Effect of Different Nitrogen Sources on Seed Quality and Economics of Kasuri Methi (Trigonella corniculata L.)

Abstract

Kasuri methi (Trigonella corniculata L.) has a number of therapeutic purposes, including lowering cholesterol levels, eliminating skin blemishes and markings, serving as a carminative, an antipyretic tonic, and an aphrodisiac, as well as being incredibly effective in treating dyspepsia and impaired liver function. The present investigation was carried out at Vegetable Research Farm and in the laboratories of the Department of Seed Science and Technology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, during the Rabi season of 2022-23 to assess the effect of different nitrogen sources on seed quality and economics of kasuri methi. The material consisted of a newly developed kasuri methi variety “Hisar Kasuri Methi - 7” which was grown with eighteen treatment combinations of organic manures (Farmyard manure (FYM), Vermicompost), inorganic fertilisers and biofertilizer (Rhizobium). The crop was sown on 20 November 2022 with a randomised block design (RBD). All the treatment combinations were evaluated for different seed quality parameters. The collected data for various parameters were statistically analysed using OPSTAT, and the treatments were compared at a 5% level of significance. Experimental results revealed that significantly highest seed quality attributes viz., test weight (1.70 g), standard germination (89.67 %), seedling length (9.10 cm), seedling dry weight (3.98 mg), vigour index-I (807.33) and vigour index- II (357.17) were observed under treatment T5 (100 % RDN through Vermicompost + Rhizobium (seed treatment), whereas, minimum was recorded under treatment T18 (Control).  From the economic point of view, the treatment combination having 100 % RDN (Inorganic) + Rhizobium (T1) gave maximum net returns (Rs 47607.20) and minimum net returns was found under control (Rs.18950.00). The benefit - cost ratio (1.87) was found maximum under treatment T1 (100 % RDN (Inorganic) + Rhizobium) and minimum was found under control (0.75).