Influence of removal of shoots tips on biomass production of greengram (Vigna radiata L.).

Abstract

Greengram is one of the important pulse crops grown and consumed mostly in developing countries. Human consumption of greengram si as dry seeds. Crop residue si also important feed resource for ruminants and has potential as a green manure. Specific cultural practices normally carry out to achieve maximum biological yield ni legumes and other crops. Therefore, an attempt was made to study the effect of removal of shoot tips of greengram (Vigna radiata L.) on biomass production. This experiment was laid out ni aRandomized Complete Block Design with five treatments and four replications. Treatments included removal of apical portions of main stems at 3*0, 4*, 5* and f* weeks after planting of greengram cv. MI 5 and also unremoval of apical portion used as control. Plant height, number of leaves, number of branches and leaf area were recorded at regular intervals to evaluate the effect of decapitation on biological yield of greengram. Fresh and dry weights o f plant were measured after harvesting of pods. The results showed that there was significant difference in number of branches among the treatments. Removal of apical portions at 3d and 4t weeks significantly differed from other treatments in number of leaves, leaf area fresh and dry weights of plant. T, gave significantly high economic (162.85 kg per plot) and biological (405.75 kg per plot) yields among hte treatment except T. The most effective stage of vegetative growth ot remove the shoot tips to obtain high production of biomass ni greengram grown ni sandy regosol is the 3dr week of planting.