Physiological effects of potassium and growth regulators in pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]

Abstract

Low yields and indeterminate growth in pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.], have been causes of concern which calls for scientific investigations on management techniques to regulate the source–sink balance for enhancing productivity. The experiment with combinations of different sources and concentrations of K, and three growth regulators as treatments and a control with no foliar application was laid out in RBD with three replications. Foliar application of KNO3 and gibberellic acid significantly improved leaf area index, crop growth rate, yield and nutrient uptake. Brassinosteroid could induce earliness in flowering, but the favorable effect was not reflected in the fertility coefficient and yields. Seed yield (1186.33 kg ha-1), and soluble protein (60.70 mg kg-1) were the highest in KNO3 (0.5%) x GA3 (75 mg kg-1) application. Potassium K sources and growth regulators were effective in emulating superior physiological effects in pigeon pea that eventuated in better seed yields.