EFFECT OF COPPER ON GROWTH, DRY MATTER YIELD AND NUTRIENT CONTENT OF VIGNA RADIATA (L.) WILCZEK

Abstract

An attempt was made to study the influence of copper (Cu) on growth, dry matter yield and nutrient content of greengram ( Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) in a glass house earthen pot experiment. Copper was applied to the soil in the form of copper sulphate (CuSO 4 .5H 2 O) in different concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg kg -1 ) in which the greengram plants were grown. The plant samples were analysed 45 days after sowing. The results indicated that low level of copper concentrations (50 mg kg -1 ) showed a significant increase in the overall growth, dry matter yield and nutrient content, while higher concentrations (100-250 mg kg -1 ) decreased the growth, dry matter production and nutrient content of greengram. Key words: Copper, Growth, Nutrient content, Vigna radiata R. Manivasagaperumal et al. Effect of Copper on Growth, Dry Matter Yield and Nutrient Content of Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek.   J Phytol 3/3 (2011) 53-62.