Cajanus Cajan Research Articles

Genetic analysis and trait association in F2 populations of four different crosses in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.)

Genetic analysis and trait association in F2 populations of four different crosses in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.)

Decadal Performance of Major Kharif Pulse Crops in Madhya Pradesh: In Context of Growth, Decomposition and Instability Analysis

The study purpose examined the growth, decomposition and instability of major kharif pulses i. e. pigeon pea, green gram and black gram in Madhya Pradesh. The study was based on secondary data. The data of area, production, and productivity of selected pulse crops have been taken for 30 years from 1992-93 to 2021-22. The study period was divided into four periods i.e. period-I (1992-93 to 2001-02), period-II (2002-03 to 2011-12), period- III (2012-13 to 2021-22) and overall period (1992-93 to 2021-22). Three different analyses had been carried out in the study viz. (a) Compound annual growth rates, (b) Decomposition analysis and (c) Instability analysis. It was revealed from the outcomes that during the entire study period, a mixed growth pattern was observed in the area, production and productivity of pigeon pea and green gram while significant and positive growth was noticed in area, production and productivity of black gram with the magnitude of 4.31, 6.19 and 1.80 percent, respectively in Madhya Pradesh. During overall study period, area expansion was major instrument to increase the production of pigeon pea and black gram. The highest variability was noticed production of all selected crops during period – I, II, III and entire study period.

Nutritional Composition, Bioactive Compounds, Food Applications, and Health Benefits of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.): A Review

ABSTRACTPigeon pea is one of the most multipurpose grain legumes in the tropical and subtropical world. It is highly resilient to climate change due to drought tolerance. It ranks sixth following common beans, chickpeas, field peas, cowpeas, and lentils globally. Pigeon pea is an excellent source of high‐quality protein, essential amino acids, and minerals. Furthermore, pigeon pea is endowed with valuable water‐soluble vitamins such as thiamin, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, and niacin. With low levels of saturated fat and sodium and being cholesterol free, pigeon peas emerge as a nutritious dietary choice. Pigeon peas are rich sources of bioactive compounds with various potential health properties, including anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antidiabetic effects. Pigeon peas can be consumed in diverse forms, including whole seeds, split seeds (known as dhal), vegetables using green seeds, and fresh pods. Moreover, pigeon peas find application in a variety of food products, including bread, pasta, noodles, snacks, and biscuits. Despite their nutritional and medicinal properties, pigeon peas remain among the least utilized legumes globally. This review paper aims to provide up‐to‐date information on the nutritional compositions, bioactive compounds, food applications, and health benefits of pigeon peas.

Re-evaluating soil moisture-based drought criteria for rainfed crops in peninsular India

Background: Peninsular India, being completely under the influence of monsoonal climate, suffers crop yield variability due to rainfall distribution-induced soil moisture constraints. Timely and appropriate assessment of this rainfall and soil moisture-induced crop yield variability serves as a key for exemplary relief assistance. Per cent available soil moisture (PASM) is one among several drought declaration indices followed by stakeholders in India for declaration of drought, needs re-evaluation as the existing criteria in unable to capture the yield loss due to ineffective classification of PASM categories. This study attempts to revise the agricultural drought classes by PASM based on relationships established between yield of major rainfed crops of the study region and PASM.Methods: Analysis of yield variability due to PASM was carried out based on long term observations in experiments conducted at five dry farming locations (Akola, Parbhani, Kovilpatti, Ananthapuramu and Bengaluru) of peninsular India. The average yield for each category of PASM was calculated and tabulated for regression analysis. The PASM versus yield in each group was correlated and regression equations were developed if significant positive correlations were established.Results: The range of available soil moisture to obtain at least 50 percent of optimum yield in cereals (maize: 26 and finger millet: 52.9 PASM), pulses (pigeon pea: 37.2 PASM), oilseeds (soybean: 26.8 to 30.5, groundnut: 53.8 to 61.7 PASM) and commercial crops (cotton: 26.3 PASM) was 26–61 percent.Conclusion: The revised PASM-based drought classes (0–50 severe; 51–75 mild and 76–100 no drought) would help in drought declaration and precise identification of drought-hit areas for meaningful relief assistance. However, there is further investigation is needed to include a soil component for further fine-tuning of the criteria.

Studies on Nutrient Use Efficiency in Short Duration Red Gram (Cajanus cajan (l.) Millsp.) Varieties under Site-Specific Nutrient Management Techniques

Studies on Nutrient Use Efficiency in Short Duration Red Gram (Cajanus cajan (l.) Millsp.) Varieties under Site-Specific Nutrient Management Techniques

Study on Crop Diversification through Area Status of Crops in Kharif Season of Chhattisgarh

In the State of Chhattisgarh, nicknamed the Rice Bowl of India, about 80% of the population is engaged in agriculture. It has been mostly engaged in the paddy-based mono-cropping system for a long period. So, crop diversification (a shift of area away from a less profitable crop toward more profitable ones) is one of the measures, expected to enhance the economic growth of the farmers in this State. Therefore, the present study attempts to assess the status of the area under different crops in the Kharif season in Chhattisgarh, based on secondary data for the period of 19 years, i.e., 2000-01 to 2018-19. For the Kharif season, the area is under crops such as pigeon pea and maize have, in general, increased over the period 2001-19. while the area under moong and sesamum over the period has decreased.

Effect of Agronomic Biofortification of Zn and Fe on Growth, Yield and Economics of Pigeonpea

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) is a major leguminous crop providing substantial nutritional benefits, especially protein to millions of people worldwide. However, its yield and nutritional quality are often constrained by micronutrient deficiencies, particularly zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe). This study investigates the effects of agronomic fortification with Zn and Fe on the growth, yield parameters and overall yield of pigeonpea. The experiment was conducted through a randomized complete block design with nine treatments and replicated thrice. Agronomic fortification involved foliar application of Zn and Fe at flowering and pod development stages. Results indicated that among different treatments the combined foliar application of 0.5 % ZnSO4 + 0.5 % FeSO4 at flower and pod initiation recorded significantly higher plant height (156.7 cm), number of branches per plant (16.8), number of pods per plant (98.5), number of seeds per pod (5.4), pod weight per plant (128.5 g), seed weight per plant (83.5 g), seed yield (1056 kg ha-1) and stalk yield (2503 kg ha-1) in the fortified treatments compared to the control. Notably, the combined Zn-Fe fortification exhibited the most pronounced effects on growth and yield parameters. Overall, agronomic fortification with Zn and Fe positively influenced the growth, yield parameters and yield of pigeonpea, suggesting its potential as a sustainable strategy to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies and enhance crop productivity in pigeonpea cultivation systems.

Effect of different biofertilizers and phosphorus on growth and yield of pigeon pea

Effect of different biofertilizers and phosphorus on growth and yield of pigeon pea

Exploring Bioactive Compounds in Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. Stem and their biological activities: Integration of GC-MS and LC-MS Techniques

Cajanus cajan, a well-known legume crop with nutritional significance, has been used traditionally for various therapeutic purposes. Despite its ethnomedicinal importance and rich metabolite composition, there have been limited investigations into the secondary metabolites present in its stems using advanced analytical techniques. This study aimed to enhance our understanding of the chemical composition and biological activities of underutilized C. cajan stems. GC-MS & LC-MS analysis revealed flavonoids as the stem's predominant secondary metabolites. The methanol extract exhibited potent antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans. Major bioactive compounds, including rutin, apiin, quercetrin, and aesculine, contributed to these beneficial effects. The study also revealed a high total phenolic content of 121.5 mg GAE/g in the stem extract, further establishing C. cajan stems as a valuable source of therapeutic molecules.

Nutrient management for enhancing productivity of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) based intercropping system under rainfed condition

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) season of 2011–12 and 2012–13 at Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Bihar, to study the effect of nutrient management for enhancing productivity of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]-based intercropping systems. Pigeonpea + turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) intercropping system, recorded significantly higher pigeonpea yield (2.00 t/ha), pigeonpea-equivalent yield (4.79 t/ha), fruiting efficiency (18.8%), water-use efficiency (6.1 kg grain/ha/mm), production efficiency (18.0 kg/ha/day) and net re turns ( 106.32 ×10/ha) than pigeonpea + maize (Zea mays L.) intercropping and sole pigeonpea. However, pigeonpea + turmeric recorded lower benefit: cost (B: C) ratio than sole pigeonpea. Significantly higher B: C ratio was recorded under pigeonpea + sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) (2.32) and pigeonpea + urdbean [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] (2.31) intercropping systems than pigeonpea + maize, pigeonpea + turmeric and sole pigeonpea. Pigeonpea + maize recorded significantly lower NPK uptake by pigeonpea than sole pigeonpea and the other in tercropping systems. Pigeonpea + mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] and pigeonpea + urdbean recorded significantly higher number and dry weight of nodules /plant than pigeonpea + maize. Application of 125% recom mended dose of fertilizer (RDF) recorded significantly higher number of branches and pods/plant, pigeonpea equivalent yield (3.39 t/ha), land-equivalent ratio (1.87), production efficiency (12.8 kg/ha/day), net returns ( 80.83 ×103/ha), benefit: cost ratio (2.17) and NPK uptake by pigeonpea than RDF and 75% RDF. Pigeonpea equivalent  yield in pigeonpea + urdbean, pigeonpea + mungbean and pigeonpea + sesame intercropping sys tems, increased significantly with the increasing levels of fertilizer up to RDF, and further increase in fertilizer level did not show significant effect on pigeonpea-equivalent yield. However, it increased significantly up to 125% RDF in pigeonpea + maize and pigeonpea + turmeric intercropping systems. Pigeonpea + urdbean and pigeonpea + mungbean increased organic carbon, available N, P, K content of the soil than the other intercropping systems and initial soil value.

Nutrient Balance and Nutrient Use Efficiency of Irrigated Pigeon Pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] under Various Integrated Nutrient Management Practices

Aims: To evaluate the nutrient balance and nutrient use efficiency of irrigated pigeon peas under various integrated fertilizers Place and Duration of Study: The field trial was conducted at Instructional Farm (North), Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore. Methodology: During the growth phase of the pigeon pea crop, the soil's nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels were monitored to assess their essential nutrient balance. This evaluation was conducted for each treatment, considering the specific nutrient application given to the crop. Additionally, the total quantity of nutrient uptake and the efficiency of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium utilization were calculated. Results: Higher availability of nutrients and nutrient uptake at harvest and the maximum values of computed balance and gain values in the nutrient balance studies and agronomic efficiency were observed in the integrated application of 75% RDF + 25% N eq as vermicompost (T2) Conclusion: The integrated application of 75% RDF + 25% N eq as vermicompost (T2) resulted in maximum available nutrients, plant uptake, agronomic efficiency and computed balance nutrient gain.

CULTURABLE ENDOSYMBIOTIC BACTERIA FROM THE INDIAN LAC INSECT, KERRIA LACCA (KERR)

The Indian lac insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr) (Coccoidea: Tachardiidae) is a commercially important phytosuccivorous and sessile scale insect. Lac insects are cultured on suitable host plants in India and some Southeast Asian countries to produce lac. The lac insect harbours a number of endosymbionts. Isolation of culturable microbial endosymbionts and their identification through 16S rRNA has revealed sex and host-related differences of microbial species. Bacillus boroniphilus, Enterobacter cloacae and Staphylococcus sp. were found only in the lac insects reared on the plant host Cajanus cajan, whereas Bacillus firmus, Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus, Bacillus horneckiae and Bacillus velezensis were recorded only from Flemingia macrophylla. B. firmus and L. xylanilyticus were female-specific and B. horneckiae and B. velezensis were male-specific with Flemingia macrophylla as host; E. cloacae was female-specific and Bacillus boroniphilus and Staphylococcus sp. were male specific with C. cajan. Biochemical characteristics of the isolates, their genetic relationship with their taxonomic kin and their probable role, based on the information available about these endosymbionts in other hosts, have been studied.

Understanding the interactions of genotype with environment and management (G×E×M) to maize productivity in Conservation Agriculture systems of Malawi.

Climatic variability and soil fertility decline present a fundamental challenge for smallholder farmers to determine the optimum management practices in the production of maize. Optimizing genotype (G) and management (M) of maize under different environmental conditions (E) and their interactions are essential for enhancing maize productivity in the smallholder sector of Malawi where maize is the main staple food. Here, we evaluated over seven seasons, the performance of four commercial maize genotypes [including hybrids and one open pollinated variety (OPV)] managed under different Conservation Agriculture (CA) and conventional practices (CP) across on-farm communities of central and southern Malawi. Our results revealed significant G×E and E×M interactions and showed that hybrids such as DKC 80-53 and PAN 53 outyielded the other hybrid and the OPV in most of the environments while the OPV ZM523 had greater yields in environments with above-average rainfall and shorter in-season dry spells. These environments received a maximum of 1250 mm to 1500 mm of rainfall and yet the long-term averages were 855 mm and 1248 mm, respectively. Despite yielding lower, the OPV ZM523 also exhibited higher yield stability across environments compared to the hybrid MH 30, possibly due to its resilience to drought, heat stress, and low soil fertility conditions which are often prevalent in the target communities. Conservation Agriculture-based practices outyielded CP across the genotypes and environments. However, amongst the CA-based systems, intercropping of maize with pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp] and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walp.) performed less than monocropping maize and then rotating it with a legume probably due to competition for moisture between the main and the companion crops in the intercrop. The key findings of this study suggest the need to optimize varietal and management options for particular environments to maximize maize productivity in Malawi. This means that smallholder farmers in Malawi should adopt hybrids and CA-based systems for enhanced yields but could also consider OPVs where the climate is highly variable. Further rigorous analysis that includes more abiotic stress factors is recommended for a better understanding of yield response.

The Major Potential of Non-Conventional Feed Resources in Poultry Nutrition in Ethiopia: A Review

This review was conducted with the objective of assessing the major potential of non-conventional feed resources in poultry nutrition in Ethiopia. Ethiopia has a vast array of non-conventional feed resources that can be utilized in poultry nutrition. These resources have the potential to significantly contribute This review was conducted with the objective of assessing the major potential of non-conventional feed resources to the growth and development of the poultry industry in the country. Potentially available of non-conventional feed resources (NCFR) include plant materials, such as the leaves and seeds of Moringa, Cassava, Taro leaf, Mango seed kernels, Pigeon pea, potato peel and leaf and agro-industrial by-products like, Rice bran, Filter sugar cake and brewery grain. Most of these feedstuff materials are low in energy, protein and minerals. These feed resource contain high amounts of anti-nutritional component. Appropriate processing methods like soaking, boiling, or fermenting can help reduce these anti-nutritional factors, enhancing the digestibility and utilization of NCFR in poultry diets. There are also several challenges and limitations that need to be addressed in order to fully exploit the potential of these feed resources. Some of the common problems are like limited knowledge and awareness, lack of processing and preservation techniques, limited availability and seasonal variations, lack of infrastructure and storage facilities and limited research and data. To addressing these challenges through research, extension services, and policy support can help unlock the full potential of non-conventional feed resources in poultry nutrition in Ethiopia. This would not only contribute to improved productivity and profitability in the poultry sector but also enhance food security and sustainable agricultural practices in the country.

Antioxidant polypeptides derived from pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L) Mill sp.) by enzymatic hydrolysis

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L) Mill sp.) seeds are rich sources of protein in the legume family and their consumption has been associated with the prevention of noncommunicated diseases, which is attributable to their content of bioactive components. Antioxidant protein hydrolysates were produced from pigeon pea protein isolate (PPI) by enzymatic hydrolysis using pancreatin and flavourzyme. The hydrolysates were analyzed for their physicochemical, molecular weight, amino acid composition, and in vitro antioxidant activities. The molecular weights of polypeptides in the hydrolysates were 8, 20, 25 and 48 kDa, which were determined after pancreatin or flavourzyme hydrolysis of the protein isolate for 4 h. Pancreatin-hydrolyzed pigeon pea protein (PPHP) contained high hydrophobic amino acids, especially isoleucine, leucine and valine, which were related to the high content of aromatic amino acids. The hydrolysates obtained from flavourzyme hydrolysis of pigeon pea proteins (PPHF) presented significantly higher capacities to scavenge ABTS˙+ and reduce Fe3 + better than that of PPI, while the PPI exhibited strong DPPH scavenging (98.4 mg trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity). The results indicated that the partial hydrolysis for PPI provided medium to high molecular weight of peptides. Therefore, PPHF could be a promising source of bioactive peptides and a potential ingredient for the formulation of functional foods against oxidative stress

Influence of Organic Nutrient Management on Growth and Physiological Parameters of Redgram (Cajanus cajan L.)

The field experiment was conducted to study the “Effect of organic nutrient management in growth and physiological parameters of redgram (Cajanus cajan L.) and executed during rabi season 2023 - 2024 at North farm, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with 11 treatments and 3 replications. The result revealed that maximum plant height, number of root plant-1, dry matter production, leaf area index, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate was found higher in 50% N equivalent based FYM @ 2.5 t ha-1 + 50% N equivalent based vermicompost @ 0.416 t ha-1 (T4) and 100% RDF + FYM @ 12.5 t ha-1 (T10) and which was followed by 100% N equivalent based vermicompost @ 0.8 t ha-1 compared to control (T11). As the result from the study recorded and concluded that the interaction effect with 50% N equivalent based FYM @ 2.5 t ha-1 + 50% N equivalent based vermicompost @ 0.416 t ha-1 increases the crop growth and physiological parameters of redgram and results in higher production.

Genetic Diversity Analysis in Medium Duration Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp.] Germplasm for Different Agronomic Traits and Biotic Factors

For the people living in tropical and sub-tropical regions, Pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp.] is a very essential pulse crop because of its high nutrition along with several important features such as feed and fodder for animal consumption, fuel for household work etc. Despite being a multipurpose and attractive crop, its productivity has remained up to 700-800kg ha-1. Along-with low productivity, Pigeon pea is also affected by a number of biotic stresses such as fusarium wilt, pod borer, pod fly. It is therefore, need of the hour to search for the genetic diversity present in the existing cultivars along with wild relatives and landraces. The present investigation was conducted with forty Pigeon pea germplasm to assess the genetic diversity by principal component analysis (PCA). PCA is an important statistical technique which reduces the dimension of the much large data set into a more concise data set while retaining a significant amount of information from the original data. PCA analysis revealed a significant amount of variability present in the germplasm. PC1 contributed maximum variance towards diversity (22.05%) followed by PC2 (15.87%), PC3 (11.39%), PC4 (10.18%), PC5 (9.10%) and PC6 (8.18%). Scatter plot diagram showed that genotypes number 1 (CRG 82), 5 (GJP 1721), 19 (ICPL 15062), and 31 (BAUPP-18-8) exhibited the highest diversity.

Performance of little millet (Panicum flexuosum) based cropping system for rainfed agro ecosystems: A path to sustainable crop diversification

An experiment was conducted during 2019, 2020 and 2021 at Centre of Excellence in Millets, (Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu), Athiyandal, Tiruvanamalai, Tamil Nadu. to study the performance of little millet (Panicum flexuosum Retz.) based cropping system for rainfed agro ecosystems for north-eastern part of Tamil Nadu. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) comprised of 9 treatments, viz. T1, Little millet + Redgram [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] (4:1)-Moth bean [Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal]; T2, Little millet + Redgram (4:1)-Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]; T3, Little millet + Redgram (4:1)-Horsegram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.]; T4, Little millet + Redgram (6:2)-Moth bean; T5, Little millet + Redgram (6:2)-Blackgram; T6, Little millet + Redgram (6:2)-Horsegram; T7, Little millet + Redgram (8:2)- Mothbean; T8, Little millet + Redgram (8:2)-Blackgram; T9, Little millet + Redgram (8:2)- Horsegram, with three replications. The good quality seeds of little millet (CO 4), redgram (Paiyur 2), horsegram (Paiyur 2), blackgram (VBN 3) and mothbean [TMV (Mb) 1] were used. The result shows that the higher yield for little millet and intercropped redgram was recorded in T9 (985 and 362 kg/ha) followed by T7 (853 and 356 kg/ha) and T8 (834 and 337 kg/ ha). The 8:2 row ratio exhibited the highest little millet equivalent yield when compared to 6:2 and 4:1 row ratio. The highest economic return and benefit cost (B:C) ratio was observed in T9 with gross return of ₹60,962/ha, net returns of ₹35,362/ha and B:C ratio (2.38). This was followed by T7 which had gross returns of ₹51,314/ha, net returns of ₹25,989/ha and B:C ratio (2.10).

Good fences make good neighbors? Exploring potential transformative impacts of local governance towards livestock fence-in rights in Malawi

Malawi's export earnings are dominated by tobacco, accounting for over 60% of export earnings. The demand for an alternative export commodity, pigeon pea, has been rising over the past decade, especially from India. In addition to their export potential, pigeon pea is an effective cover crop to protect soil heath and productivity in the dry season. They are mostly grown in southern region on very small farms, however, there are opportunities for expansion into central region given the existence of larger farms and agroecological suitability for the crop. Currently, social norms in the central region constrain this expansion. Livestock, and goats in particular, are left to roam free in the dry season by over two-thirds of farmers, relative to only one-third in the south. This leads to significant damage to pigeon pea crops and discourages farmers from growing them and taking advantage of the increased export demand. Much land is left bare and the few farmers that do grow crops during the dry season are forced to put up fences. This study assesses ex-ante implications, especially on agroecological transformation and economic growth, of shifting local governance arrangements among farmers around keeping livestock towards controlled systems. These externalities have been understudied in the development programming, yet their impacts are substantial, especially in lower-income countries. The policy solution under study is for the local government and non-state actors to support local governance arrangements through indirect payments to agroecosystem services. These can include information campaigns on benefits of controlled livestock systems, training and subsidizing modern goat house construction and feed preservation, and contract farming and product certification for adhering to acceptable community norms. Medium-term policy interventions include varietal development of adaptable short duration pigeon pea, initiating a review of the appropriate laws, and instituting more studies to understand these community norms.

Insights into the role of SUMO in regulating drought stress responses in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan).

We have identified and analyzed 28 SUMO-pathway proteins from pigeonpea. Enhanced transcripts of pathway genes and increased SUMO conjugation under drought signifies the role of SUMO in regulating stress. Being a protein-rich and nutrient-dense legume crop, pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) holds a vital position in a vegetarian meal. It is a resilient crop capable of striving in harsh climates and provides a means of subsistence to small-holding farmers. Nevertheless, extremes of water scarcity and drought conditions, especially during seedling and reproductive stages, remains a major issue severely impacting the growth and overall productivity of pigeonpea. Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO), a post-translational modification system, plays a pivotal role in fortifying plants against stressful conditions by rapid reprogramming of molecular events. In this study, we have scanned the entire pigeonpea genome and identified 28 candidates corresponding to SUMO machinery components of pigeonpea. qRT-PCR analysis of different SUMO machinery genes validated their presence under natural conditions. The analysis of the promoters of identified SUMO machinery genes revealed the presence of abiotic stress-related cis-regulatory elements highlighting the potential involvement of the genes in abiotic stress responses. The transcript level analysis of selected SUMO machinery genes and global SUMO status of pigeonpea proteins in response to drought stress suggests an integral role of SUMO in regulating drought stress conditions in pigeonpea. Collectively, the work puts forward a detailed in silico analysis of pigeonpea SUMO machinery candidates and highlights the essential role of SUMOylation in drought stress responses. Being the first report on a pulse crop, the study will serve as a resource for devising strategies for counteracting drought stress in pigeonpea that can be further extended to other pulse crops.