Studies on Bioresource based Seed Production Modules in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.)

Abstract

Background: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) family: fabaceae, locally known as ‘Methi’ is a self pollinated leguminous spice crop. The plant originated in India and Northern Africa. In India, it is commonly consumed a condiment and used medicinally as a lactation stimulant. There are numerous other folkloric uses of fenugreek, for example, in the treatment of indigestion and baldness. The crop has immense medicinal value and is a good source of vitamins, protein and essential oils. The leaves are used as a vegetable and the seeds as spice for adding medicinal value and flavor to the human food and also forage for cattle. Methods: The present investigation was conducted during 2017-18 and 2018-2019 under laboratory and field conditions in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP). In both the years, ten bioresources based seed production modules were tested under field conditions. The field experiment comparised of 10 bioresource based seed production modules with one untreated control was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Result: It can be concluded from the present investigation that bioresource based seed production Module-5 consist of seed treatment with Rhizobium strain-B2@ 100 ml/kg seeds, soil application of Trichoderma viride mixed with FYM @ 2 L/20 kg and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi @ 2 kg of soil inoculum/m2 and foliar application of water extracts of garlic (Allium sativum) and drake (Melia azedarach) @ 5% is an effective treatment module which improved plant growth, pod yield, seed yield and reduced the incidence of downy mildew as compared to untreated control.