EFFECT OF NITROGEN ON YIELD AND YIELD CONTRIBUTING CHARACTERS OF THREE STEM AMARANTH CULTIVARS (Amaranthus viridus L.)

Abstract

Detail information on cultivars and fertilizer application in the amaranth (Amaranthus viridus) are limited. The response of three cultivars of amaranth viz. BARI Danta 1, Bashpata and Katua to different nitrogen (N) levels (0, 87, 92, 97 and 102 kg/ha) were examined by using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications at the Horticultural Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207, during the period from March to June, 2005. Besides visual acceptability of the cultivars and their taste as recorded by organoleptic test (taste and visual acceptability) based on appearance, color, flavor, taste, fibrousness, crispiness, sweetness and sourness was recorded. Application of nitrogen significantly influenced the yield and yield contributing characters of amaranth. The cul ti vars BARI Danta l and Katua showed the maximum marketable yield with the increasing application of nitrogen level. The variety Bashpata showed the maximum marketable yields with the increasing application of nitrogen level up to 97 kg/ha and then yield decreased with further increase of nitrogen application. The variety Bashpata showed the maximum yield (72.1 t/ha) with the application of 97 kg N/ha followed by Katua (65.6 t/ha) and BARl Dania 1 (34.0 t/ha) with the application of 102 kg N/ha at 55 Days After Sowing (DA ). The variety Bashpata scored the highest in total acceptability score (2828) and Katua scored the lowest ( 1652). The variety Bashpata and N level 97 kg/ha is the suitable combination for successful production of amaranth.