Growth Of Pea Research Articles

Rhizobacteria Mitigate the Negative Effect of Aluminum on Pea Growth by Immobilizing the Toxicant and Modulating Root Exudation.

High soil acidity is one of the main unfavorable soil factors that inhibit the growth and mineral nutrition of plants. This is largely due to the toxicity of aluminum (Al), the mobility of which increases significantly in acidic soils. Symbiotic microorganisms have a wide range of beneficial properties for plants, protecting them against abiotic stress factors. This report describes the mechanisms of positive effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens SPB2137 on four pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes grown in hydroponics and treated with 80 µM AlCl3. In batch culture, the bacteria produced auxins, possessed 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity, alkalized the medium and immobilized Al, forming biofilm-like structures and insoluble phosphates. Inoculation with Ps. fluorescens SPB2137 increased root and/or shoot biomass of Al-treated plants. The bacteria alkalized the nutrient solution and transferred Al from the solution to the residue, which contained phosphorus that was exuded by roots. As a result, the Al concentration in roots decreased, while the amount of precipitated Al correlated negatively with its concentration in the solution, positively with the solution pH and negatively with Al concentration in roots and shoots. Treatment with Al induced root exudation of organic acids, amino acids and sugars. The bacteria modulated root exudation via utilization and/or stimulation processes. The effects of Al and bacteria on plants varied depending on pea genotype, but all the effects had a positive direction and the variability was mostly quantitative. Thus, Ps. fluorescens SPB2137 improved the Al tolerance of pea due to immobilization and exclusion of toxicants from the root zone.

Effects of organic manure and chemical fertilizers on growth and yield of garden pea

An experiment was conducted at Agronomy Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh (BAU) during rabi season of 2018−19 to see the response of garden pea to manure and fertilizers. The treatments were T1: Control (no fertilizer or manure), T2: Cowdung + Poultry manure + Mustard oilcake, T3: Vermicompost + Poultry manure + Mustard oilcake, T4: Urea + TSP + MoP + Gypsum and T5: Cowdung + Urea + TSP + MoP + Gypsum. The experiment was designed in a factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 4 replications. Urea, TSP, MoP and gypsum @ 45, 90, 40 and 50 kg ha−1 were used as sources of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and sulphur, respectively. Cow dung, poultry manure, vermicompost and mustard oilcake were applied @ 30, 25, 2.5 and 0.025 t ha−1, respectively. The results showed that the treatment T5 significantly gave the highest values of vegetative growth and yield attributing characters’ i.e., plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length, pod breadth, number of seeds per pod, 100-seed weight, pod weight, pod yield and seed yield per hectare. The lowest values of growth and yield attributing characters were recorded with T1. Sole chemical fertilizers (T4) showed better performances than T2 and T3. Treatment T5 gave higher result than T4. So, for obtaining the highest growth and pod yield of pea (cv. BARI Motor3), treatment T5 (Cowdung + Urea + TSP + MoP + Gypsum @ 30 t ha−1, 45-90-40-50 kg ha−1) could be the best combination. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2022, 47(1): 121-129

Effect of Organic Management on Growth, Yield and Economics of Green Gram, Pigeon Pea and Sunflower under Rainfed Conditions

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif, 2021 at Gungal (around 43 km from Hyderabad) Research Farm of ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad, India. The soil was Sandy clay loam in texture, slightly acidic in reaction, low in organic carbon, available nitrogen, available phosphorus and medium in available potassium. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three treatment combinations viz., Organic (recommended 100% N equivalent FYM), Integrated (recommended 25% N equivalent FYM + 75% N and 100% P and K through chemical fertilizers) and Control (recommended 100 % NPK through chemical fertilizer) replicated nine times. Based on the results, it was found that the growth, yield attributes, yield, and economics with respect to all the three crops viz., green gram, pigeon pea and sunflower were significantly higher with organic treatment which was followed by integrated treatment and control.

Comparative Study of Biofertilizer and Plant Extracts on Growth, Yield and Yield Attributing Traits of Field Pea (Pisum sativum)

The field experiment was conducted to comparative analyze the effect of biofertilizer and plant extracts on growth, yield and yield attributing traits of field pea (Pisum Sativum L.)” was conducted during Rabi 2021 at field experimental centre, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, SHUATS, Prayagraj, (U.P). The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.1), low in organic carbon (0.36%), available N (171.48 kg/ha), available P (15.2 kg/ha) and available K (232.5 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with thirteen treatments including control which were replicated thrice. The treatments are as follows, TO- Control, T1, T2, T3, - Rhizobium at the rate of 5%, 8%, 10%, T4, T5, T6 – Vermi wash at the rate of 5%, 8%, 10%, T7, T8, T9 – Neem leaf extract at the rate of 5%, 10%, 15% and T10, T11, T12 – Tulsi leaf extract at the rate of 5%, 10%, 15% respectively. The experiment results revealed that seeds treated with rhizobium at the rate of 8% gave better than other treatments viz, field emergence (87.47%), plant height (95.71 cm), days to 50% flowering (40.60), number of branches per plant (8.87), number of pods per plant (13.53), number of seeds per pod (8.47), seed yield per plant (24.88 g), seed yield per plot (746.50 g), biological yield (33.73 kg/ha), harvest index (73.48%) were recorded significantly higher compared to other treatments.

The Imbibition of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Seeds in Silver Nitrate Reduces Seed Germination, Seedlings Development and Their Metabolic Profile.

The use of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on plants is accompanied by the occurrence of Ag+ ions, so the research of the effects of both on plants should be related. Therefore, in our study, the effects of Ag NPs suspension (containing Ag0 at 20 mg/L) and AgNO3 solutions (with the concentration of Ag+ ions at 20 and 50 mg/L) on the seed germination and early seedling growth (4 days) of pea (Pisum sativum L.) were compared. Both Ag NPs and AgNO3 did not decrease seed germination, and even stimulated seedling growth. In seedlings developing in the Ag NPs suspension, an increase in monosaccharides, homoserine and malate was noted. In the next experiment, the effect of short-term seed imbibition (8 h) in AgNO3 at elevated concentrations, ranging from 100 to 1000 mg/L, on the further seed germination, seedling growth (in absence of AgNO3) and their polar metabolic profiles were evaluated. The seed imbibition in AgNO3 solutions at 500 and 1000 mg/L reduced seed germination, inhibited seedlings’ growth and caused morphological deformations (twisting and folding of root). The above phytotoxic effects were accompanied by changes in amino acids and soluble carbohydrates profiles, in both sprouts and cotyledons. In deformed sprouts, the content of homoserine and asparagine (major amino acids) decreased, while alanine, glutamic acid, glutamine, proline, GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) and sucrose increased. The increase in sucrose coincided with a decrease in glucose and fructose. Sprouts, but not cotyledons, also accumulated malic acid and phosphoric acid. Additionally, cotyledons developed from seeds imbibed with AgNO3 contained raffinose and stachyose, which were not detectable in sprouts and cotyledons of control seedlings. The obtained results suggest the possible disturbances in the mobilization of primary (oligosaccharides) and presumably major storage materials (starch, proteins) as well as in the primary metabolism of developing seedlings.

Influence of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Yield and Yield Components in Garden Pea

Background: Garden pea is one of the most important legume crop which require proper crop management practices. Crop regulation is an important practices which enhancing the productivity of garden pea with higher economic return. This can be done by adopting proper application of PGRs. Therefore, the present study was designed to assess the effect of PGRs on growth and yield of garden pea. Methods: The present study was laid out on garden pea (Pisum sativum subsp. hortense) cv. Azad Pea-3 in a randomized block design with three replications and ten treatments comprising different levels NAA, GA3 and Salicylic acid at various stages. The data on growth and yield were recorded and analyzed statistically applying the analysis of variance technique. Result: Results revealed that the plants treated with 120 ppm gibberellic acid showed 45.39% 38.55%, 40.60% and 32.84% increment in plant height, length of pod, width of pod and number of seeds per pod and taken lowest number of days to 50% flowering over control, respectively. The use of 40 ppm NAA exhibited maximal enhancement in number of pods per plant (57.43-68.02%), seed weight per pod and Pod yield per hectare (50.62-60.26%) over remaining treatments. Conclusively, the results suggest that foliar application of PGRs favors the growth and yield of garden pea.

Comparative Evaluation of Salicylic Acid (SA) and 2,4-Dichloro-6-{(E)-[(3methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl} Phenol (DPMP) on Growth and Salt Stress Tolerance in Forage Pea (Pisum sativum L. arvense)

Alleviation of salt stress is becoming one of the urgent needs of agricultural production. Even though enhancement of tolerance levels with genetic variation is a common approach, exogenous applications of various compounds are a newly emerging field. Here, the effects of two different plant elicitors, salicylic acid (SA) and 2,4-dichloro-6-{(E)-[(3methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl} phenol (DPMP) on growth and stress tolerance levels of forage pea (Pisum sativum ssp. arvense L.) were evaluated. Plants were exposed to salt stress (100 mM) in addition to DPMP, SA, or DMSO (Solvent) foliar spraying. The results revealed contrasting effects for each elicitor. Under non-stressed conditions, DPMP applied plants had higher values in plant height, shoot dry weight (SDW), and taproot length, while SA applied plants had significantly higher shoot fresh weight (SFW), and DMSO applied plants had higher values in root fresh (RFW) and dry (RDW) weights, and root/shoot ratios. When we evaluated stress tolerance index (STI) levels, DPMP applied plants had higher STI values in SFW, SDW, RFW, and RDW. DPMP improved STI and biomass allocation better than SA and DMSO. These elicitors may have significant potential in abiotic stress tolerance, in addition to their well-known biotic stress eliciting roles. There is a need for further research to define appropriate doses and application times.

Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management on Physico-chemical properties of soil in Pea (Pisum sativum L.) var. GS 10

During the rabi season of 2021-2022, a field experiment was conducted at the soil science research farm of the Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences in Prayagraj, UttarPradesh, India. Three different parameters viz., three levels of NPK, FYM at 0%, 50%, and 100% ha-1, and three levels of rhizobium inoculation at 0%, 25%, and 50% ha-1 were used in the study. The result obtained with treatment T9[I3@100% + F3@ 100% + R3@50%] had a bulk density (1.17 Mg m-3) at 0-15cm and (1.18 Mg m-3) at 15-30 cm, particle density (2.41 Mg m-3) at 0-15cm and (2.42 Mg m-3) at 15-30, pore space (58.26%) at 0-15cm and (58.09%) at 15-30cm, water holding capacity (58.60%) at 0-15cm and (58.13%) at 15-30, pH (7.75) at 0-15cm and (7.75) at 15-30cm, EC (0.47dSm-1) at 0-15cm and (0.48 dSm-1) at 15- 30cm, soil organic Carbon (0.58%) at 0-15cm and (0.49%) at 15-30cm as regards soil available nutrients, available nitrogen (280.86 kg ha-1) at 0-15cm and (286.40) at 15-30cm, available phosphorus (16.56 kg ha-1) at 0-15cm and (17.26 kg ha-1), available potassium (178.13 kg ha- 1) at 0-15cm and (172.80 kg ha-1). The use of FYM and Rhizobium, as well as its blend with complete NPK, significantly improves the growth and overall production of Pea.

Efficacy of Seed Priming With Cucurbitacin Phytonematicides Against Meloidogyne incognita on Pea

The cost and environment concerns of existing drench-application technologies of cucurbitacin phytonematicides resulted in conceptualization of the priming-and-drying (PAD) technology of seeds with hypogeal germination. The preliminary observations suggested that the PAD technology improved seed germination, plant growth, and vigor in pea (Pisum sativa), with limited information on suppression of root-knot (Meloidogyne species) nematodes. Post-soaking pea seeds in geometric concentrations of Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides, seedlings were raised in greenhouse and on microplot experiments during 2019 and validated in 2020. At 60 days after inoculation with 300 eggs + second-stage juveniles (J2) of M. incognita seasonal data were pooled. Gall rating, eggs in root, and J2 in root vs. Nemarioc-AL phyto nematicide in greenhouse and on microplot exhibited negative quadratic relations, with models explained by 80–85% and 89–94% associations, respectively. Similarly, for the respective sites negative quadratic models for nematode variables vs. Nemafric-BL phytonematicide were explained by 82–93% and 90–94% associations, respectively. In conclusion, pea seed remnants belowground gradually released cucurbitacins into the rhizosphere throughout the growing period, thereby suppressing nematode population densities, and therefore, the PAD technology has the potential for assessment in a large-scale application of cucurbitacin phytonematicides for pea production.

Response of Different Pre-sowing Seed Treatments with Biofertilizers, Plant Growth Regulators and Botanical Extract on Growth and Yield Parameters of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season in the year (2021-2022) at post graduate Central Research Farm, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 13 treatments and 3 replications. Pea seeds were treated with (NAA, GA3, Rhizobium, Azatobacter, Neem Leaf Extract, Lantana Camera Extract ) were subjected to growth and yield parameters. The results showed that seed treatment with treatment (T2) (NAA@100 ppm for 12hours) recorded the highest germination percentage, maximum plant height, minimum days for 50% flowering and days to pod maturity, maximum number of branches/plant, number of pods/plant, number of seeds/pod, highest pod length and pod width, maximum seed yield, biological yield, harvest index was significant in all and highest gross returns, net returns and cost benefit ratio was recorded in treatment (T2) seed treatment with NAA@100ppm for 12hours.

One stone two birds: Bone char as a cost-effective material for stabilizing multiple heavy metals in soil and promoting crop growth

Remediation of farmland soils contaminated with high levels of multiple heavy metals near PbZn smeltery is still a great challenge. It is of great significance to find cost-effective green remediation technologies for stabilization of multiple heavy metals in soil and reduce metal accumulation in crops with ensured yield. In this study, we demonstrated that bone char (BC) is an effective heavy metal stabilizer which can substantially increase residual fractions of heavy metals and reduce metal accumulation in pea (Pisum sativum) with its enhanced growth. We chose the soils contaminated with high levels of Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd near the Baiyin PbZn smeltery as the tested soil. After 2 months of BC application, the relative mobile fractions (non-residual fractions) of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd in the contaminated soil decreased while the residual fraction increased significantly. The leachability of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd decreased by 91.2%, 38.6%, 67.6% and 54.3%, respectively compared with the control. BC application remarkably promoted pea growth and reduced accumulation of heavy metals in shoots. The mechanisms for stabilization of multiple heavy metals BC include ion exchange, surface complexation and subsequent mineralization, accompanied with release of Ca and phosphate. The immobilization of heavy metals led to their reduced toxicity to plant, and thus increased pea growth. The results show that BC is a cost-effective and sustainable heavy metal stabilizer with phosphate fertilization function. It can simultaneously immobilize multiple heavy metals in soil and facilitate crop production.

Effect of biostimulants on soil characteristics, plant growth and yield of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) under field conditions

Because of the safe use of biostimulants as they are eco-friendly and modern technique for substituting chemical fertilizers which have negative impacts on the environment. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of two biostimulants, Spirulina platensis and Trifolium alexandrinum on soil properties, growth and yield of pea (Pisum sativum L.) grown under silty clay soil conditions. The field experiment was carried out during the winter season by applying each fertilizer to the cultivated soil at 3 concentrations (2.5, 5 and 10 g) either singly or in combination, forming 15 treatments in addition to control. It was found that the vegetative growth parameters as well as, yield components were significantly increased by two fertilizers applied singly or in combination. In comparison with control, the highest concentration of combined treatment (10 g) significantly increased shoot length, number of leaves, leaf area and number of branches by 145, 200, 300 and 100 % respectively. Furthermore, the combined treatment (10 g) showed the highest values of the number of pods (8), pod length (12 cm), no. of seeds (13) and dry weight of seeds (21.5 g), compared to control. Biostimulants boosted the plant growth and yield by enhancing the estimated parameters. Also, the physicochemical properties and mineral status of soil were improved after the application of the biostimulants. The current study indicates that the single and combined treatments of Spirulina platensis and Trifolium alexandrinum may potentially increase soil fertility and enhance the growth and yield of pea.

Performance of Different Organic Liquid Manures on Growth, Yield and Economics of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

An experiment was carried out during Rabi season of 2021 at Crop Research Farm, NAI, SHUATS to study about the Performance of different organic liquid manures on growth and yield of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.). The experiment consisted of 9 treatments which includes 3 doses of Panchagavya i.e., Panchagavya 2%, 4% and 6% and 3 doses of Jeevamruth i.e., Control, Jeevamruth 500 l/ha, and Jeevamruth 1000 l/ha, whose effect is observed on Field pea (var. RACHANA). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatments replicated thrice. The treatment with the application of Panchagavya 6% + Jeevamruth 1000 l/ha recorded significantly higher plant height (100.8 cm), number of Nodules per plant (28.3), plant dry weight (32.98 g), number of pods per plant (23. 3), number of seeds per pod (5.13), Seed index (22.07 g) Seed yield (2.57 t/ha), Stover yield (3.81 t/ha) and Harvest index (40.23%) compared to other treatment combinations. The maximum gross return (INR 238700.00/ha), net return (INR 1,68, 752.00/ha) and B:C ratio (2.41) is recorded in treatment with the application of Panchagavya 6% + Jeevamruth 1000 l/ha.

Effects of Different Compost on Vegetative and Yield Performance of Pea

ABSTRACT The present study deals with the effects of Biosolid (animal manure), Spent Mushroom Compost (SMC), and Leaf Compost on the vegetative growth and yield of pea (Pisum sativum L.). We have examined the physicochemical properties and fungal flora of soil (control) and different composts (amendments). The composts (amendments) were taken in four concentrations, i.e., 25, 50, 75, and 100%, along with complete loam soil as a control. The result reveals the differential response of compost (amendments), showing that Biosolid gives a higher yield at 25%, whereas SMC with 50% and Leaf compost best results at 75% concentrations, respectively. The other parameters of the test plant, such as height, numbers of leaflets, numbers of pods, 100 seeds weight, are found in accordance with respective yields in all the amendments. However, SMC found better fertilizers compared to other test organic substances.

Symbiotic Effectiveness of Acid Tolerant Nodulating Rhizobia on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) in Acidic Alfisols

The symbiotic association between root nodulating bacteria viz. Rhizobium and pulses enhance the crop agronomic characteristics, productivity and quality depending upon the symbiotic effectiveness of the bacterial strain. To evaluate this effectiveness, a study was conducted during December, 2019−April, 2020 (rabi) at Central Farm of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar- 751003, Odisha aimed at evaluating the efficiency of seven isolated rhizobial strains of pigeon pea viz. BRP-2, BRP-4, BRP-8, BRP-20, BRP-28, BRP-56 and a local strain CHRS-7 in a randomized block design with four replications. The pigeon pea cv PRG-176 was used for study. The results revealed that seed inoculation with different Rhizobium strains enhanced the plant height (41.84–90.09 cm), relative growth rate (0.410−0.898 mm day-1), nodular characteristics, nodular nitrogen (3.11 to 4.11%), pod and seed characteristics in pigeon pea. In addition to that the potentiality of pigeon pea producing only 408 kg seed ha-1 without any seed inoculation could be enhanced to produce 888 kg seed ha-1 by seed inoculation in a coastal agroecosystem. The findings also revealed a better uptake of nutrients by the crop in Rhizobium inoculated practices that performed in the order Control <BRP-20<BRP-8<BRP-4<BRP-56<BRP-28<BRP-2<CHRS-7. The performance of local isolated rhizobial strain (CHRS-7) was better over other strains and it gives cardinal importance for the enhancement of pigeon pea growth, productivity and economics in a coastal acidic Alfisols.

What levels of soil Mn2+ can pulse and legume crops tolerate when grown in rotation with paddy rice?

Elevated concentrations of manganese (Mn2+) can persist after drainage in soil following wetland rice production, leading to toxicity in subsequent legume crops. To evaluate Mn2+ concentration causing adverse impacts on crop establishment and growth, a controlled environment experiment using hydroponics was designed. Germination and growth of field pea, faba bean and mung bean were evaluated over 21 d with an increase in Mn2+ (0 − 50 mg Mn2+L−1). Germination of all crops was impacted significantly with an increase in concentration of Mn2+. Leaf chlorophyll content as well as all plant growth parameters assessed (dry weight, height) were negatively impacted (p < 0.05) by increasing concentrations of Mn2+. Field peas and faba beans proved more sensitive to Mn2+ than did mung beans at concentrations of 5 − 10 mg L−1. Field pea and faba bean specifically exhibited reduced height (30 − 60% and 4 − 41%, respectively), root length (12 − 30% and 20 − 25%, respectively), and shoot weight (41 − 69% and 47 − 81%, respectively). Mung bean was less impacted in terms of plant height with 23% reduction at 25 mg Mn2+ L−1 and shoot dry weight reduced by 48% at 50 mg Mn2+ L−1. Total chlorophyll content of mung bean was severely affected (86% reduction at 50 mg Mn2+ L−1), with field pea least impacted. Our findings suggest that significant Mn2+ toxicity could potentially occur in terms of legume germination and overall growth if legume crops are sown into post-rice soils with ≥5 mg Mn2+L−1. Soil Mn2+ level must be considered when developing cropping strategies following flooded rice.

The Dynamics of Molybdenum, Boron, and Iron Uptake, Translocation and Accumulation by Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Molybdenum (Mo), boron (B), and iron (Fe) play an important role in symbiotic nitrogen fixation by legume plants. The intensity of this process varies in different growth stages of legumes, and the changes are accompanied by changes in the content and translocation of these micronutrients in the plant. A two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the dynamics of molybdenum, boron, and iron content, translocation, and accumulation in pea plants. Two pea cultivars were studied in six stages of growth, from the four-leaf stage to full maturity. The content of Mo, B, and Fe in the roots of pea was highest from the four-leaf stage to the full flowering stage, i.e., the period of establishment of symbiosis and the most intensive atmospheric nitrogen fixation. The bioaccumulation factors of Mo and Fe were generally highest in the initial stages of pea growth and decreased during generative development, while the reverse pattern was observed for boron. The bioaccumulation factors also indicate high bioaccumulation of Mo and B and low bioaccumulation of Fe in the biomass of pea. The translocation factor indicated a high potential for allocation of Mo from the roots to the aerial parts, increasing during growth; high and stable potential for allocation of boron; and very minor allocation of iron to the aerial parts. The values of all parameters tested were usually dependent on the conditions in which the experiment was conducted (the year), but not on the cultivar of a pea.

Effects of Intercropping on Plant Growth and Yield Performance of Toria (Brassica campestris L.) and Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.) under Irrigated Conditions

Background: Intercropping with legumes improves resource use efficiency, soil N, soil quality, yields and profitability. Having deep root system, legumes can extract moisture and nutrients from deeper layer and hence does not compete with associated cereals. Therefore, intercropping particularly with leguminous crops is a sustainable option especially under adverse climatic conditions. Methods: The experiment consisted of seven intercropping systems based on Sangam variety of Toria and Arkel variety of field pea viz., sole toria (T1), sole field pea (T2), toria + field pea, 3:3 (T3), toria + field pea, 3:2 (T4), toria + field pea, 3:1 (T5), toria + field pea, 2:3 (T6) and toria + field pea, 1:3 (T7). All the treatments were arranged in RCBD and replicated four times. Result: Findings of the present investigation showed that toria + field Pea-3:3 resulted maximum plant growth compared to minimum values of these attributes under sole cropping system. This system also resulted in highest number of siliqua per plant (215), siliqua length (6.9 cm), number of grain per siliqua (23.0) and test weight (4.6 g) of toria as well as maximum pods per plant (20.1), number of grains per pod (8.6) and test weight (56.4 g) of field pea. Improved plant growth and yield attributes finally reflected in terms of higher grain yield (12.0 and 10.6 q/h) and harvest index (32.1 and 44.7%) of both toria as well as field pea.

Methyl Jasmonate Alleviated the Adverse Effects of Cadmium Stress in Pea (Pisum sativum L.): A Nexus of Photosystem II Activity and Dynamics of Redox Balance.

The accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in leaves reduces photosynthetic capacity by degrading photosynthetic pigments, reducing photosystem II activity, and producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Though it was demonstrated that the application of Methyl Jasmonate (MeJA) induces heavy metal (HM) stress tolerance in plants, its role in adjusting redox balance and photosynthetic machinery is unclear. In this study, the role of MeJA in modulating photosystem II (PSII) activity and antioxidant defense system was investigated to reduce the toxic effects of Cd on the growth of pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars. One-week-old seedlings of three pea varieties were subjected to Cd stress (0, 50, 100 μm), and MeJA (0, 1, 5, 10 μm) was applied as a foliar spray for 2 weeks. Cadmium stress reduced the growth of all three pea varieties. Cadmium stress decreased photosynthetic pigments [Chl a (58.15%), Chl b (48.97%), total Chl (51.9%) and carotenoids (44.01%)] and efficiency of photosystem II [Fv/Fm (19.52%) and Y(II; 67.67%)], while it substantially increased Cd accumulation along with an increase in ROS (79.09%) and lipid peroxidation (129.28%). However, such adverse effects of Cd stress varied in different pea varieties. Exogenous application of MeJA increased the activity of a battery of antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (33.68%), peroxidase (29.75%), and catalase (38.86%)], improved photosynthetic pigments and PSII efficiency. This led to improved growth of pea varieties under Cd stress, such as increased fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots. In addition, improvement in root biomass by MeJA was more significant than that of shoot biomass. Thus, the mitigating effect of MeJA was attributed to its role in cellular redox balance and photosynthetic machinery of pea plants when exposed to Cd stress.

GREEN SYNTHESIS OF ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES USING SCHREBERA SWIETENIOIDES ROXB., AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT AND INVESTIGATION OF ITS EFFECT ON SEED GERMINATION AND PLANT GROWTH ON PIGEON PEA (CAJANUS CAJAN LINN.)

Objective: The present work intended to green and eco-friendly synthesis of Zinc oxide (ZnO) nano particles (NPs) using aqueous leaf extract of Schrebera swietenioides and the synthesised NPs were applied for enhancement of seed germination and plant growth in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan Linn.). Methods: The Zinc acetate was utilised as metal source and metal was reduced using aqueous leaf extract of S. swietenioides as green reducing agent. The synthesised NPs were characterized using various techniques such as SEM-EDS, TEM, XRD, FT-IR and UV-visible spectrophotometer. The seed germination study as well as plant growth promotion activity, was performed on pigeon pea seeds. Results: The result achieved in characterization of NPs confirms that he NPs were hexagonal wurtzite form having a spherical shape with irregular surfaces. The average size was found to be 68 nm with the metal composition of 73.7 %. The NPs were studied for seed germination and growth promotion activity on pigeon pea seeds and the mean germination time was observed to be 38.60±0.56, 28.53±0.59 and 37.53±0.40 h whereas the final germination percentage was found as 91.33±0.58, 98.00±1.00, and 92.67±1.15 h for control, NPs treated and zinc acetate treated seeds respectively. The NPs treated plants grow more rapidly than the untreated as well as Zn acetate-treated pigeon pea plants. The pigeon pea seeds treated with ZnO NPs shows the high activity of enzyme activities such as amylases, protease, catalase than the untreated as well as Zn acetate treated seeds. Conclusion: The aqueous leaf extract of S. swietenioides mediated ZnO NPs can augment the growth of pigeon pea seedlings, and the NPs treatment shows a stimulatory effect on the enzymes associated with the growth of seedlings.