Effect of spacings and fertilizer levels on leaf yield, quality and nutrient uptake of stevia (Sterna rebaudiana bertoni) Vasanthi K. D., Vasundhara M., Gowda M. Chandre, Byanna C. N. Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, G. K. V. K., Bangalore-560 065, Karnataka, India Online published on 19 March, 2018. Abstract A field experiment was conducted at the University of Agricultural Sciences. G. K. V. K., Bangalore during June 2006 to January 2007. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three spacings (30 x 22.5 cm, 45 x 22.5 cm and 60 x 22.5 cm) and four fertilizer levels (40: 20: 30 kg NPK+FYM @ 10 t/ha. 70: 35: 45 kg NPK+FYM 10 t/ha, 100: 45: 60 kg NPK+FYM @ 10 t/h and double the recommended dose of FYM i. e. 20 t/ha. Among spacings, 45 x 22.5 cm recorded the maximum fresh leaf yield and highest nitrogen and potash uptake. Total stevioside content in the leaves was maximum in 30 x 22.5 cm spacing. Application of 70: 35: 45 kg NPK+FYM @ 10 t/ha registered maximum fresh leaf yield, maximum stevioside content and highest nutrient uptake. The spacing 45 x 22.5 cm and fertilizer level 70: 35: 45 kg NPK+FYM @ 10 t/ha combination recorded maximum fresh leaf yield, stevioside content and highest nutrient uptake and hence the combination of spacing 45 x 22.5 cm and fertilizer level 70: 35: 45 kg NPK+FYM @ 10 t/ha could be recommended for cultivation of stevia under Bangalore condition. Top Keywords Leaf yield, Nutrient uptake, Quality, Stevia, Stevioside. Top |