Efficacy of IAA, GA₃ and riboflavin for morpho-biochemical and yield attributes of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) in Pakistan

Fenugreek is an important winter leafy vegetable in Pakistan with high nutritional values. Its seeds are used as spices and whole plant is used in many home remedies and medicine throughout the world. Its foliage and seed productivity is much low in the region. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) and vitamins (riboflavin) can be useful for the enhancement of plant productivity.

Treatments of indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA₃) and riboflavin (50 mmol L⁻¹ each) were applied as foliar spray after 14 days of sowing on fenugreek variety Kasuri Methi. Experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with six replicates.

Result showed that GA₃ and IAA has significantly enhanced the root and shoot development, foliage growth and ions concentrations, peroxidase (POD) and catalases (CAT) activities. PGRs also increased the pod and seed yield of fenugreek. Riboflavin did not show any significant effect on fenugreek except increased the antioxidant activities at seedling stage. GA₃ was more effective as compared to IAA for the enhancement biomass production, yield and biochemical attributes of fenugreek. It was determined that IAA and GA₃ can be used to enhance the foliage biomass production and yield but GA₃ is superior over IAA in fenugreek. These outcomes can be useful for economic benefits with high production of this leafy vegetable.