Responses of fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graecum L. cultivars ï¿½?Â¢ï¿½?ï¿½?ï¿½ï¿½?ï¿½?RMT-1ï¿½?Â¢ï¿½?ï¿½?ï¿½ï¿½?ï¿½?ï¿½ and ï¿½?Â¢ï¿½?ï¿½?ï¿½ï¿½?ï¿½?PEBï¿½?Â¢ï¿½?ï¿½?ï¿½ï¿½?ï¿½?ï¿½) to potassium treatments

Madhup Shrivastava

Abstract

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is an annual herb belonging to family fabaceae and because of its strong flavour and aroma its leaves and seeds are used as spices and condiments. Fenugreek has also attracted attention as a component of traditional medicines. Reports regarding the chemical constituents and pharmacological properties are available in the literature. Many studies stated the influence of nitrogen and phosphorus applications on fenugreek, however, there are hardly any reports available on the effects of potassium treatments. The present study focuses on potassium induced alterations in fenugreek. Laboratory and pot experiments have been conducted on two cultivars of fenugreek viz., RMT-1 and PEB (procured from JNKVV, Jabalpur and Government Nursery, Dhar respectively) in School of Studies in Botany, Jiwaji University, Gwalior. Different potassium treatments were employed to evaluate the effects of potassium on growth and biochemical parameters. Nitrate reductase activity, total phenols, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were estimated using standard methods. K+ rate was calculated using flame photometer. Supplementation of potassium has resulted into enhanced nitrate reductase activity in leaf, stem and root which is also reflected in the fresh and dry weight of respective parts. Interestingly, applied potassium has also shown an impact on total phenols, total chlorophylls and carotenoids which may have a bearing on its pharmacological value in general and antioxidant potential in particular. Chlorophyll and carotenoid contents exhibited an increase as a result of potassium treatment more conspicuously in cultivar ‘PEB’ so also is true for nitrate reductase activity indicating cultivar difference. This communication presents and discusses these aspects of fenugreek as influenced by potassium treatments.

Author(s): Madhup Shrivastava

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