Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management Strategies on Growth and Yield of Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.)

An investigation was undertaken during 2009-10 to study the impact of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of Cape gooseberry genotype 'Aligarh'. Treatments consisted of application of biofertilizers (Azotobacter, Azospirillium and Pseudomonas) applied alone or in combination, with 75% and 100% NPK, plus full dose of FYM. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with twenty treatments replicated thrice. Seedlings inoculated with Azotobacter + 100% NPK + FYM gave maximum plant height, stem thickness, shoot number per plant and fruit yield per plant. Treatment of Azotobacter inoculation + 75% NPK +FYM gave maximum leaf area and minimum days to fruit picking. Biological routes to improving soil fertility and soil health for optimum crop production, therefore, form a vital component of integrated nutrient management.