Vegetative and Flowering Characteristics of Daisy (Bellis perennis L.) as Affected by Vermicompost Rates

ABSTRACT: Daisy, belonging to Asteraceae family, is a perennial herbaceous plant. Environmental factors can affect vegetative and flowering characteristics of the plants. One of the most important environmental factors is growing medium. Excessive use of mineral fertilizers cause environmental pollution and alter the balance of the ecosystem that is one of the major problems. This study was conducted with cow manure vermicompost at different rates (0%, 4%, 8%, 12%, 16% and 20% w/w) using a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. Vegetative and flowering characteristics of daisy and total phenolic content of the flowers were affected by vermicompost treatments. Shoot fresh weights were not significantly different at 4%, 12%, 16% and 20% rates. The highest values of flower fresh weight (4.04 g/plant), flower dry weight (0.61 g/plant) and flower number (7.02) were obtained in 4% rate. Total phenolic content was maximum (25.19 mg GAE/g dw) at 4% rate.