Performance of Different Varieties of Cauliflower (Brassica Oleracea Var. Botrytis) Under Different Levels of Phosphorus Application in Pot Culture at Lamjung, Nepal

The objective of the current review is to review and identify the research gap on the effect of different growth media on rooting percentage, roots and shoot growth performance of grape cutting. Factors affecting rooting of grape cuttings can be internal or external factors. Internal factors affecting rooting of cuttings include the amount of stored food in cuttings, the age and maturity of tissue, the formation of callus and adventitious roots and the presence of leaves and buds on cuttings. The external factors include rooting media, chemical and hormone treatments, light, temperature, mechanical treatment and mist spray. Rooting media is one of the most important factors for rooted cutting production especially in grape. It is one of the factors affecting rooting and growth of grape cuttings. Types of media have significantly influenced the rooting and vegetative growth of cuttings. Different planting media have significantly influenced the vegetative growth of cuttings; due to the level of organic matter content, water holding difference. The suitability of the rooting medium depends on the species, type of cuttings, growing conditions, season of the year and the cost effectiveness of the medium components. A media which is light, rich, porous, well drained and free from pathogens is considered ideal for growing of grape. A good potting medium must be easy to supply, process and a cheap source. Choosing the most suitable growing media for the achievement of a successful plant production is very important Inadequate soil available Phosphorus (P) is principle limiting factor of cauliflower productivity in Nepal, and judicious P fertilizer management is one of the best strategies to increase the yield of cauliflower. A pot experiment was conducted at Lamjung Campus during October, 2018 to February, 2019 to We investigated the effect of five levels of soil application of P (0 kg ha^-1 ,100 kgha- 1,120kg ha^-1 ,140kg ha^-1 and 160kg ha^-1 ) on growth and yield attributes of two cauliflower varieties (Kathmandu Local and Snow Grace) with a pot experiment. Hence, the experimental design was two factorial complete randomized designs (CRD) with four replications. The result revealed that the soil application of P showed significant effect on all growth and yield attributes of cauliflower cultivars.

It was found that maximum plant height (28.18), days to curd initiation (76.12), number of leaves (18.38), root length (28.76), curd weight (0.750kg) and yield ha^-1 (27.54 tons) were recorded and Snow grace expressed highest curd weight (0.83 kg plant-1) and highest yield (31.07ton ha- 1) at P level of 160 kg ha^-1 as compared to other levels of P. Varieties and P level interacted significantly for plant height, curd weight and curd yield. It was concluded that application of phosphorus (160kg ha^-1 ) and cultivar Snow grace can produce highest yield and also further research is needed to optimize the P rate for enhancing yield.

Keywords: Cauliflower; Curd initiation; Curd yield; Phosphorus; Variety