Yield and economics of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum- graecum L.) as influenced by fertility levels, biofertilizers and brassinosteroid

Abstract

A field study was conducted during rabi seasons of 2012-13 and 2013-14 to assess the yield and profitability of fenugreek as influenced by fertility levels, biofertilizers and brassinosteroid. Three fertility levels [60, 80 and 100 % RDF (40 kg N+ 40 kg P2O5 + 10 kg S/ha)] and three biofertilizer inoculations (Rhizobium, PSB and Rhizobium +PSB) in main plot and three concentrations of brassinosteroid (water spray, BR 0.25 ppm and BR 0.50 ppm) in sub plot were studied in split plot design with three replications. The highest values of yield attributes, seed yield (2245 kg/ha), haulm yield (5236 kg/ha), net returns (₹56200) and B:C ratio (1.88) were recorded with application of 100 % RDF. Dual inoculation of seed with Rhizobium + PSB gave significantly higher yield attributes, seed yield (2085 kg/ha), net return (₹50690) and B:C ratio (1.71) over their alone application. Interaction of fertility levels and biofertilizers was also found significant in yield attributes and consequently in yields and economics. Application of 100 % RDF + dual inoculation, being on a par with 80 % RDF + dual inoculation, gave the highest seed yield (2287 kg/ha) and net return (₹57939). Foliar spray of brassinosteroid 0.50 ppm brought about 14.6 and 6.2 per cent higher seed yield over water spray and BR 0.25 ppm, respectively. Thus, integration of 80 % RDF with dual inoculation and supplemented with foliar spray of brassinosteroid 0.50 ppm at 50 and 70 DAS is better for realizing higher yield and net return in fenugreek.