Effects of Phosphorous Application on Growth Performance, Yield and Nutritional Value of Cockscomb (Celosia argentea L)

Effects of phosphorous (P) level on performance, yield and nutritional value of Celosia argentea L. were evaluated with the aim of determining the P level that supports the best growth, yield and nutritional qualities of the crop. The levels of P were: normal (1.348 mg·kg^-1 of P/pot, NP), medium (6.743 mg·kg^-1 of P/pot, MP), high (13.48 mg·kg^-1 of P/pot, HP) and no P application (control, CP). The crop growth rate (CGR) increased with increase in phosphorus gradients (NP = 0.05 g/m^2·d^-1, MP = 0.09 g/m^2·d^-1 and HP = 0.12 g/m^2·d^-1). High and medium P rates increased the relative growth rate (RGR), HP had the highest RGR (0.05 g·g^-1/day) followed by MP (0.04 g·g^-1/day). Addition of P increased leaf area (LA) of C. argentea. Crude protein of the control was higher (5.56%) compared to the other P treatments (NP = 5.14, MP = 5.11 and HP = 5.03%). Phosphorus applications were beneficial for growth and enhancement of nutritional quality of C. argentea. NP and MP are recommended for growing this vegetable crop.