Published Paper Details:

Triacontanol (TRIA), a naturally occurring 30 'C' long-chain aliphatic alcohol, functions as a potent plant biostimulant influencing physiological and metabolic activities specially in higher plants. The present study evaluated the impact of graded concentrations of triacontanol on growth performance, nodulation behavior, and nitrogenase activity in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan). A field experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with four treatments (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 ppm TRIA). Foliar sprays were applied during vegetative and pre-flowering stages. Observations included plant height, leaf area index, dry biomass, nodule count, nodule dry weight, and nitrogenase enzyme activity determined by acetylene reduction assay. The 1.0 ppm treatment significantly enhanced vegetative growth parameters and symbiotic efficiency compared to untreated controls. Enhanced nitrogenase activity suggests improved biological nitrogen fixation under optimal triacontanol concentration. These findings indicate that triacontanol application may represent a viable strategy for improving productivity and nitrogen-use sustainability in pigeon pea cultivation systems.