Effect of molybdenum on yield and quality of black gram (Vigna mungo L.)

Molybdenum (Mo) is an effective micronutrient that plays an important role in improving the crop yield and quality. A field trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of Mo on yield and quality of black gram (Vigna mungo L.) (mash) at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan during spring 2012. Seed treatment with Mo (Sodium molybedate as source) at 0 (control), 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6 g kg^-1 of seed was applied. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The crop (mash Arooj 2010) was sown in 30 cm apart rows maintaining plant to plant distance of 10 cm with net plot size of 1.5 m × 5 m. Data on yield and quality attributes was recorded by using standard procedures. The data collected were statistically analyzed using Fisher's analysis of variance technique and the treatment's means were compared by using least significant difference test at 5% level of probability. Plant height at maturity (55.30 cm), number of nodules per plant (11.17), number of pod bearing branches (13.43), number of pods per plant (27.70), protein content (24.53%), carbohydrate content (59.53%), number of seeds per pod (10.00), pod length (6.98 cm), 1000 seed weight (40.18 g), seed yield (1049.2 kg ha^-1), biological yield (6480 kg ha^-1) and harvest index (16.67 %) were significantly higher over control in treatment (T9) where seed was treated with 4 g Mo kg^-1 of seed. The results of this study highlighted the role of Mo as seed treatment for improving the yield and quality in mashbean. It is recommended that seeds of mash bean crop may be treated with Mo to get better quality and high yield of crop under agro-ecological conditions of Faisalabad and similar areas.