Augmenting the Agronomic Traits of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) through Nipping and Foliar Nutrition Practices

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of integrating nipping treatments and foliar applications on chickpea growth and yield parameters. The study focused on various stages of nipping viz. N1 - no nipping, N2 - nipping at 30 days after sowing (DAS), N3 - nipping at 45 DAS, and N4 - nipping at 60 DAS), in —combination with the foliar nutrient application treatments, namely F1- no foliar application, F2- NAA @ 100 ppm + Nano urea @ 4 ml/lit applied at 30 and 45 DAS, and F3 - NAA @ 100 ppm + Nano DAP at 4 ml/L applied at 30 and 45 DAS (F3). Among these treatments, the combined application of NAA @ 100 ppm + Nano DAP @ 4 ml/L applied at 30 and 45 DAS, along with nipping at 45 DAS (N3F3), emerged as the most effective practice in enhancing the yield and growth parameters of chickpea. This treatment significantly impacted the plant height, enhanced the lateral branches, and increased the dry matter production, eventually resulting in superior pod formation and grain yield. The findings highlight the synergy between the traditional practice of nipping and modern practice of foliar nutrition with nano fertilizers, demonstrating a sustainable and resource-efficient approach in chickpea cultivation.