Cobalt Application Improves the Growth and Development of Mung Bean

Abstract

Cobalt plays an important role in nitrogen (N) fixation occurring within the nodules of legume plants. However, the variable reports for Cobalt (Co) effects on plant growth and crop yields urged to research and verify if the Co is an essential component particularly for leguminous crops. A greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Co on inoculation slurry treated seeds of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) to observe the yield and development of the plant. A factorial completely randomized design (CRD) was adopted for this experiment, where Cobalt nitrate (Co (NO3)2) was applied at the rates of 10ppm, 20ppm, and 30ppm in combination of inoculation on mung bean three verities Chkwal-06, NM-16 and NM-11. Analyzed data was recorded related to mungbean growth and development parameters Mungbean have maximum response with inoculated 30ppm cobalt nitrate + slurry treatment in respect to growth, yield attributes, nodule number, nodule weight and higher grain yield over control. The increase in nodule formation (nodule size 0.0988cm and the nodule weight 136.87mg) was found in NM-11@ Cobalt Nitrate 30ppm and 20pmm respectively. Better nodule grading 3.25 were found at treatment 30ppm cobalt nitrate in NM-16. Similar yield response achieves in a three different mung bean varieties