EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PLANTING DENSITIES ON SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF MUNGBEAN

Abstract

An experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Institute, Dera Ismail Khan during 2003 and 2004 to study the effect of different row spacings and seed rates on some physiological parameters of mungbean. Experimental design used was RCBD with split plot arrangements and the main plot consisted of three row spacings while seed rates were kept in sub-plots. Number of branches plant–1, number of clusters plant–1, pod length, plant height, harvest index % and grain yield were significantly affected by various row spacings, seed rates and their interaction. As for as the row spacing is concerned maximum yield was recorded in 30 cm row spacing which can be attributed to optimum space between rows that resulted in efficient light interception and photosynthetic activity. The maximum numbers of branches were recorded in treatment with 20 cm row spacing and a seed rate of 20 kg ha–1, which can be attributed to greater light interception and increased photosynthetic activity due to the availability of greater space.