2025, Vol. 8, Issue 6, Part E

author(s)
BT Suresh Kumar, Sivakumar K, Jeyajothi R and Chandrasekaran P

abstract
The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the effect of Boron and Molybdenum application on the growth, yield, and nutrient uptake of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) during the Rabi season (Jan to May). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments and three replications, using the groundnut variety “Kadiri Lepakshi K1812”. The treatments are T₁: 100% RDN + Soil Application of Boron @ 5 kg/ha, T₂: 75% RDN + Soil Application of Boron @ 5 kg/ha, T₃: 100% RDN + Soil Application of Molybdenum @ 5 kg/ha, T₄: 75% RDN + Soil Application of Molybdenum @ 5 kg/ha, T₅: 100% RDN + Foliar Application of Boron @ 0.5%, T₆: 75% RDN + Foliar Application of Boron @ 0.5%, T₇: 100% RDN + Foliar Application of Molybdenum @ 0.3%, T₈: 75% RDN + Foliar Application of Molybdenum @ 0.3%, T₉: Control 100% RDN (25:50:75 kg/ha). The study revealed significant impact among treatments with respect to plant height, number of branches, yield attributes (pegs, pods and matured pods), and final pod yield. Among all the treatments, foliar application of Boron at 0.5% along with 100% RDN (T₅) registered the highest plant height (46.50 cm), number of branches per plant (31.93), number of pegs per plant (70.92), number of pods per plant (44.84), number of matured pods per plant (43.02), and pod yield (2268.98 kg/ha). This was closely followed by T₇ (100% RDN + Foliar Application of Molybdenum @ 0.3%), which also exhibited superior growth and yield attributes like pegs, pods, etc. Foliar applications generally outperformed soil applications, indicating better nutrient absorption and physiological response. Treatments receiving 100% RDN consistently showed better results compared to 75% RDN combinations, highlighting the importance of adequate nitrogen supply for optimal crop performance. The control (T₉), which received only 100% RDN without any micronutrient supplementation, recorded the lowest statistical values in all measured parameters, emphasizing the essential role of micronutrients in groundnut productivity. The findings underscore the importance of integrated nutrient management, particularly the use of foliar micronutrient application, to enhance crop yield and improve economic returns in legume cultivation.