Effect of growth retardants on yield parameters of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Central Experimental field, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, during the rabi season of 2016-17, to know the effect of growth retardants viz, Maliec hydrazide (MH), Cycocil (CCC) and Lichocin on growth characters, seed quality, yield and yield components in cowpea (Cv. Kashi Kanchna). The experiment was laid out in RBD with three replications. Results revealed that the application of growth retardant reduced the plant height. The minimum plant height was recorded in MH (500 ppm).The AGR different significantly at 60-90 days it was highest in Lichocin (1000 ppm) followed by CCC (500 ppm). In all the treatments CGR increased over control and was highest in Lichocin (1000 ppm). At 60 DAS to 90 DAS RGR was significantly more in CCC (500ppm). The yield contributing characters viz, seed yield per plant, number of pods per plant, seed per pod, seed index and seed yield (g m-2) increased significantly due to growth retardants. Among the treatments Lichocin (1000 ppm) recorded significantly more seed yield than other treatments.