Effect of Planting Geometry on Yield and Quality of Moth Bean [Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal] Varieties under Arid Conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Agriculture Research Sub Station Samdari, Balotra (Rajasthan) during Kharif season of 2024. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications. Total 12 treatment combinations consisted of two varieties RMO-435 (V1) and CAZRI Moth-5 (V2) three plant to plant spacing 10cm (P1), 15cm (P2) and 20 cm (P1) and two row to row spacing 30 cm (R1) and 45 cm (R2).The results revealed significant varietal differences in yield and quality of moth bean. Results indicated that the variety CAZRI Moth-5 recorded significantly higher seed yield (642 kg/ha), straw yield (2531 kg/ha) and biological yield (3173 kg/ha), protein content and protein yield (23.26% and 149 kg/ha, respectively). Among planting geometries, 45 × 15 cm spacing resulted in the highest seed yield (kg/ha), biological yield ((kg/ha)), straw yield ((kg/ha)), protein content (%) and protein yield ((kg/ha) to a better balance between plant population and individual plant performance. Interaction effects showed that CAZRI Moth-5 at 45 × 15 cm spacing was the most remunerative treatment, optimizing yield and quality. The study suggests that adopting proper planting geometry can significantly enhance moth bean productivity in arid regions.