Optimization of bio-regulators dose based on photosynthetic and yield performance of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes

Abstract

A pot experiment was conducted using two contrasting chickpea varieties, viz., Pusa 362 (Desi type) and Pusa 1108 (Kabuli type) with the objective of optimizing dose of bio-regulators namely thiourea (TU), benzyladenine (BA) and thidiazuron (TDZ). Varying doses of foliar application of TU (0, 500, 1000, 1500 ppm), BA (0, 20, 40, 60 ppm), TDZ (0, 10, 15, 20 ppm) and salicylic acid (0, 50, 100, 150 ppm) were applied before flowering stage. Rates of photosynthesis were recorded at flowering and podding stages and seed yield was obtained at harvest. The results revealed that photosynthetic rate in both varieties increased with increasing doses of bio-regulators at both flowering and podding stages and grain yield also exhibited similar trend. Highest photosynthetic rates and grain yield were recorded with the foliar application of TU, BA, TDZ and SA @ 1000, 40, 10 and 100 ppm, respectively. After curve fitting, optimum dose for TU, BA, TDZ and SA foliar application were estimated to be 878.33, 52.75, 11.78 and 90.63 ppm, respectively.