~ 1787 ~ The Pharma Innovation Journal 2023; 12(10): 1787-1791 ISSN (E): 2277-7695 ISSN (P): 2349-8242 NAAS Rating: 5.23 TPI 2023; 12(10): 1787-1791 © 2023 TPI www.thepharmajournal.com Received: 18-07-2023 Accepted: 21-08-2023 Ilal Khedkar Research Scholar, Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur, RVSKVV, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India RK Sharma Assistant Professor, Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur, RVSKVV, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India SS Kushwah Associate Professor, Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur, RVSKVV, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India Roshan Gallani Assistant Professor, Department of Soil Science, College of Horticulture, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur, RVSKVV, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India Corresponding Author: Ilal Khedkar Research Scholar, Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur, RVSKVV, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India Effect of varieties and nutrient levels on growth, quality and nutrient uptake of palak (Beta vulgaris var. Bengalensis) Ilal Khedkar, RK Sharma, SS Kushwah and Roshan Gallani Abstract The present investigation entitled “Effect of varieties and nutrient levels on growth, quality and nutrient uptake of palak (Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis)” was conducted at Vegetable Research Field, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur (M.P.) during Rabi season, 2019-20 with two varieties V1 (Pusa Bharati), V2 (All Green) and 6 different nutrient levels (N1- 00:00:00 NPK kg/ha, N2- 40:30:20 NPK kg/ha, N3- 60:40:30 NPK kg/ha, N4- 80:50:40 NPK kg/ha, N5- 100:60:50 NPK kg/ha and N6 - 120:70:60 NPK kg/ha) with three replications. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design. Data from experiment revealed that among varieties V1 (Pusa Bharati) found better for growth, quality and nutrient uptake of palak and recorded maximum fresh weight of plant (21.96 g, 22.80 g and 24.11 g) and maximum dry weight of plant (3.68 g, 3.89 g and 3.99 g) at 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd cuttings, respectively, maximum TSS content (7.70 °Brix), maximum iron content of leaf (13.36 mg/100 g) and maximum N (2.919%), P (0.703%) and K (3.208%) content in plant at harvest. While, maximum leaf moisture content i.e. 84.48%, 84.78% and 84.90%, was recorded at 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd cuttings, respectively, maximum nitrogen (209.40 kg/ha), phosphorus content in soil (16.34 kg/ha) and potassium (412.36 kg/ha) content in soil after harvest recorded in variety V2 (All Green). Among nutrient levels, N6 (120:70:60 NPK kg/ha) was recorded maximum fresh weight of plant (24.67 g, 24.68 g and 27.06 g), maximum dry weight of plant (4.70 g, 5.11 g and 5.20 g) at 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd cuttings, respectively, maximum TSS content (8.16 °Brix), maximum iron content of leaf (14.90 mg/100 g) and maximum N (3.122%), P (0.862%) and K (3.743%) content in plant at harvest. The maximum nitrogen (216.05 kg/ha), phosphorus content in soil (20.23 kg/ha) and potassium (418.42 kg/ha) content in soil after harvest was found with N6 (120:70:60 NPK kg/ha). Keywords: All green, growth, NPK, TSS, nutrient uptake, palak, Pusa Bharati, iron content Introduction Palak, scientifically known as Beta Vulgaris, is a leafy green vegetable renowned for its nutritional value and culinary versatility. This versatile leafy vegetable is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, making it a vital component of a balanced diet. The demand for palak has been steadily rising due to its perceived health benefits and its incorporation into various cuisines worldwide. However, to meet this escalating demand and ensure a consistent supply of high-quality palak, it is imperative to optimize the cultivation practices, particularly in terms of nutrient management (Bose et al., 2003) [5] . On an average it’s leaves contain moisture 86.49%, fiber 0.7 g, protein 3.4 g, minerals 2.2 g, carbohydrates 6.5 g, riboflavin 0.5 g, calcium 380 mg, iron 16.2 mg, thiamin 0.26 g, Vitamin- A 9770 IU, Vitamin-C 70 mg/100 g of edible portion (Vishnu Swarup, 2014) [19] . Fertilizer management has considerable practical importance for obtaining high yield with good quality. Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K) are essential major elements for all life processes in plants. They are important components (N and P) for different essential organic compounds such as nucleic acids, amino acids, proteins, enzymes, vitamins and biochemical process that comprise the several stages of the plant growth and development (El- Saady, 2016) [6] . Potassium also plays a vital role in plant-water relations regulating many plant metabolic processes through its important role in the activation of necessary enzyme reactions and amelioration of quality parameters through speeding of the translocation assimilates and other solutes from plant leaves to edible plant parts (El-Saady, 2016) [6] . Keeping the above facts in view, the present investigation was undertaken to ascertain the optimum nutrient level for production of palak.