Effect of Vermiwash as a Foliar Spray and Fertilizer Application on Leaf Area Index and Chlorophyll Content of Greengram (Vigna radiata L.)

Abstract

Aims: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of fertilizer levels and foliar application of vermiwash on leaf area index (LAI) and SPAD chlorophyll readings of greengram. Study Design: Randomized Block Design (RBD). Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was conducted at the College Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, during the rabi season of 2023–2024. Methodology: The experiment consisted of different fertilizer and vermiwash treatments and was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. Recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) was applied as per treatments, and vermiwash was applied as a foliar spray at 3% concentration at different crop growth stages, namely vegetative, pre-flowering and pod formation. Leaf area index was recorded using standard procedures, while chlorophyll content was measured using a SPAD chlorophyll meter. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis to determine the significance of treatment effects. Results: The results revealed that application of 100% RDF along with foliar spray of 3% vermiwash at the pre-flowering stage resulted in a significantly higher leaf area index, which was statistically on par with the treatment receiving 100% RDF combined with foliar spray of 3% vermiwash at the pod formation stage and 100% RDF. SPAD chlorophyll readings did not show significant differences among the treatments. The control treatment recorded the lowest values for leaf area index and SPAD chlorophyll readings. Conclusion: Application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizers in combination with foliar spray of 3% vermiwash, particularly at the pre-flowering stage and pod formation stage proved beneficial in enhancing the leaf area index of greengram.