Revolutionizing ornamental foliage: The impact of nutrients on Dracaena reflexa ‘song of India’ growth, yield and quality in cut foliage production
Abstract
Dracaena reflexa is a commercially important ornamental foliage plant known for its vibrant, variegated leaves and air purifying properties. However, achieving optimal growth in tropical climates requires efficient nutrient management. Nano urea and mono potassium phosphate (MKP) boost nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, and stress tolerance, overcoming the inefficiencies of traditional fertilizers. Therefore, the present study was conducted during 2024 - 2025 at the Department of Horticulture, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, to assess the effects of nano urea and mono potassium phosphate (MKP) on the growth, yield, and quality of Dracaena reflexa ‘Song of India’ under tropical conditions. The experiment was conducted in a (FRBD) Factorial Randomized Block Design with four levels of nano urea (0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%) and mono potassium phosphate (MKP) (0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%), applied weekly. Results indicated that the combination of 0.3% nano urea and 0.75% MKP significantly enhanced plant height (55.12 cm), stem girth (4.12 cm), foliage yield (11.38 cut stems/m2), and quality. This study highlights the importance of targeted foliar nutrition for sustainably maximizing Dracaena reflexa ‘Song of India’ productivity.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright © 2001-11 Kerala Agricultural University. Some rights reserved. This journal and the individual contributions contained in it are protected under copyright by the Kerala Agricultural University and the following terms and conditions apply to their use; Photocopying Single photocopies of single articles may be made for personal use as allowed by national copyright laws. Permission of the publisher and payment of a fee is required for all other photocopying including multiple or systematic copying, copying for advertising or promotional purposes, resale, and all forms of document delivery. Permission may be sought directly from the Editor, Journal of Tropical Agriculture, Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture,, Kerala Agricultural University, KAU PO, Thrissur 680 656, Kerala, India. (Phone: +91-487-2438325; Fax +91-487-2371040; E-mail: editor.jta@kau.in. Derivative works Subscribers may reproduce tables of contents or prepare lists of articles including abstracts for internal circulation within their institution. Permission of the Publisher is required for resale or distribution outside the institution. Permission of the Publisher is required for all other derivative works, including compilations and translations. Notice No responsibility is assumed by the Publisher for any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a matter of products, liability, negligence, or otherwise, or from any use of any methods, products, instructions or ideas contained in the material herein.