Effect of Foliar Spray of Humic Acid on Root Growth, Yield Components and Quality in Redgram (Cajanus cajan )

Abstract

The present study examined the effect of foliar spray of humic acid on root Growth, yield components and quality in Redgram (Cajanus cajan ).The study was conducted during Kharif 2015-16 at Main Agricultural Research Station, UAS, Raichur by using randomized block design. The effectiveness of humic acid was studied with different levels as T1 - Humic acid liquid 15% @ 1.0 ml/l of water, T2 - Humic acid liquid 15% @ 1.5 ml/l of water, T3 - Humic acid liquid 15% @ 2.5 ml/l of water, T4 - Humic acid liquid 15% @ 4.0 ml/l of water, T5 - Planofix 4.5 % @ 20ppm and T6 - as a control. Redgram root growth including root length, shoot length, root dry weight , shoot dry weight , leaf area, dry matter production, flower drops, minerals content (quality), and yield components were measured at 60,90 DAS and at harvest, respectively. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed for all the above mentioned parameters across the humic acid levels. Based on this study, the foliar application T4-Humic acid liquid 15% @ 4.0 ml/l of water might be recommended to improve growth physiology, quality and yield components of Redgram in similar environmental conditions. Further, research is required in diverse plant environments to determine economically feasible application levels of Humic acid while comparing it with other plant growth regulators sources.