Effect of levels and sources of phosphorus on morpho-physiological, seed yield and quality parameters in garden pea (Pisum sativum)

A field experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2014–15 and 2015–16 at ICAR-Indian Agri-cultural Research Institute, New Delhi to study the effect of different levels and sources of phosphorus (P) on growth, seed yield and quality attributes in garden pea [Pisum sativum (L.) hortense]. There were 10 treatments, consisting of 9 combinations of 3 doses (30, 45 and 60 kg P₂O₅/ha) and sources [diammonium phosphate (DAP), single super phosphate (SSP) and rock phosphate (RP)] of P + absolute control, which were laid out in randomized block design with 3 replications. The seeds were treated with phosphorus solubilising bacteria (PSB) and arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) in the treatment of RP. Results of the study indicated that increase in level of phosphatic fertilizers significantly increased different growth characters, seed yield and seed quality parameters of garden pea. Most of the traits were the highest with 60 kg P₂O₅/ha. Among the different sources of P, RP + PSB + AM resulted in significantly higher yield and quality attributes over control and other P sources and their levels. P-content in seed was also greatly affected by the different doses and sources of P. Protein, P, K and micronutrients content in seed (except zinc) increased with the increase in levels of P. Germination percentage was at par under different treatments. Effect of treatments was also observed on vigour test in normal as well as harsh conditions.