Foliar Application of Cow Urine Enhances Morphological Traits and Yield in Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) Cultivars under Drought Stress

Background: Drought is water deficient unfavorable environmental condition that impacts agricultural production globally. The foliar application of cow urine plays a key role in enhancing plant tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stresses in mungbean. The present study focuses on evaluating the potential of cow urine in alleviating the adverse effects of drought stress in mungbean plants. Methods: In this study, four mungbean cultivars were grown in pots, namely V1: RMG-62, V2: RMG-344, V3: RMG-492 and V4: RMG-975. The foliar application of cow urine treatment (T2:5%, T3:10% and T4:15%) under normal irrigation and drought conditions, together with the withdrawal of irrigation at 25 and 50 days after sowing (DAS), induced the drought stress. At 35 and 60 DAS, observations were taken of growth and yield parameters. Result: Plant height, number of pods plant-1, number of grains pod-1, biological yield plant-1 and test weight were all higher with foliar application of cow urine (T3:10%) among the treatments. It was also shown to improve specific leaf weight and leaf area (T4:15%) and harvest index. Variety (V4; RMG-975) showed highest growth and yield parameters among other varieties. However, V3 showed a higher specific leaf weight and V1: RMG-62 had maximum test weight. A significant decrease in each parameter related with growth and yield under drought condition was observed. So, on the basis of findings, it is concluded that cow urine @ 10% may reduce adverse effect of drought in mungbean plant.