plant with total number of plant within a plot and was expressed in kilogram. Gross yield included yield with folded and unfolded leaves of cabbage. 3.15.15 Marketable yield per plot Marketable yield per plot was recorded by multiplying average marketable yield weight of head per plant with total number of plant within a plot and was expressed in kilogram. Marketable yield included only the yield of marketable head. 3.15.16 Gross yield per hectare The gross yield per hectare was measured by converted gross yield per plot into yield per hectare and was expressed in ton. 3.15.17 Marketable yield per hectare The marketable yield per hectare was measured by converted marketable yield per plot into yield per hectare and was expressed in ton. 3.16 Statistical analysis The data obtained for different characters were statistically analyzed to find out the significance of the difference for different level of GA3 and phosphorus fertilizers on growth and yield contributing characters of cabbage. The mean. values of all the recorded characters were evaluated and analysis of variance was performed by the ‘F’ (variance ratio) test. The significance of the difference among the treatment combinations of means was estimated by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability (Gomez and Gomez, 1984). 3.17 Economic analysis The cost of production was analyzed in order to find out the most economic combination of different levels of GA3 and phosphorus. All input cost included the cost for lease of land and interests on running capital in computing the cost of production. The interests were calculated @ 14% in simple rate. The market price of cabbage was considered for estimating the cost and return. Analyses were done according to the procedure of Alam et al. (1989). The benefit cost ratio (BCR) was calculated as follows: Gross return per hectare (Tk.) Benefit cost ratio (BCR) = Total cost of production per hectare (Tk.). CHAPTER IV RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The experiment was conducted to find out the growth and yield of cabbage as influenced by GA3 and phosphorus fertilizer. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the data on different growth and yield parameters are presented in Appendices III-VIII. The results have been presented and discusses with the help of table and graphs and possible interpretations given under the following sub-headings: 4.1 Plant height Significant variation was recorded on plant height of cabbage due to different concentrations of gibberellic acid at 20, 30, 40, 50 DAT and at harvest (Appendix III). At 20, 30, 40, 50 DAT and at harvest, the tallest plant (14.24, 21.86, 33.09, 41.22 and 46.19 cm, respectively) was recorded from G2 (90 ppm GA3) which was statistically similar (13.72, 21.12, 31.72, 40.82 and 45.02 cm, respectively) to G1 (70 ppm GA3) and the shortest plant (11.63, 18.46, 28.08, 36.73 and 40.81 cm, respectively) was recorded from G0 (control, i.e. 0 ppm GA3) for 20, 30, 40, 50 DAT and at harvest, respectively (Fig. 2). Islam (1985) reported that application of GA3 increased the plant height of cabbage. Patil et al. (1987) noticed the maximum plant height with GA3 at 50 ppm. Different levels of phosphorus fertilizer showed significant variation for plant height of cabbage at 20, 30, 40, 50 DAT and at harvest (Appendix III). At 20, 30, 40, 50 DAT and at harvest, the tallest plant (14.85, 22.32, 34.62, 43.30 and 46.23 cm, respectively) was recorded from P2 (140 kg P2O5) which was statistically similar (13.78, 21.54, 33.36, 40.41 and 45.01 cm, respectively) to P3 (160 kg P2O5), whereas the shortest plant (11.19, 17.28, 23.74, 35.50 and 40.27 cm, respectively) was recorded from P0 (0 kg P2O5 i.e. control) which was followed (12.96, 20.77, 32.15, 39.16 and 44.52 cm) by P1 (120 kg P2O5) (Fig. 3).. Phosphorus is also one of the important essential macro elements for the normal growth and development of plant (Bose and Som, 1986).. 61. Combined effect of different concentrations of gibberellic acid and phosphorus fertilizer showed significant differences on plant height of cabbage at 20, 30, 40, 50 DAT and at harvest (Appendix III and Table 2). At 20, 30, 40, 50 DAT and at harvest, the tallest plant (16.72, 24.86, 38.31, 46.70 and 49.30 cm, respectively) was obtained from G1P2 (70 ppm GA3 + 140 kg P2O5), while the shortest plant (10.19, 15.46, 22.03, 33.03 and 37.20 cm, respectively) was recorded from G0P0 (0 ppm GA3 + 0 kg P2O5/ha). 4.2 Number of leaves per plant Significant variation was recorded on number of leaves per plant due to application of different concentrations of GA3 at 20, 30, 40, 50 DAT and at harvest (Appendix IV and Fig. 4). At 20, 30, 40, 50 DAT and at harvest, the maximum number of leaves per plant (6.35, 11.00, 15.69, 19.76 and 25.80) was found from G2 which was statistically similar (6.05, 10.40, 14.92, 19.70 and 23.70) to G1, whereas, the minimum number (5.55, 9.40, 14.57, 18.79 and 20.80) was obtained from G0 at 20, 30, 40, 50 DAT and at harvest, respectively. Patil et al. (1987) reported maximum number of leaves with 50 ppm GA3. Significant variation was recorded due to different levels of phosphorus fertilizer in terms of number of leaves per plant of cabbage at 20, 30, 40, 50 DAT and at harvest (Appendix IV). At 20, 30, 40, 50 DAT and harvest, the maximum number of leaves per plant (6.87, 11.40, 16.42, 20.65 and 27.80) was counted from P2 which was statistically similar (6.53, 11.00, 15.44, 20.01 and 26.40) to P3 and followed (5.80, 10.47, 14.82, 19.02 and 24.20) by P1, while the minimum number (4.73, 8.20, 13.55, 17.98 and 18.20) was found from P0 (Fig. 5). Different concentrations of gibberellic acid and phosphorus fertilizer showed significant differences due to their combined effect on number of leaves per plant of cabbage at 20, 30, 40, 50 DAT and at harvest (Table 3). At 20, 30, 40, 50 DAT and at harvest, the maximum number of leaves per plant (7.20, 12.20, 17.30, 21.00 and 28.40) was recorded from G2P2 and the minimum number of leaves per plant (4.20, 7.60, 13.38, 17.08 and 19.20) was found from G0P0 at the same date of observations (Appendix IV) 62. Table 2. Combined effect of different levels of GA3 and phosphorus on plant height and number of leaves per plant of cabbage 20 DAT. Plant height (cm) at 30 DAT 40 DAT 50 DAT. Harvest. G0P0. 10.19 g. 15.46 g. 22.03 h. 33.03 g. 37.20 h. G0P1. 11.31 fg. 18.69 f. 28.90 f. 36.27 efg. 41.42 fg. G0P2. 13.01 de. 20.18 def. 31.52 de. 39.61 cde. 42.98 efg. G0P3. 11.91 ef. 19.51 ef. 29.88 ef. 36.94 def. 41.64 fg. G1P0. 13.10 de. 20.03 def. 26.21 g. 39.38 cde. 43.52 def. G1P1. 13.28 cde. 21.12 cde. 33.06 cd. 39.83 cde. 44.85 cde. G1P2. 16.72 a. 24.86 a. 38.31 a. 46.70 a. 49.30 a. G1P3. 13.67 cd. 21.40 cde. 33.60 cd. 40.49 bcd. 45.30 bcde. G2P0. 10.27 g. 16.36 g. 22.98 h. 34.09 fg. 40.08 g. G2P1. 14.31 bcd. 22.50 bc. 34.49 bc. 41.37 bc. 47.30 abc. G2P2. 14.82 bc. 21.93 bcd. 34.02 cd. 43.60 ab. 46.41 abcd. G2P3. 15.76 ab. 23.71 ab. 36.60 ab. 43.79 ab. 48.08 ab. 1.502 0.01 7.92. 1.919 0.01 5.53. 2.454 0.01 9.68. 3.261 0.01 7.86. 2.812 0.05 6.77. Levels of GA3 and phosphorus. LSD(0.05) Level of significance CV(%). In a column means having similar letter(s) are statistically similar and those having dissimilar letter(s) differ significantly at 5% level of probability G0: 0 ppm GA3 (control). P0: 0 kg P2O5/ha (control). G1: 70 ppm GA3. P1: 120 kg P2O5/ha. G2: 90 ppm GA3. P2: 140 kg P2O5/ha P2: 160 kg P2O5/ha. 63. 64. Table 3. Combined effect of different levels of GA3 and phosphorus on plant height and number of leaves per plant of cabbage Levels of GA3 and phosphorus. 20 DAT. G0P0. 4.20 b. 7.60 g. 13.38 g. 17.08 d. 19.20 f. G0P1. 4.80 b. 9.60 ef. 14.37 efg. 17.26 d. 19.60 de. G0P2. 6.80 a. 10.00 de. 15.18 cde. 20.46 a. 27.00 ab. G0P3. 6.40 a. 10.40 cde. 15.37 cde. 20.36 a. 24.00 ab. G1P0. 4.80 b. 8.60 fg. 13.87 fg. 18.82 bc. 20.00 e. G1P1. 6.40 a. 11.40 abc. 14.32 efg. 19.94 ab. 23.40 cd. G1P2. 6.60 a. 12.00 a. 17.21 a. 20.50 a. 26.20 a. G1P3. 6.40 a. 11.80 ab. 14.69 def. 19.54 ab. 25.00 bc. G2P0. 5.20 b. 8.40 g. 13.40 g. 18.04 cd. 19.40 e. G2P1. 6.20 a. 10.40 cde. 15.76 bcd. 19.86 ab. 27.60 a. G2P2. 7.20 a. 12.20 a. 17.30 a. 21.00 a. 28.40 a. G2P3. 6.80 a. 10.80 bcd. 16.27 abc. 20.12 ab. 28.20 a. 0.921 0.05 6.11. 1.019 0.05 7.80. 1.159 0.05 7.56. 1.339 0.01 5.42. 2.254 0.01 6.29. LSD(0.05) Level of significance CV(%). Number of leaves per plant at 30 DAT 40 DAT 50 DAT. Harvest. In a column means having similar letter(s) are statistically similar and those having dissimilar letter(s) differ significantly at 5% level of probability G0: 0 ppm GA3 (control). P0: 0 kg P2O5/ha (control). G1: 70 ppm GA3. P1: 120 kg P2O5/ha. G2: 90 ppm GA3. P2: 140 kg P2O5/ha P2: 160 kg P2O5/ha. 65. 4.3 Plant spread Significant variation was recorded on plant spread of cabbage due to use of different concentrations of gibberellic acid at 20, 30, 40, 50 DAT and at harvest (Fig. 6 and Appendix V). At 20, 30, 40 and 50 DAT, the maximum plant spread (14.27, 22.95, 31.27, 40.92 and 52.92 cm, respectively) was recorded from G2 which was statistically similar (13.45, 21.59, 30.95, 39.23 and 51.58 cm, respectively) to G1, whereas the minimum plant spread (13.09, 20.24, 29.21, 35.33 and 49.75 cm, respectively) was obtained from G0. Different levels of phosphorus fertilizer showed significant variation on plant spread of cabbage at 20, 30, 40, 50 DAT and at harvest (Fig. 7 and Appendix V). At 20, 30, 40, 50 DAT and at harvest, the maximum plant spread (15.17, 23.78, 32.56, 40.11 and 58.11 cm, respectively) was recorded from P2 which was closely followed (14.00, 22.30, 31.22, 39.22 and 56.11 cm, respectively) by P3 and the minimum plant spread (11.26, 18.78, 27.83, 34.44 and 42.44 cm, respectively) was observed in P0. Phosphorus is also one of the important essential macro elements for the normal growth and development of plant (Bose and Som, 1986). Combined effect of different concentrations of GA3 and phosphorus fertilizer showed significant differences on plant spread of cabbage at 20, 30, 40, 50 DAT and at harvest (Table 4 and Appendix V). At 20, 30, 40, 50 DAT and at harvest, the maximum plant spread (16.03, 26.04, 33.96, 44.33 and 62.33 cm, respectively) was obtained from G2P2 and the minimum (10.95, 18.20, 27.14, 33.00 and 41.00 cm, respectively) from the control treatment combination (G0P0). 4.4 Days to 1st head formation Significant variation was recorded for days to 1st head formation of cabbage due to different concentrations of gibberellic acid under the present trial (Table 5 and Appendix VI). The control treatment (G0) took the highest (34.90) days to first head formation which was statistically similar (34.30 days) to G2, while the lowest days (33.70) was required to 1st head formation from G1. Patil et al. (1987) reported that head formation was 13 days earlier with 50 ppm GA3. 66. 67. Table 4. Combined effect of different levels of GA3 and phosphorus on plant spread and length of longest leaf of cabbage Levels of GA3 and phosphorus. 20 DAT. Plant spread (cm) at 30 DAT 40 DAT 50 DAT. Harvest. G0P0. 10.95 e. 18.20 f. 27.14 f. 33.00 e. 41.00 g. G0P1. 13.01 cd. 18.97 ef. 27.79 ef. 34.00 de. 44.00 fg. G0P2. 14.48 abc. 19.18 ef. 28.56 def. 36.33 cde. 42.33 fg. G0P3. 13.34 c. 19.77 ef. 29.21 cdef. 33.67 de. 45.00 f. G1P0. 11.54 de. 21.10 cde. 30.18 cde. 39.00 bc. 49.00 e. G1P1. 12.91 cd. 23.66 b. 31.52 bc. 41.67 ab. 53.00 d. G1P2. 15.09 ab. 22.24 bcd. 30.84 bcd. 36.67 cde. 56.33 bcd. G1P3. 14.51 abc. 23.07 bc. 32.88 ab. 39.33 bc. 55.67 bcd. G2P0. 11.30 de. 20.74 de. 29.65 cde. 37.00 cd. 56.67 bc. G2P1. 15.95 a. 23.23 bc. 32.95 ab. 39.33 bc. 57.67 b. G2P2. 16.03 a. 26.04 a. 33.96 a. 44.33 a. 62.33 a. G2P3. 14.16 bc. 22.93 bcd. 31.05 bcd. 41.33 ab. 54.00 cd. 1.574 0.01 9.10. 2.042 0.05 5.58. 2.239 0.05 4.34. 3.433 0.05 5.34. 3.137 0.01 6.60. LSD(0.05) Level of significance CV(%). In a column means having similar letter(s) are statistically similar and those having dissimilar letter(s) differ significantly at 5% level of probability G0: 0 ppm GA3 (control). P0: 0 kg P2O5/ha (control). G1: 70 ppm GA3. P1: 120 kg P2O5/ha. G2: 90 ppm GA3. P2: 140 kg P2O5/ha P2: 160 kg P2O5/ha. 68. Table 5. Effect of different levels of GA3 and phosphorus on yield contributing characters of cabbage Levels of GA3 and phosphorus. Days from transplanti ng to head formation. Length of stem (cm). Diameter of stem (cm). Fresh weight of stem (g). Dry matter content of stem (%). G0. 34.90 a. 6.65 c. 2.24 b. 53.20 b. 7.60 c. G1. 33.70 b. 7.50 b. 2.52 a. 59.80 a. 8.32 b. G2. 34.30 ab. 7.95 a. 2.58 a. 61.13 a. 8.60 a. 1.791 0.05. 0.219 0.01. 0.089 0.01. 2.301 0.01. 0.227 0.01. P0. 35.40 a. 6.36 d. 2.10 d. 50.32 d. 5.99 d. P1. 33.47 ab. 7.37 c. 2.51 b. 56.70 c. 8.21 c. P2. 31.67 b. 8.15 a. 2.60 ab. 59.50 bc. 9.41 a. P3. 35.33 a. 7.89 b. 2.63 a. 60.86 ab. 9.08 b. 2.068 0.01 8.84. 0.278 0.01 6.87. 0.114 0.01 8.88. 2.970 0.01 7.06. 0.262 0.01 6.73. LSD(0.05) Level of significance. LSD(0.05) Level of significance CV(%). In a column means having similar letter(s) are statistically similar and those having dissimilar letter(s) differ significantly at 5% level of probability G0: 0 ppm GA3 (control). P0: 0 kg P2O5/ha (control). G1: 70 ppm GA3. P1: 120 kg P2O5/ha. G2: 90 ppm GA3. P2: 140 kg P2O5/ha P2: 160 kg P2O5/ha. 69. Different levels of phosphorus fertilizer showed significant variation on days to 1st head formation of cabbage (Table 5 and Appendix VI). The highest (35.40 days) was required to 1st head formation for P0, which was statistically similar (35.33 days) to P3, whereas the lowest days (31.67) to 1st head formation was needed from P2 which was statistically similar (33.47) to P1. Combined effect of different concentrations of gibberellic acid and phosphorus fertilizer varied significantly on days to 1st head formation of cabbage (Table 6 and Appendix VI). The maximum (39.40) days was required to 1st head formation by the control treatment combination (G0P0), while the minimum (28.20 days) period took the G1P2 treatment. 4.5 Length of stem Significant variation was recorded on length of stem of cabbage due to different concentrations of gibberellic acid under the present trial (Table 5 and Appendix VI). The highest length of stem (7.95 cm) was recorded from G2 which was closely followed (7.50 cm) by G1, whereas the lowest length of stem (6.65 cm) was recorded from G0. Lendve et al. (2010) reported similar findings from their earlier experiment. Different levels of phosphorus fertilizer showed significant variation on length of stem of cabbage (Table 5 and Appendix VI). The highest length of stem (8.15 cm) was found from P2 which was closely followed (7.89 cm) by P3, while the lowest length of stem (6.36 cm) was recorded from P0. Marsic and Osvald (2004) reported significant variation regarding length of stalk for different level of phosphorus fertilizers. Combined effect of different concentrations of gibberellic acid and phosphorus fertilizer showed significant differences on length of stem of cabbage (Table 6 and Appendix VI). The highest length of stem (8.99 cm) was recorded from G2P2, again the lowest length of stem (6.19 cm) was found from G0P0.. 70. Table 6.. Combined effect of different levels of GA3 and phosphorus on yield contributing characters of cabbage. Levels of GA3 and phosphorus. Days from transplanti ng to head formation. Length of stem (cm). Diameter of stem (cm). Fresh weight of stem (g). Dry matter content of stem (%). G0P0. 39.40 a. 6.19 gh. 2.02 g. 48.95 i. 5.46g. G0P1. 36.20 ab. 6.77 ef. 2.17 fg. 51.67 ghi. 6.19 f. G0P2. 34.20 bc. 7.06 e. 2.25 efg. 54.27 fghi. 6.33 f. G0P3. 35.80 ab. 6.57 fg. 2.36 def. 54.81 efgh. 7.53 e. G1P0. 31.20 cd. 6.58 efg. 2.52 cd. 52.89 fghi. 8.28 d. G1P1. 31.00 cd. 7.02 ef. 2.68 abc. 57.91 cdef. 8.82 c. G1P2. 28.20 d. 8.16 c. 2.75 ab. 60.06 bcde. 8.72 cd. G1P3. 33.80 bc. 8.22 c. 2.05 g. 62.95 abc. 9.38 b. G2P0. 35.40 b. 6.04 h. 2.55 bcd. 49.13 hi. 9.45 b. G2P1. 33.20 bc. 8.06 cd. 2.75 ab. 60.51 bcd. 8.68 cd. G2P2. 32.60 bc. 8.99 a. 2.77 ab. 64.16 a. 10.15 a. G2P3. 36.60 ab. 8.72 ab. 2.78 a. 65.83 a. 9.11bc. 3.582 0.01 8.84. 0.438 0.01 6.87. 0.198 0.05 8.88. 5.144 0.05 7.06. 0.454 0.05 6.73. LSD(0.05) Level of significance CV(%). In a column means having similar letter(s) are statistically similar and those having dissimilar letter(s) differ significantly at 5% level of probability G0: 0 ppm GA3 (control). P0: 0 kg P2O5/ha (control). G1: 70 ppm GA3. P1: 120 kg P2O5/ha. G2: 90 ppm GA3. P2: 140 kg P2O5/ha P2: 160 kg P2O5/ha. 71. 4.6 Diameter of stem Significant variation was recorded on diameter of stem of cabbage for different concentrations of gibberellic acid (Appendix VI). The highest diameter of stem (2.58 cm) was found from G2 which was statistically similar (2.52 cm) to G1, while the lowest diameter (2.24 cm) was found from G0 (Table 5). Different levels of phosphorus fertilizer showed significant variation for diameter of stem of cabbage (Appendix VI). The highest diameter of stem (2.63 cm) was found from P3 which was statistically similar (2.60 cm) with P2 and closely followed (2.51 cm) by P1, whereas the lowest diameter of stem (2.10 cm) was obtained from P0 (Table 5). Combined effect of different concentrations of gibberellic acid and phosphorus fertilizer showed significant differences on diameter of stem of cabbage (Appendix VI). The highest diameter of stem (2.78) was recorded from G2P3 and the lowest diameter of stem (2.02 cm) was found from G0P0 (Table 6). 4.7 Fresh weight of stem Significant variation was recorded for fresh weight of stem of cabbage due to different concentrations of gibberellic acid under the present trial (Appendix VI). The maximum fresh weight of stem (61.13 g) was recorded from G2 which was statistically similar (59.80 g) to G1, whereas the minimum fresh weight of stem (53.20 g) was recorded from G0 (Table 5). Different levels of phosphorus fertilizer showed significant variation on fresh weight of stem of cabbage (Appendix VI). The maximum fresh weight of stem (60.86 g) was recorded from P3 which was closely followed (59.50 g) with P2, while the minimum fresh weight of stem (50.32 g) was found from P0 (Table 5). Due to combined effect of different concentrations of gibberellic acid and phosphorus fertilizer showed significant differences on fresh weight of stem of cabbage (Appendix VI). The maximum fresh weight of stem (65.83 g) was recorded from G2P3 and the minimum fresh weight (48.95 g) was found from G0P0 (Table 6). 72. 4.8 Dry matter content of stem (%) Significant variation was found on dry matter content of stem of cabbage due to different concentrations of gibberellic acid under the present trial (Table 5 and Appendix VI). The highest dry matter content of stem (8.60%) was found from G2 which was closely followed (8.32%) by G1, while the lowest dry matter content of stem (7.60%) was recorded from G0. Dharmander et al. (1996) got the similar trend of findings in their observation. Different levels of phosphorus fertilizer showed significant variation for dry matter content of stem of cabbage (Appendix VI). The highest dry matter content of stem (9.41%) was found from P2 which was closely followed (9.08%) with P3, whereas the lowest dry matter content of stem (5.99%) was recorded from P0 (Table 5). Combined effect of different concentrations of gibberellic acid and phosphorus fertilizer showed significant differences on dry matter content of stem of cabbage (Table 6 and Appendix VI). The highest dry matter content of stem (10.15%) was recorded from G2P2 and the lowest dry matter content of stem (5.46%) was found from G0P0. 4.9. Thickness of head. Significant variation was recorded on thickness of head of cabbage due to different concentrations gibberellic acid (Appendix VII). The highest thickness of head (12.69 cm) was found from G1 which was closely followed (11.92 cm) by G2, while the lowest (11.57 cm) from G0 (Fig. 8). Lendve et al. (2010) stated that the thickness of head on cabbage increase with the application of certain levels of GA3. Different levels of phosphorus fertilizer showed significant variation for thickness of head of cabbage (Figure 9 and Appendix VII). The maximum thickness of head (13.42 cm) was attained from P2 which was closely followed (12.44 cm) with P3, whereas the minimum thickness of head (10.55 cm) was recorded from P0 (Fig. 9).. 73. 74. Combined effect of different concentrations of gibberellic acid and phosphorus fertilizer showed significant differences on thickness of head of cabbage (Table 8 and Appendix VII). The highest thickness of head (14.30 cm) was recorded from G1P2 and the lowest thickness of head (10.38 cm) was found from G0P0. 4.10 Diameter of head Significant variation was recorded for diameter of head of cabbage due to different concentrations of gibberellic acid under the present trial (Table 7 and Appendix VII). The highest diameter of head (12.15 cm) was obtained from G1 which was closely followed (11.27 cm) by G2, while the lowest diameter of head (10.27 cm) was found from G0. But in earlier another experiment, Patil et al. (1987) were noticed the maximum head diameter with GA3 at 50 ppm. Different levels of phosphorus fertilizer showed significant variation for diameter of head of cabbage (Table 7 and Appendix VII). The highest diameter of head (11.56 cm) was found from P2 which was statistically similar (11.20 cm and 10.56 cm) to P1 and P3, whereas the lowest diameter of head (9.89 cm) was recorded from P0. Chaubey and Srivastava (2001) also found similar trends of results in their study. Due to combined effect of different concentrations of gibberellic acid and phosphorus fertilizer showed significant differences on diameter of head of cabbage (Table 8 and Appendix VII). The highest diameter of head (13.39 cm) was obtained from G1P2 and the lowest diameter of head (9.44 cm) was found from G0P0. 4.11 Dry matter content of head Significant variation was recorded for dry matter content of head of stem of cabbage due to different concentrations of gibberellic acid under the present trial (Table 7 and Appendix VII). The highest dry matter content of head (10.54%) was recorded from G1 which was closely followed (8.77%) by G2, while the lowest dry matter content of head (8.62%) was found from G0. Chauhan et al. (2009) agreed to the findings of the present study.. 75. Table 7. Effect of different levels of GA3 and phosphorus on yield contributing characters and yield of cabbage Levels of GA3 and phosphorus. Diameter of head (cm). G0. 10.28 b. 8.62 b. 1.29 b. 1.08 b. G1. 12.15 a. 10.54 a. 1.49 a. 1.30 a. G2. 11.27 b. 8.77 b. 1.43 a. 1.26 a. 0.599 0.01. 0.489 0.01. 0.068 0.01. 0.068 0.01. P0. 9.89 b. 8.24 c. 1.22 c. 1.12 d. P1. 11.20 a. 9.51 b. 1.45 b. 1.35 b. P2. 11.56 a. 10.13 a. 1.54 a. 1.49 a. P3. 10.95 a. 9.35 b. 1.41 b. 1.26 c. 0.689 0.01 7.72. 0.564 0.01 8.89. 0.054 0.01 6.69. 0.039 0.01 9.11. LSD(0.05) Level of significance. LSD(0.05) Level of significance CV(%). Dry matter content of head (%). Gross weight of head (kg/plant). Marketable yield (kg/plant). In a column means having similar letter(s) are statistically similar and those having dissimilar letter(s) differ significantly at 5% level of probability G0: 0 ppm GA3 (control). P0: 0 kg P2O5/ha (control). G1: 70 ppm GA3. P1: 120 kg P2O5/ha. G2: 90 ppm GA3. P2: 140 kg P2O5/ha P2: 160 kg P2O5/ha. 76. Table 8. Combined effect of different levels of GA3 and phosphorus on yield contributing characters and yield of cabbage Levels of GA3 and phosphorus. Thickness of head (cm). Diameter of head (cm). Dry matter content of head (%). Gross weight of head (kg/plant). Marketable yield (kg/plant). G0P0. 10.38 g. 9.44 b. 8.01 d. 1.21 c. 1.10 f. G0P1. 11.37 efg. 10.60 b. 9.04 cd. 1.39 b. 1.21 cde. G0P2. 12.37 cde. 10.79 b. 9.39 c. 1.42 b. 1.19 cdef. G0P3. 12.18 cde. 10.30 b. 8.64 cd. 1.29 bc. 1.13 ef. G1P0. 10.87 fg. 11.12 b. 9.36 cd. 1.28 bc. 1.14 ef. G1P1. 11.32 efg. 11.29 b. 9.50 cd. 1.42 b. 1.18 cde. G1P2. 14.30 a. 13.39 a. 11.99 a. 1.73 a. 1.40 a. G1P3. 13.79 ab. 11.16 b. 9.64 cd. 1.40 b. 1.25 bcd. G2P0. 10.40 g. 10.11 b. 8.37 cd. 1.25 c. 1.16 def. G2P1. 12.76 bcd. 12.72 a. 11.00 b. 1.66 a. 1.26 bcd. G2P2. 13.27 abc. 11.50 b. 9.00 cd. 1.61 a. 1.28 bc. G2P3. 11.69 def. 12.40 a. 10.79 b. 1.64 a. 1.33 ab. 1.159 0.05 7.56. 1.199 0.05 7.72. 0.977 0.01 8.89. 0.146 0.01 6.69. 0.096 0.01 9.11. LSD(0.05) Level of significance CV(%). In a column means having similar letter(s) are statistically similar and those having dissimilar letter(s) differ significantly at 5% level of probability G0: 0 ppm GA3 (control). P0: 0 kg P2O5/ha (control). G1: 70 ppm GA3. P1: 120 kg P2O5/ha. G2: 90 ppm GA3. P2: 140 kg P2O5/ha P2: 160 kg P2O5/ha. 77. Different levels of phosphorus fertilizer showed significant variation for dry matter content of head of cabbage (Table 7 and Appendix VII). The highest dry matter content of head (10.13%) was f