Effect of INM and Biofertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Eggplant (Solanum melogena)

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the most effective combination of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) and biofertilizers for enhancing the growth, yield, and quality of eggplants (Solanum melongena). A randomized block design with ten treatments was employed, incorporating various biofertilizers (Trichoderma harzanium, Azotobacter, and Rhizobacter) and INM components (vermicompost, farmyard manure, and poultry manure).The treatment combinations were  T1 (100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer - RDF), T2 (75% RDF + 25% Vermicompost + Azotobacter), T3 (50% RDF + 50% Vermicompost + Azotobacter), T4 (25% RDF + 75% Vermicompost + Azotobacter), T5 (75% RDF + 25% FYM + Trichoderma harzanium), T6 (50% RDF + 50% FYM + Trichoderma harzanium), T7 (25% RDF + 75% FYM + Trichoderma harzanium), T8 (75% RDF + 25% Poultry manure + Rhizobium), T9 (50% RDF + 50% Poultry manure + Rhizobium), and T10 (25% RDF + 75% Poultry manure + Rhizobium). The findings revealed that T1 exhibited the best performance in terms of growth parameters, while T10 demonstrated the highest yield. Regarding quality, T7 exhibited the most favourable outcomes. These results suggest that the appropriate combination of biofertilizers and INM components can significantly impact the growth, yield, and quality of egg plants. The significance and implications of these findings lie in their potential to enhance eggplant production through sustainable agricultural practices.