Research on how cutting and intra-row spacing affect fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) leaf and seed production

Abstract

Fenugreek is an annual herb with light green leaves that grows to a height of 30 to 60 cm. It produces slender, beaked pods that are 10 to 15 cm long and contain 10 to 20 small, hard, yellowish brown seeds that are smooth, oblong, and about 3 mm long. Each pod has a groove across one corner that gives the seeds a hooked appearance. Two factors—three cutting levels (C) (C0: No cutting, C1: One cutting, and C2: Two cuts) and four intra-row spacing levels (S) (S1:30 x 5.0 cm, S2: 30 x 7.5 cm, and S3:30 x 12.5 cm)—were used in a field experiment. The results showed that two cuttings (60 & 90 DAS) and tighter spacing (30 x 5.0 cm) were preferable for leaf harvest. In terms of seed production, 30 x 7.5 cm spacing is preferable, followed by 30 x 10 cm at one or no cutting condition. From an economic perspective, in Uttar Pradesh conditions, single cutting at 60 days after planting and spacing at 30 x 7.5 cm is preferable.