Response of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) varieties to fertility levels and growth regulators on productivity, profitability and quality

Filed experiment was conducted for two consecutive rabi season of the years 2004–05 and 2005–06, to find out the individual effect of varieties (Rmt-1, and Rmt-303), fertility levels (control, 10 kg N + 20 kg P₂O₅/ha, 20 kg N + 40 kg P₂O₅/ha and 30 kg N + 60 kg P₂O₅/ha) and growth regulators (water spray, ethephon 100 ppm and NAA 20 ppm) were studied on yield, protein content and monetary returns of fenugreek. The variety Rmt -303 gave significantly higher mean seed yield by 11.69, 30.94 and 15.90 per cent (17.39, 18.03 and 17.46 q/ha), protein content by 10.06, 19.98 and 1.62 per cent (21.27, 18.52 and 20.73 per cent) over control. With application of 30 kg N+60 kg P₂O₅/ha, growth regulator NAA 20 ppm respectively and variety Rmt-303 gave significantly higher mean seed yield 18.03 q/ha, 17.46 q/ha and 17.39 q/ha respectively. Protein content by 19.98, 1.62 and 10.06 per cent over control, (18.52, 20.735 and 21.275%), respectively. Net monetary returns and B:C ratio significantly affected by varieties, fertility levels and growth regulators during both the years. Higher mean net returns (Rs.21727.00/ha) and B:C ratio (2.16) were recorded with variety Rmt-303 which were 17.56 and 17.39 per cent higher over control, respectively. On mean basis maximum net returns (Rs.22348.50/ha) and BC ratio (2.17) were recorded with 20 kg + 40 kg P₂O₅/ha which was 36.36 and 23.29 per cent higher over control, respectively. In case of growth regulators, application of NAA 200 ppm gave maximum mean net returns (Rs.22403.50) and B:C ratio (2.335) by 23.02 and 20.67 per cent higher over control, respectively.