Effect of NPK and Zn on growth, flowering and bulb production in tulip under polyhouse conditions in Kashmir.

Healthy and uniform bulbs of tulip cv. 'Apeldoorn' were planted in two consecutive growing seasons under polyhouse conditions in FRBD design to study the effect of nutrient management on growth, flowering and bulb production in tulip in the Kashmir valley. Experimental treatments comprised of three levels of nitrogen (0,75 and 150 kg ha -1 ) and two levels of phosphorus (0 and 50 kg ha -1 ), potassium (0 and 50 kg/ha) and zinc (0 and 5 kg ha -1 ). Except for bulb survival, nitrogen @ 75 kg ha -1 significantly improved all the parameters. However, further increase in dose of nitrogen (150 kg ha -1 ) influenced only a few parameters like scape length, wrapper leaf area, vase life and bulblet weight per plant. Application of phosphorus, potassium and zinc also resulted in better growth, flower quality and bulb production. Application of different nutrients caused increased concentration of nutrients in leaf tissue, which resulted in better performance of the plant. Combined application of N, P, K and Zn @ 75, 50, 50 and 5 kg ha -1 , respectively, was found to be the most suitable dose for obtaining better growth, quality flower and bulb production.