Effect of pre treatement on seed germination and shade on seedling growth and yiels of mucuna pruriens (L) DC

Abstract

The present study entitled “Effect of pre-treatment on seed germination and shade on seedling growth and yield of Mucuna pruriens (l.) DC.” was carried out in College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Trichur during the period of 2005-2007. In the first phase, graded and selected seeds were subjected to 10 different pre-treatment methods and sown in two conditions viz, polybag and nursery bed. In both the cases scarification on dorsal surface gave highest germination per cent and germination energy. Various biometric parameters like height, collar diameter and number of leaves in various treatments under polybag and nursery bed conditions were observed. Biomass produced at nursery stage was also estimated; it is evident from the study that seedlings produced from scarification treatments was most superior for all traits in both polybag and nursery bed. In the second phase, to evaluate yield under different shade situations, selected seedlings were planted out in 25 per cent, 50 per cent, 75 per cent and open situations. Various reproductive characters, yield parameters, and nutrient status were studied, in which early flowering, more number of flower bud production, and higher pod formation was observed in full light situation. The Highest seed yield and biomass production was observed when grown under open condition followed by 25 per cent and least was in 75 per cent or highest shade condition. The nutrient accumulation under different shade was estimated. Nitrogen concentration in leaf and twig was more in case of full shade followed by seedlings grown in 50 per cent shade, whereas for roots concentration of nitrogen under 75 per cent and 50 per cent shade was observed to be non-significant. In case of leaf phosphorus content, highest concentration was seen in seedlings grown under 25 per cent shade followed by seedlings in open condition. Phosphorus content in twigs was highest in 25 per cent and least in 50 per cent. In root, maximum concentration of phosphorous was observed in open condition. Highest potassium content was in 75 per cent shade followed by 50 per cent, and there was no variation in leaf potassium content in plants grown under open condition and 25 per cent shade level. Root potassium content under 50 per cent and 75 per cent was similar and higher than other two treatments.