Optimizing Spacing and Nutrient Doses for Enhanced Growth and Foliage Yield in Dracaena fragrans cv. Massangeana

This study investigates the effects of plant spacing and nutrient doses on the growth and yield of Dracaena fragrans cv. Massangeana, a popular ornamental cut foliage. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with ten treatment combinations including two levels of spacing (S1- 60 x 60 cm, S2- 75 x 60 cm) and five levels of fertilizer dose (N1- 24:6:12 N: P₂O₅: K₂O g/plant/year, N2- 48:6:12 N: P₂O₅: K₂O g/plant/year, N3- 72:6:12 N: P₂O₅: K₂O g/plant/year, N4-100 g FYM/plant at 4 months interval + foliar spray of NPK 19:19:19 @ 0.5% at 6 months interval, N5- absolute control). The results showed that a closer spacing of 60 x 60 cm (S1) significantly boosted plant height, leaf count, leaf length, width, leaf area, fresh weight and dry weight of leaves and chlorophyll content. Among the nutrient treatments, application of fertilizer dose with the highest nitrogen concentration (N3-72:6:12 N: P₂O₅: K₂O g/plant/year) showed superiority in most of growth and yield parameters including plant height, plant spread, leaf area, number of leaves, fresh and dry weight of leaves and roots, vase life, and chlorophyll content. Leaf longevity and leaf production interval were highest under absolute control (N4).

Nandana Mohan*1, Shajma Nafeesa Basheer2, Mini Sankar3, Sheron Fernandez4 and Jayasree P5 Click here to download file

Research Article | Published online : 22-Feb-2025