Leaf gas exchange, physiological growth, yield and biochemical properties of groundnut as influenced by boron in soilless culture

Abstract

Crops specific proper concentration of micronutrient application is necessary to improve the yield and quality of crops. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to identify the optimum dose of boron for groundnut plant. Six level of boron (B) application, B0 (0 ppm), B1 (0.5 ppm), B2 (1 ppm), B3 (2 ppm), B4 (4 ppm) and B5 (8 ppm) were evaluated. Photosynthetic rate, transpiration and stomatal conductance were increased for boron application but leaf vapor pressure deficit decreased. Physiological growth parameters, yield and yield contributing character, and shelling percentage was highest for B3. The values of biochemical traits including protein, oil and vitamin E content were higher for B4. Thus, leaf gas exchange showed that boron can be used to culture groundnut as it provides high yield and biochemical properties.