Effect of Vermiwash as a Foliar Spray and Fertilizer Application on Leaf Area Index and Chlorophyll Content of Greengram (Vigna radiata L.)
Karre Anusha *
Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, PJTAU, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
P Satish
ARS Nathnaipally, Narsapur Mandal, Medak, India.
Md. Latheef Pasha
AICRP on IFS, C-NARE, PJTAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India.
K Pavan Chandra Reddy
RS & RRS, Rudrur-503188, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of fertilizer levels and foliar application of vermiwash on leaf area index (LAI) and SPAD chlorophyll readings of greengram.
Study Design: Randomized Block Design (RBD).
Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was conducted at the College Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, during the rabi season of 2023–2024.
Methodology: The experiment consisted of different fertilizer and vermiwash treatments and was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. Recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) was applied as per treatments, and vermiwash was applied as a foliar spray at 3% concentration at different crop growth stages, namely vegetative, pre-flowering and pod formation. Leaf area index was recorded using standard procedures, while chlorophyll content was measured using a SPAD chlorophyll meter. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis to determine the significance of treatment effects.
Results: The results revealed that application of 100% RDF along with foliar spray of 3% vermiwash at the pre-flowering stage resulted in a significantly higher leaf area index, which was statistically on par with the treatment receiving 100% RDF combined with foliar spray of 3% vermiwash at the pod formation stage and 100% RDF. SPAD chlorophyll readings did not show significant differences among the treatments. The control treatment recorded the lowest values for leaf area index and SPAD chlorophyll readings.
Conclusion: Application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizers in combination with foliar spray of 3% vermiwash, particularly at the pre-flowering stage and pod formation stage proved beneficial in enhancing the leaf area index of greengram.
Keywords: Vermiwash, Greengram, leaf area index, SPAD chlorophyll