Mepiquat chloride, zinc and boron improves the productivity and profitability of kharif mungbean (Vigna radiata) in north-western India

The experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2020 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab), Moga, Punjab to evaluate the effect of mepiquat chloride (MC), zinc and boron on productivity and profitability of kharif mungbean. Results revealed that with single application of MC 200 or 300 ppm and in combination with micronutrients (Zn/B) reduced the vegetative growth and plant height over control at both the locations. The highest chlorophyll content index (CCI), dry matter accumulation was recorded with MC 300 ppm + 0.5% ZnSO4 (35 and 45 DAS). This treatment also resulted in maximum grain yield, highest net returns and B:C ratio which was statistically similar with 200 ppm MC + 0.5% ZnSO4 (35 and 45 DAS) and double application of 0.5% ZnSO4 (35 and 45 DAS) but significantly higher than control. Thus, MC 300 ppm (30 DAS) + 0.5% ZnSO4 (35 and 45 DAS) evolved as the most remunerative practice under luxuriant vegetative growth conditions. In addition, where excessive vegetative growth is not a problem, double dose of 0.5% ZnSO4 (35 and 45 DAS) were equally effective in increasing the mungbean productivity and profitability.