INFLUENCE OF PLANTING DATES AND VA-MYCORRHIZA ASSOCIATION ONGROWTH, YIELD AND YIELD ATTRIBUTES OF TURMERIC

Planting dates in turmeric play a vital role in the growth and development of the crop which eventually decide the yield and quality of rhizome. In this present investigation, we studied the association effect on turmeric to find out the suitable planting dates and VA-Mycorrhiza application. Planting dates started from 2nd fortnight of April influenced the growth and yield of turmeric with or without inoculation of VA-Mycorrhiza. The growth parameters, yield and yield attributes were significantly differed at 180 days after planting in turmeric with or without inoculation of VA-Mycorrhiza. Among different planting dates, 2nd fortnight of May planted crops recorded highest growth parameters, yield and yield attributes of turmeric compared to the crops planed in the month of July. Hence, planting of turmeric during May month with inoculation of VAM can be more profitable by increasing yield and yield attributes of turmeric under northern dry zone of Karnataka.