“ IMPACT OF BIOENHANCERS ON GROWTH, YEILD AND

QUALITY OF STRAWBERRY (Fragaria x ananassa) UNDER

CENTRAL PLAIN ZONE OF UTTAR PRADESH”

THESIS
SUBMITTED IN
PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
DEGREE OF

MASTER OF SCIENCE (AG) HORTICULTURE

IN
FRUIT SCIENCE
2025

Submitted by Under the Guidance of

Jagriti Dr. Ankit Singh Bhadauria
Roll No: 32012392531 Assistant Professor

DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE
SCHOOL OF ADVANCED AGRICULTURE SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
CHHATRAPATI SHAHU JI MAHARAJ UNIVERSITY, KANPUR
 CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that thesis entitled, “Impact of bioenhancers on
growth, yeild and quality of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) under
centeral plain zone of uttar pradesh” Submitted in partial fulfillment of
the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in
Horticulture (Fruit Science), School Of Advanced Agriculture
Sciences And Technology Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University,
Kanpur, (U.P.) is a record of research work carried out by Jagriti,
Roll No: 32012392531, under my supervision.

Place: Kanpur (Ankit Singh Bhadauria)

Date: / / 2025 Chairman

Dr. Ankit Singh Bhadauria Department of Horticulture
M.Sc. (Horticulture), Ph.D. School of Advanced
Assistant Professor Agriculture Sciences and

Department of Horticulture Technology Chhatrapati

Shahu Ji Maharaj University,

Kanpur
 DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE
SCHOOL OF ADVANCED AGRICULTURE SCIENCES AND
TECHNOLOGY
CHHATRAPATI SHAHU JI MAHARAJ UNIVERSITY, KANPUR-208 002
(U.P.) INDIA

ADVISORY COMMITTEE CERTIFICATE

We, the undersigned members of the advisory committee of

Jagriti, Roll No: 32012392531, a candidate for the degree of Master
of Science in Horticulture with major subject Fruit Science. We
agree that the thesis entitled, “Impact of bioenhancers on growth, yeild
and quality of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) under centeral plain
zone of uttar pradesh” which is submitted by him in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the degree.

(Dr. Ankit Singh Bhadauria)

(Chairman)
Assistant Professor
Horticulture

(Dr. Himanshu Trivedi) (Dr. Abhishek Tiwari) (Dr. Shreya Singh)

(Member)
(Assistant Professor) (Member)
Associate Professor
Department of Soil Science & Agril. Assistant Professor
Horticulture
Chemistry Plant Science

(Dr. Himanshu Trivedi)

(Director)
SAAST
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

With limitless humility, I would like to praise and thank “GOD”, the Almighty, merciful,
the compassionate, who bestowed me with health, tenacity and courage enough to go through this
crucial juncture. I am grateful to “GOD”, for bestowing me with affectionate parents. Their
selfless persuasion and sacrifice, heartfelt blessings and firm faith has made this manuscript a
remuneration to translate their dreams into reality.

I feel a great pleasure in getting this privilege to express my profound deep sense of
gratitude and heartfelt thanks to my research guide and chairman of my advisory committee Dr
Ankit Singh Bhadauria, Assistant Professor department of Horticulture SAAST CSJMU Kanpur
for his inspiring, fruitful and free hearted guidance, keen interest, limitless support and constant
encouragement that wiped away the thick air of pessimism towards the completion of this
manuscript.

I emphatically extend my immense and heartfelt gratitude to respected members of my

advisory committee Dr. Himanshu Trivedi, Associate Professor and Head, School of Advanced
Agriculture Sciences and Technology, Dr. Abhishek Tiwari, Assistant professor, soil science and
Dr. Shreya Singh, Assistant professor, Plant Science. I am very thankful for their keen interest,
valuable suggestions and help during this entire degree programme which helped me in finishing
my work expeditiously and making it a momentous one.

I express my heart-felt gratitude to namely Shivam Dixit, Pawan Kumar, Rajesh

Maurya and Sanjay Yadav, Department of Horticulture, School of Advanced Agriculture
Sciences and Technology, for their invaluable suggestions and affection during the entire course
of present studies.
Every effort is motivated by ambition and all ambitions have an inspiration behind. I owe
this place to my beloved grandparent’s Mr Ram Karan and Mrs Prema Devi for their heartfelt
blessings. Words in lexicon would be few exiguous to express my deep sense of gratitude for my
loving parents Mr Dileep Kumar and Mrs Manjulata to their everlasting love, innumerable
sacrifices, endless support, selfless care, constant inspiration and blessings which have always made
me move ahead. I owe all my success to them. There is no substitute for the love, affection and
encouragement bestowed upon me by my lovable sister Ms Paridhi and other family members for
their oceans of love and moral support
 “Friendship is a sweet and secret trust without a legal stamp” mere words cannot
substitute my feelings especially for my friend especially Utkarsh Srivastava and Dr. Kunal for
being with me and supporting me mentally in every step of thesis writing .

I sincerely acknowledge the help and encouragement received from my batchmates

Divya Tiwari, Neha Parween, Mili Shukla, Palak Saxena, Udit Singh, Dinesh Sahu. I will
always cherish the warmth shown by them.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude and thanks to all those who helped me
directly or indirectly from various quarters but have inadvertently failed to mention here because
of slip of mind and pen.

Needless to say, all errors and omissions are mine.

Date: / / 2025

Place: Kanpur (JAGRITI)

 Department of Horticulture
School of Advanced Agriculture Science and Technology
Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University,
Kanpur 208002 (UP), India

Title of the thesis : “Impact of bioenhancers on growth,

yeild and quality of strawberry
(Fragaria x ananassa) under centeral
plain zone of uttar pradesh”

Name of the student : Jagriti

Roll No. : 32012392531

Advisor : Dr. Ankit Singh Bhadauria

Year : 2023-2025

Degree : M.Sc. (Horticulture) Fruit Science

ABSTRACT

The present study entitled, “Impact of bioenhancers on growth, yeild and quality of strawberry
(Fragaria x ananassa) under centeral plain zone of uttar pradesh” was carried out at biodiversity
park , School of advanced agriculture science and technology kalyanpur at kanpur, uttar pradesh
during the year 2024-2025.The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with
three replications having nine treatments of two bioenhancers jeevamrit and panchgavya and
organic mulch of paddy straw viz; T2: Jeevamrit100ml+ Organic mulch(Paddy Straw), T3:
Jeevamrit200ml+ Organic mulch(Paddy Straw), T4: Panchgavya 30ml+ Organic mulch(Paddy
Straw), T5: Panchgavya 50ml+ Organic mulch(Paddy Straw), T6: Jeevamrit100ml+Panchgavya
30ml+ Organic mulch(Paddy Straw) , T7: Jeevamrit100ml+Panchgavya 50ml+ Organic
mulch(Paddy Straw) , T8: Jeevamrit200ml+Panchgavya 30ml+ Organic mulch(Paddy Straw), T9:
Jeevamrit200ml+Panchgavya 50ml+ Organic mulch(Paddy Straw) and T1: control. The
observations were recorded on No. of days to first flowering, No. of flower clusters per plants, No.
of flowers per plant, No. of flower per clusters, No. of Days taken to fruit maturity, Length of the
fruit, Weight of the fruit , Fruit yield per plant , Fruit yield per plot , Fruit yield , Fruit volume , Pulp
, Total soluble solids, Total sugars and Ascorbic acid content. From present investigation, it can be
concluded that treatment T9 recorded first flowering , earliest fruit maturity, highest number of
flower clusters per plant, highest number of flowers per plant also maximum number of flowers
per cluster. Among jeevamrit, panchgavya and organic mulch(paddy straw) T9:
Jeevamrit200ml+Panchgavya 50ml+ Organic mulch(Paddy Straw) had first flowering , maximum
No. of flower clusters per plants, maximum No. of flowers per plant and maximum No. of flower
per clusters and earliest fruit maturity, maximum Length of the fruit and maximum Weight of the
fruit , maximum Fruit yield per plant and maximum Fruit yield per plot , maximum Fruit yield q/ha
and highestFruit volume with highest range Total soluble solids and Total sugars and it was also
recorded to had maximum Ascorbic acid content. Followed by the treatment T6 :
Jeevamrit100ml+Panchgavya 30ml+ Organic mulch(Paddy Straw) and the minimum result was
seen in T1 treatment with control(only water spray).
 CONTENTS
CHAPTERS CHAPTER NAME PAGE NO.

I INTRODUCTION

II REVIEW OF LITERATURE

III MATERIAL AND METHODS

IV RESULT & DISCUSSION

V SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

* BIBLIOGRAPHY

* APPENDIX
 LIST OF TABLES

S. No. Table

4.2 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on plant spread (cm)

4.3 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on number of runners/plant
4.4 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on number of crowns/plant
4.5 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on leaf area (cm2)
4.6 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on number of leaves/plant

4.7 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on days taken to produce first flower
(50 % flower initiation)
4.8 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on number of days from flowering
to fruit setting
4.9 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on number of days to first fruit
setting
4.10 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on number of flowers/plants
4.11 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on duration of flowering (days)
4.12 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on duration of harvesting (days)
4.13 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on number of fruits set/plant
4.14 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on fruit length (cm)
4.15 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on fruit diameter (mm)
4.16 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on fruit weight (g)
4.17 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on fruit volume (cc)
 LIST OF FIGURES

S. No. Figure
3.1 Monthly meteorological data gathered during the experimental duration
(October to April)
4.1 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on height of plant (cm)
4.2 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on plant spread (cm)
4.3 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on number of runners/plant
4.4 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on number of crowns/plant
4.5 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on leaf area (cm2)
4.6 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on number of leaves/plant
4.7 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on days taken to produce first flower
(50 % flower initiation)
4.8 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on number of days from flowering
to fruit setting
4.9 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on number of days to first fruit
setting
4.10 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on number of flowers/plants
4.11 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on duration of flowering (days)
4.12 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on duration of harvesting (days)
4.13 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on number of fruits set/plant
4.14 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on fruit length (cm)
4.15 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on fruit diameter (mm)
4.16 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on fruit weight (g)
4.17 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on fruit volume (cc)
4.18 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on specific gravity (g/cm3)
4.19 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on juice content (%)
4.20 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on pulp content (%)
4.21 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on juice : pulp ratio
4.22 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on shelf life of fruits at room
temperature (days)
4.23 Effect of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch on total soluble solids content
(oBrix)
LIST OF ABBREVIATION & SYMBOLS
% : per cent

0
B : Degree brix

CD : Critical differences

cm : Centimetres

D.F. : Degree of freedom

cv. : Cultivar

Fig. : Figure

FYM : Farm Yard Manure

g : Gram

ha : Hectare

i.e. : that is (id. est.)

kg : Kilogram

m : Meter

max. : Maximum

mg : Milligram

min : Minimum

ml : Milliliter

mm : Millimeter

No. : Number

ppm : Parts per million

q/ha : Quintal/hectare

SEM : Standard error mean

S.S. : Sum of Square

M.S.S. : Mean Sum of Square

T.S.S. : Total soluble solids

viz. : Videlicet (read as namely)

CHAPTER-1

INTRODUCTION

The modern cultivated strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa Duchesne) is one of

the most delicious, refreshing and nutritious soft fruits of the world. Fragaria species
belongs to the family Rosaceae with a basic chromosome number of n =7. The cultivated
strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa Duchesne) has chromosome number (2n) of 56. It is a
monoecious octoploid hybrid of two largely dioecious octoploid species. It is assumed
that hybridization between Fragaria chiloensis and Fragaria virginiana had taken place
spontaneously in Europe in early seventeenth century when female plants of Fragaria
chiloensis of Chilean origin were grown in proximity to male Fragaria plants of North
American origin (Gallette and Bringhurst, 1990).

The fresh ripe fruits of strawberry are rich source of vitamins and minerals and
among vitamins it is a fairly good source of vitamin-A (60 IU) and vitamin-C (30-120
mg/100g fruit pulp). Strawberry also has high pectin, available in the form of
calciumpectate, which serves as an excellent ingredient for jelly-making (Mitra, 1991).

Strawberries are known for their characteristic aroma, which is attributed to the
presence of volatile esters. The most important aroma compounds are ethyl hexanoate,
methyl hexanoate, ethyl heptanoate, ethyl propionate, ethyle butanoate, methyl butanoate,
furanone and linalool. Essential oil can also be extracted from strawberry leaves. The
major constituents of strawberry oil are linalool and nonanal (Khanizdeh and Belanger,
1993). The strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne) is an attractive Rosaceae fruit
crop. This fruit is extremely valued in the international marketplace due to its appealing
red color, pleasant aroma, and excellent nutritional content in terms of vitamins (A and
C) and minerals (Fe and K). Strawberry fruits, in addition to being consumed fresh, are
used to make jam and jelly because of the large content of pectin present (Rathod et
al., 2021).

The name 'strawberry' is derived from the farmer’s practice of mulching beneath the plant
with straw. Because of this, the words "straw" and "berries" produced from the plant may
have evolved into the current word “strawberry” A pleasing perfume, a sweet-sour taste and
an attractive red colour is present in fully ripe strawberry fruits (Mitra, 1991).

Strawberries rank among the world’s most significant soft fruits after grapes (Mir et al.,
2017). Before the arrival of the Christians, strawberries were said to be cultivated by the
Romans. However, the domesticated strawberry production was established in France during
the 17th century, is an octaploid hybrid (8x) of two native American species, F. chilioensis
and F. virginiana. The wild species F. vesca was distributed all over the northern hemisphere
and was cultivated before the development of hybrid. The basic chromosomal number of the
Fragaria species is x = 7. It is among the world’s most attractive, tasty, soft and cool fruits.
The majority of strawberry varieties are naturally self-pollinated and have hermaphrodite
blooms. The strawberry flesh is made up of the fruit receptacle and resultant seeds known as
achenes, create the actual fruits. The receptacle is made up of pith, cortex and epidermal layer.
Vascular bundles that nourish the growing embryos divide the last two layers (Hancock,
1999).

Since the 18th century, the majority of European nations have grown strawberries for
commercial purposes and as a result, approximately half of all strawberries produced
worldwide are grown there. Europe, Israel, Japan, Turkey, Australia and New Zealand are
among the countries where strawberries are commonly produced. With almost 30% of the
global strawberry production, the United States is the leading producer in the world. In terms
of worldwide production, almost one third of the world’s strawberry is produced in Europe.
Spain, Poland, Germany and France are the world’s top producers among other nations. A
significant number of strawberries are also produced in the USA, Mexico, Egypt, Japan, Italy
and Russia. Over the past few years, India has seen a significant rise in acreage and
productivity due to introduction of various strawberry cultivars under protected cultivation
(Sharma, 2002).
Strawberry was introduced to India in early 60's, and cultivation was mainly
restricted to tropical and sub-tropical parts of the country.Cultivation of strawberry is greatly
influenced by specific regional adaption due to critical photoperiod and temperature
requirement by the crop. In Assam, growing strawberry plant can be an income producing
alternative to traditional crop farming community due to its high demand in both local as well
as national market. Suitability of cultivars and its cultural practices are highly
variable(Sharma and Sharma, 2003). Strawberry plant is a surface feeder, therefore fertility,
moisture, drainage and microbial status of the upper layer of soil have great impact on growth,
development, fruit yield, quality and production of runners. The application of synthetic
fertilizers has improved yield per unit area manifold but these fertilizers are expensive and
hamper the ecological balance of the soil. Among the various factors which contribute to the
growth and yield of strawberry, nutrition is an important aspect of crop production that
accounts for about one third of the total cost of production (Bhat, 1999 and Nazir, 2005).

The strawberry was first introduced to India as an exotic species in 1766 by French
botanist Antone Nicholas Duchesne. Regarding fruit production, India is estimated to
produce13.52 thousand MT on 3000 thousand hectares of land. In India major strawberry
producing states are Haryana (estimated 4.26 thousand tonnes), Maharashtra (estimated 3.28
thousand tonnes) and Jammu & Kashmir (estimated 2.83 thousand tonnes) (NHB, 2021-22).

Strawberry is conventionally propagated by runners. Although propagationby

runners retains all the characters of theparent but viral diseases are also transmitted
through runners especially when parentmaterial is infected. The conventional way of
production is not adequate to meet the commercial demand. In view of potential
commercial value, it is highly desirable to develop methods for rapid, efficient and
largescale propagation of crop (Vandana et al., 2012).

Increasing need for enhanced crop productivity due to ever increasing population
necessitates adequate amount of plant nutrition. The interaction of chemical fertilizers
with the soil is considered less favorable to soil environment in comparison with organic
sources of crop nutrient. Organic form of nutrient constitutes a potential renewable source
of nutrient supply to crops under all situations. Organic sources are relatively bulky
materials and are mainly added to improve the physical condition of the soil, to replenish
nutrients and keep up its humus status to maintain the optimum condition for activities of
soil micro flora and fauna.

Strawberries are strikingly perishable and therefore needs a very careful

postharvest handling primarily due to their susceptibility towards mechanical damage,
physiological degradation, water loss and microbial deterioration. Economic loss of fruit
quality due to short shelf life begins with the loss of membrane integrity that largely plays
the leading role in the senescence process (Paliyath et al., 2008).

Indiscriminate use of agrochemicals during the last 5-6 decades has adversely
affected the soil fertility, crop productivity, produce quality and particularly the
environment. Annually India is loosing nearly 0.8 million tonnes of nitrogen, 1.8 millions
tones of Phosphorus and 26.3 million tonnes of potassium (Anonymous, 2011).Soil
organic carbon content in most of the Indian soils has been reduced to > 0.5 per cent. The
green revolution is exhibiting second generation problem owing to over exploitation and
mis management of soil. Under these circumstances, maintenance of soil fertility and crop
productivity are the major constraints in agriculture(R.K.Pathak, R.A. Ram 2013).

Concentrated manures, bio products in powder or in liquid form, henceforth

termed as Bio-enhancers are organic preparations, obtained by active fermentation of
animal & plant residues over specific duration. These are rich source of microbial
consortia, macro, micronutrients and plant growth promoting substances including im-
munity enhancers. Utilized to treat seeds/ seedlings, enhance decomposition of organic
materials thereby en- rich soil and induce better plant vigour. These could be a potent tool
to utilize these in fertigation in various crops (Pathak and Ram, 2012)

Panchgavya is a special bio enhancer prepared from five prod- ucts obtained
from cow, i.e. dung, urine, milk, curd and ghee. When these are properly mixed, incubated
for rec- ommended period and ready fermented solution has miraculous effect on crops.
Preparation is rich in nutri- ents, auxins, gibberellins, and microbial fauna and acts as
tonic to enrich soil, induce plant vigour with quality production. In beginning, pioneer
work has been done by a medical doctor, which was subse- quently studied by TNAU,
Coimbatore, India and other institutes Natrajan (2003).

The preparation is rich in nutrients, auxins, gib- berellins and microbial fauna and
acts as tonic to enrich the soil to induce plant vigour with quality production. It is equally
effective for all types of plants, milch animals, goat, poultry, fish, and pet animals. Its
remarkable effects have been demonstrated in fruits like mango, guava, acid lime, banana,
spice turmeric, flower-jasmine and vegetables such as cucumber spinach etc. The spray
of panchagavya on chilies produces dark green coloured leaves within 10 days.
(Sreenivasa et al; 2009)

Chemical analysis revealed that panchagavya possess almost all macro,

micronutrients and growth promoting hormones (IAA, GA) required for plant growth
(Selvaraj, et al.2006).

Jeevamrit is prepared by fermenting cow dung, urine, jaggery, pulse flour and
virgin soil by simple fa- cilities created in the village with minimum expenditure. Credit
for development of recipes for Jeevamrit and its extensive use goes to a strong promoter
of Natural Farming Palekar (2006).

In India, strawberry fruit crop is still grown in open areas using a paddy straw
mulching strategy by poor or marginal farmers, and it accounts for a large part of the
national annual strawberry cultivable land. According to scientific findings, the
strawberry plant responded positively to the application of a growth regulator (Sharma
and Sharma, 2004).

Moreover, organic mulching materials are also reported to have positive

contribution to moisture retention in the root zone depth and improving physical
properties of soil, supplying most of the plant nutrients. They also add organic matter to
the soil after decomposition, thereby augmenting growth, yield and quality of crop and
their produce (Verma et al., 2005; Reicosky et al., 1995).

OBJECTIVES

❑To study about the effect of Bioenhancers on vegetative growth of strawberry

❑To study about the effect of Bioenhancers on yield and yield attributing traits of
Strawberry
Chapter-2
REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Strawberry is a popular commercial fruit crop grown in temperate regions of the world.
It is highly preferred fruit in the diet of millions of people across the world for its delicate
flavour and high vitamin, mineral and antioxidant content (Bhat et al., 2005). Nowadays
farmers are shifting towards the organic farming so the organic fertilizers are
recommended for this farming. Bioenhancers can be a great approach in the organic
farming of strawberry . It promotes both the quantitative and qualitative elements of fruit
growth.

Bioenhancers are compounds that, when combined with pharmacological substances,

stimulate and enhance drug bioavailability without having a synergistic activity with the
drug.Bioavailability enhancers are chemicals that, on their own, do not have the same
effect as a traditional medicament. But when combined, they enhance drug macromo-
lecular activity in a number of ways, including boosting drug bioavailability all across
membranes, enhancing the drug molecule using conformational interactions, serving as
drugs molecule receptors, and enhancing drug sensitivity in target cells. “A ‘bioenhancer’
is a chemical that increases the bioavailability and effectiveness of a medication it is
combined with without having its own pharmacological action at the dose used”

The effect of jeevamrit and panchgavya on vegetative, floral, fruit and physico-chemical
and bio-chemical parameters are reviewed in this chapter

2.1 Effect of bioenhancers on vegetative growth of strawberry:

Mathur (1997) observed that application of 100 per cent of FYM significantly increased
available potassium over 50 per cent FYM + 50 per cent NPK under cotton-wheat
sequence. Increase in potassium was due to reduction of K fixation in soil and release of
potassium due to interaction of organic matter with clay besides direct addition of
potassium to the available pool of soil. Increase in available potassium due to FYM and
sun-hemp application was also observed by Bellakki and Badanur (1997). Farmyard
manure is good source of potassium which had favourable effect on K availability in soil.

Dahiya and Malik (2002) reported that the organic acids produced during the
decomposition of mulching materials complexed metal cations Ca, Al and Fe, hereby
helping in solubilization of native P and reduction in P sorption.

Majumdar et al., (2002) reported that combined application of N with farmyard manure
proved superior to the inorganic N by registering significantly higher available N. This
increase is possibly due to the mineralization of organic N. Application of fertilizer N
with farmyard manure recorded higher available P and K than only fertilizer N. The
increase in available P with farmyard manure addition might be due to release of more P
from organic compounds, increase in microbial population as well as decomposition
product of humic substances (Shinde and Solanki, 1991).

Gill et al., (2004) reported that nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents in leaf and
rhizome improved with farmyard manure application.

Several workers (Nowsheen et al., 2006; Singh and Singh, 2009; Ingle et al., 2008;
Rajbir et al., 2010; Yadav et al. 2009) reported better growth parameters such as plant
height, plant spread, number of leaves and crowns, leaf area etc., when an integrated and
combined application of nutrient resources was followed for strawberry cultivation.

The presence of beneficial microorganisms in these liquid formulations may be

because they are made up of a combination of cow dung, cow urine, legume flour, and
jaggery, which are known to contain essential micronutrients, several vitamins, essential
amino acids, growth-promoting substances such as indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic
acid (GA), and beneficial microorganisms (Palekar, 2006; Sreenivasa et al. 2010;
Nileema and Sreenivasa, 2011).

Singh et al. (2006) reported that available nitrogen content of surface soil significantly
increased with incorporation of FYM and green manuring in combination with fertilizer
over chemical fertilizer alone. It is apparent that sustainability of crop production system
in future will mainly depend on integrated nutrient management for balance supply of
nutrient i.e. judicious application of inorganic nitrogen along with organic and biological
sources.

Singh et al. (2006) reported that application of recommended dose of fertilizers with FYM
@ 5 t/ha along with green manuring increased the available phosphorus in soil. This may
be due to that organic materials forms a protective cover on sesquioxide and thus reduce
the phosphorus fixing capacity of soil and hence, increase available P status of soil.
Selvamani et al. (2011) reported that phosphorus content in the soil increased
significantly by application of organics and bio-inoculants in rice. Organic acid released
during decomposition of organic manures increased availability of phosphorus.

Several beneficial bacteria are present in Beejamrit which helps in the improvement of
seed germination, seedling length and seedling vigour in soybean. This is because the
bacterial isolates from Beejamrit were capable of producing the growth promoters like
IAA and GA that may cause improvement in seedling growth and vigour (Sreenivasa et
al. 2007).

Sanwal et al. (2007) reported that the available N content in the soil marginally improved
with the incorporation of organics over the initial status after harvest of second crop.
Application of organics showed higher available P and K rather than direct addition
through inorganic sources. The organic materials form a cover on sesquioxides, thus
reducing the phosphate-fixing capacity of the soil and solubilization of insoluble P
fractions resulting into release of available P. Higher availability of K due to organics
could be ascribed due to release of K due to interaction of organic matter and clay.

Yallesh kumar et al., (2008) recorded that the stones pre-treated with panchgavya 3%
recorded significantly lower number of days for the initiation of germination (12 .25
days), maximum germination percentage (75.22 %), rootstock diameter (7.35 mm), no.
of leaves (14.77), highest graft success (76.15 %), graft survival percentage (90.24 %).
sprout height (5.96 cm) and number of leaves per graft (17.80). GA, showed highest
germination index (4.46) and rootstock height (36.43 cm) at 100 ppm concentration
which was at par with KNO, and water soaking.
Combined application of liquid manures like Beejamrit, Jeevamrit and Panchagavyam
was also reported by Chandrakala (2008) to result in a significantly higher growth in
chilli. Beejamrit also contains several hormones which promote the growth of plants.

The experiment conducted by Gore (2009) also revealed that combined application of
Beejamrit, Jeevamrit and Panchagavya on 75 and 160 days after sowing of tomato
increased the enzymatic activities, plant growth, root length and N, P and K
concentration.

Shreenivasa et al., (2009) investigated the use of Beejamrutha, a mix of cow dung, cow
urine, water, lime and a handful of soil has been given importance in sustainable
agriculture since age old days. It is also one such organic product helpful for the plant
growth. The beneficial microorganisms present in beejamrutha are known to protect the
crop from harmful soil-borne and seed-borne pathogens.

Periasamy and Mahadevan (2009) revealed that, the progress of ancient Indian
civilization pivoted around cow and its progeny. Cows were the symbol of prosperity,
measure of wealth and hence. The cow is greatly respected, worshipped and is believed
to be the abode of all the Gods. The one product that is revolutionizing parts of Rural
Tamil Nadu today is Panchakavya, an organic product blended from five offerings that
evolve from the cow, used in Indian medicine since time immemorial and now being
used, with astonishing results, to safeguard plants and soil micro-organisms and to
increase fruit and vegetable production.

Verma et al., (2009), observed that the effect of organic manure and FYM on apple
tree, they found that maximum terminal shoot growth (45.1 and 41.8 cm), plant height
(6.0 and 5.8 m) and plant spread (5.6 and 5.0 m N-S, 5.8 and 5.5 m E-W) were recorded
in treatment organic manure @ 5 kg tree-1.

Saha et al., (2010) observed that organic manure had a positive effect on the nutrient
status in root zone. In the study, the maximum plant height, canopy spread, and trunk
cross sectional area were determined in the plants treated with 10.0 kg FYM/plant,
followed by 7.50 kg FYM per plant treatment.
Yanthan et al. (2010) reported that application of organic material resulting in increased
in available N due might be also attributed to the greater multiplication of microbes
caused by the addition of organic materials for the conversion of organically bound N to
inorganic form. The beneficial effect of FYM and vermicompost on the available K may
be ascribed to the reduction of fixation and release of K due to the interaction of organic
matter with clay besides the direct K addition to the available K pool of the soil. The
maximum residual P content (20.1 kg/ha) was recorded with FYM @ 20 tonnes/ha
treatment which was observed to be at par with 100% NPK + Azospirillum and 50% NPK
+ 50% vermicompost treatment. The appreciable build up in available P with organics
and inorganics may be attributed to the influence of organic manure in increasing the
labile P in soil through comp1exing of cations like Ca2+ and Mg2+, which are mainly
responsible for the fixation of phosphorus.

Dawale et al., (2011) recorded that the panchgavya 3% exhibit maximum rootstock height
(27.20 mm), root stock diameter (6.40 mm), number of leaves (14.37) at 90 DAS. The
stones presoaked with 3% panchgavya recorded minimum number of days for initiation
of germination (10.67) and highest germination percentage (70.83 %).

Gupta et al., (2012) studied and reported that with the growing awareness for safe and
healthy food, the demand for organically grown food is growing. Concern for
deteriorating soil health and increasing contamination in ground water and surface water
bodies have also added to the need for alternative technologies which not only can ensure
safe and healthy food but are also environment friendly and contributing to the long term
fertility and sustainability of the soils. During the last 10 years many farmers, due to
various reasons, have switched over to the organic methods of cultivation and are now
successfully growing comparable productivities with much less costs. In the absence of
any scientific support majority of the farmers relied on the traditional wisdom and with
some on-farm experimentation has developed innovative inputs which can be prepared
on-farm with local resources. Among these innovative inputs most common and
successful inputs are Panchgavya, Jivamruth and vermiwash.

Namagoudar et al., (2012) investigated that Now-a-days organic farming practices are
gaining importance as farmers have realized the benefits of organic farming in terms of
soil fertility, soil health and sustainable productivity. Farmers are well aware with the use
of organic liquid manure such as Panchagavya, Beejamruth, Jiwamruth and biodigester
in organic farming. These organic liquid manures play a key role in promoting growth
and providing immunity to plant system.

Shivakumar et al., (2012) reported that higher content of available nitrogen after crop
harvest was recorded in the organic manure treatment (Farmyard manure equivalent to
100% RDN i.e., 154.3 t/ha) as compared to control. The increase in available nitrogen
due to application of organic manures might be attributed to the greater multiplication of
soil microbes by application of organic manures. These organic manures during
mineralization convert organically bound N to inorganic from resulting in higher
available nitrogen of soil. Higher availability of phosphorus in the organic manures
treated plots as compared to RDF treated plots might be due to the release of organic
acids during microbial decomposition of organic matter which might have helped in the
solubility of native phosphorus. The higher K content might be because of the organic
acids produced during decomposition of organic manures helping the release of minerally
bound insoluble potassium and also might had reduced the potassium fixation.

Chadha et al., (2013) revealed the role of Panchgavya in agriculture is well described in
Vedas. The indiscriminate use of pesticides in vegetables has attracted worldwide
attention toward ecofriendly plant production and protection technologies. Panchgavya is
one of the ancient Indian concoctions used in production and protection of different crops
from the time immortal. In Sanskrit, Panchgavya means a blend of five products obtained
from cow mainly its dung, urine, milk, ghee and curd. The investigation was carried out
to evaluate the efficiency and efficacy of Panchgavya in supplementing the nutritional
needs of the crops and protecting them from diseases. The nutritional and microbial
analysis of Panchgavya showed the presence of different macro and micro nutrients and
large population of essential microbes including Azotobacter sp., Actinomycetes sp. And
phosphate solubilizers. Panchgavya was found quite effective in enhancing the
productivity of knol khol (31.8%), onion (6.3°k) and, seed yield of pea (33.1 %) in
comparison to control. Panchgavya was found quite effective as seed treatement in pea.
Panchgavya was also noticed to suppress the growth of variqus plant pathogens by
producing antibacterial and antifungal compounds, hormones and siderophores.
Panchgavya was found the most effective in controlling (88.9 percent) stalk rot of
cauliflower.

H. A. Prajapati (2013) concluded that khirni seeds soaked in cow dung for 24 hrs gave
maximum germination percentage with optimum vegetative growth and survival
percentage of khirni rootstock.

Jain et al., (2013) studied the suitability of Panchgavya (five products of cow), new
organic amendment and its application. Panchgavya was mixed with water to form
different concentration and was tested for seed germination, germination index, and root
and shoot growth of different seedlings.application of Panchgavya can be gain fully used
as an alternative supplement in agriculture.

Patil et al., (2013) summarizes use of biofertilizers and organic fertilizers by the farmers
in Sangamner region of Maharashtra as low input Sustainable agricultural technology
(LISA). Review of literature 14 Though the use of chemicals in agriculture is inevitable
to meet the growing demand for food in world, there are opportunities in some areas
where organic production can be encouraged to tape the domestic export market. Farmers
are now using the biofertilizers, Vermicompost, Poultry manure, Jeevamrit as source of
organic manures in their fields in Sangamner. There are actually a wide variety of
biofertilizers that have been evolved through universities and independent research labs,
but these are not disseminated upto the 100 % farmers. Sustainable use and conservation
of natural resources are the key components to face the problem of soil degradation and
climate change.

Pathak and Ram (2013) reported after closely working with Organic Farming Systems
for over a decade, viewed that “Bio enhancers” could be a cheap and alternative tool to
resolve many issues including cheap and effective alternative for fertigation. In organic
production systems, there is always a challenge of how to improve soil fertility, crop
productivity and management of pests by organic techniques. Use of organic liquid
preparations has been an age old practice in India. On farm produced Kunapajala,
prepared by fermenting animal flesh along with herbal products used to be an established
technique in ancient India. As an alternative number of organic farmers devised organic
boosters based on local experiences and gave specific names such as Amritpani,
Panchagavya, Beejamrita, Jeevamrit etc. Similarly, in other organic farming systems, few
effective preparations such as BD- 500, BD-501, Cow Pat Pit, Biodynamic liquid
manures and in Homa Organic Farming: Agnihotra ash enriched water and Biosol are
effective tools being used by number of organizations. It is interesting to note that in all
these preparations, the basic ingredients are cow based products. In order to give generic
name, hence forth, these are named as “Bio enhancer” which is almost new to the world
and scientific community.

Ram Awadh Ram (2013) observed that the bioenhancers bio enhancers could be a potent
source to improve soil fertility, crop productivity and quality Combined with manures
and frequent use of bio enhancers can address many challenges of agriculture and will be
pave way for sustainable agriculture through organic resources.

Khalid et al., (2013) studied the effect of organic amendments on vegetative

growth of strawberry and reported that use of planting media (soil in combination with
silt and farmyard manure) resulted in maximum plant height (15.21 cm), crown diameter
(1.47 cm), canopy spread (20.37 cm), fresh weight of plant (10.71 g), number of runners
per plant (2) and the total number of flowers (58). Further using planting media along
with 200 g per kg vermicompost improved fresh leaf weight (0.92 g), number of leaves
(6.67), leaf area (43.07 cm2) and days required for first bloom (96.67). Leaf manure-
based treatment (planting media along with 200 g per kg leaf manure) enhanced root
length (20.11 cm).

Jeevamrit is reported (Devakumar et al., 2014) to aid in improving plant growth which
was attributed to the presence of beneficial microorganisms since its constituents includes
cow dung, cow urine, legume flour and jaggery which is known to hold essential
nutrients, various vitamins, essential amino acids, growth promoting substances like
Indole Acetic Acid (IAA), Gibberellic Acid (GA) and beneficial microorganisms.

Ghosh et al., (2014) in an experiment studied the effect of different organic manures
(vermicompost, FYM, neem cake, mustard cake and mahua cake) on Mosambi trees aged
8 years. Vermicompost at 20 kg tree-1 resulted in maximum plant growth, TSS and
vitamin C content whereas, neem cake at 7.5 kg tree-1 gave highest yield and maximum
sizeable fruit.
Chatterjee and Thirumdasu (2014) investigated crop production in organic cropping
systems depends heavily on using organic manures to sustain soil fertility. Utilization of
organic soil amendments as nutrient source for vegetable production reduces the cost of
purchased inorganic fertilizers, improves soil and environmental health, enhances quality
of produce and helps to achieve sustainability in the production system. The present work
compiles the potential nutrient sources for organic vegetable cultivation and their
utilization in different vegetable crops. The information will increase the nutrient use
efficiency of the farming system and encourage Review of literature 15 farmers to adopt
large scale organic cultivation and subsequently will create more employment
opportunities and higher incomes from organic vegetable cultivation.

Kumar et al., (2014) reported that application of mulches increased organic carbon,
available N, P and K as compared to unmulched plots. Available N increased might be
due to microbial decomposition of organic material with large amount of liable organic
nitrogen (N) which is expected to result in high rates of N mineralization (Forge et al.,
2003) and K were significantly higher in pine needle mulch compared to control but
remained at par with poplar and silver oak mulch. Available P was significantly higher in
poplar leaf mulch compared to control plots.

Alharbi Abdulaziz (2015) reported that application of mulch increased the available
phosphorus, potassium and organic matter content in organic palm farming. Mulch
induced pH reduction results from the addition or retention of organic matter, with
organic acids produced from decomposition of plant-derived materials accumulating or
leaching into the soil.

Shyam (2019) studied the effect of organic mulches and jeevamrit formulations on
plant growth of replanted plum cv. Red Beaut at stone fruit block of Department of Fruit
Science, Dr YSP UHF, Nauni during 2018 and 2019. The maximum shoot growth (244.42
cm) and leaf area (30.16 cm2) was recorded in T8 (Ghan Jeevamrit Laddu + Grass
mulching) whereas, minimum leaf area was found in T9 (Jeevamrit).
Garg et al., (2020) observed the impact of vermicompost, poultry manure and jeevamrit
on growth parameters of kiwifruit cv. Allison at Dr YSP UHF, Nauni, Solan and recorded
maximum leaf area (15.1 cm2), leaf area index (4.36), chlorophyll index (51.2) in T8 (30
l Jeevamrit + 3 kg Ghana Jeevamrit + 40 kg FYM per vine) under Subhash Palekar’s
Natural Farming System. Whereas, under organic farming based system, T2 (100 %
Recommended Dose of Nitrogen through vermicompost and poultry manure on 50-50
basis) observed maximum leaf area (151.8 cm2) and leaf area index (4.35).

An experiment was conducted by Saini et al., (2020) in the Department of Agronomy,

CCS, HAU, Hisar to determine the impact of different organic and inorganic sources of
nutrients on yield characters of black gram and observed maximum SPAD chlorophyll
content (45.50) under T2 (100 % RDF) which was significantly superior than rest of the
treatments.

BJ sahana et al., (2020) to investigate the influence of organic manures on

vegetative growth, yield’ attributing traits of strawberry during 2019-20. Among the
treatments tested’ application of vermicompost + Jeevaamrit@ 500 ml per plot +
Beejamruth seedling treatment recorded maximum vegetative growth characteristics
viz.(plan height 28. 85 cm; umber of trifoliate leves/ plant 27.51 leaf area 106.78 cm 2
plant spread 30.42 cm N-S and 30.04 cm E-W; number of crowns/ plants 4.65; number
of runners/plant 6.27 and plant dry weight 36.87g) yield and yield attributes traits of
strawberry cv. “Winter dawn” was recorded in treatment with the application of
vermicompost + Jeevaamrit @ 500 ml per pot + beejamruth seedling treatments.

Silvia Afonsa et al., (2022) studies about sustainable solutions to increase crop production
while reducing the negative impacts on the environment of agricultural inputs is a priority
in modern intensive agriculture. In cherry crops the beneficial effects of biostimulants are
evident, as their application has the ability to improve plant growth and tree performance
and increase nutrient uptake and production yields while improving the nutritional value
and quality of fruits by reducing fruit cracking.

Avantika Singh et al., (2023) evaluate the efficiacy of the T7 treatment (Jeevamrit
+Amritpani+Azotobacter) in promoting the vegetative growth and yield of Winter Dawn
strawberries. The combination of these bioinoculants and bioenhancers significantly
enhanced various growth parameters, including plant height, spread, leaf count, flower
and fruit production, fruit set percentage,and fruit yield.

Ankit Singh Bhadauria, V K Tripathi (2023) was observed that application of

bioenhancers: FYM (25 kg/tree/year) Organic mulch (Paddy straw) +Panchagavya (3%)
+ Azotobacter (100g/tree) on Mango cv. Amrapali recorded a significantly higher number
of leaves per shoot, number of inflorescence per branch, maximum TSS, total sugar
content, sugar acid ratio.

2.2 Effect of bioenhancers on flowering and fruiting of strawberry.

Selvaraj (2003) revealed that the use of panchagavya and vermicompost combination has
given the highest pod yield of Frenchbean variety Ooty2, which was 36 percent higher
than the conventional method.

Shwetha (2008) reported that better growth and yield parameters were observed with the
application of organic manures in combination with fermented organics viz., Beejamrit,
jeevamrit, panchagavya rather than application of only organics. Kasbe et al., (2009)
reported that application of jeevamrit formulation in rice – black gramcropping sequence
recorded significantly higher total dry matter over other treatments.

Manjunathet et al., (2009) revealed that application of FYM along with jeevamrit on
sunflower significantly increased yield, microbial activity by solubilization and nutrient
uptake.

Herencia et al., (2010) investigated the effect of organically fertilized soil on flowering
and fruiting in strawberry and found that vegetative stages of strawberries completed
earlier by the application of FYM.\

Pawar et al., (2012) observed that application of FYM + vermicompost + jeevamrit twice
(30 & 45 days after sowing) significantly increase the quality parameters viz. protein,
starch, sugar and TSS in sweet corn in comparison to other organic manures in
combination or alone.

Boraiah et al., (2013) found that application of jeevamrit resulted in 7.98 to 26.20%
increment in fruit yield of chilli as compared to without jeevamrit application
Hameedi et al., (2018) reported that application of vermicompost at the rate of 7 ton/ha
+ jeevamrit (drenching at the rate of 5% + foliar spray at the rate of 3%) significantly
increased growth parameters viz. plant height, number of branches, leaf area index,
number of fruits per plant and yield of capsicum.

Hameedi et al., (2018) concluded that FYM @ 10 t/ha + vermicompost 3.5 t/ha +
jeevamrit (drenching @ 5% + foliar spray @ 3%) application has significantly increased
the quality parameters viz.. T.S.S. and ascorbic acid content in capsicum. Khuwaja et al.,
(2018) reported that application of Jeevamrit have positive effect on total reducing sugar,
non- reducing sugar, Higher grain yield and on B:C ratio as well of sweet corn.

Ramesh et al., (2018) conducted an experiment comprised of 10 treatments viz.., Control

(water spray), liquid organic supplements jeevamritha, beejamrutha, vermiwash at 3% &
5% concentration applied 3 times on 20, 40 and 60 DAS. The result of the experiment
showed that foliar spray of 5% jeevamrutha on 20, 40 and 60 DAS significantly recorded
higher growth and yield.

Upendranaik et al., (2018) revealed that highest gross return (Rs 56,996) and net return
(Rs 39,846) was obtained with jeevamrutha + mulching + IFS + vermicompost
+panchgavya in foxtail millet.

Maher et al., (2020) conducted a polyhouse experiment to investigate the response of

strawberry to different soilless substrates along with jeevamrit. The result revealed the
maximum number of flowers, berry set, berry, berry weight, berry yield and TSS as
compared to control.

2.3 Effect of bioenhancers on yield and quality of strawberry.

Ram and Pathak (2002) reported that the certain plant growth stimulant among them
panchagavya was an important one that enhanced the biological efficiency of crop plants
and the quality of fruits and vegetables. That is mentioned in the text of Vrukshayurveda,
are systematizations of the practices the farmers followed at field level, placed in a
theoretical frame work. Rishi Krishi, a system of agriculture, practiced in Maharashtra
are using Amritpani (prepared by mixing 20 kg cow dung, 0.12 kg butter, ½ kg honey, ¼
kg ghee) and kept overnight to treat seeds and for spraying on field crops to maintain soil
fertility and crop yield.

Hangarge et al., (2002) conducted an experiment to study the effect of vermicompost on

physical properties of soil and observed that application of vermicompost improved
physical condition by reducing bulk density, increasing water holding capacity and
infiltration rate. Sharma et al. (2003) reported that the application of RDF + 10 tonnes
vermicompost/ha improved soil porosity, reduced soil bulk density and increased in
organic carbon from 0.44 to 0.72%.

Ram and Pathak (2002) observed that 3-yrs-old plant of guava cv. Allahabad Safeda using
biodynamic preparations, bio fertilizers and composts. Maximum number of fruits and
yield (92 and 13.69 kg tree-1 , 283 and 40.11kg tree-1 ) were consistently recorded for 2
years from the trees, applied with 20 kg FYM inoculated with Azotobacter in comparison
to 21.37 kg tree-1 fruit with recommended doses of fertilizer application. Fruit quality
parameters, particularly TSS (16.20°Brix) were improved with application of 10 kg FYM
along with celrich. On the basis of Review of literature 11 these observations an
experiment was further conducted by integrating four organic farming systems on guava.
Fruit yield was maximum (38.88 kg tree-1 ) in trees, which were exposed to Homa
atmosphere followed by 29.28 kg with Homa + Rishi Krishi and Homa + Panchgavaya.
TSS was maximum (12.0°Brix) with Homa + Rishi Krishi and Homa + Panchgavaya,
while ascorbic acid was more (165 mg/100g fruit) with FYM treated plants.

Johann and Kopke (2004) studied the effects of applications of traditionally composted
farmyard manure (FYM) and two types of biodynamically composted FYM over 9 years
on soil chemical properties, microbial biomass and respiration, dehydrogenase and
saccharide activities, decomposition rates. Decomposition was significantly faster in plots
which received completely prepared FYM than in plots which received no FYM.
Application of completely prepared FYM led to significantly higher biomass.

Renukaradya (2005) reported that carnation cv. Desio maximum plant height (65.86cm)
at harvest more number of branches per plant (6.50), more number of leaves (253.83),
maximum internodal length (6.69 cm), maximum leaf area (1333.43 cm2 ), least number
of days taken for flower bud initiation (141.83 days), least number of days taken for
flower bud opening (21.16 days), maximum duration of flowering (59.20 days), least
number of days taken for 50 per cent flowering (185.80 days), the maximum flower bud
diameter (1.99 cm), more number of flowers per plant per year (6.54), more number of
marketable flowers (98.83 %) and also maximum vase life of cut flowers (8.40 days) were
recorded in plants receiving 50 per cent RDF + vermicompost + 3 per cent Manchurian
tea + 3 per cent Panchagavya.

Jawale et al., (2006) reported that dung, urine and slurry of sheep gave superior results
with respect to quality of spinach. Further results indicated that the highest yield was
obtained with dung urine slurry of sheep followed dung urine slurry of goat and jafrabadi
buffalo.

Sanwal et al., (2007) reported that application of FYM, poultry manure, pig manure
considerably reduced the soil acidity, while it increased with addition of inorganic
chemical fertilizers. Continuous addition of organic manure resulted in progressive
improvement in organic matter, status over control.

Chakraborty et al., (2008) reported that application of organic mulch (rice husk) was
found to be superior in maintaining soil moisture condition for longer period and
enhanced root density and dry biomass.

Mulumba and Lal (2008) reported that mulch rate significantly increased available water
capacity of soil by 18-35%, porosity by 35-46% and soil moisture retention at low suction
from 27-40%. Optimum mulch rate increase the porosity and enhance available water
capacity, moisture retention and aggregate stability.

Pervaiz et al., (2009) conducted an experiment on sandy clay loam soil to evaluate the
effect of mulch on soil physical properties and N, P, K concentration in maize shoots. It
was observed that mulch increased soil organic matter (1.32 g/kg) and soil moisture
contents (17%), but decreased bulk density (1.35 Mg m-3 ) and soil strength (464 k Pa)
compared to control. It was concluded that wheat straw as mulch in conjunction with deep
tillage improves soil physical health and crop quality.
Ogbodo (2010) evaluated the effect of different types of crop residue mulch on soil
physical properties and rice yield. He tested various crop residue viz. dry rice straw, burnt
rice husk, legume residue and concluded that soil water, total porosity and water
infiltration were significantly higher on residue treated plots, whereas soil bulk density
and temperature were significantly reduced by the crop residue treatments as compared
to the soil with no residue treatments. The reduction in soil bulk density might be due to
product of mulch decompositions (polysaccharide and humus) acted as binding material
on the soil particle hence improving soil pore volume, aggregation, and structure and
reducing the density per unit volume of soil. The improved soil structure owing to reduce
soil bulk density.

Chaudhary and Kumar (2013) observed that chemical parameters like pH, Soil organic
carbon (SOC), available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) recorded better
in vermicompost treated plots followed by FYM over control in an experiment conducted
at Eastern Himalayan Region, India.

Kumar et al., (2014) reported that application of mulches increased organic carbon,
available N, P and K as compared to unmulched plots. Organic carbon was significantly
higher in poplar leaf mulch compared to control but remained at par with other mulches.
C:N ratio of unmulched plots was significantly lower than all the mulches which
remained at par with each other. The increase in bacterial colonies in mulched plots may
be due to increasing organic carbon content of soil, which is considered as one of the
major constituents of food supply for bacteria (Shashidhar et al., 2009) it may be possible
that consistent application of mulch may lead to continuous change in microbial
community structure and species diversity with enhancement in in soil organic matter.

Depar et al., (2014) studied the effect of different mulches on soil moisture and yield
stability of wheat. They observed that application of mulches conserved soil moisture
content up to 16-27%. The wheat straw mulch retained moisture content by 27% followed
by FYM (24%).

Sivakumar (2014) reported the increasing concern for environmental safety and global
demand for pesticide residue free food has evoked keen interest in crop production using
ecofriendly products which are easily biodegradable and do not leave any harmful toxic
residues besides conserving nature. So it is necessary to use natural products like
Panchagavya to produce chemical residue free food crops and hence Panchagavya can
play a major role in organic farming.

Ram et al., (2014) observed that the effect of different organic inputs in the production
of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Allahabad Safeda. The highest number of fruit and
yield was recorded by the application of 250g of rhizopheric soil pf Ficus bengalensis +
5% Jivaamrit + organic mulching followed by 328 fruits per tree and yield of 31.76
kg/tree by biodynamic compost fortified with BD-500 (30 kg/tree) and cow pat pit
(100g/tree) followed by 11.30 Brix with vermicompost (30 kg/tree) + Azospirillum
culture (250g/tree) + PSB (50g/tree).

Gupta et al., (2016) reported that Cow dung, an excreta of bovine animal, is a cheap and
easily available bioresource on our planet. Many traditional uses of cow dung such as
burning as fuel, mosquito repellent and as cleansing agent are already known in India.
Nowadays, there is an increasing research interest in developing the applications of cow
dung microorganisms for biofuel production and management of environmental
pollutants. This review focuses on recent findings being made on cow dung that could be
harnessed for usage in different areas such as medicine, agriculture and industry.

Ram and Pathak (2016) suggested that Sustainability in crop production is one of the
major concerns of humanity as on today. As alternative, number of organic farming
systems such as Biodynamic Farming, Natural Farming, Nateuco Farming, Panchagavya
Farming, Rishi Krishi, Jaivik Krishi, Homa, organic farming etc. emerged in different
parts of the country. Owing to this, these are effective for short duration but may not be
capable of assuring sustainable production in future. As result of positive response with
organic systems, particularly with Biodynamic, Pathak suggested to see the possibility of
integration of few techniques of organic farming for their synergistic impact and coined
new term Homa Jaivik Krishi. This has compelled us to conceive an organic production
system, which is capable of enhancing rhizosphere and biosphere simultaneously which
we are trying to popularise as “Homa Jaivik Krishi”. Since rhizosphere, hardly provide
4-6 % nutrition to the crops, hence its integration with Homa Organic Farming for
providing rest of the nutrients had been conceived by us. As per over decade of
experience, we are of firm view that, if applied in organic environment with organic mind
set, Homa Jaivik Krishi (HJK) has capacity to assure sustainable agriculture even at this
juncture.

S. P. Preetham et al., (2017) reported that maximum plant height at 90 days (45.10 cm)
was recorded in treatment vermicomposting (2 kg/ m2) and the minimum plant height
was obtained in treatment poultry manure (1 kg/ m2) (37.39). The treatment
vermicompost (2 kg/ m2) recorded maximum number of leaves per plant (86.25).
Minimum value was observed in treatment poultry manure (1 kg/ m2) (78.02) during both
the years.

MM Maher, Bunty et al., (2020) the present investigations was carried out at the
Horticultural Research & Training Station and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, (HRTS & KVK)
Kandahar, Sloan (H.P.), India during the cropping seasons of 2018-19 to study the effect
of soilless substrates and Jeevaamrit on yield and quality of strawberry. The experiment
comprised of six treatments viz. coco peat (50%) + FYM (50%) + Jeevaamrit; perlite
(50%) + FYM (50%) + Jeevaamrit; coco peat (50%) + perlite (50%) + Jeevaamrit; perlite
(75%) + coco peat 25%) + Jeevaamrit; soil (50%) + FYM (50%) + Jeevaamrit and soil +
FYM as control with four replications. The results revealed that perlite (75%) + coco peat
(25%) + Jeevaamrit resulted in the maximum berry yield, size, weight, total soluble solids
and sugars as compared to control. Based on the results obtained, perlite (75%) +coco
peat (25%) + Jeevaamrit can be successfully used for the production of good quality
strawberry under polyhouse

Akansha Shrivastava et.al., (2023) found in this study delved into the Impact of
Bioenhancers on the growth and yield of palak (beta vulgaris var. bengalensis). The
findings result collectively underscore the remarkable potential of bioenhancers in
bolstering palak cultivation they contribute to enhanced growth, nutrient levels, soil
vitality, and microbial activity.

Piotr Zydlik et al., (2024) reported the usefulness of three biostimulants attempt to assess
the usefulness of three biostimulants for improving the yield and quality of strawberries.
It showed that the yield of the plants which had been treated with the biostimulants several
times during the growing season increased significantly.
Nitin Kumar Chauhan, V K Tripathi (2024) studied the impact of bio-enhancers and bio-
fertilizers on the winter guava crop with the aim to improve the growth, flowering, and
fruit yield. Analysis of the data indicates an upward trend in shoot diameter for most
treatments involving bio-fertilizers and bio-enhancers
Chapter-3

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study entitled “Impact of bioenhancers on growth, yeild and quality of
strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) under centeral plain zone of Uttar Pradesh” was
carried out during 2024-2025 at School of Advanced Agriculture Science and Technology
CSJMU Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The specifics of the material and methodologies useed
during the course of study have been described under the following headings:

3.1 GEOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS

3.1.1 Experimental Site

The experiment was carried out at Hoericulture Experimental Field ,SAAST,

Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University Kanpur. Kanpur is situated at 25.26
to 26.28° N latitude and 79.31 to 80.34° East longitude with an altitude of 126.0
m above the mean sea level.

3.1.2 Climate and Weather

The climatic condition of Kanpur region is typically semi-arid and sub-
tropical with extreme winter and summer. The average rain fall is 800 to 850
mm, which is mostly received from June to September and about 60 to 100
mm in the remaining months. In winter average maximum and minimum
temperature are 23°C and 8°C in January,respectively and maximum
temperature in April to June ranges from 35°C to 43°C.
3.1.3 Soil
The experimental site lies in the alluvial belt of Gangetic plains in central
part of Uttar Pradesh.

3.2 EXPERIMENTAL METHODOLOGY

 3.2.1 Preparation of beds

Prior to preparation of beds, the land was thoroughly prepared by repeated

ploughing with the help of power tiller and well rotten FYM is also incorporated
in the soil. The raised beds 1m × 1m size were prepared and six healthy runners of
strawberry cultivar winter dawn were planted in these beds at a spacing of 40 cm
× 20 cm during first week of October. The uniform cultural practices like weeding,
hoeing, irrigation and mulching were done at regular intervals in each bed.

3.2.2 Preparation of spray material

Panchgavya is a special bio enhancer prepared from five prod- ucts obtained from cow,
i.e. dung, urine, milk, curd and ghee. When these are properly mixed, incubated for rec-
ommended period and ready fermented solution has miraculous effect on crops.
Preparation is rich in nutri- ents, auxins, gibberellins, and microbial fauna and acts as
tonic to enrich soil, induce plant vigour with quality production.

Jeevamrit is prepared by fermenting cow dung, urine, jaggery, pulse flour and virgin soil
by simple fa- cilities created in the village with minimum expenditure. Credit for
development of recipes for Jeevamrit and its extensive use goes to a strong promoter of
Natural Farming Palekar (2006).

Its can be used at 15 to 30 days in- terval through irrigation water coupled with mulching
(green/dry {monocot + di-cot}) and proper soil aeration. Jeevamrit is a rich bio-
formulation contains consortia of beneficial microbes. This formulation is used within 3-
7 days of preparation. Two hundred liters of Jeevamrit is enough for one acre of cropped
area. In general 2-3 times application during crop period is recommended. It can be
drenched on mulch either by drip irrigation or through spraying. It is also effective in
quick decompo- sition of crop residues if applied with irrigation water given for field
preparation. With micro irrigation, 3 to 4 times more area can be covered with 200 liter
of Jeevamrit.

The required amount of jeevamrit and panchgavya was first dissolved in water and then
desired volume was made with water.
3.2.3 Method of spray

Bioenhancers were sprayed uniformly with the help of pneumatic volume

sprayer till the leaves were wet and droplets of solution started trickling
down. One liter of solution was required for each treatment. Spray was done
twice during morning hours in month of November and December.

3.2.4 Details of Experiment

The experimental plants were subjected to different treatments of jeevamrit and

panchgavya as per details given below:

Treatment Treatment
T1 Control
T2 Jeevamrit100ml+ Organic mulch(Paddy Straw)
T3 Jeevamrit200ml+ Organic mulch(Paddy Straw)
T4 Panchgavya 30ml+ Organic mulch(Paddy Straw)
T5 Panchgavya 50ml+ Organic mulch(Paddy Straw)
T6 Jeevamrit100ml+Panchgavya 30ml+ Organic mulch(Paddy Straw)
T7 Jeevamrit100ml+Panchgavya 50ml+ Organic mulch(Paddy Straw)
T8 Jeevamrit200ml+Panchgavya 30ml+ Organic mulch(Paddy Straw)
T9 Jeevamrit200ml+Panchgavya 50ml+ Organic mulch(Paddy Straw)

Number of treatments- 9
Replications- 3
Spacing- 40cm X 20cm
Plot size- 1.2m X 1.2m
Number of plants per plot- 5
Total number of plants- 162
 Time of applications- 2 split doses (first spraying at 30 days after planting
& second 60days after planting)
Experimental site- Horticulture experimental field (SAAST CSJMU
Kanpur )
Experimental design- RBD (Randomized Block Design)

3.2.5 Design and layout of the Experiment

R1 T8 R2 T9 R3 T7

R1 T2 R2 T8 R3 T9

R1 T3 R2 T7 R3 T8

R1 T4 Sub R2 T6 Sub R3 T5
irrigation irrigation
R1 T5 R2 T1 R3 T6
channel channel
R1 T6 R2 T5 R3 T4

R1 T7 R2 T3 R3 T2

R1 T1 R2 T2 R3 T3

R1 T9 R2 T4 R3 T1

The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) consisting
of nine treatments and replicated thrice. The treatments in each block were allotted
randomly as illustrated below:-

3.2.6 Experimental Material

3.2.6.1 Planting material

Strawberry cv. Winter Dawn tissue culture plants were procured from nearby Horticulture
Nursery Kalyanpur, Kanpur. The plants were healthy and uniform in growth and vigour. In
order to assess the effect of various treatments more precisely, all the experimental plots were
subjected to uniform cultural practices including bioenhancer application. Raised beds were
prepared and organic mulch(paddy straw) materials under open field condition were used in
all treatments to carry out the experiment as per proposed plan.

3.2.6.2 Organic Mulches

In India, strawberry fruit crop is still grown in open areas using a paddy straw mulching
strategy by poor or marginal farmers, and it accounts for a large part of the national annual
strawberry cultivable land. According to scientific findings, the strawberry plant
responded positively to the application of a growth regulator .

Application of treatments

Plate 3.1: Spraying of jeevamrit on strawberry at experimental field.

3.3 OBSERVATIONS RECORDED:

Data on following parameters were recorded in the experiment:

3.3.1 Growth Attributes

1. No. of days to first flowering :

The number of days between the date of planting and the first flower opening was
recorded as time of initiation of flowering.

2. No. of flower clusters per plants:

Total numbers of flower-clusters were counted from five randomly selected plants
and the average was expressed as number of flower-clusters per plant.

3. No. of flowers per plant:

Total numbers of flowers were counted from five randomly selected plants and
the average was expressed as number of flowers per plant.

4. No. of flower per clusters:

Total number of flowers in each cluster were counted from five randomly selected
plants and the average was expressed as number of flowers in each cluster.

5. No. of Days taken to fruit maturity:

The number of days form fruit bud differentiation (FBD) to full fruit maturity was
recorded.

3.3.2 Yield and Yield Attributes:

1. Length of the fruit (mm):

Fruit dimension (length and breadth) of five randomly selected fruits (berries) was
 measured with the help of digital vernier scale (± 0.05 mm accuracy). Average of
fruit length and breadth was calculated and the values were expressed in
millimetres (mm).

2. Weight of the fruit (g) :

Fruit weight of randomly selected five fruits were measured on a top pan
electronic balance. The average was taken and the values were expressed in
grams (g).

3. Fruit yield per plant (g):

The fruit were handpicked twice a week with a total eight to ten times of
harvesting throughout the cropping period. The observations were recorded on
total marketable yield of berries, and expressed in grams per plant (g/plant).

4. Fruit yield per plot (g) :

The fruit yield per plot was measured with a total 8to 10 times of harvesting
throughout the cropping period. The observations were recorded on total
marketable yield of berries, and expressed in grams per plot (g/plot).

5. Fruit yield (q/ha):

The observation were recorded on total marketable yield of berries and expressed
in quintal/hectare (q/ha).

3.3.3 Quality attributes

3.3.3.1 Physical Parameter

1. Fruit volume (gm/cc)

Fruit volume was measured by using the Water Displacement Method(WDM). A
measuring container was filled with a known volume of water than the strawberry was
added in the container and the new volume was recorded. The difference was the
strawberry’s volume in cubic centimeters(cc).

2. Pulp (%)

To record pulp per cent, previously randomly selected fruits from each

treatment were used. Fruit pulp was separated with the help of knife and

weight on electronic balance. Pulp per cent was calculated with the help of

following formula:

Pulp weight

Pulp (%) = ————————————— × 100

Total fruit weight

3.3.3.2 Chemical Parameter

1. Total soluble solids (°B):

The total soluble solids of the fruit juice was determined with the help of Erma-Hand
Refractometer (0 to 32 °B). The refractometer was calibrated with distilled water before
use.The readings were recorded for each sample by putting a drop of juice on the prism
(A.O.A.C, 1980). A temperature correction was applied when it was above or below 20°C
and the readings were expressed in degree Brix (°B).

2. Total sugars (%):

The estimation was earned out by taking 50 ml clear filtrate in 100 ml beaker. To this 5 ml
of concentrated HCL was added and kept in hot water bath for half an hour for hydrolysis.
After hydrolysis, excess HCL was neutralized with sodium hydroxide. The mixture was
transferred to 250 ml volumetric flask and the volume was made up to the mark. It was then
titrated with 5 ml each of Fehling A and Fehling B using methylene blue as an indicator and
the total sugars percentage was calculated (Ranganna, 2007).

Total sugars% = Factor x volume made up/ Titre value x weight of sample x 100

3. Ascorbic acid (mg/100 g pulp):

Sample of 5 g take in 3 per cent meta-phosphoric acid and make 100 ml volume. Titrate
against 2, 6- dichlorophenol indophenols dye by pipette out 5.0 ml supernatant, add 10 ml of
MPA. Samples reading were taken when stable light pink colour appeared. Similarly, working
standard of L-ascorbic acid (3%) was prepared by dissolving 100 mg meta-phosphoric acid.
Pipette out 5.0 ml of this supernatant, add 10 ml of MPA and titrate against dye until it
developed pink colour at end point. Record sample and working standard reading their after,
used in calculation of ascorbic acid/100 ml juice by using below formula (Sadasivam and
Theymoli, 1987).
Titrate(ml)dye Factor X Volume made up (ml)
Ascorbic acid = ______________________________________________________________ × 100

Aliquate (ml) taken for estimation X Volume of juice (ml)

3.4 Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using general linear model of the standard
errors of the mean. The data obtained in Randomized Block Design (RBD) for each
parameter were tested by ANOVA using MS-Excel and OPSTAT.
Statistical analysis of the data obtained during experimentation was done, as suggested
by Panse and Sukhatme (1985).

Table: Skeleton for analysis variance (ANOVA)

Source D.F. S.S. M.S. F

Between blocks r-1 VB VB/VF
Between treatments n-1 VT VT/VE
Error (n-1) (r-1) VE
Total Nr - 1

The standard error (S.Em ± ) for the difference of treatment means were
computed as follows.
________
S.Em± =√MSE
-------
r
where,
MSE = Mean sum of squares due to Error
r = Number of replication

The calculation of C.D. at 5% of table value was carried out with the help of following
formula.

C. D. = S.Em± √2 x t value at 5%
C.D.= Critical difference
S.Em± = Standard Error of Mean
Chapter-4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The present investigation on “Impact of bioenhancers on growth, yeild and quality

of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) under centeral plain zone of Uttar Pradesh”
was carried out at Biodiversity park department of Horticulture SAAST, CSJMU
Kanpur Uttar Pradesh during year 2024-2025.

The findings of the present study have been discussed and presented under the
following headings:

4.1 Growth Attributes

4.2 Yield and yield Attributes

4.3 Quality attributes

4.3.1 Physical Parameter

4.3.2 Chemical parameter

4.1 GROWTH ATTRIBUTES

4.1.1 No. of days to first flowering :

The data pertaining to influence of different Bio enhancers on No. of days

to first flowering in strawberry cv. Winter dawn is demonstrated in Table 4.1 and
Figure 4.1. Plants treated with Jeevamrit200ml+Panchgavya 50ml+ Organic
mulch(Paddy straw) (T9) reported earliest flowering according to no. of days which
was statistically at par with plants treated with Jeevamrit100ml+Panchgavya
30ml+ Organic mulch(Paddy Straw) (T6). However delayed first flowering was
observed in treatment T1 i.e., control. First flowering induced due to application of
Jeevamrit and Panchgavya and Organic mulch(paddy straw) and it also increase
the microbial activity of soil in the field. First flowering occurs earlier due different
combinations of bioinoculants and bioenhancers, including Azotobacter, PSB,
Jeevamrit, and Amritpani. Various growth parameters such as Plant height,
Plant spread, No. of leaves per plant, No. of fruits, No. of flowers, Fruit set
and Fruit yield.( Avantika Singh et al., 2023).

Table 4.1 Impact of bioenhancers on no. of days to first flowering of

strawberry cv. Winter Dawn

Treatment no. of days to first

flowering

Mean

T1 30.333

T2 28.667

T3 29.667

T4 26.667

T5 27.667

T6 24.000
 T7 27.667

T8 28.333

T9 21.333

C.D. 4.072

SE(m) 1.347

35
30.333 29.667
30 28.667 28.333
27.667 27.667
26.667
25 24
No. of days of first flowering

21.333
20

15

10

0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9
Treatments

Figure 4.1 Impact of bioenhancers on no. of days to first flowering of strawberry

cv. Winter Dawn

4.1.2 No. of flower clusters per plant

4.1.3 No. of flowers per plant:

Plant growth regulators had significant effect on number of leaves per plant.
In Table 4.2, maximum number of leaves per plants was recorded under treatment
T6 (75 ppm GA3) i.e., 23.33 which was superior among all other growth regulators.
This treatment was followed by T5 (50 ppm GA3) i.e., 21.33 and T4 (25 ppm GA3)
 i.e., 20.67. However, minimum number of leaves were observed under treatment
T10 (control) i.e., 17.00.

TABLE 4.3 Impact of bioenhancers on no. flowers per plant of strawberry cv.
Winter Dawn

Treatment no. flowers per

plant
Mean
T1 22.207
T2 23.223
T3 24.583
T4 23.107
T5 27.553
T6 24.267
T7 23.913
T8 27.293
T9 28.170
C.D. 1.262
SE(m) 0.417
 30 27.553 28.17
27.293
24.583 24.267 23.913
25 23.223 23.107
Number of flower per plant 22.207

20

15

10

0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9
Treatments
\

Figure 4.3 Impact of bioenhancers on no. flowers per plant of strawberry cv.
Winter Dawn
4.1.4 No. of flower per cluster:

Table 4.4 Impact of bioenhancers on no. of flower per cluster

strawberry cv. Winter dawn

Treatment no. of flower per cluster

Mean

T1 3.000

T2 3.667

T3 4.667

T4 4.000

T5 4.667

T6 6.000

T7 3.667

T8 4.000

T9 7.000

C.D. 1.406

SE(m) 0.465
 8
7
7
6
Number of flower per cluster
6

5 4.667 4.667
4 4
4 3.667 3.667
3
3

0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9
Treatments

4.1.5 Number of days taken to fruit maturity

Number of days taken to fruit maturity

Treatment Number of days taken

to fruit maturity

Mean

T1 22.667

T2 19.333

T3 19.000

T4 21.667

T5 19.333

T6 17.333

T7 19.667

T8 21.667

T9 16.000
 C.D. 1.754

SE(m) 0.580

25

20
Number of days taken to fruit maturity

15

10

0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9
Treatments

4.2 YIELD AND YIELD ATTRIBUTES

4.2.1 Length of fruit(mm)

Length of fruit

Treatment Length of fruit(mm)

Mean

T1 3.243

T2 3.607

T3 3.543

T4 3.510

T5 4.043

T6 4.360

T7 2.103
T8 2.117

T9 3.200

C.D. 0.207

SE(m) 0.068

4.5 4.36
4.043
4
3.607 3.543 3.51
3.5 3.243 3.2
3
LENGTH OF FRUIT (CM)

2.5
2.103 2.117
2

1.5

0.5

0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9
TREATMENT

4.2.2 Weight of the fruit(g)

Fruit yeild per plant (g/plant)

Treatment Fruit yeild per plant (g/plant)

Mean

T1 208.013

T2 231.290

T3 251.123

T4 301.297

T5 208.167
 T6 193.970

T7 319.033

T8 341.520

T9 386.003

C.D. 4.941

SE(m) 1.634

450

400

350
Fruit yeild per plant (g/plant)

300

250

200

150

100

50

0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9
Treatments
4.2.3 Fruit yield per plant(g)

4.2.4 Fruit yield per plot (g)

4.2.5 Fruit yield (Q/ha)

Fruit yeild (Q/ha)

Treatment Fruit yeild (Q/ha)

Mean

T1 106.107

T2 115.857

T3 123.923

T4 157.657

T5 169.173

T6 193.533

T7 97.623

T8 112.710

T9 117.603

C.D. 2.965

SE(m) 0.981

193.533
200
169.173
180 157.657
160
140 123.923
106.107
115.857 112.71 117.603
120 97.623
100
Fruit yeild (Q/ha)

80
60
40
20
0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9
Treatments
4.3 QUALITY ATTRIBUTES

4.3.1 Physical Parameter

4.3.1.1 Fruit Volume(gm/cc)

4.3.1.2 Pulp(%)

4.3.2 Chemical Parameter

4.3.2.1 Total Soluble Solids (°B)

4.3.2.2 Total sugars (%)

4.3.2.3 Ascorbic acid (mg/100 g pulp)

 Chapter-5

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

The present studies entitled “Impact of bioenhancers on growth, yeild
and quality of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) under centeral plain zone of
Uttar Pradesh” was carried out at Horticulture Experimental Field School of
Advanced Agriculture Sciences and Technology at Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh during the
year 2024-2025. The results obtained and conclusion drawn from present
investigation are summarized as under:

5.1 Growth Attributes

5.1.1 The application of bio enhancers (jeevamrit and panchgavya) showed

significant increase in first flowering and earliest fruit maturity with foliar
application of jeevamrit200ml + panchgavya 50ml + organic mulch (paddy
straw) (T9) which was closely followed by the application of jeevamrit
100ml + panchgavya 30ml + organic mulch (paddy straw)(T6) while
maximum days taken to first flowering was recorded in control(T1).
5.1.2 The highest number of flowers per cluster and highest number of flower
clusters per plant was recorded in plants treated with jeevamrit 200ml +
panchgavya 50ml + organic mulch (paddy straw) (T9) while lowest number
of flowers per cluster and number of flower clusters per plant was
recorded under control(T1).
5.1.3 The foliar application of jeevamrit 200ml + panchgavya 50ml + organic
mulch (paddy straw) (T9) resulted in increased flowers per plant and it was
closely followed by jeevamrit 100ml + panchgavya 30ml + organic mulch
(paddy straw) (T6) . The minimum number of flowers per plant was
observed in control(T1).

5.2 Yield And Yield Attributes

5.2.1 Application of Bioenhancers plant had significant effect on length of the

 fruit, weight of the fruit . Plants treated with jeevamrit 200ml + panchgavya
50ml + organic mulch (paddy straw) (T9) had maximum length of fruit,
maximum weight of fruit .it was closely followed by jeevamrit 100ml +
panchgavya 30ml + organic mulch (paddy straw) (T6). The minimum fruit
length and fruit weight were recorded under control(T1)..
5.2.2 Foliar application of jeevamrit 200ml + panchgavya 50ml + organic mulch
(paddy straw) (T9) resulted in highest number of fruit yield per plot, fruit yield
per plant. while, lowest number of fruit yield per plot, fruit yield per plant was
recorded in control.
5.2.3 The highest yield of fruits(q/ha) was recorded in plants treated with
jeevamrit 200ml + panchgavya 50ml + organic mulch (paddy straw) (T9)
and lowest yield of fruits was recorded under control(T1).

5.3 Quality Attributes

5.3.1 The maximum fruit volume was reported in plant treated with jeevamrit
200ml + panchgavya 50ml + organic mulch (paddy straw) (T9) followed by
jeevamrit 100ml + panchgavya 30ml + organic mulch (paddy straw) (T6)
while minimum fruit volume was noted under control(T1).
5.3.2 Application of jeevamrit 200ml + panchgavya 50ml + organic mulch (paddy
straw) (T9) resulted maximum pulp(%) followed by jeevamrit 100ml +
panchgavya 30ml + organic mulch (paddy straw) (T6). The minimum pulp
was recorded in control(T1).
5.3.3 The maximum total soluble solids were recorded in jeevamrit 200ml +
panchgavya 50ml + organic mulch (paddy straw) (T9) and it was closely
followed by jeevamrit 100ml + panchgavya 30ml + organic mulch (paddy
straw) (T6). The minimum total soluble solids were recorded in control(T1).
5.3.4 Bio enhancers had significant impact on total sugars. Application of
jeevamrit 200ml + panchgavya 50ml + organic mulch (paddy straw) (T9)
registered maximum total sugars and it was closely followed by jeevamrit
100ml + panchgavya 30ml + organic mulch (paddy straw) (T6). While
minimum total sugars were recorded under control(T1).

5.3.5 The maximum ascorbic acid contants was reported in plants treated
 jeevamrit 200ml + panchgavya 50ml + organic mulch (paddy straw) (T9)
and it was followed by jeevamrit 100ml + panchgavya 30ml + organic mulch
(paddy straw) (T6) and minimum ascorbic acid contants was recorded in
control(T1).

CONCLUSION

On the basis of study, it may be concluded that, bioenhancers(jeevamrit and

panchgavya) along with paddy straw as organic mulch resulted significant decrease
the no. of days in first flowering, earliest fruit maturity and increase the flower per
clusters, flower clusters per plant, no. of flowers per plant, fruit yield along with
physiological and bio chemical parameters. Therefore treatment T9 i.e. application
of jeevamrit 200ml + panchgavya 50ml + organic mulch (paddy straw) and
treatment T6 i.e. application of jeevamrit 100ml + panchgavya 30ml + organic
mulch (paddy straw) found best for improving growth, yield and fruit quality of
strawberry.Thus it can be concluded that application of jeevamrit 200ml +
panchgavya 50ml + organic mulch (paddy straw) (T9) is recommended for better
growth , yield and fruit quality of strawberry followed by treatment T 6 jeevamrit
100ml + panchgavya 30ml + organic mulch (paddy straw).
Hence, the treatment with 200ml + panchgavya 50ml + organic mulch
(paddy straw) suggested as a cost effective module for getting higher yield and
quality without any hazardous effect of chemicals and also enhances the soil
nutrition considering as a milestone in organic and sustainable farming.
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 APPENDIX-I

ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE FOR DIFFERENT PARAMETERS

1. Analysis of variation number of days of first flowering

Source of Variation DF Sum of Squares Mean Squares F-Calculated Significance

Replication 2 0.296

Treatment 8 194.074 24.259 4.460 0.005

Error 16 87.037 5.440

Total 26 281.407

2. Analysis of variation no. of flower cluster per plant

3. Analysis of variation Number of flowers per plant

Source of Sum ofMean F-
DF Significance
Variation Squares Squares Calculated
Replication 2 8.690
Treatment 8 114.636 14.329 27.443 < 0.001
Error 16 8.354 0.522
Total 26 131.680

4.Analysis of variation no. of flower per clusters

Source of Sum ofMean F-

DF Significance
Variation Squares Squares Calculated
Replication 2 8.296
Treatment 8 38.074 4.759 7.343 < 0.001
Error 16 10.370 0.648
Total 26 56.741
5.Analysis of variation Number of days taken to fruit maturity
Source of Sum ofMean F-
DF Significance
Variation Squares Squares Calculated
Replication 2 14.519
Treatment 8 109.630 13.704 13.578 < 0.001
Error 16 16.148 1.009
Total 26 140.296

6.Analysis of variation Length of fruit (cm)

Source of Sum of Mean F-
DF Significance
Variation Squares Squares Calculated
Replication 2 0.017
Treatment 8 14.157 1.770 126.173 < 0.001
Error 16 0.224 0.014
Total 26 14.398
7. Analysis of variation Weight of the fruit (g)
8. Analysis of variation Fruit yeild per plant (g/plant)

Source of Variation DF Sum of Squares Mean Squares F-Calculated Significance

Replication 2 6.558
Treatment 8 111,733.954 13,966.744 1,743.881 < 0.001
Error 16 128.144 8.009
Total 26 111,868.657

9. Analysis of variation fruit yield per plot(g)

10. Analysis of variation Fruit yeild (Q/ha)

Source of Variation DF Sum of Squares Mean Squares F-Calculated Significance

Replication 2 16.860
Treatment 8 25,739.061 3,217.383 1,115.518 < 0.001
Error 16 46.147 2.884
Total 26 25,802.069