EFFECT OF SEED RATE ON SEED PRODUCTION OF DHAINCHA (Sesbania aculeata)

A field experiment was conducted at The Agronomy field, Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU), Patuakhali during the period of May 2013 to August 2013. The experiment was conducted to find out the effect of seed rate on nodulation of dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) under non-saline agro-ecosystem. The experiment comprised of seven different seed rates viz. 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 kg ha^-1. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The seed rates had significant influence on different parameters of dhaincha plant. It was found that (30 kg ha^-1) recorded the tallest plant (4.11 m) followed by (45 kg ha^-1) while (60 kg ha^-1) gave the smallest plant (3.66 m). Recorded maximum plant diameter was (0.92 cm) at harvest while the lowest plant diameter was obtained from (55 kg seed ha^-1) (0.79). The maximum dry weight of nodule was (5.59 g plant^-1) were observed at the seed rate of 30 kg ha^-1. In study period the maximum numbers of nodule plant^-1 (39.60) at harvest and (60 kg ha^-1) showed minimum number of nodules plant^-1 (30.33). The highest plant population (336.0) was found in (60 kg ha^-1) while (30 kg ha^-1) showed the lower plant population (114.0). The higher weight of 100–seed (3.95 g) while the lowest hundred seeds weight (3.18 g) recorded at T₇ (60 kg ha^-1). Among the different seed rates, T₁ (30 kg ha^-1) gave the higher seed yield (1.22 ha^-1) than that of increased seed rates. In contrast, the lowest seed yield (0.83 ha^-1) was observed when seed rate was increased 60 kg ha^-1. T₁ (30 kg ha^-1) plant produced significantly more pods plant^-1, more seeds pod^-1 and plant^-1 and higher weight of 100- seed which ultimately resulted the higher seed yield of dhaincha.