Effect of Seed Pelleting on Growth, Yield and Morphological Parameters in Soybean (Glycine max L.)

The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of seed pelleting on growth, yield and morphological parameters in soybean during kharif 2000-01. Various materials like adhesive, filler and chemicals were used for seed pelleting. Mean plant height was significantly improved by seed pelleted with thiram + CMC + filler. Seed pelleted with DAP + CMC + filler, thiram + CMC + filler and CMC alone recorded 0.0965, 0.0332 and 0.03 g / dm2/ day of net assimilation rate (NAR) at 45-60, 75-90 DAS and at harvest stage respectively. There was a steady declines in leaf area ratio in all treatments up to harvest. All pelleting treatments recorded significantly higher leaf area ratio than control. Seeds pelleted with thiram + CMC + filler recorded seed yield of 28.76 q ha^-1 followed by borax + CMC + filler (27.58 q ha-1 seed yield). However, seeds pelleted with thiram + CMC + filler was found beneficial in recording highest pod per plant, number of seeds per pod, test weight (100 seed weight), harvest index, oil content and seed yield per plant. All pelleting treatment noted rapid increase in CGR (crop growth rate), RGR (relative growth rate) and LAI (leaf area index).