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/m²·d^-1, MP = 0.09 g/m²·d^-1 and HP = 0.12 g/m²·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.