Effect of bio-fertilizers and plant growth regulators on growth and yield of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)

Abstract

A field experiment on effect of bio-fertilizers and plant growth regulators on growth and yield of
fenugreek was carried out at NRCSS, Ajmer. The experiment comprising of four levels of bio- fertilizers (no
inoculation, Rhizobium, PSB and Rhizobium+PSB) and five levels of plant growth regulators ( GA3 50 and 100
ppm and NAA 10 and 20 ppm and water) was conducted in factorial randomelly bock design with three
replication. The results indicated that superiority of dual inoculation of seed with Rhizobium+PSB recorded
significantly higher plant height, no of branches/plant, number of nodules/plant and dry weight of nodules
per plant at 45 DAS and harvest stage over rest treatment. Dual inoculation of seed with Rhizobium+PSB also
recorded significantly higher yield components (viz.), number of pods/plant, pod length, pod weight, number
of seeds/pod and shelling percentage) and consequently increase seed and biological yield (i.e., 18.02 and
63.96 q ha-1) over control (15.62 and 57.55 q ha-1), respectively.The growth parameters, yield components and
seed yield showed positive response to foliar application of plant growth regulators. The maximum dry matter
accumulation, number of pods/plant, numbers of seeds/pod, pod length, pod weight, and shelling percentage
was recorded in 20 ppm NAA treatment followed by 10 ppm NAA application. The productivity of fenugreek
crop in terms of seed, biological yield and harvest index were recorded highest (17.62, 65.65 q ha-1 and
27.45%) in 20 ppm foliar spray of NAA.