Certainly, here’s an article on growth regulators for improving pod filling in moth bean:
Moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia) is an important pulse crop, primarily grown in arid and semi-arid regions of India. It is known for its nutritional value, and is consumed in various forms such as sprouted moong, dal, and curry. However, low pod filling of moth bean is a major constraint in achieving high yield. Several factors such as inadequate water supply, soil moisture stress, and high temperature can cause poor pod filling in moth bean.
To address this issue, growers have been using plant growth regulators (PGRs) to improve pod filling in moth bean. PGRs are synthetic substances that are applied to plants to regulate their growth and development. They can affect plant physiology in several ways such as promoting cell division, elongation, and differentiation.
One of the most commonly used PGRs for improving pod filling in moth bean is gibberellic acid (GA). GA is a naturally occurring plant hormone that plays a crucial role in plant growth and development. It stimulates cell elongation and division, and promotes the development of reproductive organs. A study conducted by Singh and Singh (2012) found that the application of GA significantly increased the number of pods per plant and the number of seeds per pod in moth bean.
Another PGR that has been shown to improve pod filling in moth bean is abscisic acid (ABA). ABA is a stress hormone that is synthesized in response to water stress. It regulates various physiological processes such as stomatal closure, seed dormancy, and fruit ripening. A study conducted by Kumar and Singh (2014) found that the application of ABA increased the pod length, seed weight, and seed yield in moth bean.
Apart from GA and ABA, other PGRs such as cytokinins and auxins have also been used to improve pod filling in moth bean. Cytokinins stimulate cell division and differentiation, and promote shoot growth. Auxins, on the other hand, promote root development and cell elongation. A study conducted by Parashar et al. (2016) found that the application of cytokinins and auxins significantly increased the pod length, seed weight, and seed yield in moth bean.
In conclusion, the application of PGRs can be a viable option for improving pod filling in moth bean. Growers should choose the appropriate PGR based on their specific needs and conditions. It is important to follow the recommended doses and application methods to avoid any adverse effects on crop growth and development. Additionally, further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of PGRs on soil health and sustainability.