Fortification of chickpea with foliar micronutrients

Abstract

An field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2024-2025 at the Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Nagpur, to evaluate the effect of foliar application of micronutrient Grade-X on yield and quality of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The study was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design comprising eight treatment combinations with three replications. Foliar nutrition significantly influenced yield attributes and yield. Among the levels, 7.5 ml L⁻¹ (L₃) recorded the highest seed yield (19.19 q ha⁻¹) and straw yield (24.89 q ha⁻¹), while three sprays (S₂) further enhanced productivity. The interaction L₃S₂ proved most effective, producing maximum seed yield (19.46 q ha⁻¹) and straw yield (25.29 q ha⁻¹). Quality traits were also improved, with test weight (20.90 g), protein content (19.79%), and crude fiber (3.37%) being highest in L₃S₂. The findings highlight that foliar application of micronutrient Grade-X at 7.5 ml L⁻¹ with three sprays optimizes both yield and quality of chickpea.