Foliar Zinc Application Enhances the Grain Yield of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)

Abstract

Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) is a legume widely recognized for diverse uses. Like other legumes, mungbean plants also possess a remarkable ability to interact with nitrogen-fixing bacteria by inhabiting plant roots. This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of foliar Zn application on the growth and yield contributing traits of mungbean, and to determine the best Zn fertilizer management for optimum mungbean growth and yield. The experiment was comprised of one factor, viz. management of the zinc fertilizer, and seven treatments, viz. (i) No zinc application (Control) [T1], (ii) Basal application of ZnSO₄.7H₂O @ 10 kg ha^-1 [T2], (iii) Foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO₄.7H₂O solution at pre-flowering stage (i.e. 40 days after sowing (DAS)) [T3], (iv) Foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO₄.7H₂O solution at flowering stage (i.e., 50 DAS) [T4], (v) Foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO₄.7H₂O solution at pod formation stage (i.e. 60 DAS) [T5], (vi) Foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO₄.7H₂O solution at 40 DAS and 50 DAS [T6], (vii) Foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO₄.7H₂O solution at 40, 50 and 60 DAS [T7]. The experimental treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Plant characteristics such as plant height, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, and yield contributing characteristics including number of pods plant^-1, number of good pods plant^-1, number of grains pod^-1, and weight of 1000 grains were significantly influenced by Zn fertilization. The highest values for all parameters, including maximum grain yield (0.84 ± .06 t ha^-1) and stover yield (4.64 ± 0.85 t ha^-1), were recorded at T7, where foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO₄.7H₂O was applied at 40, 50 and 60 DAS.