Effect of different growth regulators and phosphorus levels on nodulation, yield and quality components in green gram

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of foliar applications of 5 growth regulators, viz., indole acetic acid (25 ppm), naphthylene acetic acid (NAA: 50 ppm), ascorbic acid (25 ppm), ethrel (250 ppm) and gibberellic acid (30 ppm) and three levels of phosphorus viz., low (20 kg P2O5 ha−1), medium (40 kg P2O5 ha−1) and high dose (60 kg P2O5 ha−1) on nodulation, yield and quality of green gram during two consecutive years. The highest numbers of nodules, fresh and dry weights of nodules were obtained with high dose of phosphorus during different growth stages. NAA application resulted in highest number, fresh and dry weight of nodules, which increased steadily up to 55 DAS, thereafter these declined. Growth regulating chemicals and P increased the nitrogen, protein, sugar and free amino acid content of nodules significantly. NAA recorded the highest yield, i.e., 44 % increase over control, due to highest number of pods, number of seeds per pod and 1,000 seed weight. Among the P treatments, 60 kg ha−1 gave the highest seed yield as compared to lower P levels. Nitrogen, P and K content of seeds after harvest were significantly increased by growth regulators and P, and highest response was observed in NAA and high P level. Application of growth regulators and P significantly improved nutritional parameters of seed viz., total soluble sugar, starch, protein and free amino acid content.