Influence of paclobutrazol on dry matter production and yield attributes of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp) under Konkan condition

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to study the influence of paclobutrazol on physiological aspects of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp) under konkan conditions during Kharif 2015-16 seasons. Plant growth regulators at different concentration were applied through foliar spray at 30, 40 and 60 DAS. The experiment consisted of thirteen treatment laid out in randomized block design with three replications comprising paclobutrazol (50, 75, 100, 125, 150 ppm) treatment imposed at 30, 40 and 60 DAS. Among the treatments soil application of paclobutrazol @ 50 ppm at 40 DAS recorded significant difference on dry matter production and yield parameter as compared to other treatments. Dry matter accumulation in leaves differed significantly between the treatments at all the stages, except 30DAS. Among the treatments, the dry weight increased with paclobutrazol treatments as compared to control.Yield and yield parameters such as number of pods per plant, weight of pods per plant and 100 grain weights showed significant differences among the treatments at harvest, which were significantly influenced by paclobutrazol treatments. The maximum yield and yield attributes were noticed in soil application of paclobutrazol @ 50 ppm at 40 DAS. All the paclobutrazol treatments increased the harvest index and yield per ha. Soil application of paclobutrazol @ 50 ppm at 40 DAS showed maximum harvest index and yield per ha compared to other treatments and control.