Varietal response of radish (Ruphanus sativus) to fertilizer levels under high hills dry temperate conditions of north western Himalayas*

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during summers of 2000 and 2001-in Lahaul valley of HimachaI Pradesh falling under high hills dry temperate zone of northwestern Himalayas to determine productivity and profitability of radish (Rnplinrrzrs safilrus L.) cultivars as influenced by different levels of fertilizers. The experiment consisted of 3 radish varieties ('White Icicle', 'Japanese White' and 'Pusa Himani') and 3 levels of fertilizers [80, 100 and 120 % of recommended dose (1 00:22:25 kg NPWha)]. 'Pusa Himani' gave significantly high root yield (39.98 tonnesiha), root length (22.16 cm), root girth (9.91 cm), average root weight (145.97 g) and root: top ratio (2.22). It also gave highest net returns (Rs 68 000Iha) and benefit:cost ratio (2.57). Increasing levels of NPK significantly improved marketable root yield and growth parameters. 'Pusa Himani' (1 10 O/o NPK) gave the highest yield (47.1 1 tonnes:ha) and the increase in marketable root yield with 100 and SO ?4 NPK mas 15.7 and 47 % respectively. Net returns of Rs 95 00O:ha and benefit : cost ratio of 3.01 were obtained. Thus 'Pusa Himani' 1s the best variety for dry temperate conditions and 120:26:35 kg NPK/ha is an optimal combination to realize maximum root yield and net returns.