Pantnagar Journal of Research

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out during rabi season 2020 to determine the effect of Magnetite NanoFertilizer (Fe3O4 NPs) stabilized with EDTA on growth, yield and nutrient content of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica). The Fe3O4 NPs were prepared and particle size analysis revealed that the particle size was of 40 nm. Experiment with spraying of three iron nutrient sources with four different concentrations (Fe EDTA, 300 ppm, FeSO4.7H2O, 195 ppm and EDTA stabilized Fe3O4 NPs, 6 ppm and 3 ppm) were conducted on Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications of crop. The results revealed that application of 3 ppm solution of stabilized Fe3O4 NPs to broccoli significantly increased the plant height, stalk length, total head yield per hectare and biological yield per hectare as compared to control treatment. The result indicated the significant influence of applying Fe3O4 NPs, 3 ppm followed by FeSO4.7H2O, 195 ppm. These micronutrients helped in increasing plant height, stalk length, head weight per plant, head yield quintal per hectare and nutrient content in head with respect to control. Thus, stabilized Fe3O4 NPs, at 3 ppm foliar application seems to be a promising approach to maximize broccoli growth and head yield production.