Effect of Combined Application of Non–Nano and Nano Fertilizers on the Growth, Yield and Oil Content of Sunflower under Semi-arid Conditions

Field experiment was conducted at International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad during early summer season in 2021 and 2022 to study the “Effect of integrated use of Nano and Non–Nano fertilizers on the growth and yield of sunflower under semi-arid conditions”. The experiment was carried out using randomized block design with 3 replications and comprised of 12 treatments. The averages of all study indicators were compared according to L.S.D test at a probability level of 0.05. Results revealed that application of conventional fertilizers as per recommended dose (75:90:30 kg/ha) along with foliar application of nano (19:19:19) N P K at 0.2% at 30 DAS and 60 DAS + nano boron at 0.2 % at ray floret opening stage (T7) recorded highest plant height (195,197 and196 cm), number of leaves (27.43, 28.12 and 27.78), leaf area (7632, 7665 and 7649 cm2 plant-1), leaf area index (LAI) (4.24 4.25 and 4.25), and dry matter production (98.96, 97.64 and 98.30 g/plant) at 90 DAS in both the years and on mean basis. However, treatment T7 was statistically on par with the treatment T9 - Conventional fertilizers 50% as per recommended dose + nano (19:19:19) N P K at 0.2% as foliar spray at 30 DAS and 60 DAS and nano boron at ray floret opening stage. Seed yield (1961,1915 and 1938 kg/ha), stalk yield (4193, 3918 and 4055 kg/ha) were also significantly influenced during both the years respectively with the treatment (T7) was statistically on par with the treatment T9. Lowest seed yield (758, 710 and 734 kg/ ha) and stalk yield (1684, 1702 and 1693 kg/ ha) and oil content (40.73 %, 39.67% & 40.20) was recorded with the control in both the years and on mean basis.