Influence of Foliar Application of Pulse Magic on Seed Yield and Economics of Pigeonpea Grown under North Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka

Abstract

Pigeonpea is extensively grown in northeastern dry zone of Karnataka and it occupies a unique position in every cropping system of this zone. Crop Productivity of pigeonpea being low in the north-eastern dry zone of Karnataka and this is due to several reasons. One of the main important and major reason is flower drop and poor drop setting. To reduce this problem and to enhance productivity of pigeonpea Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kalaburagi, Karnataka has carried out 100 Front Line Demonstrations (FLD) in Jewargi taluka of kalaburagi district with use of Pulse Magic (consists of nutrients and Plant growth regulators) as foliar spray during kharif 2017-18 in rainfed condition in the farmers field under National Food Security Mission (NFSM) and the majority of farmers were growing TS3-R variety. Foliar spray was carried out during 50% flowering stage and 15 days after 1st Spray. The result indicated due to foliar spray of Pulse Magic were: higher number of pods per plant (278), seeds per pod (4.3) and test weight (11.5 g), compared to control (191, 3.5  and 10.7 g, respectively). Due to increase in yield attributes higher seed yield was obtained (14.2 q/ha), as compared to control (11.6 q/ha). Consequent upon higher yield, higher net returns (Rs. 53800 /ha) were obtained in Pulse Magic spayed plots compared to unsprayed plots (Rs. 42600/ha).