Influence of planting geometry on growth, nodulation and economics of Moth bean [Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal] varieties under arid conditions of Western Rajasthan

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Agriculture Research Sub Station Samdari, Balotra (Rajasthan) during kharif, season of 2024. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications. Total 12 treatment combinations consisted of Two varieties RMO-435 (V1) and CAZRI Moth-5 (V2) three plant to plant spacing 10cm (P1), 15cm (P2) and 20 cm (P1) and two row to row spacing 30 cm (R1) and 45 cm (R2). The results revealed that variety CAZRI Moth-5 recorded significantly higher plant height, number of branches, nodules per plant and nodule biomass compared to RMO-435. Closer plant spacing resulted in taller plants due to increased competition, while moderate spacing improved branching and nodulation. A plant-to-plant spacing of 15 cm was found optimum for better growth attributes and nodulation. Similarly, 45 cm row spacing performed better than 30 cm in terms of growth parameters. Economic analysis showed that both varieties incurred similar cost of cultivation. CAZRI Moth-5 recorded higher gross return, net return and benefit–cost ratio than RMO-435. Among planting geometries, 15 cm plant spacing and 45 cm row spacing resulted in maximum economic returns. Interaction effects between plant-to-plant and row-to-row spacing were found to be non-significant.