Pigeonpea Production Research Articles

Pigeonpea improvement through conventional breeding

Contributions made through conventional breeding have been of great significance in the development of pigeon varieties for diverse agro ecological regions in the country. The available genetic variability has been exploited to its full potential for enhancing trait based genetic improvement. However, the on farm productivity and production has remained low due to several constraints including the plant architecture, early maturity, disease and insect pest resistance. Hence, to breed cultivars having high agronomic performance with broad genetic base for specific regions, new sources of genetic variability need to be tapped. Wild species of Cajanus present a vast reservoir of useful genes for pigeonpea improvement. Heterosis breeding has enormous scope to break the yield barrier and enhancing potential but there is great need to identify heterotic parents to be used as MS lines and their respective restorers. However the major challenges are still being faced to answer genetic solutions for achieving yield potential through early maturity restructuring the plant type and resistance breeding to pave the way for sustainability in pigeon pea production.

Efficacy of different newer insecticides against legume pod borer,Maruca vitrata(Geyer) on pigeonpea

Maruca vitrata (Geyer) is a major limitation in pigeonpea production. Keeping this point in view, the field experiments were undertaken on “Web-forming Lepidopteran, M. virtata (Geyer): An emerging and destructive pest in pigeonpea”. The experiment was conducted at Pulse Research Station, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during kharif 2013–14 and 2014–15 in randomized block design having three replications and seven treatments. Spays were given at 50% flowering stage and then at 15 days interval. The results showed that both in individual years as well as in pooled data, two sprays of chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 0.15 ml/l of water gave maximum control of pod borers (3.33%) with maximum grain yield (1817 kg/ha) but was at par with indoxacarb 15.8 EC @ 0.5 ml/l pod borers damage (3.83%) with a grain yield (1758 kg/ha).

Comparative economics of seed production vis - à - vis grain production of pigeonpea in Karnataka, India

The present study was based on primary data collected for 100 farmers from Gulbarga district of Karnataka during the agricultural year 2013-14. Tabular and discriminant function analysis was used in the present study. The analysis of data shows that the total cost of cultivation in pigeonpea seed production was around 23 per cent higher than grain production. The variable cost was comparatively higher in seed production (26936 per ha) over grain production (20698 per ha). The gross return was about 32 per cent higher in seed production than grain production and net return from seed production of pigeonpea was 44 per cent higher than grain production. The discriminant analysis indicated that gross return with 55.88 per cent followed by seed (18.52 per cent), human labour (8.35 per cent), manures and fertilizers (7.01per cent), bullock and machine labour (5.99 per cent), plant protection chemicals (4.26 per cent) contributed to discriminate between the seed and grain production of pigeonpea. The net return from pigeonpea seed production was encouraging, therefore the area under seed production may be increased for higher profitability and timely supply of quality seed to the farmers.

Technological gap in pigeonpea production technology in Marathwada region

Technological gap in pigeonpea production technology in Marathwada region

Constraints faced by the respondents and their suggestions in adopting pigeonpea production technology

Constraints faced by the respondents and their suggestions in adopting pigeonpea production technology

Popularization of vegetable pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) in central Gujarat through demonstration in farmers field

Conventional pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is harvested as seed but for the purpose of vegetable, it is harvested immature. At this stage it is a nutritious and delicious vegetable and forms a substitute for green pea (Pisum sativum L.). Pigeonpea is one of the most important pulse crops of the Panchmahals district of Gujarat. However, productivity of pigeonpea in the district is very low. Attempts were made to improve productivity and to increase area under pigeonpea by adopting high yielding varieties (HYVs). In order to compare conventional pigeonpea with HYVs, 75 front line demonstrations were carried out in systematic manner on farmers’ field to show the worth of new varieties in comparison to local check and thereby convincing farmers about potentialities of improved production management practices of pigeonpea for further adoption involving feasible and effective scientific package of practices. The demonstrations clearly showed on enhancement of productivity, simultaneously area under pigeonpea cultivation was also noticed to be increased. The yield (green pod) was found to be increased from 4 300 kg/ha in local check to 7 300 kg/ha in demonstrations. Similarly, the benefit cost ratio for HYVs was also increased to 3.22 as compared to local check (2.27). The economics and benefit cost ratio can be further improved to 3.23 when slightly higher inputs for cultivation and marketing. The impact of pigeonpea FLDs was analysed which showed improvement of knowledge and satisfaction of farmers as the main reason for mass scale adoption.

Effect of conservation agriculture practices on productivity and sustainability of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system in Indo-Gangetic plains of India

A long term field experiment was conducted at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during 2008-09 to 2011-12 on a sandy loam soil to study the effect of tillage and crop establishment techniques, and residue management practices on pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) - wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system. Results indicated that zero tillage-raised bed (ZT-B), zero tillage-flat bed (ZT-F) and conventional tillage-raised bed (CT-B) influenced pods/plant, spikes/m2 and grains/spike in pigeonpea and wheat crop. Grain yield of pigeonpea and wheat in zero tillage was 5.4 and 2.47 % higher over conventional tillage, respectively. ZT-F had higher system productivity, net returns and benefit:cost ratio, but ZT-B had higher wheat equivalent yield (WEY). Among all the practices, system yield and net returns were lowest in conventional tillage-flat bed (CT-F). Application of residue gave 14.32 and 34.39 % higher pigeonpea and wheat grain yield, respectively, over the no residue. System productivity, WEY and sustainable yield index (SYI) also increased in combined use of pigeonpea+wheat residue @ 3 tonnes/ha over no residue application. Zero tillage with combined application of residue @ 3 tonnes/ha improved productivity and sustainability of the system. Similar net returns were gained with pigeonpea + wheat residue @ 3 tonnes/ha (Rupees 84,500) and sole pigeonpea residue @ 3 tonnes/ha (Rupees 84 200) application, but net B:C ratio was higher with pigeonpea residue @ 3 tonnes/ha (2.68) than pigeonpea + wheat residue @ 3 tonnes/ha (2.55) application.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on productivity, nutrient uptake and economics of rainfed pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) and blackgram (Vigna mungo) intercropping system

Field experiments were carried out during kharif season of 2008-09 and 2009-10 to study the effect of integrated nutrition on productivity, nutrient uptake and economics of rainfed pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] and blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] intercropping system. Pooled data shows that intercropping systems did not influence significantly on the grain, stover, biological yield and harvest index of pigeonpea and blackgram. Total uptake of N, P, K, S and Zn by pigeonpea were highest recorded with the sole pigeonpea (S1) which was comparable to normal intercropping system (S2) and significantly superior over paired intercropping system (S3). Further, pooled data revealed that normal intercropping system (S2) gave maximum values of gross return (Rupees 120 050), net return (Rupees 99 396), B:C ratio (4.8), pigeonpea equivalent yield (21.75 q/ha), land equivalent ratio (1.70), production efficiency (7.98 kg/ha/day) and economic efficiency (364.83 Rupees/ha/day) which was at par with paired intercropping system (S3) and significantly superior to sole planting of pigeonpea (S1). Application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizers + 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (through vermicompost) + 5 kg Zn/ha gave significantly higher grain yield (21.05 and 5.23 q/ha), stover yield (82.19 and 14.47 q/ha), biological yield (103.24 and 18.85 q/ha) and harvest index (20.23 and 26.40%) of pigeonpea and blackgram, respectively. This treatment (F7) also gave the higher total uptake of N, P, K, S and Zn by pigeonpea and blackgram. Similarly, application of 100% RDF + 50% RDN + 5 kg Zn/ha (F7) recorded highest gross return (Rupees 130 735), net return (Rupees 109 277), B:C ratio (5.11), PEY (24.24 q/ha), LER (1.57), production efficiency (8.9 kg/ha/day) and economic efficiency (401.07 Rupees /ha/day) which was at par with 50% RDF + 100% RDN + 5 kg Zn/ha (F8) and significantly superior to rest of the treatments.

Pollinators diversity with special reference to role of honeybees in seed production of pigeon pea,Cajanus cajanL.

Effect of different modes of pollination viz., open pollination, 4-framed Apis cerana, 6 framed Apis mellifera and a colony of A. florea in seed production of pigeon pea revealed that 4-framed Api indica was found superior for number of pods per plant and weight of 1000 seeds, whereas 6-framed Apis mellifera was superior for number of seeds per plant, yield in kg per ha and per cent seed setting and a colony of Apis florea was superior for per cent crinkled seeds while per cent of germination was high under open pollination.

Integrated nutrient management practices for enhancing growth and yield of pigeonpea: A Review

Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is an important pulse crop grown for its dhal, fuel, and fodder belonging to the family fabaceae. It is an important crop amongst pulses and ranked second after chickpea in India interms of area and production. It provides protein rich food, firewood and income for resource poor small farmers. It is a protein rich legume grown throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world between 30° N and 35° S latitudes. However, in India major area under pigeonpea is lying between 14° and 28° N latitudes, which occupies an area of about 3.81 m ha with a production of 3.02 mt and average productivity of 806 kg ha−1. Integrated nutrient management practices are essential in realizing the higher productivity of pigeonpea and reducing cost of production on sustainable basis.

Yield, water use and water use efficiency of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] under drip fertigation system

Field experiments were carried out during two seasons (August-February) of 2011-12 and 2012-13 at Millet Breeding Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, to study the effect of drip fertigation on productivity, water use and water use efficiency of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) cv. LRG 41. The treatments included three irrigation regimes (50 %, 75 %, 100 % computed water requirement of crop) and surface irrigation along with three fertilizer levels with water soluble fertilizer (WSF) and conventional fertilizers (CF). The treatments were laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The results revealed that drip irrigation at 100 % WRc with fertigation at 125 % RDF through WSF registered significantly highest grain yield of 2812 and 2586 kg ha-1 during 2011-12 and 2012-13, respectively. Surface irrigation with conventional method of fertilizer application recorded lower water use efficiency of 3.70 and 3.38 kg ha-1 mm-1 whereas it was reverse with drip irrigation of 100 % WRc + 125 % RDF through WSF with a WUE of 6.97 kg ha-1 mm-1 during 2011-12 and during second season (2012-13), the highest WUE of 6.72 kg ha-1 mm-1 was recorded in drip irrigation at 50 % WRc along with fertigation at 125 % RDF through WSF. The increase in grain yield with drip irrigation at 100 % WRc + fertigation with 125 % RDF through WSF was mainly attributed by greater and consistent availability of soil moisture and nutrients which resulted in better crop growth, yield components and ultimately reflected on water use efficiency and yield of pigeonpea Cajanus cajan.

Utility of Informative SSR Markers in the Molecular Characterization of Cytoplasmic Genetic Male Sterility-Based Hybrid and its Parents in Pigeonpea

Pigeonpea is one of the most important pulse crops in the semi-arid tropical region, which is prone to several climatic uncertainties like unpredictable temperature, frequent drought and inconsistent rainfall. Additionally, during crop cycle pigeonpea also encounters a wide range of other biotic and abiotic constraints, ultimately leading to its fluctuating production and stagnant productivity. However, recently developed CGMS system has shown noteworthy impacts in enhancing pigeonpea productivity through exploitation of hybrid vigour. At present, A2-cytoplasm derived CGMS system has been well established in pigeonpea. Nevertheless, the commercial success of CGMS system relies largely on the continuous supply of genetically pure seeds of hybrids and corresponding parental lines. Traditionally, the genetic purity of seeds is guaranteed through conducting grow out test (GoT). In this context, DNA marker assays offer several advantages over conventional GoT especially in terms of time, space and money. Given its locus-specific and co-dominant nature, SSR or microsatellite marker is particularly suited for hybridity testing and purity assessment. Here we report a set of robust SSR markers, which could act as reliable molecular kit for ensuring the genetic purity of the CGMS-hybrid ‘IPH 09-5’ and its parental lines ‘PA 163A’ (A-or Male sterile-line) and ‘AK 261322’ (R- or Restorer-line).

An Economic Analysis of Production and Marketing of Major Pulses in Raigarh District of Chhattisgarh

Pulses form a major source of protein for a huge section of India particularly for the poor, backward classes and most of the traditionally vegetarian population. An attempt has been made in the study to examine the production and marketing aspects of major pulses in Raigarh district. The study was undertaken to estimate growth in area, production and productivity of major pulses in Raigarh district and Chhattisgarh state (2001-02 to 2011-12), the cost of cultivation of major pulses in the study area, to examine the marketing pattern of major pulses, to identify the constraints in production and marketing of major pulses and to suggest policy measures for improvement in production and marketing of major pulses as the main objectives.The present study was conducted in the Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh. Hundred farmers were selected randomly from ten villages namely Gautma, Gersa, Ishwarpur, Jampali, Katkaliya, Kendatikra, Kahirbahar, Nawagaon, Salheona, Sithra. The primary data were collected for the year 2013-14. The major findings of this study revealed that the average size of holding of the sample households was 3.19 hectares. Production performance of major pulses (pigeon pea, black gram, green gram, lathyrus and horse gram) during study period (2001-02 to 2011-12) was observed negative and non-significant growth in Raigarh district except area, production and productivity of pigeon pea and production of black gram and horse gram as well as productivity of black gram, green gram and horse gram was found positive. In Chhattisgarh state (during 2001-02 to 2011-12), growth in area, production and productivity of above pulse crops was observed negative and non significant except area production and productivity of pigeon pea and productivity of black gram and lathyrus. This was mainly due to negative and non-significant growth in area and production of major pulses. Paddy, pigeon pea, green gram, black gram, lathyrus, groundnut and mustard were the major crops in the study area. Cost of production per quintal of major pulses showed decreasing trend with the increase in farm size, where as cost of cultivation increased with the increase in farm size. Per hectare major pulses production and input-output ratio increased with the increase in farm size. The two marketing channels were identified for the marketing of major pulses: Channel-I: Producer – Village merchant. Channels-II: Producer – consumer. The major constraints pertaining to cultivation of major pulses were lack of technical knowledge, followed by low adoption of recommended package practices of crops and lack of financing. Constraints of marketing of major pulses were lack of regulated or cooperative market followed by lack of market intelligence and lack of storage facility. Study suggested establishing the regulated or cooperative market in Raigarh district and imparting the technical knowledge and extension support so that farmers can adopt improved technologies with assured irrigation facilities. It is essential to adopt the production system approach by linking the production technology, credit and marketing of major pulses, the study suggested.

Profitability Analysis of Pigeon Pea (CajanusCajan) Production in Riyom Lga of Plateau State

The study focused on the profitability of pigeon pea production in Riyom LGA of Plateau State. Data for the study were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. Questionnaires were administered to 80 targeted farmers to get information on their socio-economic characteristics, years of experience in pigeon pea production and the reason for growing pigeon pea. The analytical tool used includes descriptive statistics to analyze the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers and farm budgeting technique (gross margin analysis) for assessing the profitability of pigeon pea production. The study also identified the constraints encountered by farmers such as high cost of labour, inadequate processing/ storage facilities, problems of access to credit/loans and weed/pest infestation. The results shows that pigeon pea production is profitable with a total variable cost (TVC) at N22620.68 per ha, while gross revenue (GR) was N50185.25 per ha, the profit margin (GM) at N32564.59 and the net return per Naira invested was N0.69. It was recommended that farm inputs and improved seed varieties should be made available to farmers at affordable rates so as to enable them operate at a commercial and profitable level of pigeon pea production. These farmers should be encouraged to form a cooperative society so as to alleviate the problem of credit/ loan acquisition and procurement of genuine products as well as avoid exploitation. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2014.v3n7p44

Profitability Analysis of Pigean Pea (<i>Cajanus cajan</i>) Production in Riyom LGA of Plateau State

The study focused on the profitability of pigeon pea production in Riyom LGA of Plateau State. Data for the study were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. Questionnaires were administered to 80 targeted farmers to get information on their socio-economic characteristics, years of experience in pigeon pea production and the reason for growing pigeon pea. The analytical tool used includes descriptive statistics to analyze the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers and farm budgeting technique (gross margin analysis) for assessing the profitability of pigeon pea production. The study also identified the constraints encountered by farmers such as high cost of labour, inadequate processing / storage facilities, problems of access to credit/loans and weed/pest infestation. The results shows that pigeon pea production is profitable with a total variable cost (TVC) at N22620.68 per ha, while gross revenue (GR) was N50185.25 per ha, the profit margin (GM) at N32564.59 and the net return per Naira invested was N0.69. It was recommended that farm inputs and improved seed varieties should be made available to farmers at affordable rates so as to enable them operate at a commercial and profitable level of pigeon pea production. These farmers should be encouraged to form a cooperative society so as to alleviate the problem of credit/ loan acquisition and procurement of genuine products as well as avoid exploitation

Profitability Analysis of Pigean Pea (<i>Cajanus cajan</i>) Production in Riyom LGA of Plateau State

The study focused on the profitability of pigeon pea production in Riyom LGA of Plateau State. Data for the study were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. Questionnaires were administered to 80 targeted farmers to get information on their socio-economic characteristics, years of experience in pigeon pea production and the reason for growing pigeon pea. The analytical tool used includes descriptive statistics to analyze the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers and farm budgeting technique (gross margin analysis) for assessing the profitability of pigeon pea production. The study also identified the constraints encountered by farmers such as high cost of labour, inadequate processing / storage facilities, problems of access to credit/loans and weed/pest infestation. The results shows that pigeon pea production is profitable with a total variable cost (TVC) at N22620.68 per ha, while gross revenue (GR) was N50185.25 per ha, the profit margin (GM) at N32564.59 and the net return per Naira invested was N0.69. It was recommended that farm inputs and improved seed varieties should be made available to farmers at affordable rates so as to enable them operate at a commercial and profitable level of pigeon pea production. These farmers should be encouraged to form a cooperative society so as to alleviate the problem of credit/ loan acquisition and procurement of genuine products as well as avoid exploitation

Productivity, Organic Carbon and Residual Soil Fertility of Pigeonpea–Wheat Cropping System Under Varying Tillage and Residue Management

Conservation agriculture improves productivity and soil quality, but most of the research results are only confined to the rice–wheat system. Hence, a long term field experiment was conducted at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during 2008–2009 to 2011–2012 on a sandy loam soil to study the effect of tillage and crop establishment techniques, and residue management practices on system productivity, residual nutrient status, microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass nitrogen and enzymatic activities under a pigeonpea–wheat cropping system. It was observed that zero tillage gave 5.4 and 2.3 % higher pigeonpea and wheat yield, respectively, over conventional tillage. Similarly, it resulted in 9.6 and 4.9 % higher Kjeldahl N and extractable K, respectively and the plots under zero tillage had 20.6, 8.0 and 6.1 % higher dehydrogenase and acid and alkaline phosphatase activities, respectively, over conventional tillage. Application of crop residue at 3 t/ha provided 14.3 and 34.4 % higher pigeonpea and wheat grain yield, respectively, over no residue. Further, organic C, Kjeldahl N and Olsen’s P in soil were enhanced by 7.4, 6.9 and 7.5 %, respectively, due to residue compared to no residue plots. Combined application of pigeonpea + wheat residue at 3 t/ha resulted in higher dehydrogenase (20.9 µg triphenylformazan/g/h), β-glucosidase (145 µg p-nitrophenol/g/h), and acid phosphatase activities (24.5 µg p-nitrophenol/g/h) than the single application of wheat or pigeonpea residue in either season or no residue control.

Rainwater Conservation Techniques with Integrated Phosphorus Management on Productivity of Pigeonpea under Dryland Conditions

Afield experiment was conducted on effect of in-situ rainwater conservation techniques with integrated phosphorous management on productivity of pigeonpea under dryland condition during the kharif season 2007–08 to 2011–12 to find out the effect of land configuration with different phosphorus sources on productivity of pigeonpea. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The treatment consisted of two land treatments viz., M1: flat sowing with three hoeing at 3rd, 5th and 8th weeks after sowing, M2: flat sowing with one hoeing at 3rd week and opening of ridges and furrows at 30 days after sowing with five integrated phosphorus sources viz., P0: Control, P1: 12.5 kg N/ha + 25 kg P2O5/ha (R.D.) through DAP + Rhizobium + PSB, P2: 25 kg P2O5/ha through FYM + Rhizobium + PSB, P3: 25 kg/ha P2O5 through SSP + Rhizobium + PSB, P4: 25 kg P2O5/ha through Vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB. Basal dose of nitrogen was adjusted through urea as per treatments details. The pooled results revealed that land treatment, flat sowing with one hoeing at 3rd week and opening of ridges and furrows at 30 days after sowing gave significantly higher grain and stalk (754 and 3323 kg/ha) yield. Among the integrated phosphorus management, the application of 12.5 kg N/ha + 25 kg P2O5/ha through DAP + Rhizobium + PSB registered significantly higher grain and stalk (897 and 3409 kg/ha) yield. The similar trend was also noticed in case of soil available phosphorus and total P uptake by pigeonpea. The higher soil moisture (136 mm) was conserved in the treatment of flat sowing with one hoeing at 3rd week and opening of ridges and furrow 30 days after sowing. Flat sowing + One hoeing + Opening of furrows at 30 DAS along with recommended dose of fertilizer 12.5:25 kg/ha N: P2O5 through DAP + Rhizobium + PSB recorded significantly higher benefit: cost ratio.

Effect of Climate on Productivity of Pigeonpea and Cotton in Andhra Pradesh – A Panel Data Regression

This paper was attempted to examine the effect of temperature and rainfall on the productivity of two important crops-pigeonpea and cotton in Andhra Pradesh following panel data regression approach. Using the district level time series data, the yield of each of these two crops was regressed on maximum temperature during kharif, rainfall quantity and number of rainy days for the period 1990–2002, in a one-way and two-way fixed effect models of panel regression using Least Squares Dummy Variable Method. Comparison of district specific effects revealed statistically significant differences between districts in case of pigeonpea. The response coefficients for rainfall and number of rainy days were found significant at 5 per cent level. A positive impact on yield of pigeonpea at the rate of 1.9 kg/ha was observed for a 10 mm rise in rainfall. The number of rainy days was found to have a significant negative relationship with yield. In case of cotton, half of the major cotton growing districts differed significantly in mean yield levels. A significant reduction in yield at a rate of 13 kg/ha for every 1°C rise in the maximum temperature was observed. The yield of cotton was found to increase by 0.7 kg/ha for every 10 mm increase in the rainfall.

Pre and post-harvest losses of pigeon pea in Maharashtra: An empirical assessment

There are many sources of leakage between production and consumption that not only include loss of grains before harvesting of crop but also during various post-harvest operations viz. threshing, cleaning, winnowing, drying, storage, transportation, packaging, etc. The present study, therefore, makes a comprehensive attempt to estimate the dimension of losses occurring during the pre-and post harvest stages of pigeon pea among pulses cultivated in the state of Maharashtra. The study showed about 14–18 per cent of the total production of pigeon pea as lost on account of pre-harvest, harvest and post-harvest operations. Such high magnitude of loss of crop production is certainly a matter of great concern. Therefore, efforts need to be initiated to curb such losses by adopting appropriate measures. It is expected that measures and programme initiatives such as adoption of improved pre-and post-harvest technology and water and paste control practices will not only increase the productivity of individual crops and their quality but these are also likely to substantially minimize the postharvest losses, increase the total crop area cover and generate adequate quality surplus for their conversion into value-added food products.