Effect of phosphorus and zinc application on growth and yield cf fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and their residual effect on succeeding pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) under irrigated conditions of north west Rajasthan

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during rabi and kharif seasons of 2003 -04 and 2004-05 at research farm of the University, Bikaner, to study the effect of phosphorus and zinc application on yield attributes and yield of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) and their residual effect on yield of succeeding pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. emend. Stuntz]. On pooled basis significant improvements were recorded in branches/plant, pods/plant, test weight, seed, straw and biological yield of fenugreek up to application of 40 kg P2O5/ha, whereas seeds/pbd increased only up to 20 kg P2O5/ha. Basal application of 5.0 kg Zn/ha significantly increased pods/plant, seed, straw and biological yield, whereas branches/plant increased up to 7.5 kg Zn/ha and seeds/pod and test weight only up to 2.5 kg Zn/ha. Foliar applications of different concentrations (0.25 and 0.5% ZnSo4 and frequency (once and twice) were inferior to basal mode of application. Residual effect of 40 kg P2O5/ha significa;tly enhanced the effective tillers/plant of succeeding pearl millet, whereas ear length and test weight improved only up to residual effect of 20 kg P2O5/ha. Seed, stover and biological yield and harvest index of pearl millet increased up to residual effect of 60 kg P2O5/ha. Residual effect of 5.0 kg Zn/ha significantly increased effective tillers, stover and biological yield, whereas seed yield and harvest index improved significantly up to 7.5 kg Zn/ha and ear length and test weight improved only up to 2.5 kg Zn/ha. Residual effect of any foliar spray on pearl millet was not observed.