Effect of foliar spray and fertilizer levels on growth and yield of vegetable cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]

Field experiments were conducted to study the effect of foliar spray and fertilizer levels on growth and yield of vegetable cowpea (PKM 1) during kharif season of the years 2015 and 2016 at Western block, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam. Results revealed that in general vegetable cowpea responded well to the increased dose of fertilizers along with foliar spraying of 2 % DAP and pulse wonder during flowering and pod formation stages. Application of 125 % RDF along with 2 % DAP spray at flowering and pod formation stages recorded significantly higher plant height (59.3 cm), more number of branches per plant (10.8), increased root bio mass per plant (0.85 g) and shoot bio mass per plant (7.8 g) and more number of flowers per plant (58) resulted in increased green pod yield of 17.40 t /ha as compared to 100 % RDF. Lowest yield and economics was recorded with 75 % RDF. Application of 125 % RDF along with 2 % DAP spray at flowering and pod formation stages recorded higher net returns and BC ratio of Rs.117120/- and 3.06 respectively followed by 125 % RDF + Pulse wonder @ 5 kg ha-1 at flowering. The available nutrient status of the post harvest soil sample viz., N (287 kg/ha), P (10.6 kg/ha) and K (217 kg/ha) also increased significantly with the application of 125 % RDF along with 2 % DAP spray at flowering and pod formation stages.