Indian Journal of Agricultural Research
SCOPUSWeb of Science
  • Year: 2026
  • Volume: 60
  • Issue: 6

Effect of Zinc and Copper Loaded Alginate Beads on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Use Efficiency of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)

  • Author:
  • Mohanambal Joyal1, Anbarasu Mariyappillai2,*, Andal Perumal1, Sowmya Srinivasarao3
  • Total Page Count: 7
  • Page Number: 891 to 897

1Department of Chemistry, School of Basic Sciences, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Pallavaram, Chennai-600 117, Tamil Nadu, India

2School of Agriculture, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, (VISTAS), Pallavaram, Chennai-600 117, Tamil Nadu, India

3Department of chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram campus, Chennai-600 089, Tamil Nadu, India

*Corresponding Author: Anbarasu Mariyappillai, School of Agriculture, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, (VISTAS), Pallavaram, Chennai-600 117, Tamil Nadu, India. Email: manbarasu102@gmail.com

Abstract

Black gram (Vigna mungo L.) is a major pulse crop valued for its protein content, but its productivity is often constrained by micronutrient deficiencies, particularly zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu). These nutrients are essential for enzyme activity, photosynthesis and reproductive development. Conventional fertilizers show low efficiency due to leaching and fixation losses, necessitating improved delivery systems. The study aimed to evaluate alginate-based micronutrient delivery for improving black gram performance.

A pot experiment was conducted during winter 2024–25 and summer 2025 at VISTAS, Chennai. Zinc and copper-loaded alginate beads were synthesized using the ionotropic gelation technique and characterized by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Seven treatments, including soil, foliar and combined applications along with control, were evaluated in a completely randomized design with three replications. Growth, yield and physiological parameters were recorded.

Soil + foliar application of Zn (T4) recorded the highest plant height (27.30 and 28.38 cm), dry matter (20.35 and 22.65 g plant-1), pods per plant (20.39 and 22.42) and yield (13.68 and 14.29 g plant-1) during winter and summer, respectively. This treatment also improved reproductive efficiency and growth vigour index compared to other treatments. Foliar Zn (T6) showed comparable performance, while Cu treatments exhibited moderate improvements over the control.

Keywords

Alginate beads, Black gram, Controlled-release, Micronutrients, Nutrient use efficiency, Sustainability