The investigation was carried out at the Horticultural Research Station, Dr. Y. S. R. Horticultural University, Andhra Pradesh during Rabi 2017-18 to study the effect of bioinoculants and inorganics on quality characters of carrot. Two factors were taken, the first factor being the chemical fertilizers at three levels (100%, 75%, 50% of RDF) and the second factor was the different combinations of five biofertilizers (PSB, KSB, Azospirillum, Azotobacter, VAM).The experimental design adopted was the factorial RBD with 12 treatment combinations. The results revealed that the individual effect of chemical fertilizers at level 100% RDF (75:60:50 kg/ha) and biofertilizer’s level PSB+ KSB+ Azospirillum+ Azotobacter + VAM showed a significant difference in quality characters compared to the other levels. The characters viz., total soluble solids ( °Brix), βcarotene content ( mg/100 g), total sugars ( %), reducing sugars ( %), nonreducing sugars ( %) and total protein content ( mg/100g) of carrot were recorded the highest with the application of 100% RDF+PSB+ KSB+ Azospirillum+ Azotobacter+ VAM. The lowest core diameter ( cm), a favourable character was achieved with the application 50% RDF+ PSB+ KSB+Azotobacter. The end of shelf life was treated, at a stage where 50 per cent of the stored roots become unfit for consumption and the maximum shelf life (3 days) was obtained at lower levels of nutrient applications. Hence, varying rate of nutrients application effect the quality attributes significantly. The use of biofertilizers in combination with the chemical fertilizers would yield higher quality produce and also aid in adding steps towards sustainable crop production, by conserving the soil health. | Effect of biofertilizers in combination with inorganics on quality characters of carrot
