Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
Synergistic effect of molybdenum and Rhizobium on growth and yield of vegetable cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)
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Kumari Monu, Patel Nitin B., Ameta Kapil Dev, Yogi Akshay Kumar, Kumar Harshit, Jain Ayushi
Research Articles | Published: 15 July, 2025
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Keywords: Fixation, Leguminous, Nitrogen and nodules
Abstract
A field experiment was conducted to investigate the interactive effects of molybdenum (Mo) application and Rhizobium inoculation on the growth, nodulation, yield attributes, and productivity of vegetable cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] cv. AVCP 1 under South Gujarat agro-climatic conditions. The study was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with twelve treatment combinations comprising six Mo levels (via soil application and seed treatment) and two Rhizobium levels (with and without seed inoculation). Results revealed that the combined application of Mo @ 300 g ha⁻¹ (soil) and Rhizobium inoculation (M₂R₁) significantly (p < 0.05) improved key growth and yield parameters, including early flowering (60.6 days), enhanced plant height (94.07 cm), highest number of pods plant⁻¹, nodules plant⁻¹ (155), and fresh and dry nodule weights. This treatment also recorded the highest total pod yield (5.97 t ha⁻¹) and marketable yield (5.86 t ha⁻¹), with a harvest index of 48.43%, compared to 3.83 t ha⁻¹ in the control (M₀R₀). The synergy between Mo and Rhizobium likely enhanced nitrogenase activity and nutrient assimilation, leading to improved vegetative growth and reproductive performance. The findings advocate for the integrated use of molybdenum (300 g ha⁻¹) and Rhizobium seed inoculation (10 mL kg⁻¹ seed) to optimize cowpea productivity sustainably, reduce reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, and support resource-efficient legume cultivation in molybdenum-deficient soils.
Graphical Abstract
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Author Information
Department of Vegetable Science, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, India