Role of zinc on productivity, quality traits and economic performance of cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) under semi-arid condition of Rajasthan, India.

The experiment was conducted during kharif 2011 and 2012 at Avikanagar on different genotypes of cluster bean to assess the response of Zn on productivity and profitability under tropical environment of Rajasthan. The results reveal that maximum seed (2.55 t ha-1) and stover yield (7.32 t ha-1), protein content (27.2%) and protein yield and (168.10 kg ha-1), gum content (27%) and gum yield (180 kg ha-1) were recorded with application of Zn @20 kg ha-1. Further, quality traits viz. ADF, NDF, cellulose and lignin were also highest in grains. Maximum net return of 33,037 ha-1 with benefit: cost ratio (2.39) was received with the use of Zn @ 20 kg ha-1. Highest seed yield (2.21 t ha-1), protein content (25.6%), protein yield (166.20 kg ha-1), gum content (25.4%) and gum yield (172.37 kg ha-1) were obtained from genotype 'RGC 936' with the highest net returns of Rs 28,188 ha-1. Application of Zn@20 kg ha-1 to cluster bean genotype 'RGC 936' gives highest yield and economic returns under tropical condition of Rajasthan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]