Effect of depth of sowing on seedling emergence, growth and yield of summer mungbean genotypes

A field study was undertaken during summer 2003 and 2004 to assess the effect of sowing depth on seedling emergence, growth and yield of summer mungbean genotypes. The sowing done at 4 and 6 cm depths had 86.1% and 85.1% seedling emergence while in the case of 2 and 8 cm sowing depths, the emergence was 48.8% and 78.0%, respectively. Plant height, branches/plant, pods/plant, seeds/pod, harvest index and grain yield were significantly higher in the case of 4 and 6 cm sowing depths than the 2 cm sowing depth. The sowing done at 8 cm depth produced lower grain yield than 4 and 6 cm depths in both the years. All the genotypes were at par in emergence percentage. Pusa Vishal, Pusa 9531 and MH 96-1 were taller than SML 668. Pusa 9531 had higher number of pods/plant. Seeds/pod did not differ significantly in genotypes while the 100-grain weight in Pusa Vishal and SML 668 was higher than in MH 96-1 and Pusa 9531. Pusa Vishal, SML 668 and Pusa 9531 gave higher grain yield than MH 96-1. Interactions for various characters between sowing depths and genotypes were non-significant.