Vinita Thesis

Effect of integrated nutrient management on seed
yield, quality and its storability in Field Pea

(Pisum sativum L.)
By
Vineeta Pandey
(2014A48D)
Thesis submitted to the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural

University in the partial fulfilment of the requirements
For the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
in
Seed Science and Technology
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
CCS HARYANA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
HISAR-125004 (HARYANA)
2017
1
CERTIFICATE – I
This is to certify that the thesis entitled, “Effect of integrated nutrient management on
seed yield, quality and its storability in Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.)” submitted for the
degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the subject of Seed Science and Technology from
Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, is a bonafide
research work carried out by Miss. Vineeta Pandey under my supervision and that no
part of this thesis has been submitted for any other degree.
The assistance and help received during the course of investigation have been
duly acknowledged.
Dr. O.S. Dahiya

(Major Advisor)
Principal Scientist
Department of Seed Science and Technology
CCS Haryana Agriculture University, Hisar
2
CERTIFICATE – II
This is to certify that this thesis entitled, “Effect of integrated nutrient management on
seed yield, quality and its storability in Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.)” submitted by
Miss. Vineeta Pandey to the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural
University, Hisar, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor
of Philosophy in the subject of Seed Science and Technology has been approved by
the Student’s Advisory Committee after an oral examination on the same.
MAJOR ADVISOR EXTERNAL EXAMINER
HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT
DEAN, POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In this highly complex society, no work can be accomplished by a single individual but it needs
inspiration and sincere gratitude of intellectuals as well as the grace of that Almighty. With limitless
humility, I would like to praise and thank "GOD'", the merciful, the compassionate, who bestowed me with
health, tenacity and courage enough to go through this crucial juncture.
With the overwhelming sense of legitimate pride and genuine obligation which gives me exuberant
pleasure and privilege to express my eternal gratitude to my learned and revered advisor Dr. O. S. Dahiya,
Principal Scientist (Seed Science & Technology), CCS,HAU. Hisar and Chair Person of my Advisory
Committee for his excellent and praiseworthy guidance, keen interest, adroit admonition, juvenile
encouragement and parental affection during whole course of my study and particularly at times of research
and preparation of this manuscript. He has not only been an ocean of knowledge and wisdom to me but most
of all his words of care and hands of blessing have been my pillars of strength and courage to complete this
work. I feel proud to work under such a great teacher and human being. I shall always remain indebted to
him.
I express my sincere gratitude to the worthy members of my advisory committee, Dr. V.S.Mor,
Assistant Scientist, Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr. Rajesh Yadav, Department of G&
PB, Assistant Professor, Dr. S.K.Tehlan, Principal Scientist, Department of Vegetable Science and Dr.
Karmal Singh, Agronomist, Cotton Section, for their inspiring guidance and critical assessment of the
manuscript. Our department, a prominent center of learning has always made me feel as a small and
integral family. I am deeply grateful to Dr. R.C.Punia, Professor and Head Department of Seed Science
And Technology, Dr. V. P. S. Sangwan, Dr. S. S. Jakhar and Dr. Axay Bukar for being supportive and
always trying to spread the fragrance of awareness and education in the department.
All the words in the lexicon will be futile and meaningless, if I fail to divulge my extreme sense of
regards to adorable parents late Mr. Mahesh Chandra Pandey and Smt. Anandi Pandey for their sacrifice,
prayers and blessings without which this work would have been a sweet dream. I take this precious
moment to express my deep sentiments and indebtedness to my Didi, jiju, Bhaiya & Bhabhi whose
affections, moral support and help lead me to achieve my destination successfully. I owe my affectionate
and heartfelt gratitude towards my niece (Rashi) for bringing me joy and happiness at the time of thesis
submission. I can hardly overlook the co-operation, timely help and moral support extended by my special
friend Neeraj who boosted me up in periods of mental stress & strain.
I expressed my heartfelt gratitude towards my Seniors, Juniors and Batch mates and Aman for
their cordial company and moral support. Thanks are also extended to the office and laboratory entire staff
of Department of Seed Science and Technology for providing efficient technical help throughout the study
and I request indulgence from many friendly & helpful people whom I could not name here, due to paucity
of space.
Needless to say, all omissions and errors are mine.
Date: December, 2017 Vineeta Pandey
Place: Hisar
4
CONTENTS
CHAPTER TITLE PAGE NO.
I. INTRODUCTION 1-4
II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE 5-
III. MATERIALS AND METHODS
IV. RESULTS
V. DISCUSSION
VI. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
5
LIST OF TABLES
Table Description Page
No No.
4.1 Effect of integrated nutrient management on seed yield and yield
contributing characters in field pea
4.2.1.1 Effect of integrated nutrient management on seed quality of field pea
(Physiological parameters)
4.2.1.2 Effect of integrated nutrient management on seed quality of field pea
(Biochemical parameters)
4.2.2 Effect of integrated nutrient management on seed quality (Seedling
parameters)
4.3.1.1 Effect of integrated nutrient management on standard germination (%)
of field pea seed stored at ambient condition
4.3.1.2 Effect of integrated nutrient management on seedling length (cm) of
field pea seed stored at ambient condition
4.3.1.3 Effect of integrated nutrient management on seedling dry weight (g) of
field pea seed stored at ambient condition
4.3.1.4.1 Effect of integrated nutrient management on vigour index-I of field pea
seed stored at ambient condition
4.3.1.4.2 Effect of integrated nutrient management on vigour index-II of field pea
seed stored at ambient condition
4.3.1.5 Effect of integrated nutrient management on electrical conductivity
(μScm-1g-1) of field pea seed stored at ambient condition
4.3.1.6 Effect of integrated nutrient management on catalase (mg protein-1min-1)
activity of field pea seed stored at ambient condition
4.3.1.7 Effect of integrated nutrient management on peroxidase (mg protein-1
min-1) activity of field pea seed stored at ambient condition
4.3.1.8 Effect of integrated nutrient management on dehydrogenase (OD g-1ml-
1
) activity of field pea seed stored at ambient condition
4.3.1.9 Effect of integrated nutrient management on SOD (mg protein-1min-1)
activity of field pea seed stored at ambient condition
4.3.2.1 Effect of integrated nutrient management and artificial ageing of field
pea seed on physiological parameters
4.3.2.2 Effect of integrated nutrient management and artificial ageing of field
pea seeds on biochemical parameters
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LIST OF FIGURES
Fig. No. Description Page No.
4.3.1.1 Showing the effect of integrated nutrient management on

standard germination (%) of field pea seed stored at ambient
condition
seedling length (cm) of field pea seed stored at ambient
condition
seedling dry weight (g) of field pea seed stored at ambient
condition
4.3.1.4.1 Showing the effect of integrated nutrient management on
vigour index-I of field pea seed stored at ambient condition
4.3.1.4.2 Showing the effect of integrated nutrient management on

vigour index-II of field pea seed stored at ambient condition

electrical conductivity (μS cm-1g-1) of field pea seed stored at
ambient condition
catalase (mg protein-1min-1) activity of field pea seed stored at
ambient condition
peroxidase (mg protein-1min-1) activity of field pea seed stored
at ambient condition
dehydrogenase (OD g-1ml-1) activity of field pea seed stored at
ambient condition
SOD (mg protein-1min-1) activity of field pea seed stored at
ambient condition
7
LIST OF ABBREVIATION
FYM : Farm yard manure
PSB : Phosphorous solubilizing bacteria
RDF : Recommended dose of fertilizer
NAA : Napthalene acetic acid
RH : Relative humidity
SG : Standard germination
VI-I : Vigour index-I
VI-II : Vigour index-II
AA : Accelerated ageing
EC : Electrical conductivity
SET : Seedling establishment
FEI : Field emergence index
MET : Mean emergence time
DHA : Dehydrogenase activity
CAT : Catalase
POD : Peroxidase
SOD : Superoxide dismutase
g : gram
mg : milligram
ha : hectare
h : hours
t : metric tonnes
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CHAPTER-1
INTRODUCTION
Field pea (Pisum sativum L.) belongs to the family Fabaceae is an important pulse
crop that was firstly cultivated by man (Zohary and Hopf 2002). It was originated from the
Middle East (Syria, Iraq and Iran) and has been cultivated in Europe and North America from
hundreds of years (Saskatchewan Pulse Growers 2006). It is potentially one of the highest
yielding crop and occupied about 903.5 thousand hectare area in the country with the total
production 741.7 thousand tons and productivity of 821 kg/ha during 2015-16 (Anonymous
2017). India is one of the largest producer of field pea in the world which occupy 5 th place in
the list of major field pea producers. It contributes to around 7 per cent in the world’s total
produce with the production figures of 7.8 lakh tonnes. Uttar Pradesh is a major field pea
producing state in India, producing about 60 per cent of the country’s produce. The other
major pea producing states of the country are Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh,
Punjab, West Bengal and Haryana (FAO, 2016).
Field pea is marketed as a dry and shelled product for either human or livestock food.
It differs from fresh or succulent pea which is marketed as a fresh or canned vegetable. Being
a rich source of protein, it occupies an important place in the vegetarian diet. It is highly
nutritive and contains a major proportion of digestible protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals,
vitamins and characterized by relatively high antioxidant activity (Han and Baik 2008). It
possesses 25 to 28 per cent protein, 60 to 65 per cent carbohydrates, 2 per cent fats and other
minerals. Field pea has high levels of amino acids, lysine and tryptophan which are relatively
low in cereal grains. The seeds are low in fat, high in fibre and contain no cholesterol. It may
be grown as a forage crop, for hay, pasturage and green manure. It contains 5 to 20 per cent
less of the trypsin inhibitors than soybean. This allows it to be directly fed to livestock
without having to go through the extrusion heating process.
In India, field pea is grown as a winter vegetable in the plains whereas in summer and
autumn season at higher altitudes. Due to its low water requirement, it is an important cash
crop in water deficit areas. It is an annual herbaceous plant with indeterminate (climbing) or
determinate (bush or dwarf) type (Zohary and Hopf 2002). Flowers are borne on racemes
arising in the axils of the leaves and are highly self pollinated. In most varieties, the blossoms
are reddish-purple or white. A cool growing season is necessary for its production (mean
temperature of 55° to 65º F). Good rain or early irrigation, no rain during pod filling and
ripening is ideal for field pea production. It can be grown on a wide range of soil types, from
9
light sandy to heavy clay but in any soil there must be good drainage as it does not tolerate
soggy or water-soaked conditions. It requires optimum soil pH 5.5 to 6.5 for its better growth.
Field pea maintains soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation in association
with symbiotic rhizobium prevalent in its root nodules and thus plays a vital role in fostering
sustainable agriculture (Negi et al. 2006). Chemical fertilizers are needed to get good crop
yields but their abuse can be harmful to the environment (Bobade et al. 1992). The increased
use of chemicals under intensive cultivation has not only contaminated the ground and surface
water but also disturbed the harmony existing among the soil, plant and microbial population
(Bahudar et al. 2006). The continuous use of high doses of chemical fertilizers are adversely
affecting the sustainability of agricultural production and causing environmental pollution
(Virmani 1994). Both the over and under application of fertilizers and the poor management
of resources have damaged the environment. In developed countries, for example, over
application of inorganic and organic fertilizers have led to environmental contamination
(Bumb and Baanante 1996). To alleviate the problems, INM is an option as it utilizes
available organic and inorganic nutrients to build ecologically sound and economically viable
farming system (Gruhn et al. 2000). Agriculture is a soil-based industry, therefore effective
and efficient approaches will be required in order to maintain and increase crop productivity
and sustain agriculture for the long term. An integrated approach recognizes that soils are the
storehouse of most of the plant nutrients essential for plant growth and the way in which
nutrients are managed will have a major impact on plant growth, soil fertility and agricultural
sustainability.
Integrated nutrient management (INM) system may be defined as an intelligent use of
an optimum combination of organic, inorganic and biological nutrient sources in a specific
crop rotation or cropping system to achieve and sustain optimum yield without harming the
soil ecosystem. Such a package of plant nutrients formulated must be technically sound,
economically viable, practically feasible, socially acceptable and environmentally safe.
Briefly, INM system is a holistic approach of maintaining soil fertility and plant nutrient
supply to an optimum level for sustaining the crop productivity at the desired level (Mahajan
and Gupta 2009). This system aims to achieve a harmony in the judicial use of chemical
fertilizers in conjunction with organic manures, well-decomposed crop residues, recyclable
waste, green manures, compost, biofertilizers, legumes in cropping system and other locally
available nutrient sources for sustaining soil health and amelioration of the environment as
well as crop productivity on long-term basis (Mahajan and Sharma 2005). INM system entails
the maintenance of soil fertility to an optimum level for crop productivity to obtain the
maximum benefit from all possible sources of plant nutrients-organic as well as inorganic- in
an integrated manner is an essential step to address the twin concerns of nutrient excess and
nutrient depletion (Aulakh and Grant 2008; Sangeeta et al. 2014). Thus, integrated approach
10
of nutrient supply by chemical fertilizers along with biofertilizers is gaining importance as
this system not only reduces the excessive use of inorganic fertilizers but also sustains the
crop productivity by improving soil health besides being an environment friendly approach.
Integration of inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers resulted in better growth, yield and
nutrient uptake in field pea.
Integrated nutrient management is also important for marginal farmers who cannot
afford to supply crop nutrients through costly chemical fertilizers (Aulakh et al. 2009).
Therefore, the aforesaid consequences have paved way to increase the productivity of crops
using the combination of inorganic sources and biofertilizers. However, the application of
excessive nutrients led to decline nutrient-use efficiency, making fertilizer consumption
uneconomical and producing adverse effects on the atmosphere (Aulakh and Adhya 2005)
and groundwater quality (Aulakh et al. 2009) causing health hazards and climate change. On
the other hand, nutrient depletion has occurred in many soils due to lack of affordable
fertilizer sources and where little or no organic residues are returned to the soils. The use of
inorganic fertilizer alone is injurious to soil health and soil productivity.
Biofertilizers are a cost effective and renewable source of plant nutrients to
supplement partly chemical fertilizers. It plays a vital role in improving soil fertility by fixing
atmospheric nitrogen both symbiotically with plant roots and asymbiotically (Yousefi et al.
2011). Organic manures improve physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil and
thus enhance crop productivity is-à-vi's maintain soil health. It contains plant nutrients in
small quantities but the presence of growth hormones and enzymes make them essential for
improvement of soil fertility and productivity. In addition to this, the organic manures help in
improving the use efficiency of inorganic fertilizers (Singh and Biswas 2000). Supply of
essential micronutrients with organic manures helps in plant metabolic activity, especially in
the early vigorous growth phase (Anburani and Manivannan 2002). The organic sources
presently available in the country could meet nearly 1/3rd of total nutrients required to
achieve the target of agricultural production. This would further emphasize the need to use
organic manures alone or in conjunction with chemical fertilization to maintain soil fertility
for the sustainable crop production. The advantage of combining organic and inorganic
sources of nutrients in integrated nutrient management has been proven superior to the use of
each component separately (Palaniappan and Annadurai 2007). The organic matter being the
store house of nutrients, combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizer can increase
the yield, improve the fertility status of soil, improve the input-use efficiency by the crop and
can certainly cut down the expenditure on costly fertilizers (Laxminarayana and Patiram
2006; Sharma et al. 2015). Plant nutrients from one single source; chemical fertilizers,
organic manures, crop residue or biofertilizers, can’t meet with optimum and sustained yield
levels. Rather, nutrients have to be supplied from different sources (organic and inorganic) in
11
an integrated manner and balanced amount through appropriate management technology
(Jaggi et al. 2001). Therefore, the aforesaid consequences have paved way to grow field pea
using organic and inorganic manures along with biofertilizers.
Seed is an important component of agricultural production. Quality seed forms the
foundation of successful agriculture for sustained growth and perpetuation of livelihood
(Ahmad 2001). Availability of viable and vigorous seed at the planting time is important for
achieving targets of agricultural production because good quality seed acts as a catalyst for
realizing the full potential of other inputs. Healthy and vigorous seed is a prerequisite to attain
optimum plant stand. Quality seed alone accounts for at least 15-20% increase in productivity
(Sidhwani 1991). Seed quality is governed not only by the genetic make-up of the crop but
also by environmental factors prevailing during the crop growth and at the time of harvest
(Tekrony et al. 1980). It is also influenced by kind of crop management practices, storage
conditions apart from physical, biochemical and physiological factors of seed (Doijoide
1988). During storage seed deterioration occurs with the annual losses of 25% of the
harvested crop (Shelar et al. 2008). It is one of the basic reasons for low productivity.
Vigorous seeds with high initial viability maintain their quality in storage longer than those
with less initial viability.
In field pea, seed quality deteriorates due to many reasons which results in poor
germination. One such reason of deterioration could be probably improper mother plant
nutrition (Maruthi and Paramesh 2016). In recent years, it is realized that seed yield and
quality were better under organic as compared to inorganic fertilizers application. So, in order
to improve the seed quality, better nutritional management practices are to be adopted. In the
era of organic farming, integrated use of organic and inorganic nutrients plays a decisive role
in getting higher seed yield as well as better seed quality.
Integrated nutrient management holds great promise in meeting the growing nutrient
demands of intensive agriculture. It can also help in maintaining production and sustainability
without deterioration in quality of the ecosystem. The benefit of integrated nutrient
management increases water holding capacity, amount of nutrients, resistance to diseases and
make the soil able to withstand drought and also plays a great role in seed quality and
storability. In the light of the above facts the present study has been undertaken with the
following objectives:
1. To study the effect of integrated nutrient management on seed yield and its attributes
2. To assess the effect of integrated nutrient management on seed quality
3. To study the effect of integrated nutrient management on seed storability
12
CHAPTER-2
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Among the major concerns in today's world are the pollution and contamination of
soil by excessive and injudicious use of agrochemicals. Application of imbalanced or
excessive nutrients led to declining nutrient-use efficiency making fertilizer consumption
uneconomical and producing adverse effects on atmosphere (Aulakh and Adhya 2005) and
groundwater quality (Aulakh et al. 2009) causing health hazards and climate change. On the
other hand, nutrient mining has occurred in many soils due to lack of affordable fertilizer
sources and where fewer or no organic residues are returned to the soils. Excessive and
inappropriate use of agrochemicals has undeniably resulted in negative and sometimes
irreparable effects on the environment and on human health. Optimal and balanced use of
nutrient inputs from mineral fertilizers will be of fundamental importance to meet growing
global demand for food (International Food Policy Research Institute 1995). Chemical
fertilizers play a key role in augmenting higher crop productivity but reckless use of it
deteriorates soil health, energy conserving ecosystem and economics. Nevertheless,
environmental concerns and economic constraints mean that crop nutrient requirements
should not be met solely through mineral fertilizers. It has been realized that chemical
fertilizers with organic manures in conjunction with biofertilizers will sustain and maintain
the productivity of soil. Therefore, it is need to compare various organic as well as biological
sources of nutrients with chemical fertilizers in order to find out most effective combination.
Environmental awareness necessitating a shift in nutrient management strategy
towards soil fertility maintenance based on natural recourse conservation, biological nitrogen
fixation and input efficiency, often referred to as integrated nutrient management (INM). INM
involving inorganic, biological and organic sources has potential to improve soil fertility on a
sustainable basis, since it supplies several nutrients besides increasing nutrient use efficiency
and improving physio-chemical properties of soil. Literature pertaining to the effects of INM
practices on growth, yield, quality and storability of field pea and other legume crops has
been reviewed and presented in this chapter as detailed below.
2.1 Effect of integrated nutrient management on seed yield and its attributes.
Vimala and Natarajan (2000) observed in pea crop that optimum doses of nitrogen
120 kg, phosphorus 80 kg, Rhizobium and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha gave satisfactory seed
yield. Babhulkar et al. (2000) reported that combined use of NPK @ 15:30:0 kg/ha + FYM @
5t/ha showed significantly higher seed yield (24.10 q/ha) as compared to NPK @ 30:60:0
kg/ha (20.79 q/ha) in soybean. Meena et al. (2001) noticed in chickpea that application of 40
13
kg P2O5/ha with Rhizobium seed inoculation significantly enhanced pod/plant (30.1),
seeds/pod (1.6) and seed yield (11.1 q/ha).
Rajkhowa et al. (2002) studied that application of 100% RDF along with
vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha showed significantly maximum plant height (52.7 cm), number of
pods/plant (12.67), seeds/pod (12.00) and seed yield (5.35 q/ha) over control in green gram.
Rajput and Pandey (2004) found that seed yield of pea was increased by 23.5 per cent with
the application of FYM @ 12.5 t/ha + 50% NPK @ 20:50:30 as compared to recommended
doses of NPK. Singh and Rai (2004) noticed that the application of NPK @ 32:44:33.6 kg/ha
+ FYM @ 5 t/ha showed significantly higher number of pods/plant (38.17), number of
seeds/pod (2.88) and seed yield (15.32 q/ha) over the solo application of NPK in soybean.
Oad et al. (2004) revealed that in soybean, N-fertigation+rhizobial inoculum was
superior to other treatments in producing taller plants, more branches and seed yield. Patil et
al. (2004) suggested that treatment involving RDF 50%+compost 5 t/ha + dual inoculation of
Rhizobium and PSB found maximum yield and growth parameters of pigeon pea which was
statistically significant over uninoculated control. Maximum plant height, number of
pods/plant, number of seeds/pod, test weight and seed yield in pea were attributed to the
Rhizobium inoculants along with compost 5 t/ha (Solaiman and Rabbani 2006). Combination
of biofertilizer with chemical fertilizer @ 50% RDF showed significant improvement in seed
yield of cluster bean over the respective sole application of chemical and biofertilizer
(Rathore et al. 2007).
Kumar and Uppar (2007) recorded maximum seed yield (1274.67 kg/ha) in moth
bean with the application of 100% RDF+FYM @ 10 t/ha. Negi et al. (2007) revealed that
application of FYM @ 5 t/ha + 50% NPK (25:25:25 kg/ha) to vegetable pea significantly
increased the green pod yield (92.5 q/ha) by 70 per cent over 100% NPK. Combination of
cow dung and NPK (16:16:16) significantly increased the yield of cowpea over application of
NPK alone and control (Taura and Fatima 2008).
Sepehya and Bhardwaj (2008) observed in pea crop that application of 100%
NPK+10 t/ha FYM recorded significantly higher pod yield (102.3 q/ha) and seed yield (31.6
q/ha) as compared to rest of treatments. Upadhyay and Kaushal (2008) reported that
Azotobacter + PSB + FYM showed maximum pod yield (41.04 q/ ha) in pea crop. Gopinath
et al. (2009) showed that integration of FYM @ 10 t/ha and NPK @ 20:26.2:33.2 in garden
pea increased number of pods/plant and pod yield.
Erman et al. (2009) observed that in field pea, 20kg N/ha+Rhizobium inoculation
gave highest values related to yield and its attributes. Patel and Jadav (2010) concluded that
application of 20kg N + 40 kg P2O5/ha along with Rhizobium seed inoculation gave
significantly higher seed yield of cowpea cv. Pusa Phalguni. The effect of biofertilizers in
conjunction with inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of dwarf field pea (cv. Jai) was
14
studied by Mishra et al. (2010) and they found that number of pods/plant, number of
seeds/pod were significantly increased with the application of 100% RDF and seed
inoculation of Rhizobium + PSB + PGPR. Kumari et al. (2010) revealed that in dwarf pea,
maximum seed yield was recorded with the interaction of different fertility levels i.e. 100%
IN (N:P:K:S- 40:17:16:20) and 50%ON (20kgN through vermicompost) with the application
of biofertilizers (Rhizobium + PSB + PGPR) and Zinc.
Sharma et al. (2010) noticed that among the various INM practices, application of
50% RDF + vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha recorded significantly higher yield in pigeon pea
(15.72 q/ha). Chauhan et al. (2010) resulted that application of vermicompost @ 10 t/ha and
NPK @ 25:60:50 kg/ha was found most effective to best growth of pea crop under Srinagar
valley condition of Garhwal region of Uttrakhand state. Das et al. (2011) reported that in
cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Pusa Komo, the growth parameters like plant height, number
of leaves/plant, branches/plant, number of pods, length of pods and seed yield/ha were
significantly increased by the application of 75% RDF + vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB
as compared to RDF. In pea crop, Sharma and Chauhan (2011) observed that combined
application of 100% NPK + vermicompost + biofertilizers gave the maximum plant height
(72.83cm), seed/pod (8.04), pod length (8.49cm) which was statistically significant over all
other treatments.
Koushal and Singh (2011) observed that in soybean, maximum plant height of
73.37cm at 90 DAS and highest number of pods/plant (80.40) was recorded in the treatment
where 50% RDN applied through urea+50% N through FYM + PSB as compared to control.
Rana (2011) reported that combination of FYM @ 2.5 t/ha + vermicompost @ 1.25 t/ha and
100% RDF improved yield attributes of soybean. Sharma et al. (2011) found that in garden
pea, higher green pod yield was obtained with an application of FYM @ 2.5 t/ha + Rhizobium
along with 150% of recommended NPK. Singh et al. (2012) suggested that application of SSP
and inoculation of PSB recorded maximum yield in field pea than that of DAP.
Reddy et al. (2011) studied in pigeon pea that seed treatment with 50% RDF +
Rhizobium @ 200 g/kg seed showed significantly more number of branches/plant (16.3), pods
/plant (151.3) and higher grain yield (1358 kg/ha). Khandelwal et al. (2012) observed that
application of 75% RDF + Rhizobium + PSB showed significantly higher pods/plant (8.23),
seeds/pod (7.83) and seed yield (8.85q/ha) over rest of treatments in cow pea. According to
Ramana et al. (2011) 75% RDF + PSB @ 2.5 kg/ha significantly increased number of
clusters/ plant, number of pods/plant, number of pods/cluster, number of seeds/pod, 100 seed
weight, pod length, pod yield/plant and pod yield/ha in French bean var. Arka Suvidha.
Dey et al. (2012) revealed that application of NPK along with sulphur (from organic
source i.e. pressmud @ 2 t/ha) and seed treatments with Rhizobium inoculums coupled with
15
sprinkler irrigation on 28 and 49 days after sowing enhance seed yield (9.7 -13.5 q/ha) in
vegetable pea.
Kumari et al. (2012) resulted that combinations of 50% nitrogen through
vermicompost (1.33 t/ha) along with RDF (40:17:16:20kg/ha N:P:K:S) to field pea showed
significantly maximum number of branches/plant (5.34), seeds/pod (5.46) and seed yield
(1717 kg/ha) in field pea. In garden pea, Dubey et al. (2012) observed that maximum height
of plant, number of pods/plant and weight of pods/plant was observed in the variety Azab
Pea-3 with the application of vermicompost @ 1t/ha + rest PK (50.25 kg/ha) through
chemical fertilizer.
Sarawgi et al. (2012) studied that in soybean, application of 30 kg P2O5/ha through
rock phosphate (RP) + PSB + Rhizobium inoculation (RI) + VAM registered significantly
maximum seed yield as compared to application of 60 kg P2O5/ha through rock phosphate
without biofertilizers. Waghmare et al. (2012) opined that application of FYM along with
NPK improved the seed yield of soybean. Tagore et al. (2013) resulted that microbial
inoculants Rhizobium+PSB was found most effective in terms of yield attributing parameters
like plant height (37.1cm), number of branches/plant (16), number of pods/plant (55.7),
number of seeds/pod (1.4), seed yield (1461Kg/ha) in chickpea.
Among various treatment combinations, application of FYM @ 2 t/ha + castor cake
0.5 t/ha + 100% RDF showed maximum grain yield (2761 kg/ha) in chickpea which was
statistically superior over all other treatments (Shukla et al. 2013). Chaudhary et al. (2014)
observed that application of vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha + 1/2 dose of NPK in pea resulted
significantly maximum seed yield (22.52 q/h).
Prasad et al. (2013) noticed that combined application of Rhizobium + PSB +
phosphorus @80 kg/ha showed optimum growth and nodulation of cowpea cv. Kashi
Kanchan. Devi et al. (2013) concluded that INM treatment with 75% RDF through chemical
fertilizers coupled with vermicompost @ 1 t/ha and PSB showed maximum seed yield (1.92
t/ha) in soybean. Reddy et al. (2014) found that integration of 75% of recommended dose of
inorganic fertilizers and 25% RDF through vermicompost along with biofertilizers
(Rhizobium at 25 g/kg seed + PSB at 5 kg/ ha) showed significantly higher pod yield (159.58
g/plant) in cluster bean.
Tyagi et al. (2014) studied that combination of 100% RDF + vermicompost @ 1 t/ha
+ Rhizobium resulted into significantly maximum plant height, number of primary
branches/plant, number of pods/plant, number of seeds/pod, test weight and seed yield of
summer green gram. Mishra et al. 2014 found maximum yield of snow pea with the combined
application of 100% NPK + biofertilizer + vermicompost + lime followed by 75% NPK +
biofertilizer + vermicompost + lime and the least was in control. Fathollahi et al. (2014)
16
suggested that biofertilizers cannot replace chemical fertilizers but can be used as supplement
along with chemical fertilizers.
Sing and Sing (2014) concluded that productive parameters like seeds/pod,
pods/plant and seed yield of lentil was found significantly higher with the application of
NPKS @ 20:40:20:20 kg/ha+FYM @ 5 t/ha over control. Kumar et al. (2014) noticed that
application of 100% RDF (NPKS i.e. 40:20:20:20) along with 50% RDN (20kg nitrogen
through vermicompost) to garden pea resulted in maximum plant height, number of
branches/plant and dry matter production/plant.
Farm Yard manure @ 20 t/ha and Rhizobium inoculation found significantly better
over control in terms of the plant height, number of branches/plant, pod/plant, pod length,
seeds/pod, test weight, dry matter production and seed yield in field pea (Qureshi et al. 2015).
Application of half recommended dose of NKP (18:36:10 kg/ha) in combination with poultry
manure or FYM @ 20 t/ha was found best combination for higher chickpea crop yields in
compare to other levels of fertilizers (Sohu et al. 2015) . In garden pea, Sepehya et al. (2015)
observed that the application of 10 t FYM + 100 % recommended NPK (50:60:60 kg/ha) gave
the highest seed yield (31.6 q/ha) followed by 10 t vermicompost+100 % recommended NPK
(31.5 q/ha).
Amruta et al. (2015) observed significantly maximum plant height, number of
branches/plant, number of leaves/plant in black gram at harvest and minimum days to
maturity were recorded with an application of 50:100:100 NPK kg/ha + black gram Rhizobia
250g/ha + PSB Bacillus megaterium 250 g/ha compare to all other treatments. Uikey et al.
(2015) noticed that FYM 10t/ha + 45:75:60 kg/ha NPK + Rhizobium + PSB culture showed
significantly maximum plant height (65.87 cm), number of leaves/plant (157.90), number of
pods/plant (26.40), number of seeds/pod (7.01) and yield (26.54 q/ha) followed by treatment
20t FYM/ha+30:75:40 kg/ha NPK + Rhizobium + PSB culture in pea. Combined application
of 50:100:100 NPK kg/ha + green gram Rhizobia (200 g/ha) + PSB Bacillus megaterium
(200g/ha) with the spacing of 60×10cm recorded significantly higher number of
branches/plant (9.89), number of leaves/plant (20.83), number of pods/cluster (7.7), number
of pods/plant (64.10), pod weight/plant (64.14g), seed recovery per cent (95.34) and
processed seed yield (12.56 q/ha) as compared to rest of the treatments in green gram
cv.KKM-3 (Muthu et al. 2016).
Kumar and Pandita (2016) reported that in cow pea, integrated use of inorganic
fertilizers and vermicompost 2.5 t/ha gave maximum plant height, seed yield, number of
pods/plant, pod length and number of seeds/pod as compare to control (RDF). Metha et al.
(2016) found that application of NPK @ 40:80:40 kg/ha + FYM @ 20 t/ha performed best
result in terms of growth and pod yield of garden pea. Sahay et al. (2016) concluded that
application of 100% RDF + 5 t FYM + Rhizobium + PSB in pigeon pea showed maximum
17
plant height, numbers of branches/plant, dry matter accumulation/plant and grain yield as
compared to all other treatments.
Jyoti and Swaroop (2016) found that among different INM treatments in field pea,
Rhizobium+100% RDF (25:60:20 kg/ha) gave the best result in terms of plant height
(82.02cm), number of branches/plant (16.93), number of leaves/plant (81.33), pods/plant
(18.27), pod length (7.00 cm) and number of seeds/pod (6.73). Mukherjee (2016) suggested
that for obtaining maximum grain yield from field pea (cv. VL 40), seed should be inoculated
with Rhizobium + PSB before sowing in addition to vermicompost along with the 75% RDF.
Hyder et al. (2016) reported that maximum seed yield of pea was obtained with the
application of Biozote + Vermizote 1t/ha + 75% RDF.
Kurbah and Thomas (2017) observed the effect of integrated nutrient on yield and
nutrient uptake by pea (Pisum sativum L.) cv. Arkel and found that combined use of NPK @
30:60:40 kg/ha + FYM 15t/ha + Rhizobium 200g/10kg of seed, showed the best result with
respect to plant height (79.33cm), number of pods/plant (17.10), number of seeds/pod (8.55)
and seed yield (103.70q/ha). Rani et al. (2017) concluded that in field pea, application of RDF
+ Rhizobium + PSB + PGPR showed significantly improved yield attributing character such
as number of pods/plant (23.3), number of grains/ pod (5.70) and seed yield (2931kg/h) over
control.
2.2 Effect of integrated nutrient management on seed quality.
Patil (2002) observed higher germination (94.50%), root length (16.60 cm), shoot
length (14.00 cm), vigour index (2889), seedling dry weight (59.84 mg) and lowest electrical
conductivity (0.731 d/Sm) in seeds of green gram cv. chinamung treated with RDF+FYM @
2.5 t/ha as compared to RDF and organic manures alone. Kumar and Uppar (2007) found
higher germination rate index (43.77), seedling length (43.46 cm) and vigour index (4277) in
moth bean with the application of 100% RDF + FYM @10 t/ha. Maheshbabu et al. (2008)
studied the effect of organic manures on quality of soybean and concluded that the application
of RDF + FYM recorded higher seed quality parameters viz. germination (96.76%), seedling
vigour index (3713) and field emergence (93.33%).
Shiferaw et al. (2013) reported that co-inoculation of phosphate solubilizing bacteria
(JURB48+JURMB69) increased the seed germination percentage, vigour index and seedling
length in faba bean. Chaudhary et al. (2014) stated that application of vermicompost @ 2.5
t/ha+half dose of NPK kg/ha resulted significantly maximum seed quality parameters like
field emergence (24.18 m2/area), test weight (220.25 mg) and volume of 100 seed (21.30
mm3) in pea. Fathollahi et al. (2014) revealed that combined application of biofertilizers and
nitrogen fertilizers showed higher test weight in navy beans.
Application of recommended dose of NPK (30:80:37.5 kg/ha) + Recommended dose
of FYM (10 t/ha) + Brady rhizobium (250 g/ha) + PSB (250 g/ha) significantly improved the
18
soybean seed quality parameters viz., 100 seed weight (35.51g), seed density (1.55 g/cc), total
dehydrogenase activity (4.80), germination (92.00 %), seedling length (30.69 cm), seedling
dry weight (90.75 mg), seedling vigour index-I and II (2820 and 836 respectively) and field
emergence (89.33 %) with lowest electrical conductivity (0.49 mS/cm) as compared to
control and other treatments (Maruthi and Paramesh 2016).
Kumar and Pandita (2016) revealed that application of vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha and
inoculation with biofertilizers (Rhizobium + PSB) + VAM application in cow pea seeds
showed positive effect on germination (91.3), vigour index-I (2228), vigour index II (31.43).
Amruta et al. (2016) resulted that fertilizer application of 50:100:100 (NPK)+black gram
rhizobia (250 g/ha) + PSB (Bacillus megaterium @ 250 g/ha) recorded highest test weight
(39.27 g), germination (90.60%), root length (15.77 cm), shoot length (13.43cm), seedling
length (29.20 cm), mean seedling dry weight (57.99 mg), seedling vigour index-I (2656),
seedling vigour index-II (525), total dehydrogenase activity (0.998), field emergence (86.56
%) and lowest electrical conductivity (0.813 d/Sm) were superior over other fertilizer
treatments.
2.2.1 Enzyme Activity
According to Abdul-Baki and Arif (1969), seed vigour decrease mainly due to the
biochemical changes which can be assigned into four categories: (i) decrease in metabolic
activity which resulted into reduced respiration and seedling growth along with declined
germination, (ii) increased various enzymes activity like phytase, protease and phosphatases
(iii) decrease in certain antioxidative enzymes activity like catalase, peroxidases, superoxide
dismutase, dehydrogenases and cytochrome oxidases and (iv) disintegration of membrane
integrity which in turn leads to electrolyte leakage from the seeds. Gelmond et al. (1978)
observed that seed vigour is positively correlated with increased biological activities of seed.
Siavoshi and Laware 2013 showed that catalase enzyme efficiently eliminate the excess
hydrogen peroxide from seeds and gives protection to membrane.
The most acceptable hypothesis for ageing in seeds is the denaturation and
inactivation of enzymes due to macromolecular structural changes (Goel et al. 2003). Loss of
functional properties of enzymes and proteins was due to the damage caused by ageing and
the level of protein oxidation Loycrajjou et al. (2008). According to Bailly et al. (2002) seed
vigour and antioxidant enzyme capacity are directly proportional to each other.
Khan et al. (2013) studied the biochemical changes in pea seeds during storage and
observed higher activity of α- and β-amylase, peroxidase and catalase in freshly harvested
seeds. Crocker and Harington (1918) observed that seed ageing and loss in germination and
viability was due to decreased catalase activities. The rapid seed deterioration of soybean is
thought to be due to lipid peroxidation, subsequently resulting in loss of seed viability (Shelar
19
et al. 2008). Nooshabadi and Mahayekhi (2013) found that increase in aging duration resulted
higher reduction in catalase and ascorbate peroxidase enzyme activities in soybean.
Naturally aged soybean seeds observed a decrease in activity of superoxide dismutase
with advancement of storage period (Sung and Chiu 1995). Superoxide dismutase, a metal
containing enzyme plays an important role in scavenging superoxide radical (Siavoshi and
Laware 2013). Increased superoxide dismutase and peroxidase enzyme activity in runner bean
was observed with the inoculation of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (Marius et al.
2013). Cakmak et al. (2010) noticed decrease germination of the aged legume seeds was well
correlated with the increase in lipid peroxidation levels and the decrease in the antioxidant
enzyme activities. Ageing inhibits the activities of peroxide-scavenging enzymes like
peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase and ascrobate peroxidase (Demirkaya 2013). The
activity of dehydrogenase enzyme is directly correlated with the seed vigour. Cakmak et al.
(2010) observed decrease germination ability of aged legume seed were correlated with
decrease in activity of antioxidant enzymes.
2.3 Effect of integrated nutrient management on seed storability
Seed attain maximum viability and vigour at physiological maturity and after that it
begins to age with declining in seed quality (Harrington 1972). Seed deterioration leads to
reduction in seed quality, performance and stand establishment (Christiansen and Rowland
1981). The exact causes of loss of seed viability are still unknown. Though, the free radicals
induced non-enzymatic peroxidation which has the potential to damage membrane is likely to
be the primary cause of deterioration (Larson 1997). As seed age, they came to germinate
more slowly than fresh seeds, respire slower and become more susceptible to disease,
chromosomal abnormalities and increased proportion of morphologically abnormal seedlings.
The fundamental purpose of seed storage is to maintain the germination of seed at an
acceptable level until the seed is planted in the field.
The longevity of seed depends on initial seed quality, genetic factor, physical and
chemical compositions of seed (Doijoide 1988). The potential of different initial quality of
soybean seed lots during storage has been explained by Arulnandhy (1988) and found that
seed lots with high (>80% good seeds) and medium (60-80% good seeds) quality showed no
loss of viability or vigour after three months storage under ambient storage (23.5-32.6°C) or
nine months in controlled storage conditions (20±1 °C, RH 60%). Mielezrski and Marcos-
Filho (2013) found that the use of seed lots of high initial physiological potential is
fundamental for guaranteeing the desired performance of pea seeds during storage.
Singh et al. (2003) found that seedling length in urd bean and mung bean was
decreased significantly with ageing. Adugna (2006) reported that the prolonged seed storage
decreased the seed quality of chickpea. Priya and Rao (2008) stated that freshly harvested
seeds showed higher germination percentage and seedling vigour and maintained the same
20
viability up to one year but later the viability was progressively reduced with prolonged
storage period. Verma et al. (2006) observed maximum germination, seedling dry weight and
field emergence in both fresh as well as one year old mung bean seeds. Khan et al. (2013)
evaluated the physiological changes in pea seeds stored at 5±1°C and ambient temperature
25±2°C and recorded maximum germination in (98.33%) freshly harvested seeds and a
minimum germination (90%) in two years old seed stored at 5°C±1. Bailly (2004) revealed
that in aged seeds decrease of α- amylase activity and carbohydrate content led to decline in
germination.
Seed viability and vigour decrease under long storage condition due to aging. It is the
reason of declining in germination, emergence and seedling growth (Soltani et al. 2008). Seed
ageing is generally marked by reduction in vigour (Gupta and Aneja 2004) in soybean.
Pandita et al. (2002) found that standard germination and vigour were significantly reduced as
the ageing process progressed from 8 to 32 months in garden pea. Khan et al. (2003) resulted
that ageing treatment showed rapid and significant reductions in rate of seed germination and
seedling vigour in pea (Pisum sativum L.).
Rajkumar et al. (2004) stated that germination rate and vigour index decreased with
progressive ageing in pea. Kapoor et al. (2010) observed that aging in chickpea seeds affected
all physiological parameters such as germination percentage and vigour index. Kandil et al.
(2013) reported that by increasing storage period from 3, 6, 9 and 12 months resulted in
decreased in root length by 7.73%, 8.63%, 13.34% and 22.08% respectively compared with
root length before storage in soybean crop.
According to Yadav et al. (1987) seedling length and seedling dry weight reduces
during storage both under natural and accelerated ageing condition. Dhakal and Pandey
(2001) observed decrease in seedling length may be due to decrease in mobilization of reserve
substances during germination of the stored seeds. The seedling dry weight and seed reserve
depletion percentage decreased significantly (and quadraticaly) as seed aging progressed in
soybean seed (Mohammadi et al. 2011). Accumulation of free fatty acids culminated in a
reduction of cellular pH and was detrimental to normal cellular metabolism of seed which
leads denaturation of enzymes resulting in loss of activity during storage (Copeland and
McDonald 1995).
Vashisth and Nagarajan (2009) found that ageing reduced the activities of antioxidant
enzymes viz. superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidise. Bailly et al. (1996) stated that
decrease in antioxidant enzymes is linked to an increased lipid peroxidation and accelerated
ageing. Degradation and inactivation of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and
peroxidase in aged seeds due to changes in macromolecular structures of seeds has been
reported by several workers (Goel and Sheoran 2003; Bailly 2004; Lehner et al. 2008).
2.3.1 Electrical conductivity
21
The electrical conductivity test is used to measure the amount of electrolytes which
leach out from the seed. Increased electrical conductivity of seed leachates is always
correlated with seed deterioration which in turn associated with the loss of vigour and
viability. Increased leachate was related to low metabolic activity of seed (Abdul-Baki and
Anderson 1972).
Electrical conductivity of the seed leachates increased progressively with the ageing
treatment (Goel et al. 2003). Electrical conductivity of seed leachates is low in fresh seeds
which increases as the ageing period increases due to loss in membrane integrity leading to
more loss of electrolytes into the imbibing medium (Singh and Dadlani 2003). Peksen et al.
(2004) found that garden pea cultivar with high seed coat ratio showed lower electrical
conductivity than lower ones and their laboratory germination percentages were significantly
higher.
Nagy and Nagy (1982) reported that increase in conductivity resulted decrease in
germination and fresh weight of shoot and root in peas. EC was negatively correlated with
germination and field emergence (Urbaniak 1984).
According to Vieira et al. (2010) electrical conductivity test is more reliable than
accelerated aging (AA), tetrazolium (TTC 1-3), seedling field emergence (SFE) tests for
detecting differences among the seed lots of soybean cultivar BRS 133. Pekşen et al. 2004
showed that EC is an important test to predict field emergence potential of white seeded
cowpea genotypes under field conditions.
2.3.2 Artificial Ageing
The accelerated ageing (AA) test was first developed to check the relative storability
of seeds and is most commonly employed to evaluate seed vigour (Delouche and Baskin
1973). This test has been used to measure the seed viability (Presley 1958). The principle of
this test is based on the fact that the resistance of the seed to the adverse conditions decreases
as deterioration increase or vigour decreases.
In soybean, initial germination percentage was insufficient to determine the storability of
the seed lot but accelerated ageing results were significantly correlated with storability (Usberti
1979). According to Dahiya et al. (1994) seed storability, seedling establishment and other quality
parameters in chickpea could be predicted by accelerated ageing.
Dey and Mukherjee (1986) observed that the seeds of soybean stored at 100% relative
humidity and 400C temperature showed a steady decline in germination percentage,
peroxidise and dehydrogenase activity and increase in electrolyte leakage with increase in
time. Khan et al. (2003) exposed pea seeds to high temperature and humidity and found
significant reduction in germination and seedling vigour along with increased electrolyte
leakage and chromosomal aberrations. Kapoor et al. (2010) found that accelerated ageing
treatments showed reduced seed quality parameters viz., germination percentage, seedling
22
root length, shoot length and vigour index in all varieties of chick pea. Accelerated aging
decreased seedling dry and fresh weights, seedling length, seedling vigour index, germination
speed index and seedling shoot and root length (Hussein et al. 2012).
Abass and Shaheed (2012) found that accelerated aged mung bean seeds had
significant inhibition of germination percentage up to 4 days and progressive decline in
germination with increased aged period was observed (100% in control to 36% after 14 days).
Maruthi and Paramesh (2016) reported that artificially aged seeds through accelerated ageing
method recorded higher seed quality parameters in the application of recommended dose of
NPK (30:80: 37.5 kg/ha)+ Recommended dose of FYM (10 t/ha)+Brady rhizobium (250
g/ha)+PSB (250 g/ha) at the end of six days of ageing period in soybean seeds.
Keeping in view of these facts, it can be concluded that growth and yield parameters,
seed quality and storability of seeds were increased by the combined application of NPK as
chemical fertilizers along with organics like FYM, vermicompost as well as biofertilizers this
might be due to the fact that N-fixer and P-solubilizing microorganism they secrete certain
organic acids and some biochemical which are growth promoting in nature.
23
CHAPTER-3
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The present investigation entitled “Effect of integrated nutrient management on seed

yield, quality and its storability in Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.)" was conducted from 2015-17
at the research farm and laboratories of Department of Seed Science & Technology, CCS,
Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar.
Materials used and experimental techniques adopted during the course of
investigation are described in this chapter.
3.1 Experimental Material
Seed material comprised of a variety "HFP-529" were collected from Pulses section,
Department of G&PB of CCS Haryana Agricultural University Hisar.
3.2 Experimental details
Experiment-1 To study the effect of integrated nutrient management on seed yield and
its attributes
3.2.1 Treatment details
The field experiment consisted of twenty three treatment combinations including
control as given below.
T0 Control
T1 Vermicompost
T2 FYM
T3 Nitrogen
T4 Rhizobium+FYM (100%)
T5 Rhizobium +FYM (75%)
T6 Rhizobium + Vermicompost (100%)
T7 Rhizobium + Vermicompost (75%)
T8 Rhizobium + Nitrogen (100%)
T9 Rhizobium + Nitrogen (75%)
T10 PSB+FYM (100%)
T11 PSB+FYM (75%)
T12 PSB+ Vermicompost (100%)
T13 PSB+ Vermicompost (75%)
T14 PSB+Nitrogen (100%)
T15 PSB+Nitrogen (75%)
T16 Rhizobium +PSB+FYM (100%)
T17 Rhizobium +PSB+FYM (75%)
T18 Rhizobium +PSB+ Vermicompost (100%)
T19 Rhizobium +PSB+ Vermicompost (75%)
T20 Rhizobium +PSB+ Nitrogen (100%)
T21 Rhizobium +PSB+ Nitrogen (75%)
T22 RDF
24
3.2.2 Design
The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three
replications.
3.2.3 Area and Plot size
Plot size : 4.0 x 3.0 m
Net area : 828 m2
Spacing : 30 x 10 cm
3.3 Cultural practices
3.3.1 Land preparation
After the harvest of previous crop, land was ploughed once with mould board plough
and was brought to fine tilth by repeated harrowing. The residues of previous crop and weeds
were removed from experimental area. Finally, the plots were laid out by putting small bunds.
The bacterial inoculants of Rhizobium and Phosphorous Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) were
uniformly applied to the seeds before sowing. As per treatment details, the organic manures
were mixed in the soil prior to sowing.
3.3.2 Manures and fertilizers application
The manures and fertilizers were applied to the plots as per the treatment combinations.
The organic manures viz., farm yard manure @ 16t/ha and vermicompost @ 7t/ha were
calculated on the basis of plot area and were incorporated in the soil before sowing. The
recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF- 20 kg N, 40 kg P205, 0 kg K20 per ha) was applied to the
plots as per the treatment details in the form of urea, di-ammonium phosphate and muriate of
potash. All the fertilizers were applied in a single dose at the time of sowing.
3.3.3 Sowing and thinning
Sowing was done in the month of November 2015. The seeds were treated uniformly
with Rhizobium @ 50 ml/10kg seed and PSB @ 50 ml/10kg seed before sowing. To get
optimum plant population, thinning operation was carried out by removing weak and
unhealthy seedlings. Only one plant was maintained per hill.
3.3.4 After care
The necessary intercultural practices were carried out when required during the crop
growth.
3.3.5 Harvesting and threshing
Harvesting was done in the month of April, 2016. Indication of harvestable maturity
in field pea is the turning of pods from green to yellow colour. The matured pods were dried
in the sun for three days and seeds were removed by hand. The seeds were cleaned by
winnowing and dried up to desired moisture content for storage.
25
3.4 Collection of experimental data
Ten plants in each treatment plot were randomly selected and tagged with a label for
recording yield and yield components.
3.4.1 Days to 50% flowering
Plants were noticed daily for flowering. The number of days taken for 50% of the
plants to produce flowers in each plot was recorded by counting the days from the date of
sowing.
3.4.2 Days of maturity
The days taken by the crop to mature under each plot was calculated from the date of
sowing.
3.4.3 Plant height (cm)
Height of tagged plants was measured at maturity with the help of a meter scale from
the base of the plant to the growing tip. The averaged was worked out and expressed in
centimetres.
3.4.4 Number of branches/plant
The total number of branches arising from the main stem were counted from ten
earlier tagged plants at maturity. Average was calculated and expressed as number of
branches/plant.
3.4.5 Number of pods/plant
The total number of pods were counted manually from selected plants at maturity
from each treatment. Average was worked out and expressed as number of pods/plant.
3.4.6 Seeds per pod
Ten pods were selected randomly from the total number of pods harvested from
earlier tagged ten plants. The seeds from each pod were separated, counted and average was
calculated and expressed as number of seeds per pod.
3.4.7 Seed yield q/ha
The seed yield per hectare was calculated based on seed yield obtained from the net
plot area and expressed in quintal per hectare.
3.5 Experiment-2 To study the effect of integrated nutrient management on seed quality
The seeds obtained from various treatment combinations were used for assessing the
seed quality potential on the basis of the following parameters:
3.5.1 Laboratory studies
3.5.1.1 Test weight (g)
One thousand seeds in each treatment were counted, weighed and expressed in grams.
3.5.1.2 Seed density (g/cc)
One hundred seeds from each treatment were taken and weighed on precision
balance. These seeds were dipped in water; density of water is 1.0 at 20°C. Volume of water
26
displaced by the seeds was recorded and seed density of each treatment was calculated by
using the following formula:
Weight of 100 seeds (g)
Seed density = ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Vol. of water displaced by seeds (cm3)
3.5.1.3 Standard germination (%)

One hundred seeds of each treatment plot in three replicates were placed in between
sufficient moistened rolled towel papers (BP) and kept at 250C in seed germinator. The first
count was taken on 5th day and final count on 8th day and only normal seedlings and hard
seeds were considered for percent germination according to the rules of International Seed
Testing Association (ISTA 2011)
3.5.1.4 Seedling length (cm)
Ten randomly selected normal seedlings taken from three replications of standard
germination test and average length of seedlings was worked out recorded in centimetre for
final calculation.
3.5.1.5 Seedling dry weight (g)
Seedling dry weight was assessed after the final count in the standard germination test
(8 days). The ten fresh seedlings of each treatment were taken and dried in a hot air oven for
24 h at 80±10C. The dried seedlings of each replication were weighed and average seedling
dry weight was expressed in milligram.
3.5.1.6 Vigour Indices
Seedling vigour indices were calculated according to the method suggested by Abdul-
Baki and Anderson (1973):
(a) Vigour Index-I (on seedling length basis):
Vigour Index–I = [Germination (%) X Average seedling length (cm)]
(b) Vigour Index–II (on seedling dry weight basis):
Vigour Index–II = [Germination (%) X Average seedling dry weight (g)]
3.5.1.7 Accelerated ageing test
Sufficient number of seeds from each treatment was taken on wire mesh tray fitted in
plastic boxes having 40 ml of distilled water. The boxes were placed in ageing chamber after
closing their lids. The seeds were aged at 40±1° C temperature and about 100 per cent RH for
72 h and tested for germination in three replications of 100 seeds for each treatment
combination. The number of normal seedlings including hard seeds were counted on 8th day
and expressed as per cent germination.
3.5.1.8 Electrical conductivity test (μS cm-1g-1) as per ISTA, 1999
To measure the electrical conductivity, 50 healthy seeds in three replications were
soaked in 75 ml deionized water in 100 ml beakers. Seeds were immersed completely in
27
water and beakers were covered with foil. Thereafter, these samples were kept at 25°C for 24
h. The electrical conductivity of the seed leachates was measured using a direct reading
conductivity meter. The conductivity was expressed in μS/cm/ gram.
3.5.1.9 Enzyme activity:
(a) Catalase (mg protein-1min-1)
For the extraction of catalase enzyme, seeds of each treatment combination were
imbibed in water at 30oC in the germinator for 24 h. Two hundred milligram of imbibed seed
sample was ground in a chilled pestle mortar by adding 10 ml phosphate buffer (pH 7.8) and a
pinch of corning sand. The 10 ml homogenate was centrifuged at 12000 rpm for 20 minutes at
4oC.The supernatant obtained was then re-centrifuged at 15000 rpm for 10 minutes. The clear
supernatant, thus obtained, was used for estimating the activity of catalase.
The catalase activity was assayed by the method as described by Aebi (1983) based
on the reduction of potassium dichromate to chromic acetate by hydrogen peroxide.
Reagents:
0.3 M hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.0)
Dichromate acetic acid reagent (5% potassium dichromate + glacial acetic acid in the
ratio of 1:3), 0.5 ml of H2O2 and 1.0 ml of phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) was added in 0.5 ml of
enzyme extract in a side mouthed test tube. This was mixed rapidly and then incubated at
37oC for 5 minutes. The test tubes were then taken out and 4 ml of dichromate acetic acid
reagent was added. These were then heated for 10 minutes in a boiling water bath. The colour
which changed to green due to the formation of chromic acetate after cooling was measured
by systronic spectrophotometer 169 at 570 nm. The activity of catalase has been expressed as:
The amount of enzyme required to bring about a change in absorbance by 0.01 per minute.
(b) Peroxidase (mg protein-1min-1)
For the extraction of peroxidase enzyme, seeds of each treatment were imbibed in
water at 30oC in the germinator for 24 h. Two hundred milligram of imbibed seed sample was
ground in a chilled pestle mortar by adding 10 ml phosphate buffer (pH 7.8) and a pinch of
corning sand. The 10 ml homogenate was centrifuged at 12000 rpm for 20 minutes at 4 oC.
The supernatant obtained was then re-centrifuged at 15000 rpm for 10 minutes. The clear
supernatant, thus obtained, was used for estimating the activity of peroxidase. Peroxidase
activity was determined by the method of Shannon et al. (1966); following the oxidation of
O-dianisidine in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
Reagents:
0.1 M sodium acetate buffer (pH 4.5)
0.2 M hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
28
10 mg O-dianisidine dissolved per 2 ml of methanol 2 ml of acetate buffer (pH 4.5)
and 0.1 ml of O-dianisidine solution was added to 0.05 ml of enzyme extract. Then 0.1 ml of
0.2 M hydrogen peroxide also added to start the reaction. The reading was taken at 470 nm
wavelength after every 15 seconds for 2 minute and enzyme unit was expressed as: The
amount of enzyme required bringing about a change in absorbance of 0.01 per minute.
(c) Dehydrogenase (OD g-1ml-1)
DHA test was performed as per Kittock and Law (1968). One gram seed of each seed
treatment combination replicated thrice were ground to pass through a 20 mesh screen. The
200 mg flour was soaked in 5 ml of 0.5% tetrazolium solution at 380C for 3-4 h. Then it was
centrifuged at 12000 rpm for 3 minutes and the supernatant was poured off. The formazan
was extracted with 10 ml acetone for 16 hrs, followed by centrifugation and absorbance of the
solution was determined by systronic spectrophotometer 169 at 480 nm. These observations
were expressed as change in O D g-1 ml-1.
(d) Superoxide Dismutase (mg protein-1min-1)
The enzyme activity was assayed by the method of Giannopolitis and Ries (1977)
with minor modification.
Reagents:
I. 1.3 μM riboflavin (1ml)
II. 13 mM methionine (1ml)
III. 63 μM nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT)
IV. 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.0)
Procedure
In 3.0 ml of 0.1M phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) containing 1.3 μM riboflavin, 13 mM
methionine and 63 μM nitroblue tetrazolium, 0.1 ml of enzyme extract was added. SOD
activity was assayed by measuring the ability of the enzyme extract to inhibit the
photochemical reduction of NBT. Glass tubes containing the mixture were exposed to light
(two 15 W florescent lamps) identical tubes, which were not illuminated, served as blanks.
After illumination for 10 min., they were covered with black cloth and absorbance was
measured at 560 nm. Long A560 was plotted as function of volume of enzyme extract used in
reaction mixture. From the resultant graph, volume of enzyme extract corresponding to 50%
inhibition of the photochemical reaction was obtained and considered as one enzyme unit
(Beauchamp and Fridovich 1971).
Units: One unit of SOD was defined as the enzyme activity which inhibited the photo
reduction of NBT to blue formazan by 50% and expressed as units SOD mg protein-1.
3.5.2 Seedling Parameters
One hundred seeds in three replications of each treatment combination stored under
ambient conditions were sown in a randomized block design, during rabi, 2015-16 in the
29
Research Farm of Department of Seed Science & Technology, CCS Haryana Agricultural
University, Hisar. The following observations were recorded in the field.
3.5.2.1 Speed of emergence
The number of seedlings emerged were counted on each day from 1st day to 15th day
and the field emergence (speed of emergence) was calculated as described by Maguire
(1962).
Speed of emergence =
No of seedlings emerged + ………………. + No of seedlings emerged No of seedlings emerged
First day of sowing Day of last count (15 th)
3.5.2.2 Mean emergence time

The mean emergence time was calculated for each treatment combination using the
formula cited by Ellis and Roberts (1977).
Mean Emergence Time = Σnt /Σ n
Where,
N = number of seeds newly germinated at time ‘t’
t = days from sowing
Σn = final emergence of seedlings
3.5.2.3 Seedling establishment (%)

The seedling establishment was determined by counting the total number of seedlings
when the emergence was completed or when there was no further addition in the total
emergence i.e. on 15th day.
3.6 Experiment- 3 To study the effect of integrated nutrient management on seed
storability
The freshly harvested seeds of all the treatment combinations were stored in plastic
bags at 8% moisture content under ambient condition up to a period of 15 months for
analysing seed quality. The observations were recorded at every 5 months interval of natural
stored seed at ambient conditions. The observations recorded are as under
3.6.1 Standard germination (%) as per ISTA 2011
The standard germination percentage of naturally stored seed was recorded as per the
procedure explained earlier in section 3.5.1.3
3.6.2 Seedling length (cm)
The seedling length was measured by the method described earlier in section 3.5.1.4
3.6.3 Seedling dry weight (g)
The seedling dry weight of ambient stored seed of field pea was determined by the
procedure described earlier in section 3.5.1.5
30
3.6.4 Vigour Indices
The vigour index-I and II was calculated by the method described earlier in section
3.5.1.6
3.6.5 Electrical conductivity test (μS cm-1g-1) as per ISTA 1999
The electrical conductivity of field pea seed leachates was determined by the method
explained earlier in section 3.5.1.8
3.6.6 Enzyme activity:
The catalse activity in each treatment of naturally stored seed was assayed by the
procedure described earlier in section 3.5.1.9a
Peroxidase enzyme activity was assessed by the method explained earlier in section
3.5.1.9b
The activity of dehydrogenase enzyme in naturally stored field pea seeds were
assessed by the method described earlier in section 3.5.1.9c
The superoxide dismutase activity of each nutrient combination was determined by
the method explained earlier in section 3.5.1.9d
3.6.7 Artificial ageing (40±1° C for 72 h)
Sufficient number of seeds in a single layer from each treatment were taken on wire
mesh tray fitted in plastic boxes having 40 ml of distilled water. The boxes were placed in
ageing chamber after closing their lids. The seeds were aged at 40±1ºC temperature and about
100 percent RH for 72 h and the observations recorded are as under
After the period of accelerated ageing (40±1°C for 72 h) was over, 100 seeds from
each treatment combination were taken in three replications and tested for germination by
between paper (BP) method. The number of normal seedlings were counted on 8 th day and
expressed in percentage.
Ten normal seedlings from three replications of standard germination test were
selected randomly for measurement of seedling length and average was recorded in
centimetre with the help of scale for final calculation.
The ten normal seedlings used for measuring the seedling length were used to assess
the dry weight. Seedlings were dried in a hot air oven for 24 h. at 80±10°C. The dried
31
seedlings of each replication were weighed and average seedling dry weight of each treatment
was calculated.
3.6.7.4 Vigour Indices
Seedling vigour indices were calculated according to the method suggested by Abdul-
Baki and Anderson (1973):
Vigour index–I = [Germination (%) X Average seedling length (cm)]
Vigour index–II = [Germination (%) X Average seedling dry weight (g)]
3.6.7.5 Electrical conductivity test (μS cm-1g-1) as per ISTA 1999
For measurement of electrical conductivity, 50 artificial aged seeds in three
replications were soaked in 75 ml deionized water in 100 ml beakers and beakers were
covered with aluminium foil. Thereafter, these samples were kept at 25oC for 24 h. The
electrical conductivity of the seed leachates was measured using a direct reading conductivity
meter. The conductivity was expressed in μS cm-1g-1.
3.6.7.6 Enzyme activity:
The catalase enzyme activity in artificially aged seeds of field pea was assessed by
the method described earlier in section 3.5.1.9a
(b) Peroxidase enzyme (mg protein-1min-1)
The activity of peroxidase enzyme in accelerated aged seeds was assessed as per the
procedure detailed earlier in section 3.5.1.9b
Dehydrogenase activity in accelerated aged seeds of field pea was assayed as per the
method described earlier in the section 3.5.1.9c
(d) Superoxide Dismutase (mg protein-1 min-1)
The activity of enzyme superoxide dismutase in artificially aged seeds was
determined as per the procedure explained earlier in section 3.5.1.9d
3.7 Statistical Analysis
The experiments were conducted in randomized block design (RBD) as well as in
completely randomized design (CRD) for field and laboratory parameters respectively. The
data obtained from experiment conducted in RBD and CRD were analysed as per standard
method suggested by Panse and Sukhatme (1985). The critical difference (CD) values were
calculated at 5 per cent probability level whenever ‘F’ test was significant. The ANOVA for
RBD is given below.
32
ANOVA for RBD
Source of variation Degree of Sum of squares Mean squares F-value
freedom (SS) (MS)
(DF)
Replications (r-1) SSr MSr MSr/ EMS
Treatment combinations (t-1) SSt MSt MSt/ EMS
Error (r-1)(t-1) SSe MSe(EMS)
Total (rt-1) Total SS
ANOVA for CRD

Source of variation Degree of Sum of squares Mean squares F-value
freedom (SS) (MS)
(DF)
Treatment combinations (t-1) SSt MSt MSt/EMS
Error (r-1)(t-1) SSe MSe(EMS)
Total (rt-1) Total SS
Where,
r : Number of replications
t : Number of treatment combinations
SSt : Sum of square due to treatment combination.
SSe : Error sum of squares
MSt : Mean square due to treatments
EMS : Error mean squares (MSe)
The standard error of differences (SEd), Standard error of means (SEm) and Critical
difference (CD) were calculated as follow:
SE(m) =
SE(d) =
CD (5%): SEd t value at error d.f.

Where,
r = number of replication;
X = overall mean (grand total /n)
The correlation coefficient (r) between laboratory and field parameters were estimated as per
standard formulae as given below:
Cov(x, y)
r = ––––––––
σx. σy
33
Where,
r = Correlation coefficient
Cov(x, y) = Covariance between characters x and y
σx = Standard deviation of character x
σy = Standard deviation of character y
34
CHAPTER-4
RESULTS
The present investigation entitled "Effect of integrated nutrient management on seed

yield, quality and its storability in Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.)" was carried out in the
research farm and laboratories of department of Seed Science & Technology, CCS, Haryana
Agricultural University, Hisar during the year 2015-17. The results obtained from the study
are presented in this chapter. The experimental results interpreted along with the
corresponding tables and figures are as follows:
4.1 Experiment-1 To study the effect of integrated nutrient management on seed yield
and its attributes.
The data on yield and its attributes viz., days to 50% flowering, days of maturity,
plant height (cm), number of branches/plant, number of pods/plant, seeds per pod and seed
yield (q/ha) are presented below.
4.1.1 Days to 50% flowering
The analysed data for days to 50% flowering as influenced by organic and inorganic
fertilizers along with biofertilizers are presented in Table 4.1. The number of days to 50%
flowering were significantly influenced by different treatment combinations. The minimum
number of days (71.00) taken for 50% flowering was recorded with the treatment Rhizobium
+ PSB + 100% nitrogen(T20) which was statistically at par with the Rhizobium + PSB + 75%
nitrogen (T21: 71.33) while maximum number of days (87.67) were recorded in case of
control (T0).
4.1.2 Days of maturity
A critical examination of the data for days of maturity as significantly affected by
different treatment combinations are presented in Table 4.1. Among different treatments,
minimum days of maturity (108) were observed with Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20)
which was statistically at par with Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21: 108.33) and Rhizobium
+ 100% nitrogen (T8: 109.33) while maximum days (124.67) were recorded in control (T0).
4.1.3 Plant height (cm)
The perusal of data in Table 4.1 revealed that mean performance of different treatments
for plant height ranged from 56.00 to 70.33. The plant height differed significantly due to different
INM treatments. Significantly highest plant height (70.33) was recorded in treatment Rhizobium +
PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20) which was statistically at par with Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen
(T21: 69.67) followed by Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (T8: 68.63) and PSB + 100% nitrogen (T14:
68.03) whereas the lowest plant height (56.00) was recorded in control (T0).
35
Table: 4.1 Effect of integrated nutrient management on seed yield and yield contributing characters in field pea
Treatments Days to 50% Days of Plant height Number of Number of Seeds/pod Seed yield
flowering maturity (cm) branches/plant pods/plant (q/ha)
T0: Control 87.67 124.67 56.00 5.05 9.02 3.06 23.93
T1: Vermicompost 86.00 123.00 56.47 5.59 11.39 3.42 24.55
T2: FYM 86.33 123.33 56.20 5.34 10.38 3.22 24.37
T3: Nitrogen 85.00 122.00 58.03 6.12 13.45 3.84 25.13
T4: Rhizobium+FYM (100%) 77.33 114.33 63.13 8.30 22.61 5.61 27.66
T5: Rhizobium+FYM (75%) 79.33 116.33 61.67 8.03 21.48 5.03 26.93
T6: Rhizobium+Vermicompost (100%) 82.33 118.67 60.33 6.91 19.27 4.18 25.78
T7: Rhizobium + Vermicompost (75%) 84.33 121.33 59.20 6.44 16.29 3.94 25.37
T8: Rhizobium + Nitrogen (100%) 72.33 109.33 68.63 9.80 28.87 6.46 29.42
T9: Rhizobium + Nitrogen (75%) 74.00 111.00 67.67 9.47 27.03 6.13 28.99
T10: PSB+FYM (100%) 78.67 115.67 62.63 8.10 22.30 5.26 27.56
T11: PSB+FYM (75%) 80.00 117.00 61.17 8.03 20.93 4.82 26.80
T12: PSB+ Vermicompost (100%) 83.67 120.67 59.47 6.91 17.47 3.97 25.66
T13: PSB+ Vermicompost (75%) 84.67 121.67 58.23 6.19 14.57 3.90 25.28
T14: PSB+ Nitrogen (100%) 73.33 110.33 68.03 9.60 27.37 6.22 29.20
T15: PSB+ Nitrogen (75%) 76.67 113.67 64.97 9.13 24.89 5.79 28.13
T16: Rhizobium +PSB+100% FYM 75.00 111.67 66.80 9.47 25.82 6.06 28.58
T17: Rhizobium +PSB+75% FYM 75.33 112.33 65.57 9.23 25.30 5.88 28.34
T18: Rhizobium+PSB+100% Vermicompost 80.67 117.67 60.83 7.87 20.34 4.64 26.17
T19: Rhizobium+PSB+75% Vermicompost 81.33 118.33 60.47 7.43 19.83 4.60 26.07
T20: Rhizobium+PSB+100% Nitrogen 71.00 108.00 70.33 11.10 33.31 7.23 29.94
T21: Rhizobium +PSB+75% Nitrogen 71.33 108.33 69.67 10.40 32.35 6.92 29.61
T22: RDF 77.00 114.00 64.00 8.70 23.29 5.65 28.00
CD(0.05) 1.54 1.669 0.234 0.132 0.103 0.076 0.116
SE(m) 0.539 0.584 0.082 0.046 0.036 0.027 0.041
C.V. 1.177 0.87 0.226 1.005 0.295 0.912 0.261
36
4.1.4 Number of branches/plant
A cursory glance over the data (Table 4.1) showed that the number of branches/plant
differed significantly at all treatment combinations. Application of Rhizobium + PSB + 100%
nitrogen (T20) recorded maximum number of branches (11.10) which was statistically at par
with the treatments Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21: 10.40) and Rhizobium + 100%
nitrogen (T8: 9.80) while significantly lower number of branches were observed in control
(T0: 5.05).
4.1.5 Number of pods/plant
It is evident from the perusal of data (Table 4.1) that all the treatment combinations
were statistically differed from each other in terms of number of pods/plant. Significantly
maximum number of pods/plant (33.31) were recorded with Rhizobium + PSB + 100%
nitrogen (T20) followed by Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21: 32.35) and Rhizobium +
100% nitrogen (T8: 28.87) whereas control (T0) showed lowest number of pods/plant (9.02).
4.1.6 Seeds per pod
An examination of data presented in Table 4.1 showed the influence of integrated
nutrient management on seeds/pod. Among different treatments, Rhizobium + PSB + 100%
nitrogen (T20) recorded significantly maximum seeds/pod (7.23) which was at par with
Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21: 6.92), Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (T8: 6.46) and PSB
+ 100% Nitrogen (T14: 6.22) while minimum seeds/pod were observed in control (T0: 3.06).
4.1.7 Seed yield (q/ha)
A glimpse of data (Table 4.1) revealed that seed yield varied significantly due to
different treatment combinations. Among all the treatment combinations, Rhizobium + PSB +
100% nitrogen recorded maximum seed yield q/ha (T20: 29.94) followed by Rhizobium + PSB
+ 75% nitrogen (T21: 29.61) and PSB + 100% nitrogen (T8: 29.42) and significantly minimum
seed yield (23.93) was observed in control (T0) where no nutrients were applied.
4.2 Experiment-2 To study the effect of integrated nutrient management on seed quality.
The seeds obtained from different treatment combinations were used for assessing the
seed quality. The data recorded on seed quality parameters such as test weight (g), seed density
(g/cc), standard germination (%), seedling length (cm), seedling dry weight (g), vigour index-I
and II, accelerated ageing test (%), electrical conductivity (μS cm-1g-1), catalase activity (mg
protein-1min-1), peroxidase activity (mg protein-1min-1), dehydrogenase activity (OD g-1ml-1),
and superoxide dismutase activity (mg protein-1min-1) are presented below.
4.2.1 Laboratory studies
4.2.1.1 Test weight (g)
The data on thousand seed weight (test weight) as affected by organic manures,
inorganic fertilizers along with biofertilizers are presented in Table 4.2.1.1.
37
Table: 4.2.1.1 Effect of integrated nutrient management on seed quality of field pea (physiological parameters)
Treatments Test Seed Germination Seedling Dry Vigour Vigour Germination %
weight density (%) length weight index-I index-II after AA test
(g) (g/cc) (cm) (g)
T0: Control 15.03 1.20 87.33 23.37 0.30 2041 26 73.00
T1: Vermicompost 15.20 1.24 88.33 24.50 0.31 2164 27 74.00
T2: FYM 15.10 1.22 87.67 24.03 0.30 2107 27 73.33
T3: Nitrogen 15.37 1.27 88.67 25.10 0.31 2226 28 74.33
T4: Rhizobium+FYM (100%) 16.83 1.45 93.00 28.93 0.41 2691 38 84.33
T5: Rhizobium+FYM (75%) 16.43 1.43 92.33 27.87 0.38 2573 35 82.67
T6: Rhizobium+Vermicompost (100%) 15.80 1.35 90.33 26.17 0.34 2364 30 77.67
T7: Rhizobium + Vermicompost (75%) 15.53 1.30 89.67 25.80 0.32 2313 29 75.67
T8: Rhizobium + Nitrogen (100%) 18.77 1.58 97.33 31.50 0.49 3066 47 89.67
T9: Rhizobium + Nitrogen (75%) 18.37 1.55 95.67 30.70 0.47 2937 45 88.33
T10: PSB+FYM (100%) 16.63 1.44 92.67 28.40 0.39 2632 36 83.00
T11: PSB+FYM (75%) 16.20 1.41 92.00 27.33 0.37 2515 34 81.67
T12: PSB+ Vermicompost (100%) 15.60 1.33 90.00 26.03 0.33 2343 30 76.33
T13: PSB+ Vermicompost (75%) 15.43 1.29 89.00 25.43 0.32 2264 28 75.33
T14: PSB+ Nitrogen (100%) 18.57 1.56 96.67 31.27 0.48 3022 47 89.00
T15: PSB+ Nitrogen (75%) 17.40 1.50 94.33 29.90 0.45 2821 42 86.00
T16: Rhizobium +PSB+100% FYM 18.10 1.53 95.00 30.43 0.46 2891 44 87.67
T17: Rhizobium +PSB+75% FYM 17.83 1.52 94.67 30.03 0.46 2843 43 86.33
T18: Rhizobium+PSB+100% Vermicompost 16.03 1.39 91.67 27.00 0.36 2475 33 80.33
T19: Rhizobium+PSB+75% Vermicompost 15.90 1.38 91.33 26.60 0.34 2430 31 79.00
T20: Rhizobium+PSB+100% Nitrogen 19.00 1.60 98.00 32.50 0.50 3185 49 90.67
T21: Rhizobium +PSB+75% Nitrogen 18.87 1.59 97.67 32.17 0.49 3142 48 90.00
T22: RDF 17.00 1.47 93.33 29.33 0.43 2738 40 85.00
C.D 0.17 0.013 1.069 0.514 0.005 54.001 0.685 2.357
SE(m) 0.059 0.004 0.374 0.18 0.002 18.909 0.24 0.825
CV 0.615 0.543 0.701 1.112 0.728 1.26 1.14 1.746
38
Application of Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20) showed significantly higher test
weight (19.00) which was at par with Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21: 18.87) and
followed by Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (T8: 18.77). Significantly lower test weight (15.03)
was observed in control (T0).
4.2.1.2 Seed density (g/cc)
The results on seed density as influenced by organic, inorganic fertilizers in
combination with biofertilizers are presented in Table 4.2.1.1. It is evident from data that
significantly higher seed density (1.60) was observed with the treatment combination of
Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20) which was at par with Rhizobium + PSB + 75%
nitrogen (T21: 1.59)) and Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (T8: 1.58). Significantly lower seed
density (1.20) was recorded with control (T0) and that of treatments where only organic
manures were applied viz., FYM (T2: 1.22) and Vermicompost (T1: 1.24).
The data emanated from Table 4.2.1.1 revealed that all the INM treatment
combinations showed significant variations with respect to germination percentage.
Significantly higher germination (98.00) was observed with Rhizobium + PSB + 100%
nitrogen (T20) followed by Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21: 97.67), Rhizobium + 100%
nitrogen (T8: 97.33) and PSB + 100% nitrogen (T14: 96.67). The minimum germination
(87.33) was recorded in control (T0), FYM (T2: 87.67) and Vermicompost (T1: 88.33) as
compared to rest of treatments.
The study of data presented in Table 4.2.1.1 revealed that seedling length was
significantly influenced by organic manures, inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers. Among
the different treatments, Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20) showed maximum seedling
length (32.50) which was at par with treatment Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21: 32.17)
and Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (T8: 31.50) while the minimum seedling length (23.37) was
recorded in control (T0).
Data on seedling dry weight as influenced by different INM treatments are presented
in the Table 4.2.1.1. There were significant differences in dry weight with the application of
different treatment combinations. Maximum dry weight (0.50) was recorded in Rhizobium +
PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20) followed by treatment Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21:
0.49), Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (T8: 0.49) and PSB + 100% nitrogen (T14: 0.48). The
minimum value (0.30) for dry weight was recorded in control (T 0) and FYM (T2).
39
4.2.1.6 Vigour Indices (Abdul-Baki and Anderson 1973)
(a) Vigour Index-I
Data given in Table 4.2.1.1 exhibited the influence of various INM treatments on
vigour index- I. Higher values were recorded (3185) in the seeds of treatment Rhizobium +
PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20) which was at par with Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21:
3142) and Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (T8: 3066). However, lower vigour index-I (2041) was
noticed in control (T0).
(b) Vigour Index-II
The data pertaining to the effect of organic manures, inorganic fertilizers and
biofertilizers (Table 4.2.1.1) made clear that there were significant differences in vigour
index-II with different treatments. The maximum values (49) were obtained in the treatment
Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20) followed by Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21:
48) and Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (T8: 47) whereas the minimum vigour index-II (26) was
recorded in control (T0) where no nutrients were applied.
4.2.1.7 Accelerated ageing test (%)
Data on standard germination after accelerated ageing are presented in Table 4.2.1.1.
The results showed significant variation after accelerated ageing among all the treatment
combinations for standard germination percentage. The maximum germination (90.67) was
observed in the treatment Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20) which was at par (90.00)
with treatment Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21) followed by Rhizobium +100%
nitrogen (T8: 89.67) and PSB + 100% nitrogen (T14: 89.00). The lowest germination
percentage (73.00) was recorded in control (T0).
4.2.1.8 Electrical conductivity test (μS cm-1g-1)
A perusal of data presented in Table 4.2.1.2 showed the integrated effect of organic,
inorganic and biofertilizers on electrical conductivity of seed leachates. Significant variation
of electrical conductivity was observed among different treatments. Lower electrical
conductivity of seed leachates (197) was reported in seeds treated with Rhizobium + PSB +
100% nitrogen (T20) followed by Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T21: 206), Rhizobium +
100% nitrogen (T8: 233) and PSB + 100% nitrogen (T14: 257). Significantly higher values
were recorded with control (T0: 511) and treatments with solo application of inorganic
manures viz., FYM (T2: 488) and Vermicompost (T1: 477).
4.2.1.9 Enzyme activity
The data pertaining to the catalase enzyme activity as influenced by different INM
treatment combinations are presented in Table 4.2.1.2. The higher catalase activity (0.324)
was observed in Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20) which was at par with Rhizobium +
PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21: 0.320) and followed by Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (T8: 0.315)
whereas lower activity (0.241) was recorded in control (T0), FYM (T2: 0.243) and
Vermicompost (T1: 0.247) as compared to rest of treatments.
40
Table: 4.2.1.2 Effect of integrated nutrient management on seed quality of field pea (biochemical parameters)
Treatments Electrical Catalase activity Peroxidase activity Dehydrogenase SOD activity
conductivity (mg protein min ) (mg protein-1min-1)
-1 -1
activity (mg protein-1min-1)
(μS cm-1g-1) (OD g-1ml-1)
T0: Control 511 0.241 9.20 0.520 0.867
T1: Vermicompost 477 0.247 9.61 0.523 0.909
T2: FYM 488 0.243 9.46 0.521 0.898
T3: Nitrogen 465 0.251 9.78 0.527 0.918
T4: Rhizobium+FYM (100%) 327 0.284 12.64 0.575 1.184
T5: Rhizobium+FYM (75%) 346 0.275 12.32 0.563 1.145
T6: Rhizobium+Vermicompost (100%) 414 0.264 10.83 0.540 0.982
T7: Rhizobium + Vermicompost (75%) 448 0.261 10.36 0.534 0.943
T8: Rhizobium + Nitrogen (100%) 233 0.315 14.16 0.624 1.268
T9: Rhizobium + Nitrogen (75%) 289 0.311 13.94 0.592 1.254
T10: PSB+FYM (100%) 334 0.280 12.48 0.567 1.162
T11: PSB+FYM (75%) 373 0.273 11.94 0.550 1.130
T12: PSB+ Vermicompost (100%) 433 0.263 10.64 0.536 0.968
T13: PSB+ Vermicompost (75%) 458 0.257 10.12 0.530 0.936
T14: PSB+ Nitrogen (100%) 257 0.313 13.96 0.614 1.260
T15: PSB+ Nitrogen (75%) 312 0.294 13.52 0.584 1.210
T16: Rhizobium +PSB+100% FYM 304 0.302 13.78 0.588 1.236
T17: Rhizobium +PSB+75% FYM 311 0.297 13.70 0.586 1.228
T18: Rhizobium+PSB+100% Vermicompost 401 0.270 11.86 0.547 1.108
T19: Rhizobium+PSB+75% Vermicompost 412 0.267 11.13 0.544 0.990
T20: Rhizobium+PSB+100% Nitrogen 197 0.324 14.42 0.650 1.280
T21: Rhizobium +PSB+75% Nitrogen 206 0.320 14.30 0.646 1.272
T22: RDF 326 0.288 12.92 0.580 1.196
C.D 3.369 0.002 0.038 0.002 0.005
SE(m) 1.180 0.001 0.013 0.001 0.002
C.V. 0.565 0.401 0.191 0.177 0.281
41
It is evident from the Table 4.2.1.2 that significant differences in peroxidase activity
were observed between all the treatment combinations. The highest peroxidase activity
(14.42) was observed in the treatment Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20) followed by
Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21: 14.30), Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (T8: 14.16), PSB
+ 100% nitrogen (T14: 13.96) and Rhizobium + Nitrogen 75% (T9: 13.94). The lowest
peroxidase activity (9.20) was observed in control.
The data on dehydrogenase activity as influenced by organic manures, inorganic
fertilizers and biofertilizers are presented in Table 4.2.1.2. Significant difference was
observed for dehydrogenase activity in all the treatments. The highest dehydrogenase activity
(0.650) was recorded in Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20) which was at par with
Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21: 0.646) followed by Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (T8:
0.624) and PSB + 100% nitrogen (T14: 0.614) whereas, the lowest activity (0.520) was
observed in control (T0).
It was apparent from Table 4.2.1.2 that superoxide dismutase activity of field pea
seeds was significantly varied among different integrated nutrient treatments. Maximum
superoxide dismutase activity (1.280) was noticed with the application of Rhizobium + PSB +
100% nitrogen (T20) followed by Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21: 1.272) and
Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (T8: 1.268). However the minimum activity (0.867) was recorded
in (T0) control and the treatments where only organic manure were applied viz., FYM (T 2:
0.898) and Vermicompost (T1: 0.909).
4.2.2 Seedling Parameters
The data observed for field studies viz, speed of emergence index, mean emergence
time and seedling establishment (%) are presented below:
4.2.2.1 Speed of emergence
It is evident from the Table 4.2.2 that speed of emergence index was significantly
varied with combined application of organic manures, inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers.
Maximum speed of emergence (15.01) was observed in Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen
(T20) followed by Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21: 14.89), Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen
(T8: 14.64) and PSB + 100% nitrogen (T14: 14.55). The minimum speed of emergence index
(8.87) was found in control (T0) where no fertilizers were applied.
4.2.2.2 Mean emergence time
It is obvious from data (Table 4.2.2) that application of different integrated nutrient
management levels significantly affect the mean emergence time.
42
Table: 4.2.2 Effect of integrated nutrient management on seed quality of field pea (seedling parameters)
Treatments Speed of emergence Mean emergence time Seedling establishment (%)
T0: Control 8.87 12.88 57.00
T1: Vermicompost 9.07 12.27 58.33
T2: FYM 8.95 12.76 57.33
T3: Nitrogen 9.55 12.18 58.67
T4: Rhizobium+FYM (100%) 11.59 10.81 63.00
T5: Rhizobium+FYM (75%) 10.78 11.56 62.33
T6: Rhizobium+Vermicompost (100%) 10.11 11.86 60.67
T7: Rhizobium + Vermicompost (75%) 10.03 11.92 59.33
T8: Rhizobium + Nitrogen (100%) 14.64 8.27 69.67
T9: Rhizobium + Nitrogen (75%) 14.19 9.13 67.00
T10: PSB+FYM (100%) 11.30 11.02 62.67
T11: PSB+FYM (75%) 10.73 11.57 61.67
T12: PSB+ Vermicompost (100%) 10.09 11.88 60.00
T13: PSB+ Vermicompost (75%) 9.61 12.02 59.00
T14: PSB+ Nitrogen (100%) 14.55 8.88 68.33
T15: PSB+ Nitrogen (75%) 12.58 10.14 63.67
T16: Rhizobium +PSB+100% FYM 13.25 9.55 65.67
T17: Rhizobium +PSB+75% FYM 13.16 9.95 64.33
T18: Rhizobium+PSB+100% Vermicompost 10.67 11.65 61.33
T19: Rhizobium+PSB+75% Vermicompost 10.27 11.71 61.00
T20: Rhizobium+PSB+100% Nitrogen 15.01 7.86 71.00
T21: Rhizobium +PSB+75% Nitrogen 14.89 8.08 70.33
T22: RDF 12.13 10.61 63.33
C.D 0.066 0.046 0.835
SE(m) 0.023 0.016 0.292
SE(d) 0.033 0.023 0.413
C.V. 0.348 0.256 0.804
43
Higher mean emergence time (12.88) was recorded in control (T 0) where no nutrients were
applied while the lowest mean emergence time (7.86) was recorded with the application of
Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20) which was at par (8.08) with Rhizobium + PSB +
75% nitrogen (T21) and followed by the application of Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (8.27).
4.2.2.3 Seedling establishment (%)
Data presented in table 4.2.2 in respect of seedling establishment showed significant
variation among the treatments of integrated nutrient management. Maximum seedling
establishment percentage (71.00) was recorded in the treatment Rhizobium + PSB + 100%
nitrogen and it was at par (70.33) with Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21) followed by
Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (T8: 69.67) and PSB + 100% nitrogen (T14: 68.33). However,
minimum seedling establishment percentage (57.00) was observed in control (T 0), FYM (T2:
57.33) and Vermicompost (T1: 58.33) as compared to rest of treatments.
4.3 Experiment-3 To study the effect of integrated nutrient management on seed
storability
The freshly harvested seeds of all the treatments were stored under ambient
conditions up to a period of 15 months in plastic bag for analyzing seed quality. The
observations which were recorded at every 5 months interval of natural stored seed at ambient
conditions are as below:
The results on seed germination as influenced by different nutrient management
combinations and storage period are presented in Table 4.3.1.1 and Fig. 4.3.1.1. In the present
experiment germination percentage of all treatment combinations were significantly
decreased as the period of storage increased. The germination percentage of all treatments
remained above the Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standard (75) during five months and
ten months of seed storage. However, after ten months of natural ageing, there was a decline
in germination percentage of few treatments below the IMSCS (75). Maximum germination
percentage (89.00) after the ambient storage of fifteen months was noticed in the treatment
combination of Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20) followed by Rhizobium + PSB +
75% nitrogen (T21: 88.33), Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (T8: 87.67) and PSB + 100% nitrogen
(T14: 87.00) whereas minimum (68.00) was observed in (T 0) control and (T2) FYM (68.33).
Among the treatment combinations maximum reduction in germination percentage (19.33)
was observed in control and minimum (9) in Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen after fifteen
months of ambient storage.
Comparing the storage time, seed germination was significantly higher in five months
of storage with overall mean value (88.87) and lower mean value (78.59) was recorded in
fifteen months of storage.
44
Table: 4.3.1.1 Effect of integrated nutrient management on standard germination (%) of field pea seeds stored at ambient condition
Treatments Fresh seeds 5 months 10 months 15 months Mean
T0: Control 87.33 81.33 78.33 68.00 78.75
T1: Vermicompost 88.33 82.33 79.00 69.00 79.67
T2: FYM 87.67 81.67 78.67 68.33 79.08
T3: Nitrogen 88.67 82.67 79.33 69.67 80.08
T4: Rhizobium+FYM (100%) 93.00 91.33 87.00 81.33 88.17
T5: Rhizobium+FYM (75%) 92.33 88.67 86.00 79.33 86.58
T6: Rhizobium+Vermicompost (100%) 90.33 86.00 82.00 73.67 83.00
T7: Rhizobium + Vermicompost (75%) 89.67 83.33 80.00 71.00 81.00
T8: Rhizobium + Nitrogen (100%) 97.33 94.67 91.33 87.67 92.75
T10: PSB+FYM (100%) 92.67 90.00 86.67 80.67 87.50
T11: PSB+FYM (75%) 92.00 88.33 85.00 78.00 85.83
T12: PSB+ Vermicompost (100%) 90.00 85.00 80.33 71.67 81.75
T14: PSB+ Nitrogen (100%) 96.67 94.33 91.00 87.00 92.25
T15: PSB+ Nitrogen (75%) 94.33 92.33 88.33 83.67 89.67
T16: Rhizobium +PSB+100% FYM 95.00 93.33 89.33 85.33 90.75
T18: Rhizobium+PSB+100% Vermicompost 91.67 88.00 84.33 77.00 85.25
T20: Rhizobium+PSB+100% Nitrogen 98.00 96.00 92.00 89.00 93.75
T21: Rhizobium +PSB+75% Nitrogen 97.67 95.33 91.67 88.33 93.25
T22: RDF 93.33 92.00 87.67 82.67 88.92
Mean 92.46 88.87 85.22 78.59
CD SE(d) SE(m)
Treatments 0.536 0.271 0.192
Storage 0.224 0.113 0.080
Treatment X Storage 1.072 0.543 0.384
45
100
95
90
Germination (%)
85
Fresh seeds
80
5 months
75
10 months
70 15 months
65
60
T0
T1
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
T8
T9
T10
T11
T12
T13
T14
T15
T16
T17
T18
T19
T20
T21
T22
Treatments
Fig: 4.3.1.1 Showing the effect of integrated nutrient management on standard

germination (%) of field pea seed stored at ambient condition
38
34
Seedling length (cm)
30
26 Fresh seeds
5 months
22
10 months
18 15 months
14
10
T0
T1
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
T8
T9
T10
T11
T12
T13
T14
T15
T16
T17
T18
T19
T20
T21
T22
Treatments
Fig: 4.3.1.2 Showing the effect of integrated nutrient management on seedling length
(cm) of field pea seed stored at ambient condition
46
The interaction between treatments and storage were also significant indicating the
differential behaviour of treatments tested in different storage period with respect to standard
germination.
The data presented in Table 4.3.1.2 and Fig. 4.3.1.2 showed that various INM
treatment combinations and storage period had significant effect on seedling length. Seedling
length of all treatment combinations declined progressively with the advance in storage
period. The maximum decline was recorded in fifteen months old seeds where the longest
seedling length (26.70) was recorded with the application of Rhizobium + PSB + 100%
nitrogen (T20) which was at par with Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21: 26.60) followed
by Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (T8: 26.50) and PSB + 100% nitrogen (T14: 25.10) while the
shortest seedling length (13.37) was observed in control (T 0). The effect of ageing from fresh
seed to fifteen months old seeds on seedling length was observed maximum (10.13%) in
treatment FYM and minimum (5%) in Rhizobium + 100 % nitrogen (T8).
Among the different storage time mean value for seedling length (26.07) was higher in
five month of storage and lower value (20.04) was recorded at the end of storage period (15
months).
The interaction between treatments and storage showed significant difference with
respect to seedling length.
Seedling dry weight differed significantly in all treatments due to the application of
different nutrient management levels at all months of storage (0 to 15 months). Dry weight
was decline progressively throughout the storage period in all treatment combinations (Table
4.3.1.3 and Fig. 4.3.1.3). The maximum seedling dry weight was observed after fifteen
months in the treatment combination of Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (0.43) followed
by (T21) Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen and (T8) Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (0.41).
Lowest seedling dry weight (0.22) was observed in control (T0) and (T2) FYM.
The results on storage comparison revealed that seedling dry weight was higher with
the mean value 0.37 in five months of storage as compared to ten and fifteen months of
storage with the mean value of 0.34 and 0.31 respectively.
Interaction effect was found to be non significant between treatments and storage
with respect to seedling dry weight.
47
Table 4.3.1.2 Effect of integrated nutrient management on seedling length (cm) of field pea seeds stored at ambient condition
T0: Control 23.37 22.07 17.10 13.37 18.98
T1: Vermicompost 24.50 22.40 17.40 14.60 19.73
T2: FYM 24.03 22.20 17.20 13.90 19.33
T3: Nitrogen 25.10 22.73 17.70 15.47 20.25
T4: Rhizobium+FYM (100%) 28.93 26.90 23.90 21.17 25.23
T5: Rhizobium+FYM (75%) 27.87 25.70 22.20 19.80 23.89
T10: PSB+FYM (100%) 28.40 26.20 22.70 20.30 24.40
T11: PSB+FYM (75%) 27.33 25.50 21.43 18.90 23.29
T14: PSB+ Nitrogen (100%) 31.27 29.83 27.27 25.10 28.37
T15: PSB+ Nitrogen (75%) 29.90 27.70 25.20 22.80 26.40
T22: RDF 29.33 27.07 24.03 21.80 25.56
Mean 28.02 26.07 22.46 20.04
CD SE(d) SE(m)
Treatments 0.148 0.075 0.053
Storage 0.062 0.031 0.022
48
Table 4.3.1.3 Effect of integrated nutrient management on seedling dry weight (g) of field pea seeds stored at ambient condition
T0: Control 0.30 0.28 0.25 0.22 0.26
T1: Vermicompost 0.31 0.29 0.26 0.23 0.27
T2: FYM 0.30 0.28 0.25 0.22 0.26
T3: Nitrogen 0.31 0.29 0.26 0.23 0.27
T4: Rhizobium+FYM (100%) 0.41 0.40 0.37 0.34 0.38
T5: Rhizobium+FYM (75%) 0.38 0.36 0.33 0.30 0.34
T10: PSB+FYM (100%) 0.39 0.37 0.34 0.31 0.35
T11: PSB+FYM (75%) 0.37 0.35 0.32 0.29 0.33
T14: PSB+ Nitrogen (100%) 0.48 0.46 0.43 0.40 0.44
T15: PSB+ Nitrogen (75%) 0.45 0.42 0.39 0.36 0.41
T22: RDF 0.43 0.41 0.38 0.35 0.39
Mean 0.39 0.37 0.34 0.31
C.D. SE(d) SE(m)
Treatments 0.020 0.010 0.007
Storage 0.008 0.004 0.003
Treatment X Storage N/A 0.020 0.014
49
0.55
Seedling dry weight (g) 0.5
0.45
0.4
Fresh seeds
0.35 5 months
10 months
0.3
15 months
0.25
0.2
T0
T1
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
T8
T9
T20
T10
T11
T12
T13
T14
T15
T16
T17
T18
T19
T21
T22
Treatments
Fig: 4.3.1.3 Showing the effect of integrated nutrient management on seedling dry
weight (g) of field pea seed stored at ambient condition
3500
3000
2500
Vigour Index-I
2000
Fresh seeds
1500 5 months
10 months
1000
15 months
500
0
T4
T0
T1
T2
T3
T5
T6
T7
T8
T9
T10
T11
T12
T13
T14
T15
T16
T17
T18
T19
T20
T21
T22
Treatments
Fig: 4.3.1.4.1 Showing the effect of integrated nutrient management on vigour index-I
of field pea seed stored at ambient condition
50
4.3.1.4 Vigour Indices (Abdul-Baki and Anderson, 1973)
(a) Vigour Index-I
An examination of data pertaining to vigour index-I as calculated by the product
function of standard germination (%) and seedling length (cm) are presented in Table
4.3.1.4.1 and Fig. 4.3.1.4.1.
Freshly harvested seeds showed higher seed vigour index-I in all the treatment
combinations and then it gradually decreased as the seed advanced towards ageing. After the
fifteen months of storage, higher vigour index-I was recorded in seeds obtained from the
treatment Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20) with the value of 2376 which was at par
with Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21: 2350) followed by Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen
(T8: 2323) and PSB + 100% nitrogen (T14: 2184) and minimum (909) was observed in
control (T0).
The data on storage comparison showed that in all treatment combinations, vigour
index-I was obtain higher in five months of storage with mean value (2330) as compared to
ten (1932) and fifteen months (1604) of storage period.
The interaction data showed that the combined effect of treatments with storage
significantly influence the vigour index-I in field pea seeds stored at ambient condition.
(b) Vigour Index-II
The numerical data on vigour index-II as influenced by different INM treatment
combinations and their interaction effects during fifteen months of storage period are
presented in Table 4.3.1.4.2 and Fig. 4.3.1.4.2. A significant trend of decreasing vigour index-
II with the increase in period of ageing was recorded in all different treatment combinations.
At the end of storage period (15 months) maximum vigour index-II (38) was noticed in the
treatment Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20) followed by Rhizobium + PSB + 75%
nitrogen (T21) and Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (T8) (36) and PSB + 100% nitrogen (T14: 35)
whereas minimum value (15) was reported in control and FYM (T 2) where no fertilizers
were applied.
Comparing the storage time, vigour index-II was significantly higher in five months
of storage with mean value (33) as compared to fifteen months (25) of natural ageing.
The interaction effect between treatments and storage period was non-significant with
respect to seedling vigour index-II.
4.3.1.5 Electrical conductivity test (μS cm -1g-1)
The results of electrical conductivity indicated significant differences due to storage,
treatment combination as well as their interaction are presented in Table 4.3.1.5 and Fig.
4.3.1.5. The freshly harvested seeds showed minimum electrical conductivity of seed
leachates, however increased significantly in all the treatments as the storage period
progressed.
51
Table: 4.3.1.4.1 Effect of integrated nutrient management on vigour index-I of field pea seeds stored at ambient condition
T0: Control 2041 1795 1340 909 1521
T1: Vermicompost 2164 1844 1375 1007 1598
T2: FYM 2107 1813 1353 950 1556
T3: Nitrogen 2226 1879 1404 1078 1647
T4: Rhizobium+FYM (100%) 2691 2457 2079 1722 2237
T5: Rhizobium+FYM (75%) 2573 2279 1909 1571 2083
T6: Rhizobium+Vermicompost (100%) 2364 2070 1563 1250 1812
T7: Rhizobium + Vermicompost (75%) 2313 1992 1512 1150 1742
T8: Rhizobium + Nitrogen (100%) 3066 2859 2594 2323 2710
T10: PSB+FYM (100%) 2632 2358 1967 1638 2149
T11: PSB+FYM (75%) 2515 2253 1822 1474 2016
T12: PSB+ Vermicompost (100%) 2343 2043 1529 1192 1777
T14: PSB+ Nitrogen (100%) 3022 2814 2481 2184 2625
T15: PSB+ Nitrogen (75%) 2821 2558 2226 1908 2378
T16: Rhizobium +PSB+100% FYM 2891 2635 2332 2040 2474
T18: Rhizobium+PSB+100% Vermicompost 2475 2218 1805 1437 1984
T20: Rhizobium+PSB+100% Nitrogen 3185 2986 2677 2376 2806
T21: Rhizobium +PSB+75% Nitrogen 3142 2939 2628 2350 2765
T22: RDF 2738 2490 2107 1802 2284
Mean 2599 2330 1932 1604
C.D SE(d) SE(m)
Treatments 18.678 9.457 6.687
Storage 7.787 3.944 2.789
52
Table: 4.3.1.4.2 Effect of integrated nutrient management on vigour index-II of field pea seeds stored at ambient condition
T0: Control 26 23 19 15 21
T1: Vermicompost 27 24 20 16 22
T2: FYM 27 23 20 15 21
T3: Nitrogen 28 24 20 16 22
T4: Rhizobium+FYM (100%) 38 37 32 28 34
T5: Rhizobium+FYM (75%) 35 32 29 24 30
T10: PSB+FYM (100%) 36 33 29 25 31
T11: PSB+FYM (75%) 34 31 27 23 29
T14: PSB+ Nitrogen (100%) 47 43 39 35 41
T15: PSB+ Nitrogen (75%) 42 39 34 30 36
T22: RDF 40 38 34 29 35
Mean 36 33 29 25
CD SE(d) SE(m)
Treatments 1.576 0.798 0.564
Storage 0.657 0.333 0.235
53
Table: 4.3.1.5 Effect of integrated nutrient management on electrical conductivity (μS cm-1g-1) of field pea seeds stored at ambient condition
T0: Control 511 793 914 996 804
T1: Vermicompost 477 779 899 972 782
T2: FYM 488 786 912 980 792
T3: Nitrogen 465 776 895 966 776
T4: Rhizobium+FYM (100%) 327 555 710 834 607
T5: Rhizobium+FYM (75%) 346 602 723 859 633
T10: PSB+FYM (100%) 334 589 718 846 622
T11: PSB+FYM (75%) 373 656 770 886 671
T14: PSB+ Nitrogen (100%) 257 391 465 571 421
T15: PSB+ Nitrogen (75%) 312 538 688 798 584
T22: RDF 326 552 700 813 598
Mean 362 602 720 812
CD SE(d) SE(m)
Treatments 1.781 0.902 0.638
Storage 0.743 0.376 0.266
54
55
50
45
40
Vigour Index-II
35
Fresh seeds
30 5 months
25 10 months
15 months
20
15
10
T0
T1
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
T8
T9
T20
T10
T11
T12
T13
T14
T15
T16
T17
T18
T19
T21
T22
Treatments
Fig: 4.3.1.4.2 Showing the effect of integrated nutrient management on seedling vigour
index-II of field pea seed stored at ambient condition
1100
1000
Electrical conductivity (µS cm-1g-1)
900
800
700
600 Fresh seeds
500 5 months
400 10 months
300 15 months
200
100
0
T4
T0
T1
T2
T3
T5
T6
T7
T8
T9
T10
T11
T12
T13
T14
T15
T16
T17
T18
T19
T20
T21
T22
Treatments
Fig: 4.3.1.5 Showing the effect of integrated nutrient management on electrical

conductivity (µS cm-1g-1) of field pea seed stored at ambient condition
55
It was increased at slower rate up to 10 months of storage but after that it increased at faster
rate. Higher electrical conductivity (996) was observed in control (T 0) while lower (529) was
recorded in Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20) which was at par with Rhizobium + PSB
+ 75% nitrogen (T21: 531) followed by Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (T8: 558) and PSB +
100% nitrogen (T14: 571) at 15 months of storage. Among different storage time, lower
electrical conductivity with mean value (602) was recorded in five months of storage and
higher value (812) was noticed in fifteen months of storage.
The interaction effect between different treatments and storage period was significant
with respect to electrical conductivity.
The activity of catalase enzyme after natural ageing of field pea seeds produced in
different combinations of organic, inorganic and biofertilizers were depicted in Table 4.3.1.6
and Fig. 4.3.1.6. The result showed a significant difference in response to treatment
combination and storage period. Catalase activity was recorded higher in fresh seeds as
compared to fifteen months of storage. Maximum (0.252) activity of catalase after fifteen
months of storage period was recorded in Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20) followed
by Rhizobium + PSB + 75% (T21: 0.244) and Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (T8: 0.236) while
the lowest was recorded in control (0.160) and FYM (0.163).
The results on storage comparison showed that catalase enzyme activity of all
treatment combinations was higher with the mean value 0.257 in five months of storage as
compared to ten and fifteen months of storage with the mean value of 0.232 and 0.200
respectively.
The interactive effect of different treatments and storage period was non-significant
with respect to catalase enzyme activity.
Significant increase of peroxidase activity from fresh to final fifteen months storage
period as influenced by different nutrient management levels was evident as per the results
presented in Table 4.3.1.7 and Fig. 4.3.1.7. Peroxidise activity was recorded significantly
lowest in the fifteen months of storage in all treatment combinations. Among different
treatments, maximum activity of peroxidase (10.38) after natural ageing was recorded in
Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20) which was at par with Rhizobium + PSB + 75%
nitrogen (T21: 10.22) and followed by Rhizobium + 100 % nitrogen (T8: 9.99). The minimum
activity was noticed in control (3.31) where no nutrients were applied.
Comparing the storage time, five months of storage period with a mean value (11.29)
of peroxidise activity was significantly superior to fifteen months of storage period (7.18).
56
Table: 4.3.1.6 Effect of integrated nutrient management on catalase (mg protein-1min-1) activity of field pea seeds stored at ambient condition
T0: Control 0.241 0.218 0.192 0.160 0.203
T1: Vermicompost 0.247 0.224 0.200 0.168 0.210
T2: FYM 0.243 0.221 0.196 0.163 0.206
T3: Nitrogen 0.251 0.228 0.203 0.171 0.213
T4: Rhizobium+FYM (100%) 0.284 0.260 0.235 0.204 0.246
T5: Rhizobium+FYM (75%) 0.275 0.252 0.227 0.195 0.237
T10: PSB+FYM (100%) 0.280 0.257 0.233 0.201 0.243
T11: PSB+FYM (75%) 0.273 0.250 0.225 0.193 0.235
T14: PSB+ Nitrogen (100%) 0.313 0.290 0.266 0.234 0.276
T15: PSB+ Nitrogen (75%) 0.294 0.270 0.244 0.213 0.255
T22: RDF 0.288 0.264 0.239 0.208 0.250
Mean 0.280 0.257 0.232 0.200
CD SE(d) SE(m)
Treatments 0.008 0.004 0.003
Storage 0.003 0.002 0.001
57
Table: 4.3.1.7 Effect of integrated nutrient management on peroxidase (mg protein-1min-1) activity of field pea seeds stored at ambient condition
T0: Control 9.20 8.04 5.66 3.31 6.55
T1: Vermicompost 9.61 8.49 6.15 3.89 7.04
T2: FYM 9.46 8.32 5.96 3.68 6.86
T3: Nitrogen 9.78 8.70 6.39 4.20 7.27
T4: Rhizobium+FYM (100%) 12.64 12.02 9.81 8.08 10.64
T5: Rhizobium+FYM (75%) 12.32 11.54 9.38 7.52 10.19
T10: PSB+FYM (100%) 12.48 11.76 9.59 7.86 10.42
T11: PSB+FYM (75%) 11.94 11.10 8.95 7.02 9.75
T14: PSB+ Nitrogen (100%) 13.96 13.51 11.46 9.72 12.16
T15: PSB+ Nitrogen (75%) 13.52 12.98 10.86 9.15 11.63
T22: RDF 12.92 12.36 10.20 8.48 10.99
Mean 12.05 11.29 9.13 7.18
CD SE(d) SE(m)
Treatments 0.034 0.017 0.012
Storage 0.014 0.007 0.005
58
0.35
Catalase activity (mg protien-1min-1)

0.3
0.25
Fresh seeds
5 months
0.2
10 months
15 months
0.15
0.1
T6
T0
T1
T2
T3
T4
T5
T7
T8
T9
T10
T11
T12
T13
T14
T15
T16
T17
T18
T19
T20
T21
T22
Treatments
Fig: 4.3.1.6 Showing the effect of integrated nutrient management on catalase (mg
protien-1min-1) activity of field pea seed stored at ambient condition
16
Peroxidase activity (mg protien-1min-1)
14
12
10
Fresh seeds
8
5 months
6
10 months
4 15 months
0
T0
T1
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
T8
T9
T10
T11
T12
T13
T14
T15
T16
T17
T18
T19
T20
T21
T22
Treatments
Fig: 4.3.1.7 Showing the effect of integrated nutrient management on peroxidase (mg
protien-1min-1) activity of field pea seed stored at ambient condition
59
The interactive effect of different treatments and storage period had exerted
significant influence on peroxidise enzyme activity.
(c) Dehydrogenase (OD g-1 ml-1)
Significance of nutrient management during storage influencing the dehydrogenase
activity was evident from the results presented in the Table 4.3.1.8 and Fig. 4.3.1.8. Results
showed that dehydrogenase activity in all treatments decreased with the advancement of
storage period. After the end of storage period maximum (15 months) activity of
dehydrogenase (0.517) was observed in the nutrient combination of Rhizobium + PSB + 75%
nitrogen (T20) followed by Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T 21: 0.507) and Rhizobium
+100% nitrogen (T8: 0.479) while the minimum activity (0.302) was observed in control (T0).
The results on storage comparison showed that dehydrogenase activity was higher
with the mean value 0.531 in five months of storage as compared to ten and fifteen months of
storage with the mean value of 0.428 and 0.384 respectively.
The interaction between treatments and storage were also significant indicating the
differential behaviour of treatments tested in different storage period with respect to
dehydrogenase enzyme activity.
Data furnished in Table 4.3.1.9 and Fig. 4.3.1.9 clearly indicated that all the INM
treatments differed significantly in superoxide dismutase activity with the increase of storage
period. The SOD activity decreased significantly in all the treatment combinations as the
ageing period progressed. The maximum activity of enzyme was recorded with the
application of Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (1.099) which was at par with Rhizobium +
PSB + 75% nitrogen (1.078) followed by Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (1.072) and PSB +
100% nitrogen (1.063) whereas the minimum value (0.602) was recorded in control after the
fifteen months of natural ageing.
Among the storage, mean value (1.065) for SOD enzyme activity was higher in five
months and minimum value (0.875) was recorded in fifteen months of seed storage.
The interaction between treatments and storage was clearly indicating significant
difference in the behaviour of all treatments tested in different storage period with respect to
superoxide dismutase activity.
4.3.2 Accelerated ageing studies
Freshly harvested seeds from all INM treatment combinations were subjected to
artificial ageing at 40±1 °C for 72 h and the observations recorded are presented below:
The data pertaining to standard germination after accelerated ageing are presented in
Table 4.3.2.1.
60
Table: 4.3.1.8 Effect of integrated nutrient management on dehydrogenase (OD g-1ml-1) activity of field pea seed stored at ambient condition
T0: Control 0.520 0.472 0.353 0.302 0.412
T1: Vermicompost 0.523 0.476 0.359 0.312 0.418
T2: FYM 0.521 0.473 0.355 0.306 0.414
T3: Nitrogen 0.527 0.480 0.364 0.318 0.422
T4: Rhizobium+FYM (100%) 0.575 0.542 0.440 0.396 0.488
T5: Rhizobium+FYM (75%) 0.563 0.527 0.419 0.374 0.471
T10: PSB+FYM (100%) 0.567 0.532 0.428 0.384 0.478
T11: PSB+FYM (75%) 0.550 0.513 0.403 0.358 0.456
T14: PSB+ Nitrogen (100%) 0.614 0.588 0.501 0.461 0.541
T15: PSB+ Nitrogen (75%) 0.584 0.553 0.455 0.412 0.501
T22: RDF 0.580 0.548 0.447 0.404 0.495
Mean 0.567 0.531 0.428 0.384
CD SE(d) SE(m)
Treatments 0.006 0.003 0.002
Storage 0.002 0.001 0.001
61
Table: 4.3.1.9 Effect of integrated nutrient management on SOD (mg protein-1min-1) activity of field pea seeds stored at ambient condition
T0: Control 0.867 0.823 0.724 0.602 0.754
T1: Vermicompost 0.909 0.867 0.769 0.654 0.800
T2: FYM 0.898 0.855 0.757 0.639 0.787
T3: Nitrogen 0.918 0.878 0.783 0.674 0.813
T4: Rhizobium+FYM (100%) 1.184 1.149 1.058 0.963 1.089
T5: Rhizobium+FYM (75%) 1.145 1.109 1.017 0.917 1.047
T10: PSB+FYM (100%) 1.162 1.126 1.034 0.935 1.064
T11: PSB+FYM (75%) 1.130 1.093 0.985 0.884 1.023
T14: PSB+ Nitrogen (100%) 1.260 1.227 1.137 1.063 1.172
T15: PSB+ Nitrogen (75%) 1.210 1.175 1.084 0.994 1.116
T22: RDF 1.196 1.161 1.070 0.977 1.101
Mean 1.102 1.065 0.972 0.875
CD SE(d) SE(m)
Treatments 0.007 0.003 0.002
Storage 0.003 0.001 0.001
62
0.655
Dehydrogenase activity (OD g-1ml-1)
0.555
Fresh seeds
0.455 5 months
10 months
15 months
0.355
0.255
T9
T0
T1
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
T8
T15
T10
T11
T12
T13
T14
T16
T17
T18
T19
T20
T21
T22
Treatments
Fig: 4.3.1.8 Showing the effect of integrated nutrient management on dehydrogenase

(OD g-1 ml-1) activity of field pea seed stored at ambient condition
1.355
1.255
SOD (mg protein-1min-1)
1.155
1.055
Fresh seeds
0.955
5 months
0.855
10 months
0.755 15 months
0.655
0.555
T4
T0
T1
T2
T3
T5
T6
T7
T8
T9
T13
T22
T10
T11
T12
T14
T15
T16
T17
T18
T19
T20
T21
Treatments
Fig: 4.3.1.9 Showing the effect of integrated nutrient management on SOD (mg
protein-1min-1) activity of field pea seed stored at ambient condition
63
After artificial ageing, most of the organic, inorganic and biofertilizers combinations
maintained their germination percentage above the Indian Minimum Seed Certification
Standard (IMSCS) limit of 75%, whereas some treatments showed a decline in their
germination below the IMSCS.
The results showed significant differences after accelerated ageing among all the
treatment combinations for standard germination percentage. The maximum germination
(90.67) was observed in the treatment Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20) which was at
par (90.00) with treatment Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21) followed by Rhizobium
+100% nitrogen (T8: 89.67) and PSB + 100% nitrogen (T14: 89.00). The lowest germination
percentage (73.00) was recorded in control (T0), FYM (T2: 73.33) and Vermicompost (T1:
74.00).
Perusal of data given in Table 4.3.2.1 revealed that all the treatment combinations
differed significantly for the seedling length after artificial ageing. Maximum seedling length
(30.10) was observed with the application of Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20)
followed by application of Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T21: 29.80), Rhizobium +
100% nitrogen (T8: 29.30) and PSB + 100% nitrogen (T14: 28.60) while minimum seedling
length was noticed in control (T0: 19.60) and FYM (T2: 19.80).
Results clearly indicated that all the nutrient combinations differed significantly for dry
weight after artificial ageing are presented in Table 4.3.2.1. Among different treatments,
application of Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20) recorded maximum seedling dry weight
(0.45) which was at par with Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (T8: 0.43) followed by Rhizobium +
PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21: 0.42) and PSB + 100% nitrogen (T14: 0.41). The lowest seedling dry
weight (0.23) was observed in control (T0) where no nutrients were applied.
4.3.2.4 Vigour Indices (Abdul-Baki and Anderson, 1973)
(a) Vigour Index-I
The results on vigour index-I significantly influence with integrated nutrient levels
after artificial ageing are presented in Table 4.3.2.1 Maximum vigour index-I (2729) was
observed in the treatment Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20) followed by Rhizobium +
PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21: 2682) and Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (T8: 2627) whereas the
minimum (1431) was observed in control.
(b) Vigour Index-II
The data revealed that different combinations of organic manures, inorganic
fertilizers and biofertilizers were significantly influenced the vigour index-II after artificial
ageing in field pea are presented in Table 4.3.2.1.
64
Table: 4.3.2.1 Effect of integrated nutrient management and artificial ageing of field pea seed on physiological parameters
Treatments Germination (%) Seedling length (cm) Dry weight (g) Vigour index-I Vigour index-II
Fresh AA Fresh AA Fresh AA Fresh AA Fresh AA
T0: Control 87.33 73.00 23.37 19.60 0.30 0.23 2041 1431 26 17
T1: Vermicompost 88.33 74.00 24.50 19.90 0.31 0.24 2164 1473 27 18
T2: FYM 87.67 73.33 24.03 19.80 0.30 0.24 2107 1452 27 18
T3: Nitrogen 88.67 74.33 25.10 20.33 0.31 0.24 2226 1511 28 18
T4: Rhizobium+FYM (100%) 93.00 84.33 28.93 25.40 0.41 0.36 2691 2142 38 31
T5: Rhizobium+FYM (75%) 92.33 82.67 27.87 23.90 0.38 0.32 2573 1976 35 26
T6: Rhizobium+Vermicompost (100%) 90.33 77.67 26.17 21.57 0.34 0.28 2364 1675 30 22
T7: Rhizobium + Vermicompost (75%) 89.67 75.67 25.80 21.40 0.32 0.26 2313 1619 29 20
T8: Rhizobium + Nitrogen (100%) 97.33 89.67 31.50 29.30 0.49 0.43 3066 2627 47 39
T9: Rhizobium + Nitrogen (75%) 95.67 88.33 30.70 27.80 0.47 0.40 2937 2456 45 35
T10: PSB+FYM (100%) 92.67 83.00 28.40 24.47 0.39 0.33 2632 2031 36 27
T11: PSB+FYM (75%) 92.00 81.67 27.33 23.47 0.37 0.31 2515 1917 34 26
T12: PSB+ Vermicompost (100%) 90.00 76.33 26.03 21.47 0.33 0.27 2343 1639 30 21
T13: PSB+ Vermicompost (75%) 89.00 75.33 25.43 20.40 0.32 0.25 2264 1537 28 19
T14: PSB+ Nitrogen (100%) 96.67 89.00 31.27 28.60 0.48 0.41 3022 2545 47 36
T15: PSB+ Nitrogen (75%) 94.33 86.00 29.90 26.50 0.45 0.38 2821 2279 42 33
T16: Rhizobium +PSB+100% FYM 95.00 87.67 30.43 27.23 0.46 0.40 2891 2388 44 35
T17: Rhizobium +PSB+75% FYM 94.67 86.33 30.03 26.70 0.46 0.40 2843 2305 43 35
T18: Rhizobium+PSB+100% Vermicompost 91.67 80.33 27.00 23.37 0.36 0.29 2475 1877 33 23
T19: Rhizobium+PSB+75% Vermicompost 91.33 79.00 26.60 22.13 0.34 0.29 2430 1748 31 23
T20: Rhizobium+PSB+100% Nitrogen 98.00 90.67 32.50 30.10 0.50 0.45 3185 2729 49 41
T21: Rhizobium +PSB+75% Nitrogen 97.67 90.00 32.17 29.80 0.49 0.42 3142 2682 48 38
T22: RDF 93.33 85.00 29.33 25.63 0.43 0.37 2738 2179 40 31
C.D 1.069 2.357 0.514 0.302 0.005 0.030 54.001 62.540 0.685 2.709
SE(m) 0.374 0.825 0.180 0.106 0.002 0.010 18.909 21.899 0.240 0.949
SE(d) 0.529 1.167 0.254 0.149 0.002 0.015 26.741 30.970 0.339 1.341
C.V. 0.701 1.746 1.112 0.753 0.728 5.479 1.260 1.888 1.140 5.996
65
Among different nutrient combinations, application of Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen
recorded maximum vigour index-II (41) which was at par with Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen
(T8: 39) followed by Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21: 38) and PSB+ 100% nitrogen
(T14: 36). The minimum value (17) for vigour index was noticed in control T0.
4.3.2.5 Electrical conductivity test (μS cm-1g-1)
A critical examination of data (Table 4.3.2.2) indicated that different INM treatments
exerted significant effect on electrical conductivity of seed leachates after accelerated ageing.
Lowest electrical conductivity (373) was recorded in Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20)
followed by Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21: 390), Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (T8:
416) and PSB + 100 % nitrogen (T14: 428) whereas the highest (855) electrical conductivity
was noticed in control (T0) and treatments where only organic fertilizers were applied FYM
(T2: 848) and Vermicompost (T1: 839).
Data presented in table 4.3.2.2 in respect of catalase enzyme activity showed significant
differences among the treatments of integrated nutrient management after artificial ageing.
Results showed that catalase activity was significantly higher (0.267) in treatment Rhizobium +
PSB + 100% nitrogen which was at par with treatment combination of Rhizobium + PSB + 75%
nitrogen (0.259) and Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (0.252) while the lowest activity was observed
in control (0.176) where no nutrients were applied and treatments with solo application of
organic manures viz., FYM (0.179), Vermicompost (0.184).
The data on peroxidase activity after artificial ageing of field pea as influenced by
different combinations of organic inorganic and biofertilizers are presented in Table 4.3.2.2.
Peroxidase activity of seeds differed significantly after accelerated ageing due to different
treatment combinations. However, its higher activity was observed with the treatment of
Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (11.29) followed by Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen
(11.10), Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (10.86) and PSB + 100% nitrogen (10.59) whereas
lower activity was recorded in control (4.48).
A cursory glance over the data presented in Table 4.3.2.2 exhibited influence of INM
combinations after artificial ageing on dehydrogenase activity of seeds. The difference in
dehydrogenase activity due to different treatments found to be significant after artificial
ageing. However, higher (0.543) dehydrogenase activity was recorded in Rhizobium + PSB +
100% nitrogen (T20) which was at par with Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21: 0.533)
followed by Rhizobium+ 100% nitrogen (T8:0.507) and PSB + 100% nitrogen (T14: 0.488).
Significantly lower activity (0.335) was recorded in the treatments control (T 0) and treatments
of organic manures like FYM (T2: 0.338) and Vermicompost (T1: 0.343).
66
Table 4.3.2.2 Effect of integrated nutrient management and artificial ageing of field pea seeds on biochemical parameters
Treatments Electrical Catalase activity Peroxidase activity Dehydrogenase SOD activity
conductivity (mg protein-1 min-1) (mg protein-1 min-1 ) Activity (OD g-1 ml-1) (mg protein-1 min-1)
(μS cm-1g -1)
Fresh seed AA Fresh seed AA Fresh seed AA Fresh seed AA Fresh seed AA
T0: Control 511 855 0.241 0.176 9.20 4.48 0.520 0.335 0.867 0.702
T1: Vermicompost 477 839 0.247 0.184 9.61 5.02 0.523 0.343 0.909 0.746
T2: FYM 488 848 0.243 0.179 9.46 4.82 0.521 0.338 0.898 0.733
T3: Nitrogen 465 835 0.251 0.187 9.78 5.29 0.527 0.348 0.918 0.759
T4: Rhizobium+FYM (100%) 327 632 0.284 0.219 12.64 8.94 0.575 0.425 1.184 1.039
T5: Rhizobium+FYM (75%) 346 662 0.275 0.211 12.32 8.45 0.563 0.404 1.145 0.997
T6: Rhizobium+Vermicompost (100%) 414 804 0.264 0.201 10.83 6.62 0.540 0.369 0.982 0.827
T7: Rhizobium + Vermicompost (75%) 448 819 0.261 0.194 10.36 6.14 0.534 0.359 0.943 0.788
T8: Rhizobium + Nitrogen (100%) 233 416 0.315 0.252 14.16 10.86 0.624 0.507 1.268 1.137
T9: Rhizobium + Nitrogen (75%) 289 467 0.311 0.246 13.94 10.51 0.592 0.460 1.254 1.121
T10: PSB+FYM (100%) 334 653 0.280 0.217 12.48 8.72 0.567 0.413 1.162 1.030
T11: PSB+FYM (75%) 373 713 0.273 0.209 11.94 7.98 0.550 0.388 1.130 0.981
T12: PSB+ Vermicompost (100%) 433 810 0.263 0.198 10.64 6.37 0.536 0.363 0.968 0.812
T13: PSB+ Vermicompost (75%) 458 824 0.257 0.191 10.12 5.65 0.530 0.354 0.936 0.777
T14: PSB+ Nitrogen (100%) 257 428 0.313 0.249 13.96 10.59 0.614 0.488 1.260 1.129
T15: PSB+ Nitrogen (75%) 312 613 0.294 0.228 13.52 10.02 0.584 0.441 1.210 1.069
T16: Rhizobium +PSB+100% FYM 304 482 0.302 0.237 13.78 10.33 0.588 0.451 1.236 1.098
T17: Rhizobium +PSB+75% FYM 311 527 0.297 0.233 13.70 10.22 0.586 0.448 1.228 1.089
T18: Rhizobium+PSB+100% Vermicompost 401 785 0.270 0.206 11.86 7.77 0.547 0.381 1.108 0.956
T19: Rhizobium+PSB+75% Vermicompost 412 796 0.267 0.204 11.13 6.98 0.544 0.375 0.990 0.837
T20: Rhizobium+PSB+100% Nitrogen 197 373 0.324 0.267 14.42 11.29 0.650 0.543 1.280 1.158
T21: Rhizobium +PSB+75% Nitrogen 206 390 0.320 0.259 14.30 11.10 0.646 0.533 1.272 1.143
T22: RDF 326 626 0.288 0.223 12.92 9.34 0.580 0.433 1.196 1.052
C.D 3.369 4.496 0.002 0.004 0.038 0.056 0.002 0.004 0.005 0.011
SE(m) 1.180 1.574 0.001 0.001 0.013 0.019 0.001 0.001 0.002 0.004
SE(d) 1.668 2.226 0.001 0.002 0.019 0.028 0.001 0.002 0.003 0.005
C.V. 0.565 0.413 0.401 1.129 0.191 0.413 0.177 0.562 0.281 0.670
67
An examination of data with respect to superoxide dismutase enzyme activity was
affected by various nutrient management levels after accelerated ageing are presented in
Table 4.3.2.2. The results showed significant difference for superoxide dismutase activity
among the treatment combinations. Its higher activity (1.158) was found with the seeds
treated with Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T21) followed by treatment of Rhizobium +
PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21: 1.143), Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (T8: 1.137) and PSB + 100%
nitrogen (T14: 1.129). However, its lower activity was observed in control (0.702) which was
at par with organic treatments viz., FYM (0.733) and Vermicompost (0.746).
68
CHAPTER-5
DISCUSSION
Field pea is among the most highly efficient nitrogen fixing crop and may obtain as
much as 80 per cent of their total nitrogen requirement under good growing conditions, thus
plays a vital role in encouraging sustainable agriculture.
With increasing population, demand for the crop has increased significantly, leading
to the ample use of chemical fertilizers without any consideration for soil health and quality
which is a critical factor for obtaining sustainable yield. High use of the chemical fertilizers
not only puts a heavy financial burden to the growers but gradually decreases the partial
productivity and thereby, jeopardizes the sustenance of the basic agriculture system.
Continual use of chemical fertilizers depletes necessary soil nutrients and minerals that are
naturally found in fertile soil. Both the over and under application of fertilizer and the poor
management of resources have adverse effect on environment. Optimal and balanced use of
nutrient inputs from mineral fertilizers will be of fundamental significance to meet growing
global demand for food (International Food Policy Research Institute 1995). Systematic use
of all nutrient sources including organic sources, mineral fertilizers and biofertilizers should
therefore be promoted through integrated nutrient management (Roy et al. 2006).
Keeping this in view, the present investigation was planned to study the effect of
integrated nutrient management on seed yield, quality and its storability in field pea. The
results obtained from this study have been discussed in this chapter are justified with possible
scientific causes and support of available literature.
5.1 Experiment-1 To study the effect of integrated nutrient management on seed yield
and its attributes
In the present investigation, days to 50% flowering were recorded earliest (71.00) in
(T20) Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen of recommended dose (Table 4.1) which was
statistically at par with (T21) Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen (71.33) followed by (T8)
Rhizobium+100% nitrogen (72.33). The late (87.67) flowering was noticed in (T0) control
where no nutrients were applied. The earliness of flowering may be ascribed to the presence
of biofertilizers which consequently lead to flower initiation. This may be attributed to easy
uptake of nutrients and simultaneous transport of growth promoting substances like
cytokinins to the axillary buds resulting in loss of apical dominance. Finally, they resulted in
better sink for faster mobilization of photosynthates and early conversion of plant parts from
vegetative to reproductive phase (Kabariel et al. 2016). Similar finding was also supported by
Fathollahi et al. (2014) in navy beans.
69
Studying days of maturity in different treatments showed that the least days were
recorded in T20 (108 days) followed by T21 (108.33 days) and T8 (109.33 days). The
justification for earliness in maturity might be due to the fact that the plant treated with
biofertilizers become physiologically more active and empower to synthesize desired amount
of hormones or to build up adequate food reserves (Hnamte et al. 2013). Earliness in maturity
also might be due to the enhanced production of growth substances like gibberellic acid,
indole acetic acid and dihydrozeatin from biofertilizers which had positive impact on the
physiological activities of plants which could help the plants to persuade early maturity
(Mulani et al. 2007).
In relation to plant height, combined application of Rhizobium + PSB + nitrogen showed
a significant variation in comparison to treatments where only pure inorganic and organic
nutrients were applied. In the present study, highest plant height (70.33 cm) was recorded in T20
(Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen) which was statistically at par (69.67) with Rhizobium + PSB
+ 75% nitrogen (T21) followed by the (T8) Rhizobium +100% nitrogen (68.63 cm) and (T14) PSB
+ 100% nitrogen (68.03) whereas, lowest plant height (56.00cm) was recorded in control (T0).
This might be attributed to the fact that N-fixer and P-solubilizing bacteria secrete certain organic
acids and some biochemical compounds which are growth stimulating in nature (Mishra et al.
2014) all together nitrogen promote plant height by increasing the number and length of the
internodes which consequence in gradual increase in plant height (Gasim 2001). Similar findings
were obtained by Mukherjee 2016 who reported significant increase in plant height with full dose
of RDF along with rhizobium and PSB in field pea.
Experimental findings revealed that integrated nutrient management had significant
effect on number of branches per plant. The treatment Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen (T20)
recorded higher number of branches (11.10) which was statistically at par with the treatments
Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen (T21: 10.40) followed by treatment Rhizobium+100% nitrogen
(T8: 9.80) and PSB+100% nitrogen (T14: 9.60) while lower number of branches (5.05) were
observed in (T0) control. The integration of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers assured
sufficient availability of nutrients while the biofertilizers improved root nodulation and
supplied the better soil environment which increased nitrogen fixation and phosphorous
solubilization and eventually may have led to increased growth of the plant and thereby
ameliorate the plant architecture by an increase in the number of branches per plant. The
results are in accordance with the findings of Singh et al. (2009) in soybean.
In the present study, maximum number of pods per plant were recorded in treatment
(T20) Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen (33.31) followed by (T21) Rhizobium+PSB+75%
nitrogen (32.35), T8 Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (28.87) and T14 PSB + 100% nitrogen
(27.37) while lowest (9.02) was recorded in control. The synergistic impact of combined use
of inorganic fertilizers along with biofertilizers increased the availability of nutrients which in
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turn played a vital role in energy transfer and conservation and may have led to an increase in
number of pods per plant. Present investigations also get support from the findings of Tagore
et al. (2013) in chickpea.
In the present findings, significant variation in seeds per pod was observed due to the
application of different INM modules. The treatment with the application of
Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen recorded maximum number of seeds per pod (7.23) which
was at par with the treatments Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen (6.92) followed by
Rhizobium+100% nitrogen (6.46) and PSB+100% nitrogen (6.22) while lowest number of
seeds per pod (3.06) was noticed in control (T0). The availability of essential nutrients in
appropriate amount increased the concentration of carbohydrates in seed which perform as a
reservoir of carbohydrates. This might have resulted in increased number of seeds per pod.
The results are supported with the findings of Ahamed (1999) in black gram.
The results related to seed yield quintal per hectare showed significant variation
among the different INM treatment combinations. The treatment Rhizobium+PSB+100%
nitrogen of recommended dose (T20) recorded maximum seed yield (29.94q/ha) and was at
par with the treatments (T21) Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen (29.61q/ha) followed by (T8)
Rhizobium+100% nitrogen (29.42q/ha) and (T14) PSB+100% nitrogen (29.20q/ha) and the
lowest was observed in (T0) control (23.93q/ha). A synergistic interaction among the inputs in
the promising treatments might contribute to the better results of yield attributes as described
from the findings of Mishra et al. (2010) who found maximum grain yield of dwarf pea when
seeds treated with Rhizobium+PSB+PGPR along with 100% RDF. The quick and continuous
availability of considerable amount of essential plant nutrients from inorganic source, fixation
of nitrogen by Rhizobium, balanced C/N ratio, synthesis of auxin, growth substances and
transformation of insoluble phosphate to soluble form by Phosphorous Solubilizing Bacteria
(PSB) possibly helped to increase the seed yield of field pea. In addition to these factors, yield
attributing characters may be reasoned to such results. Minimum seed yield was recorded in
control which may be because of unavailability of required amount of nutrients for plants to
complete their reproductive phase. The results are in accordance with the earlier findings of
Ahamed (1999) in black gram, Erman et al. (2009) and Sharma and Chauhan (2011) in pea.
The increase in seed yield might be due to the effect of biofertilizer inoculations. It is
well known that PSB produce vitamins and IAA, GA like growth substances (Ponmurugan
and Gop 2006). Since the available phosphorus was low in research field, PSB might have
assist in reducing P fixation by its chelating effect and also solubilized the unavailable form
of P leading to more uptakes of nutrients and reflected in better growth attributes. Phosphate
solubilizing bacteria led to increased absorption of other elements by increasing the ability to
access phosphorus and thereby increasing crop yield (Mahfouz and Sharaf-Eldin 2007).
Generally, Rhizobium inoculation increased the root nodulation through better root
71
development and more nutrient availability which caused healthy plant growth and dry matter
production that resulted in better flowering and pod formation. Eventually there was positive
effect on seed yield. Combination of organic and inorganic nutrients may be synergistic as
organic source upgrade soil physical and biological environment which in turn increase the
availability of nutrients from inorganic source.
The increase in yield might be due to beneficial effect of organics with balanced
inorganic fertilizers in improving the soil environment resulting in better absorption of
moisture and nutrient and thus resulting in higher yields. Under favourable environment
integrated nutrient management might helped in the development of new tissue and expansion
of new shoot and finally increased the growth and yield attributes of the crops.
From the above findings, we can say that seed yield and its attributes (days to 50 %
flowering, days of maturity, plant height, number of branches/plant, number of pods/plant,
seeds per pod and seed yield q/ha) showed positive response to integrated nutrient
management.
Experiment- 2 To study the effect of integrated nutrient management on seed quality
In the present investigation, test weight varied significantly in all the INM treatments.
Maximum test weight was recorded in (T20) with the application of Rhizobium+PSB+100%
nitrogen (19.00g) which was at par with (T21) Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen (18.87g)
followed by (T8) Rhizobium+100% nitrogen (18.77 g) and (T14) PSB + 100% nitrogen (18.57
g) while minimum test weight was observed in (T0) control. Test weight is an indicator which
reflects the boldness of seed as well as number of seeds. Obviously more the test weight,
bolder will be the seed and more will be the corresponding seed vigour which is the very
important character in seed research. The higher test weight may be due to the more
availability of required amount of nitrogen and phosphorous due to inoculation of Rhizobium
and PSB to the plant which resulted in the accumulation of greater metabolites and more food
reserves in seeds throughout the life cycle of the crop which was able to supply the increased
assimilate demand of sinks and thus resulted in higher test weight of seed as reported by
Kumar and Uppar 2007 in moth bean and Tagore et al. 2013 in chick pea. The results are in
accordance with Fathollahi et al. (2014) in navy beans. 1000 seed weight was increased by
the combined application of organic manure and chemical fertilizer (Yang et al. 2004). A
synergistic interaction among the inputs in the promising treatments might contribute to the
better results of 1000 seed weight as observed from the findings of Sahay et al. 2016 who
found higher test weight of pigeon pea when seed treated with Rhizobium+PSB+FYM along
with 100% RDF.
Experimental results revealed significant differences for seed density among all the
integrated nutrient combinations. The maximum seed density (1.60g/cc) was obtained from
(T20) Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen followed by (T21) Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen
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(1.59g/cc) and (T8) Rhizobium+100% nitrogen (1.58g/cc). Significantly lower seed density
(1.20g/cc) was recorded in (T0) control. Seed density is positively related with vigour
potential of seed lot in various crops. The maximum seed density may be due to the
accumulation of more food reserves in the seed as explained by Manzoor et al. 2007.
All the INM treatments exhibited significant variation for standard germination
percentage. Maximum germination (98.00%) was recorded with the treatment
Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen of recommended dose (T20) which was at par with (T21)
Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen (97.67%) followed by the treatments (T8) Rhizobium+100%
nitrogen (97.33 %) and (T14) PSB+100% nitrogen (96.67 %). Standard germination
percentage is the most frequently and widely used quality test for measuring the planting
value and field performance of a seed lot. In the present study, all the nutrient management
treatments of field pea seeds achieved the ability to germinate right after their harvesting.
Higher germination percentage may be due to quality seeds that hold greater metabolites for
resumption of embryonic growth during germination and better accumulation of food reserves
like protein and carbohydrates. These findings are also reported by Gupta et al. (2006) in urd
bean and Maruthi and Paramesh (2016) in soybean. Increase in seed germination is also due
to availability of required quantity of NPK which improved seed quality in terms of crude
proteins, nitrogen and mineral contents in seeds. Higher standard germination might be due to
synthesis of seed germination hormone like gibberellins which stimulate the activity of
specific enzymes that promoted early germination and α-amylase that increase the availability
of starch assimilation. The results are in incongruence with the findings of Shiferaw et al.
2013 in faba bean. Lower seed germination (87.33%) was observed in control where no
fertilizers were applied which could be the possible reason for minimum germination.
The application of organic manures, inorganic fertilizers along with biofertilizers
showed significant differences in seedling length. Higher seedling length was recorded with
the treatment Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen (32.50 cm) followed by Rhizobium+PSB+75%
nitrogen (32.17 cm) and Rhizobium + 100% nitrogen (31.50 cm) while the lowest seedling
length was recorded in control (23.37 cm). Maximum seedling length may be due to nutrition
of field pea plants in different INM combination which reflected on seed quality and also
accumulation of higher amount of seed constituents like carbohydrates, protein and other
enzymes. Increase in seedling length may be due to the higher test weight which carry greater
metabolites for resumption of embryonic growth during germination and release certain
enzymes which are responsible for conversion of macromolecules into micro molecules
within the seed for the increase of seedling length. The similar findings were also noticed by
Ahmed et al. 1997 in pea, Kumar and Uppar 2007 in moth bean and Maruthi and Paramesh
(2016) in soybean. The increase in seedling length might be due to increase in root length and
shoot length which in turn accredit to presence of higher amount of stored food material.
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In the present experiment seedling dry weight differed significantly due to different
INM treatments. However, maximum seedling dry weight was noticed in the treatment
Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen of recommended dose (0.50g) which was at par with
treatment Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen and Rhizobium+100% nitrogen (0.49g) whereas,
minimum was observed in control (0.30g). Accumulation of higher amount of biochemical
components like carbohydrates in the seed which is due to the nutrition of pea plants applied
through INM combination of biofertilizers and inorganic nitrogen, reflected on seed through
the characters like bolder seed, test weight and higher seedling length there by increased the
seedling dry weight (Yadav and Khurana 2005). The results are in incongruence with the
study of Kumar and Uppar (2007) in moth bean.
The results revealed that vigour indices I and II showed significant variation among
the treatments. Higher vigour index-I and II (3185 and 49) were recorded in the seeds which
received the treatment Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen followed by the treatment
Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen (3142 and 48) and Rhizobium+100% nitrogen (3066 and 47)
while the lower was recorded in control (2041 and 26). Application of biofertilizers along
with inorganic fertilizers enhanced the accumulation of higher amount of seed constituents
like carbohydrates which increased the seedling vigour index of bolder seeds that
accommodate greater metabolites for resumption of embryonic growth during germination as
reported by Maruthi and Paramesh (2016) in soybean. Higher vigour index might be
attributed to the better source to sink relationship and higher C/N ratio which encouraged
better development of seeds giving rise to higher germination and vigour index (Kumar and
Pandita 2016). Similar findings were reported by Shubhangi and Kachhave (2010) in
soybean. Higher seed vigour index also may be explained by increased seed recovery
percentage which might be due to the effect of nitrogen, the major constituent of protein,
important for protoplasm which leads to cell division and cell enlargement given to the parent
seed exerted great influence on seed filling and relatively high percentage of well filled seeds
of larger size. Availability of macro nutrients from chemical fertilizers and bio-inoculants had
significant influence on germination and seed quality that directly improves vigour index.
Better capability of organic manures for increasing seedling vigour index might be due to the
fact that organic fertilizer provided the availability of various micronutrients at optimum
level. On the other hand inorganic fertilizers might have helped the plant metabolism by
providing certain micronutrients in the early growth stage which might have produced
vigorous seeds resulting into higher vigour. Higher germination, seedling length and seedling
dry weight in seeds obtained from the above treatment could be accredited to higher seedling
vigour index-I and II as explained by Macros Filho and Mc Donald 1998, Renukamma 2003,
Maheshbabu et al. 2008 in soybean and Senthilkumar and Sivagurunathan 2012 in cowpea.
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Significant difference in electrical conductivity of seed leachates were reported with
different treatment combinations. Lower seed leachates were produced by treatment
Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (197 μScm-1g-1 ) which was at par with Rhizobium + PSB
+ 75% nitrogen (206 μScm-1g-1) whereas maximum was observed in control (511 μScm-1g-1).
Lower electrical conductivity may be due to the application of PSB and Rhizobium along with
the inorganic nitrogen increased the availability of nutrients and their capability for the
growth of plant and seed development which in turn increased the cell membrane stability and
decreased the leakage of solutes from the seeds. The results are in close conformity with the
findings of Namvar et al. 2013 in chick pea and Patil (2002) in green gram. Lower electrical
conductivity may also due to the absorption of low moisture, higher membrane integrity and
its lower respiration rate because of high phosphorous content in plant system due to applied
phosphorous solubilising bacteria.
In the present study all the antioxidant enzyme activities showed varied differences
among all the treatments. Higher activities of catalase, peroxidase, dehydrogenase and
superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes were observed in (T20) Rhizobium+PSB+100%
nitrogen of recommended dose followed by (T21) Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen and (T8)
Rhizobium+100% nitrogen while lower activities of all the above mentioned enzymes were
observed in (T0) control. It is clearly indicated that over expression of antioxidant enzymes in
chloroplasts provides better protection from oxidative stress (Allen 1995). Therefore it may
be assumed that combined application of biofertilizers and inorganic fertilizers can prevent
oxidative stress by promoting antioxidant enzyme activities during periods with higher
photosynthesis and these raised activities could be correlated with increased stress tolerance.
The increased activities of these enzymes helped in the elimination of free radicals like H 2O2
and O2 available in normal or abnormal conditions and maintained the ascorbate pool which
in turn promote to better growth and tolerance in the plant. The results are in accordance with
the findings of Marius et al. (2013) in sorghum, Abd El- Ghany (2007) in wheat and Siavoshi
and Laware 2013 in rice.
Results regarding to seedling establishment, speed of emergence index and mean
emergence time showed significant variation among the different combinations of integrated
nutrient management. Maximum seedling establishment percentage (71.00) was recorded in
the treatment Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen which was at par with the treatment
Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen (70.33) followed by Rhizobium+100% nitrogen (69.67) and
PSB+100% nitrogen (68.33) while minimum (57.00) was noticed in control. The higher speed
of emergence index (15.01) and lower mean emergence time (7.86) was also observed with
the application of Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen followed by Rhizobium+PSB+75%
nitrogen while the lower speed of emergence index and higher mean emergence time was
recorded in control. The higher rate of germination might be due to the vigorous seeds that
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contain substantial metabolites for embryonic growth during germination as stated by Kumar
and Uppar (2007) in moth bean. It might also be ascribed to the fact that integrated
application of biofertilizers along with inorganic fertilizers led to the accumulation of large
quantity of food reserve due to availability of adequate nutrients right from fertilization until
maturity. The results are in incongruence with the findings of Kumar and Uppar (2007) in
moth bean and Maheshbabu et al. (2008) and Maruthi and Paramesh (2016) in soybean.
From the above findings, we can say that seed quality characters (test weight, seed
density standard germination, seedling length, seedling dry weight, vigour index, electrical
conductivity, enzyme activity, seedling establishment, mean emergence time and speed of
emergence) showed positive response to integrated nutrient management.
Experiment- 3 To study the effect of integrated nutrient management on seed storability
Seed deterioration is an undesirable and detrimental aspect of agriculture. It is evident
as a loss of seed quality, viability and vigour due to influence of unfavourable environmental
factors (Kapoor et al. 2010). The basic causes of seed deterioration are temperature, relative
humidity, seed moisture content and damage of tissues by microorganisms and insects. It is a
natural process which involves cytological, physiological, biochemical and physical changes
in seeds. The present study is an effort made to determine the effect of integrated nutrient
management on seed quality of field pea during natural ageing at ambient storage. This effort
will allocate an idea of stability of seed viability throughout the storage.
In the present experiment, standard germination percentage showed a significant
decline after five, ten and fifteen months of ambient storage. Maximum decline was recorded
after fifteen months of natural storage in all the INM treatment combinations. However the
maximum germination percentage after fifteen months of storage of field pea seeds were
recorded in the treatment (T20) Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen of recommended dose
(89.00) followed by (T21) Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen (88.33) while minimum (68.00) was
noticed in control (T0) where no nutrients were applied. This behaviour was expected and
confirms with the study of Villela and Peres (2004) stated that seed quality does not upgrade
during storage except in some cases of seeds endowed with a dormancy which was not
noticed in this study. Moreover, Marcos Filho (2015) reported that process of seed
deterioration starts in continuous rate from the point of physiological maturity to until the
unfeasibility of the seed or embryo death. The higher germination percentage during the
period of storage might be due to the better accumulation of food substance like protein and
carbohydrates due to the combined application of biofertilizers and nitrogen at the time of
seed development. There was decline in germination percent in all the treatments because
there were changes occurred in seeds during storage which accompanied to seed deterioration
and loss in vigour. The decline in germination percentage with progress in storage may be
accredited to the phenomenon of ageing, reduction of food reserves and decline in synthetic
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activity of embryo. These results are in accordance with Khan et al. (2013) in pea and
Laxman et al. (2017) in chick pea.
Seedling length and seedling dry weight of all the INM treatments showed a
significant decline with the progress of ageing period and the highest decrease in both the
characters were observed after fifteen months of natural ageing. The highest seedling length
(26.70 cm) after fifteen months of storage was observed with the application of
Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen (T20) followed by the application of Rhizobium+PSB+75%
nitrogen (26.60 cm) while the lowest was recorded in control (13.37 cm). The maximum dry
weight after fifteen months of natural ageing was also noticed in the treatment combination of
Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (0.43 g) which was at par with (T21) Rhizobium + PSB +
75% nitrogen and (T8) Rhizobium +100% nitrogen (0.41 g ) while lowest was observed in
control (0.22 g).
Higher seedling length and dry weight throughout the storage period which may be
due to the accumulation of higher amount of seed constituents like carbohydrates in the seed
due to the nutrition of field pea plants by the combined treatment of Rhizobium, PSB along
with inorganic nitrogen and transformation of macro molecules into micro molecules due to
release of certain enzymes. Decrease in seedling length and seedling dry weight might be due
to reduction in mobilization of reserve substances during germination of the stored seeds
(Dhakal and Pandey 2001). Ageing led to decline in seedling length and seedling dry weight
which is supported with the findings of Singh et al. (2003) in urd bean and mung bean.
During ambient storage, seed deterioration causes by fungi and insects and also toxic
metabolites which might have inhibited the seedling growth (Laxman et al. 2017).
Vigour index-I and II decreased significantly with the advancement in period of
ageing in all the INM treatments of field pea seeds. Among treatments, the vigour index-I and
II after the fifteen months of natural ageing was maximum (2376, 38) in (T20)
Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen followed by (T21) Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen (2350, 36)
and minimum (909, 15) in control respectively. The decline in the seed vigour index may be
due to ageing which decrease in germination, decline in root and shoot length and seedling
dry weight and higher electrical conductivity.
The electrical conductivity is an easy, quick and inexpensive alternative test used to
determine seed vigour. Electrical conductivity of seed leachates increased significantly after
ageing in all the INM combinations of field pea. The maximum (996) electrical conductivity
after fifteen months of ambient storage was observed in control while minimum (529) was
recorded in the treatment (T20) Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen which were at par with (T21)
Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen. Lower electrical conductivity may be due to the combined
treatment of biofertilizers along with inorganic nitrogen which may have increased the cell
membrane stability and decreased the leakage of solutes from the seeds. Intact seed coat is
77
also responsible for lower EC which might be due to the availability of more nutrients for the
growth of plant and seed development. Higher membrane integrity might be due to the higher
phosphate content which was applied through Phosphorous solubilises during the growth
stages of field pea (Maheshbabu et al. 2008; Virkar and Tumbare 2011; Waghmare et al.
2012).The enhancement in electrical conductivity during the storage is because of the increase
of leakage due to membrane alterations of aged seeds. The membrane integrity lost by
damage of phospholipids leads to increased membrane permeability and removal of
electrolytes and other constituents such as enzymes from cells (Zamani et al. 2010). The outer
and inner membranes found as potential sites for desiccation and ageing injuries in seeds and
seed ageing may cause alteration of low plasma membrane ATPase activity (Bardel et al.
2002).
In the present study, enzyme activities viz., catalase, peroxidase, dehydrogenase, and
SOD showed a significant difference in response to different INM treatments during ambient
storage of field pea seed. Enzyme activities decreased with progress in storage period and the
lowest enzyme activity was observed after fifteen months of storage in all the treatment
combinations. The dehydrogenase activity was higher (0.517) in the treatment combination of
(T20) Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen which was at par with (T21) Rhizobium+PSB+75%
nitrogen (0.507) and minimum activity (0.302) was recorded in control after the end of
storage period. The dehydrogenase enzyme activity which is responsible for respiratory action
differed significantly among all the treatments throughout storage period. As the ageing
progressed during seed storage, the activity of dehydrogenase was reduced. Similar result was
also found by Sung (1996) in soybean seeds. Ageing increased deterioration which induced
the extent of protein oxidation consequently reduced the properties and functions of proteins
and enzymes (Loycrajjou et al. 2008).
The present investigation revealed a decline in the activity of antioxidant enzymes in
field pea seeds. During storage period catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase enzyme
activities were found to be decreasing after five, ten and fifteen months of storage. However,
maximum decline was observed after fifteen months of storage in all the treatments. The
maximum catalase activity (0.252), peroxidase activity (10.38) and superoxide dismutase
activity (1.099) was recorded in the treatment combination of Rhizobium+PSB+100%
nitrogen (T20) followed by Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen after the period of fifteen months
of storage. While minimum activity of catalase (0.160), peroxidase (3.31) and SOD (0.602)
was noticed in control. Decline in antioxidant enzymes activity is associated with increased
lipid peroxidation and accelerated ageing (Bailly et al.1996). Decrease in antioxidant enzyme
activity during storage may be due to the formation of free radicals in the presence of even
traces of oxygen. Unavailability of active enzymes, scavenging free radicals and degradation
78
products of thermo-labile lipid peroxidation stored in the ageing seeds, ultimately resulting in
complete loss of seed viability (Rao et al. 2006).
The enzymes may go through configurational changes such as partial folding or
unfolding of ultrastructrure, genesis of polymers due to condensation and degradation to sub
units i.e., absorbance of dehydrogenase enzyme was reduced as the storage period progressed
in sunflower. Ageing also correlates with protein denaturation and degradation of enzymes.
Decrease in the activities of catalase, peroxidase and SOD enzymes were also noticed by
Sung (1996) and Balesevic-Tubic et al. (2011) in soybean. Shaheed and Abass 2014 also
reported that reduction of catalyse activity in mung bean seeds increased progressively with
increasing storage period. High SOD activity suggests that seed tissue maintains a tight
control of the respiratory pathway. If SOD activity decreases, there is a rapid degradation of
many molecules due to ROS accumulation which resulted to cell death. During natural
ageing, reduction in various peroxide-scavenging enzymes activities in soybean seeds has
been reported by (Sing and Chiu 1995).
The freshly harvested seed of all the INM treatment combinations were subjected to
artificial ageing at 40±1 °C for 72 h and assessment for their performance for various seed
quality parameters viz. standard germination, seedling length, seedling dry weight, vigour
index-I, vigour index-II, electrical conductivity and enzyme activities viz, catalase,
peroxidase, dehydrogenase and superoxide dismutase. Among all the treatment combinations,
significant decline in quality characters and antioxidant enzyme activities were recorded after
artificial ageing. In the present experiment, maximum germination percentage (90.67) after
artificial ageing was recorded in the treatment Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen of
recommended dose (T20) followed by Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21: 90.00) which
was statistically at par with each other. The minimum percentage was observed in control
(73.00). Seedling length (30.10 cm), seedling dry weight (0.45 g ),vigour index-I (2729),
vigour index-II (40.81), DHA (0.543), catalase activity (0.267), peroxidase activity (11.29)
and superoxide dismutase activity (1.158) was also recorded maximum with the application of
Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen followed by Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen while the
lower values for seedling length (19.60 cm) seedling dry weight (0.23 g), vigour index-I
(1431), vigour index-II (16.80), DHA (0.335), catalase activity (0.176), peroxidase activity
(4.48) and superoxide dismutase activity (0.702) were recorded in control. Electrical
conductivity showed the higher value for the treatment control (855) while the treatment
Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen (T20) showed minimum value (373) for electrical
conductivity followed by Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21). The better performance of
seed quality parameters might be due to higher membrane integrity, lower respiration rate and
high phosphorous content in plant system due to applied phosphorous solubilizers. The
improvement in seed quality parameters may also due to the co-inoculation of inorganic
79
fertilizers and biofertilizers resulted into proper development of seed and accumulation of
more food reserves by efficient translocation of photosynthates leading to adequate supply of
food reserves during seed germination. Maximum germination, seedling length and seedling
dry weight could also be accredited to maximum seedling vigour index-I and II (Macros Filho
and Mc Donald 1998; Renukamma 2003). After the period of accelerated ageing, more
decline in germination percentage, seedling length, seedling dry weight, seed vigour and
enzyme activities in all the treatments were recorded. Similar findings were observed in
chickpea (Kapoor et al. 2010) and in soybean (Filho et al. 2001). Artificial ageing damages
DNA and mRNA causes biochemical degradation of the reserved material (Murthy et al.
2003) and reduces the seed vigour. The marked decrease in germination of Phaseolus seed
has been noticed by Angelo et al. (2005) under artificial storage conditions.
Physiological degradation of seed vigour may be the result of deterioration at various
levels of the enzyme activities and seed composition. The decline in germination may be due
to the degradation of mitochondrial membrane leading to reduction in energy supply required
for germination. The decrease in seedling length, dry weight and vigour indices during
accelerated ageing may be ascribed to DNA degradation with ageing which leads to impaired
transcription causing incomplete or faulty enzyme synthesis necessary for earlier stages of
germination (Hussien et al. 2012). The decrease in seed germination percentage was related
with an increase in solute leakage. There is a strong bond between lipid peroxidation and
electrical conductivity of seeds. It is also observed that fast ageing had damaging effect on
seed membrane finally lipid peroxidation products and electrical conductivity was increased.
Enzymes act as catalysts for all biochemical processes and any amount of reduction
in its activity at different sites in the seed may lower the synthesis of amino acid, nucleic acid
and other valuable nutrients required for growth and development. The repeated accumulation
of free fatty acids culminated in a depletion of cellular pH and was harmful to normal cellular
metabolism. Moreover, it denatures enzymes resulting in their loss of activity (Copeland and
McDonald 1995). Similar results were noticed in soybean by Maruthi and Paramesh (2016).
From the above findings, we can say that seed quality characters during natural and
artificial ageing (Standard germination, seedling length, seedling dry weight, vigour index,
electrical conductivity and enzyme activity) showed positive response to integrated nutrient
management.
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CHAPTER-6
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is one of the important pulse crop as well as vegetable
belongs to family Fabaceae. As a legume crop, field peas are considered to fix most of the
required nitrogen from environment in the presence of rhizobia and not only to encourage its
own growth without nitrogen fertilizer application but also provide some of it’s biologically
fixed nitrogen in the soil for successive crop (Shah et al. 2003). This symbiosis accomplishes
an important role in increasing the sustainability of yields with minimum non-renewable
extraneous inputs (Vance 2001).
Progressive agriculture based on high inputs of inorganic fertilizer for crop
production. Chemicals obviously allocate quick results but in long-term contributed to soil
degradation, environmental pollution and health hazards. The uncontrolled use of inorganic
fertilizers in agriculture land is creating momentous threats to the environment. Soil microbes
play a vital role in supplying nutrients for plant growth (Berg & Smalla 2009). Use of
microbial inoculants can be a biological substitute to compensate synthetic fertilizers and to
encourage environment friendly crop production (Dobbelaere et al. 2003). Combined
application of inorganic fertilizers and microbial inoculants is gaining importance, more
nutrients can be harvested from the soil and chemical doses can be reduced.
Integrated nutrient management is the most important constituent of the production
technology to support soil fertility and crop productivity in the future. The fundamental
concept of integrated nutrient management is the maintenance of plant nutrients supply to
attain a given level of crop production by optimizing the advantage from all possible sources
of plant nutrients in an integrated manner, suitable to each cropping and farming system
(Mahajan and Sharma 2005). The benefit of combining organic and inorganic nutrients in
integrated nutrient management has been showed superior to the use of each component
individually (Palaniappan and Annadurai 2007).
Keeping in view the importance of integrated nutrient management, the present
investigation was carried out at the research farm and laboratories of Department of Seed
Science and Technology, CCS HAU, Hisar with the objectives – To study the effect of
integrated nutrient management on seed yield and its attributes, to assess the effect of
integrated nutrient management on seed quality and to study the effect of integrated nutrient
management on seed storability.
The seed material comprised of a variety “HFP-529” which was grown with twenty
three treatment combinations. All the treatment combinations were evaluated for seed yield,
81
quality and storability with three replications to assess the effect of integrated nutrient
management. The salient achievements of these experiments are as follow:
 Significant difference was noticed among all the treatment combinations for all the
parameters studied.
 Application of Rhizobium + PSB + 100% nitrogen of recommended dose (T20) followed
by Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen (T21) and Rhizobium+100% nitrogen (T8) proved
superior performance over other treatments, recording significantly higher values for all
the yield and yield attributes viz, plant height (cm), number of branches/plant, number of
pods/ plant, seeds per pod and seed yield q/ha whereas significantly lower values for all
these parameters were observed in control. Minimum days to 50% flowering and days of
maturity were also recorded in (T20).
 All the seed quality components viz., test weight, seed density, standard germination (%),
seedling length, seedling dry weight, vigour indices and various enzymes activities i.e.,
catalase, peroxidase, dehydrogenase, and superoxide dismutase were recorded maximum
in the treatment combination of Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen of recommended dose
followed by Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen (T21) and Rhizobium+100% nitrogen (T8) as
compared to control (T0). The lowest electrical conductivity of seed leachates was also
recorded in the above mentioned treatments while, the highest was noticed in control (T0).
 The maximum speed of emergence, seedling establishment (%) and minimum mean
emergence time was recorded in the treatment Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen (T20)
followed by Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen (T21) and Rhizobium+100% nitrogen (T8) as
compared to rest of treatments.
 During natural ageing, the nutrient combination of Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen
followed by Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen and Rhizobium+100% nitrogen showed
better performance in case of all the seed quality parameters.
 During the fifteen months of ambient storage period, most of field pea seed treatment
combinations maintained their germination above the Indian Minimum Seed Certification
Standard (75%) except the treatments Rhizobium+100% Vermicompost (T6), PSB+100%
Vermicompost (T12), Rhizobium+75% Vermicompost (T7), PSB+75% Vermicompost
(T13), Nitrogen (T3), Vermicompost (T1), FYM (T2)and control (T0).
 During natural ageing, maximum activities of catalase, peroxidase dehydrogenase, and
superoxide dismutase enzymes were recorded in the nutrient combination of Rhizobium +
PSB +100% nitrogen followed by Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen and Rhizobium+100%
nitrogen while the lowest activities were observed in (T0) control.
 The treatment combination of Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen (T20) followed by
Rhizobium + PSB + 75% nitrogen (T21) and Rhizobium+100% nitrogen (T8) were found
82
superior for enhancing the storage period where as control (T 0) followed by
Vermicompost and FYM found inferior for natural storage.
 After artificial ageing at 40±1 °C for 72, the treatment combination of Rhizobium + PSB
+ 100% Nitrogen (T20) followed by Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen (T21) and
Rhizobium+100% nitrogen (T8) showed better performance in all the physiological and
biochemical parameters as compared to the control (T0) and the rest of treatment
combinations. It was also noticed that the artificial ageing at 40±1 °C for 72 h was almost
equal to ten months of natural storage.
CONCLUSION
Overall, it can be concluded that the combined application of biofertilizers both
Rhizobium and PSB along with nitrogen exhibited spectacular performance in seed yield,
quality and storability in field pea as compared to the rest of INM treatment combinations.
83
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ABSTRACT
Title of Thesis : Effect of integrated nutrient management on seed

yield, quality and its storability in Field Pea
(Pisum sativum L.)
Name of Degree Holder : Vineeta Pandey
Admission No : 2014A48D
Title of Degree : Ph.D (Seed Science & Technology)
Name and Address of Major Advisor : Dr. O.S. Dahiya
: Principal Scientist
: Department of Seed Science & Technology, College
of Agriculture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University,
Hisar-125004
Degree Awarding University : CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125004
Year of Award of Degree : 2018
Major Subject : Seed Science and Technology
Total No. of Pages in the Thesis :
No. of words in the abstract : 360
Key words: Field Pea, Nitrogen, PSB, Rhizobium, Seed yield, Seed quality, Storability, Germination
(%), Enzyme activity.
The present research was carried out at the research farm and laboratories of Department of
Seed Science & Technology, CCS, Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to evaluate the effect of
integrated nutrient management on seed yield, quality and its storability in field pea (Pisum sativum
L.). The material comprised of a variety “HFP-529” which was grown in the research farm of
Department of Seed Science & Technology with twenty three treatment combinations of organic
manures, inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers. All the treatments were assessed for different seed
yield, quality and storability parameters. Among the treatments, Rhizobium+PSB+100% recommended
dose of nitrogen exhibited better performance in terms of yield and its attributes as compared to
control. It was observed that application of Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen followed by
Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen had maximum vigour potential in terms of test weight, seed density,
standard germination, seedling length, seedling dry weight, vigour index, lower electrical conductivity
as compared to control. The higher antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, POD, SOD and
dehydrogenase) were recorded in the treatment combination of Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen
followed by Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen in comparison to rest of treatments. Nutrient combination
of Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen showed maximum speed of emergence, seedling establishment and
minimum mean emergence time. Seeds of all the treatment combinations were stored for fifteen
months in plastic bags and seed quality was evaluated after five, ten and fifteen month’s interval. It was
noticed that seed vigour and quality was negatively affected during storage. Though all the treatments
showed decline in vigour but less decline was recorded in the treatment Rhizobium+PSB+100%
nitrogen as compared to other treatments after fifteen months of storage. After estimating antioxidant
enzyme activities it was found that there activities were declined during ambient storage, however the
maximum activity after fifteen months of storage was recorded in the treatment Rhizobium+PSB+100%
nitrogen. The freshly harvested seeds of all the treatments were subjected to artificial ageing at 40±1 °C
for 72 h and were again assessed for seed quality and antioxidant enzyme activities. After artificial
ageing it was noticed that treatment combination of Rhizobium+PSB+100% nitrogen followed by
Rhizobium+PSB+75% nitrogen showed better performance in all the seed quality parameters and
maximum antioxidant enzyme activities in comparison to other treatments.
MAJOR ADVISOR SIGNATURE OF STUDENT
HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT
96
CURRICULUM VITAE
(a) Name : Vineeta Pandey
(b) Date of birth : 05 June, 1988
(c) Place of birth : Champawat, Uttarakhand
(d) Mother’s name : Smt. Anandi Pandey
(e) Father’s name : Late Sri. Mahesh Chandra Pandey
(f) Permanent Address : GIC Road Champawat, Near Shiv Mandir.
Champawat, Uttarakhand. Pin: 192124.
(g) Mobile : 9416736330
(h) E-mail : pandeyvini3@gmail.com
(i) Academic qualifications
Degree Univ./Board Year of Percentage of Subjects
Passing marks
Ph.D CCS HAU, 2018 82.00 Major: Seed Science &

Hisar Technology
Minor: Plant Breeding
M.Sc. GBPUA&T 2012 73.90 Major: Seed Science and
Technology
(j) List of Publications:

Vineeta Pandey, O.S. Dahiya, V.S. Mor, Rajesh Yadav, Jitender, Ovais Hamid Peerzada,
Archana Brar. (2017). Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management on Seed Yield and
Its Attributes in Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.).Chemical Science Review and Letters.
6(23): 1428-1431.
I, hereby, declare that all the information given in the resume are true to the best of
my knowledge.
Dated:
Place:
(Vineeta Pandey)
97
UNDERTAKING OF COPY RIGHT
I, Vineeta Pandey, Admn. No. 2014A48D, undertake that I give copy right of my
thesis entitled, “Effect of integrated nutrient management on seed yield, quality and its
storability in Field Pea (Pisum sativum L).” to the CCS Haryana Agricultural University,
Hisar.
I also undertake the patent if any, arising out of the research work conducted during
the programme shall be filed by only with due permission of the competent authority of CCS
Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar.
Signature of the student
98

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Effect of integrated nutrient management on seed

yield, quality and its storability in Field Pea

Thesis submitted to the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural

Dr. O.S. Dahiya

MAJOR ADVISOR EXTERNAL EXAMINER

HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT

DEAN, POSTGRADUATE STUDIES

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE NO.

II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE 5-

III. MATERIALS AND METHODS

VI. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Fig. No. Description Page No.

4.3.1.1 Showing the effect of integrated nutrient management on

4.3.1.4.2 Showing the effect of integrated nutrient management on

4.3.1.5 Showing the effect of integrated nutrient management on

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present investigation entitled “Effect of integrated nutrient management on seed

3.5.1.3 Standard germination (%)

3.5.2.2 Mean emergence time

3.5.2.3 Seedling establishment (%)

ANOVA for CRD

CD (5%): SEd t value at error d.f.

The present investigation entitled "Effect of integrated nutrient management on seed

Fig: 4.3.1.1 Showing the effect of integrated nutrient management on standard

Seedling dry weight (g) 0.5

Fig: 4.3.1.5 Showing the effect of integrated nutrient management on electrical

Catalase activity (mg protien-1min-1)

Fig: 4.3.1.8 Showing the effect of integrated nutrient management on dehydrogenase

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Aebi, H. (1983) Catalase in vitro. Methods Enzymology, 105, 121-126.

Anonymous (2017) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India.

FAOSTAT (2016) Food and Agricultural commodities production, Available at

Senthilkumar, P.K. & Sivagurunathan, P. (2012) Comparative effect on bacterial biofertilizers on

Title of Thesis : Effect of integrated nutrient management on seed

MAJOR ADVISOR SIGNATURE OF STUDENT

HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT

Ph.D CCS HAU, 2018 82.00 Major: Seed Science &

(j) List of Publications:

Signature of the student

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