Pigeonpea Production Research Articles

Soil moisture induced yield variability in major crops of Karnataka

South interior Karnataka, being a major rainfed zone contributing to production of pigeonpea, finger millet,groundnut, etc., suffers from severe yield instability due to dependency on rainfall. As the distribution of rainfall(spatial and temporal) is erratic, droughts are becoming a common phenomenon and adversely affecting regional crop production by influencing soil moisture availability. Regression studies on per cent available soil moisture (PASM) and yield were conducted based on long-term field observations in 2014–19 on soil moisture and crop yields in finger millet, pigeonpea and groundnut at UAS-GKVK, Bengaluru. The outcomes indicated large yield variability due to minor soil moisture differences. In finger millet, at 58 PASM, 50% (1500 kg/ha) of normal yield was obtained and at 40 PASM, only 25% of normal yield was obtained. In pigeonpea, the crop yield recorded at 25 PASM was 8–18% (202–347 kg/ha) of the normal yield. In groundnut 50 PASM gave 41% of normal yield. The outcome indicated different soil moisture requirement for different crops, stressed the need for amending existing non-crop specific PASM ranges for drought declaration. Amendments were brought in by considering different PASM levels in these three crops finger millet: 20–40 as severe, 40–60 as moderate, >60 as no drought; in pigeonpea, 25–30 as severe, 30–60 as moderate, >60 as no drought; in groundnut, 35–50 as severe, 50–70 PASM as moderate, >70 as no drought. Since the practicality of the study was proven, the amendments were given in the drought manual published by ministry of farmers’ welfare.

Impact of climatic abnormities and mitigating technologies on pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) in central India

A study was carried out on changes in climate; area and productivity of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) over aperiod of three decades (1982–2016), and impact of climatic abnormalities and mitigation technologies on yield andeconomic benefits was seen. Long-term data on climate change showed that there is a trend of minimum and maximum temperature rise and a decrease in monthly total rainfall in summer and rainy season, while it increases in winter. Study also revealed the prominent disparity in area and productivity of pigeonpea of all agro-climatic zones of Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Chhattisgarh (CG). The absolute change (AC) and relative change (RC) in area of pigeonpea in MP and CG states increased by 34.66 thousand ha and 16.2% and increased productivity by 243.3 kg/ha and 65.4% compared with base years, respectively. Like-wise maximum AC in productivity was at Central Narmada Valley (CNV) and minimum at CG plains, while RC in productivity was maximum increased in Gird region and minimum in CG plains compared to base years. The crop sowing on bed with broad bed furrow (BBF) increased seed yield by 18.2% compared to flat land sowing method. The Fusarium wilt infestation was reduced with resistant cultivar along with seed treatment with Trichoderma harzianum and BBF sowing impacting on yield by 26.2%, whereas increased by 20.7% with control of phytophthora blight resistant cultivar sowing on BBF after seed treatment with Trichoderma viride, compared with existing practices (EP). Similarly control of pod borer with the use of IPM technology enhanced seed yield by 42.2% compared with EP. Results showed that adoption of improved techniques for mitigation of climatic abnormalities gave higher productivity, net returns and B:C ratio compared to EP.

​Stability of Advanced Medium Duration Genotypes Across Seasons for Yield in Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.

Background: Yield is polygenically inherited and highly influenced by G x E interaction higher magnitude of G x E interaction among genotypes invalidates the fitness of genotypes across the environments. Hence, quantification G x E interaction and identification of stable genotypes across environments will enhance production and productivity of pigeonpea. Methods: The stable performance of the thirty three advanced medium duration lines of pigeonpea along with six check varieties across the seasons were examined during kharif-2017, 2018 and 2019 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, (ZARS) Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India. The advanced medium duration genotypes was contributed by six research stations belongs six states in India. Result: Considering all stability parameters the genotype ICPL 20108 found stable, high yielding and had desirable agronomic traits. The genotype GRG 177 though ranked first for mean yield, it exhibited nonlinear regression indicating highly sensitiveness to different environments. The genotype GRG 152 had second highest mean yield with bi less than 1 (bi= regression) and non significant deviation from regression co-efficient indicating its specific suitability to unfavorable/poor/low input environments. The genotypes BDN-2014-1, ICPL 20098 and AGL-1603-4 had average yield above population mean and exhibited stable performance across environments.

Dynamics of Food Grains Production in Vidisha District of Madhya Pradesh

The examined the relative change in area, production and productivity of major foodgrain crops (paddy, sorghum, maize, pigeonpea, black gram, green gram, wheat, chickpea, peas and lentil) in Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh. The relative change in area of green gram was noticed highest and wheat was observed lowest, although sorghum, maize, lentil and chickpea were observed negative. The relative change in production of paddy was highest as compared to other food grains, although sorghum and maize were found negative. The variability in area, production and productivity of paddy was highest as compared to other food grains. The growth rates in area of paddy, green gram, black gram, pigeonpea, wheat were observed positive and highly significant. The growth rates in area of sorghum, maize, lentil were noticed negative and highly significant. The growth rate in production of wheat, pigeonpea, black gram, and green gram were positive and highly significant while growth rate in production of sorghum was found negative and highly significant. The growth rate in productivity of paddy, wheat, black gram and lentil were found positive and highly significant

Land Suitability Evaluation for Pigeon Pea in Semi-arid Land, South Telangana Plateau, India, Using GIS, Remote Sensing and Detailed Survey

ABSTRACT Soil-crop suitability evaluation is a prerequisite to achieve elevated production and productivity per unit land, cost, inputs, and manpower. In order to identify potential crop land for pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L. Mill sp.) cultivation in South Telangana Plateau (Rayalseema), a case study was taken at Rayachoty mandal (23240.7 ha), Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR) Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh. A detailed soil survey at 1:10000 scale was carried out to inventory land resources using sentinel-2 satellite imagery and toposheet as base. Based on physical, chemical, and morphological properties, 10 soil series and 53 mapping units were identified. Among 53 mapping units, 5 mapping units (6.61%) are moderately suitable (Class S1), 40 mapping units (57.48%) are marginally suitable (Class S3) and 8.07% of total area is unsuitable for pigeon pea cultivation. The major limitations were topography, soil texture, gravelliness, soil fertility, root restriction and drainage. The study has implications on increasing the area under pigeon pea cultivation by addressing the limitations in specific mapping units in semi-arid land of south Telangana plateau by adopting suitable soil and water conservation measures for elevated pigeon pea production and productivity.

Influence of Different Levels of Drip Fertigation and Mulching on Growth, Yield, Water Productivity and Nutrient Uptake of Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.)

Background: Pigeonpea is second most important pulse crop grown after chickpea in India. Pigeonpea is versatile crop can be grown in vast agro climatic condition with low inputs. However, the yield is very low as compared to the potential yield as grown in rainfed condition, the drip fertigation and mulching can increase resource use efficiency. Both these techniques are resource saving and realized maximum yield by reducing the nutrient and water losses as compared to conventional practices. Methods: The experiment was laid out in factorial complete randomized block design and replicated thrice. The experiment consisted of two levels of irrigation (0.50 CPE and 0.75 CPE) as one factor and three fertility levels (100% RDF, 75% RDF and 50% RDF) as second factor and two levels of mulching (without mulching and with plastic mulching 25 micron) as third factor. Result: The results revealed that higher level of irrigation (0.75 CPE) with 100 per cent RDF and with plastic mulching recorded significantly higher growth rate, seed yield and uptake of nutrients by the pigeonpea crop.

Impact assessment of pigeonpea (Tur) variety released by Dr. PDKV, Akola

In the varietal front the Pulses Research Station, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola has made significant progress by releasing 3 excellent pigeonpea, Variety for Maharashtra. In Pigeon pea variety PKV Tara was released in 2013. In pigeonpea, PKV Tara variety is resistant to wilt disease and moderately resistant to sterility mozc (SMD). Seeds are generally medium bold in size with red seed colour specially. It is suitable for cultivation in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra under normal condition. It is high yielding variety. It gives 18-20 q/ha yield and crop duration is of average 176 days. PKV Tara variety is mostly adopted in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh. The main objective of this study, to study the growth rates of area, production and productivity of selected pigeonpea crop, to examine the varietal status of University released selected pigeonpea and to assess the economic impact of University released selected pigeonpea. The data on area, production and productivity of pigeonpea for Maharashtra and India was collected from the annual report, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers welfare, Government of India for the year 1990-91 to 2019-20. The information on expenditure on research, extension, salary, contingency etc. was availed from the office record of Pulses Research Unit, Dr.PDKV, Akola. Data on seed sale of PKV Tara were collected from Pulses Research Unit, Dr.PDKV, Akola and Mahabheej, Akola. The data on costs and returns of pigeonpea PKV Tara and other varieties data of pigeonpea crop for the year 2019-20 were compiled from the pigeonpea quick estimate reports of Agricultural Price Cost and Scheme, Department of Agril. Economics and Statistics, Dr.PDKV, Akola. In addition to this primary data has been collected from the survey of sample cultivator through personal interview with help of pretested and structured schedule for the year 2019-20. Partial budget approach was used for estimating the impact of research outcome on income generation. Partial budgeting is a method of organizing experimental data and information about the cost and benefits from some change in the technologies being used on the farm. The aim is to estimate the change that will occur in farm profit or loss from some change in the farm plan (Boehlje and Eidman, 1984). The growth rates of area and production of pigeonpea for Maharashtra state was observed to be negatively significant at 1and 5 per cent level of significance, respectively for the entire period of 19 years. The total economic worthiness of University released pigeonpea production technology over other competing varieties of pigeonpea in the region were Rs. 9654.09/-, per hectare. It meanse the Net Economic Impact to the farming community in Maharashtra state were Rs.12. crores for pigeonpea, respectively in the year 2019-20. The area under University released tur varieties for the year 2019-20 were 33080.40 hectare. The gross economic impact of University released pigeonpea varieties was Rs. 841.68 crores for six year. It is, therefore, the that government should provide substantial funds to the University for further Research and Extension of their varieties for benefit of the farming community.

Adoption of recommended pigeonpea production technology by the growers

The study was conducted in purposively selected Jalna district of Marathwada region in Maharashtra state. From the selected district two talukas viz., Ambad and Badnapur were selected randomly as these talukas has considerable area under pigeonpea. Results of study revealed that majority (60.00%) of the farmers had medium level adoption of pigeonpea production technology while other 15 per cent of farmers belongs to high adoption level category pigeonpea production technology whereas, only 25.00 per cent of farmer belongs to low adoption level category of about pigeonpea crop.

Knowledge of recommended pigeonpea production technology by the growers

The study on knowledge of pigeonpea production technology by the growers was conducted in Jalna district of Marathwada region in Maharashtra state. data were collected through personal interview with the help of interview schedule. Results of study showed that, majority (53.33%) of the farmers had medium level knowledge while other 28.34 per cent of farmers belongs to high knowledge level category. Whereas, 18.33 per cent of farmers belongs to low knowledge level category of about production of pigeonpea crop.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of Pigeonpea in Chhattisgarh Plain

India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses in the world accounting for about 29 per cent of the world area and 19 per cent of the world’s production. In order to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses, the projected requirement by the year 2025 is estimated at 27.5 MT. To meet this requirement, the productivity needs to be enhanced to 1000 kg ha-1, and an additional area of about 3-4 M ha has to be brought under pulses besides reducing post-harvest losses. The yield levels of pulses have remained low and stagnant, also area and total production. Among the pulses major constraints in pigeon pea production is mostly grown in marginal lands under rainfed agriculture and without nutrient management, hence are prone to abiotic stresses. Therefore it is essential for higher production and productivity of pigeonpea, use of high yielding varieties with best nutrient management practices. A field experiment was conducted at Barrister Thakur Chhedilal College of Agriculture and Research Station Bilaspur C.G. find out the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. There were 8 treatment combinations. Application of 150 per cent RDF + FYM @ 5 t ha-1 significantly increased the yields of pigeonpea crops over control and other lower doses of fertilizers and FYM. The maximum pigeonpea equivalent yield (16.75 and 16.21 q ha-1), stalk yield (55.68 q ha-1 and 54.63 q ha-1), Harvest index (23.12 % and 22.97 %), gross returns (₹ 105504 and ₹ 102123 ha-1), net returns (₹ 61297.70 and ₹ 59633 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (1.40 and 1.38) were recorded when full recommended dose of fertilizer was applied to pigeonpea crop (T6 and T5, respectively).

Effect of foliar nutrition supplement on productivity and profitability of medium duration pigeonpea

A field experiment was conducted under AICRP on Pigeonpea during three consecutive years of kharif 201617, 2017-18 and 2018-19 at the Centre for Pulses Research, OUAT, Berhampur, Odisha under rainfed conditions to study the effect of foliar nutrient supplement on productivity and profitability of medium duration pigeonpea. Pigeonpea variety TTB-7 was sown in Randomized Block Design with three replications. Recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) @ 20:40:20 N, P2O5, K2Okg ha−1 was applied to each treatment as basal at the time of sowing. Altogether 12 treatments viz.,T1: absolute control, T2: water spray at 50% flowering (control), T3: 2% urea spray at 50% flowering, T4: 0.5% borax (10%) spray at 50% flowering, T5: 0.5% ZnSO4 spray at 50% flowering, T6: 1% urea +0.25%, ZnSO4 + 0.25 borax (10%) spray at 50% flowering, T7: multi micronutrient spray@ 2ml L−1 at flower bud initiation, T8: 2% DAP spray at flower bud initiation, T9: 2% MOP spray at flower bud initiation, T10: NPK (19:19:19) @ 1% spray at 50% flowering, T11: NPK (19:19:19) @ 1% + Solubor (B20%) @ 0.2% spray at flower bud initiation, and T12: NPK (19:19:19) @ 1% + multi micronutrient spray @ 2 ml L−1 at flower bud initiation were tested. Maximum grain yield (1683 kg ha−1) was recorded with application of NPK (19:19:19) @ 1% + Solubor (B20%) @ 0.2% spray at flower bud initiation (T11) followed by T12 [NPK (19:19:19) @ 1% + multi micronutrient spray@ 2 ml L−1 at flower bud initiation] and T4 [0.5% borax (10%) spray at 50% flowering]. This treatment had also recorded high harvest index (33%), maximum net return (Rs. 58097 ha−1) with high B:C ratio (2.78). It was concluded that foliar supplementation of NPK (19:19:19) @ 1% + Solubor (B20%) @ 0.2% at flower bud initiation stage in medium duration pigeonpea could be recommended under rainfed kharif upland situation in Odisha for obtaining maximum grain yield and net return.

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan)- Recent biotechnological advances to enhance salt tolerant traits

Suitable management technologies to offset adverse effects of abiotic stresses like water logging, salinity and drought have been developed. Soil fertility is abiotic stress for which integrated plant nutrient-management system has been evolved to enhance pigeonpea productivity in pigeonpea-based cropping systems. Effective procurement, attractive minimum support price coupled with enhanced productivity would promote pigeonpea cultivation in green revolution tracts.

Analysis of the current situation and future outlooks for pigeon pea (Cajanus Cajan) production in Oyo State, Nigeria: A Markov Chain model approach

Pigeon pea is an underutilized crop in Nigeria and particularly in Oyo State in terms of research, production and utilization despite its economic and nutrition importance. It is therefore important to understand its current production status in Oyo State in order to evaluate the economic potential of pigeon pea production in the study area. This study therefore, profiled the current production systems of pigeon pea, analyzed the current and forecast the future farm size and examined the constraints to pigeon pea production in Oyo State. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select 150 pigeon pea farmers. A structured questionnaire was used to gather primary data from the respondents. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Markov Chain Analysis (MCA) and Importance Ranking Index. The study found that all the farmers still cultivated local variety with average yield of 604kg/acre, most farmers intercropped with other crops and produced mainly for consumption by households and sale at the local market. Majority (73%) cultivated between 1 and 5 acres of land and on the average, 1.55 and 1.72 acres of land were cultivated in 2017/2018 and 2018/2019, respectively. There was significant difference between the land area cultivated to pigeon pea in 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 (−1.63, p < 0.05). The results of MCA revealed that there was high probability for the farmers to remain on their farm size initially cultivated. Although, gradual increase in the farm size was observed in the equilibrium year. The persuasive identified constraints included inadequate capital, pricing problem and lack of improved variety. The study concluded that the outlook of pigeon pea production seems promising as revealed by the farm size cultivated at the equilibrium year, but a deliberate effort must be made to promote the production of and research on pigeon pea in the study area, especially in the development of improved varieties. • Knowledge of farm size in two consecutive years predict the future years. • Research on improved varieties of pigeon pea in Nigeria is advocated for. • Pigeon pea will remain underutilised without increased research efforts • Gender role is a key factor in pigeon pea production in Nigeria.

Arbuscular mycorrhizae and silicon alleviate arsenic toxicity by enhancing soil nutrient availability, starch degradation and productivity in Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.

Arsenic (As) pollution of soil reduces the growth and reproductive potential of plants. Silicon (Si) and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi play significant roles in alleviating adverse effects of As stress. However, studies are scant regarding alleviative effects of Si in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) because legumes are considered low Si-accumulators. We investigated the individual as well as synergistic potential of Si with two AM species (M1-Claroideoglomus etunicatum and M2-Rhizoglomus intraradices) in modulating soil properties, thereby improving growth and productivity of pigeonpea genotype Pusa 2001 grown in AsV and AsIII challenged soils. Both As species hampered the establishment of AM symbiosis, thus, reducing nutrient uptake, growth and yield, with AsIII more toxic than AsV. Exogenously applied Si and AM species enhanced soil glomalin and phosphatases activity, hence decreased metal bioavailability in soil, increased plant nutrient acquisition, biomass and chlorophylls; with maximum benefits provided by M2, closely followed by Si and least by M1. These amendments boosted the activities of starch hydrolytic enzymes (α-, β-amylase, starch phosphorylase) in plants, along with a simultaneous increase in total soluble sugars (TSS). This enhanced sugar accumulation directly led to improved reproductive attributes, more efficiently by M2 and Si than by M1. Moreover, there was a substantial increase in proline biosynthesis due to significantly enhanced activities of its biosynthetic enzymes. Additionally, combined applications of Si and AM, especially +Si+M2, complemented each other where AM enhanced Si uptake, while Si induced mycorrhization, suggesting their mutual and beneficial roles in ameliorating metal(loid) toxicity and achieving sustainability in pigeonpea production under As stress.

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) Growth, Yield and Monetary Influence by Drip Irrigation and Mulch in Vertisols of Madhya Pradesh

Background: Farmers are facing many constraints related with pigeonpea cultivation therefore proper resources management and scientific practices can increase the production and productivity of pigeonpea. Drip and mulching can be a way to achieve the goal of more crop per drop. Methods: The field experiments were conducted during kharif season of year 2016-17 and 2017-18. The study area is located (23°16'48'' N-latitude, 77°21'36'' E-longitude) in Madhya Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in vertisols with twenty seven treatment combinations consisting of three mulching, three discharge rate (2 lph-D1, 4 lph-D2 and 8 lph-D3) and three irrigation levels viz. 60% CPE (I1), 80% CPE (I2) and 100% CPE (I3). Well treated bold seeds of pigeonpea (TJT-501) were dibbed in soil on ridge-furrow land configuration. Result: The plant height was maximum in 2 lph (175.78 cm), I2 (176.10 cm) and number of branches, number of pods per plant, seeds per pod also followed the same trend. Maximum yield was registered with D1 (16.48 q/ha) followed by D2 (14.91 q/ha) and D3 (14.46 q/ha). Irrigation level I2 (16.01 q/ha) registered 13.77% higher seed yield than I1 (14.07 q/ha). In case of discharge rate, B:C decreased as rate increased. Among irrigation level treatments, lowest value (1.26) of B:C recorded with 60% CPE whereas highest B:C (1.56) was registered with 80% CPE, which is at par with 100% CPE (1.52). It can be concluded that pigeonpea cultivation is not economical with mulch and 100% supply of irrigation during kharif. It is viable to supply irrigation as per CPE only at branching, flowering and pod development stages.

Evaluation of Pigeonpea Genotypes against Fusarium Wilt and Sterility Mosaic Disease in Gujarat

Background: Fusarium wilt (FW) and sterility mosaic disease (SMD) are two important biotic constraints to pigeonpea production worldwide that can cause loss up to 100 per cent. Host plant resistance is the most durable and economical way to manage these diseases. Methods: Thirty five pigeonpea genotypes comprises [mid early, mid late, dual and hybrid (mid early) group] were evaluated in a fusarium wilt and sterility-mosaic disease-screening nursery at three location viz., Sardarkrushinagar, Bharuch and Vadodara in Gujarat during kharif season 2015-16, to identify genotypes having resistance to both the diseases. Result: Five genotypes identified in each group of pigeonpea viz; mid early (SKNP1303, SKNP 1021, SKNP 0805, SKNP 0920, SKNP 1004), mid late (SKNP 1233, SKNP 10-34, AAUVT 07-10, AAUVT 09-24, GJP1207) and dual (SKNP-1119, BP 06-33, BP 08-06, BP 10-03, BP 10-04) and in hybrid (mid early) group only one hybrid i.e. SKNPCH 1211 were found combined resistance to Fusarium wilt and SMD ( less than 10% disease). These diverse genotypes that are resistant to Fusarium wilt and SMD may be useful in pigeonpea disease resistance breeding programme while hybrid identified as resistance to both the diseases may be recommended for commercial cultivation.

​Efficacy of Biopesticides against Pod Bug, Clavigralla gibbosa Spinola (Heteroptera; Coreidae) in Pigeonpea

Background: Pigeonpea is the major pulse crop of India. In reproductive stage pigeonpea is exposed to biotic pests causing damage to flowers, pods and grains. Pod bugs, Clavigralla gibbosa Spinola are one of the major biotic constraints in reducing productivity of pigeonpea. Nymphs and adults suck the sap from pods and cause loss of seed yield. Chemical residues will remain in the grains affecting health of the consumer. Eco-friendly molecules are best alternatives to manage pod bugs. Methods: Efficacy test of biopesticides viz., Lecanicillium lecanii, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, NSKE 5%, Neemazol 1% and Sasyarakshak against C. gibbosa was conducted in pigeonpea during Kharif 2017-18 and 2018-19 at Agricultural Research Station, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India under field conditions with seven treatments including control in three replications. Two sprays were taken at tender pod stage and population was recorded. Pod damage and grain damage was assessed at harvest. Result: NSKE 5% was superior in reducing pod bug population, pod damage and grain damage followed by L. lecanii and neemazol 1%. M. anisopliae was found to be ineffective in reducing the population, pod damage and grain damage. The average grain yield of 1229.10 kg/ha was highest in NSKE 5% followed by L. lecanii (1223.48 kg/ha) and neemazol 1% (1199.53 kg/ha). The B:C was 2.45 in NSKE 5% and 2.43 in L. lecanii were higher than other treatments. Therefore, these two biopesticides can be used for effective management of pod bug in pigeonpea.

Energy and Economic Budgeting of Pigeonpea Genotypes (Cajanus cajan L.) at Various Sowing Dates

Background: Early duration pigeonpea genotypes a boon as the crop needs a very little amount of inputs, survives well even under available water conditions because of its Bio-tillage in nature. There are many causes of low productivity of pigeonpea, using long duration genotypes, using convention varieties, non monitored input like sowing date and management practice and short duration genotypes play a very important role in productivity as well as production in Rajasthan. Methods: A two-year field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, Sriganganagar Rajasthan, during the Kharif season of the year 2018 and 2019. The experiment is laidout with a split plot design with thrice replication, in the main plot four dates of sowing allotted viz: D1: 25th May, D2: 10th June, D3: 25th June and D4: 10th July and in subplot five genotypes allotted viz: V1: UPAS-120, V2: ASJ-105, V3: Pant- 291, V4: PUSA- 992, V5: ICPL- 88039. Result: Field experiments resulted, the Sowing date D2: 10th June (1451 kg ha-1), is best suitable as compared to others in terms of yields, its attributes and B:C ratio both the years. In the short duration varieties V4: PUSA-992 (1586 kg ha-1) superior to others. In respect of different sowings dates the energy budgeting viz: energy use efficiency varies from D1: 25th May (9.80) and (5.99) to D4: 10th July (8.14) and (4.95), energy productivity (kg MJ-1) varies from D1: 25th May (0.164) and (0.104) to D4: 10th July (0.126) and (0.078) in both the years. In respective of genotypes the higher energy use efficiency found in V4: PUSA-992 (10.34), (6.56), energy productivity in V4: PUSA-992 (0.171 kg MJ-1), (0.111 kg MJ-1) which was superior with others in all aspect in both the years respectively.

Pigeonpea production constraints and farmers’ trait preferences in Malawi: implications for variety design

Pigeonpea Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. is the most important legume cash crop grown in Malawi. However, productivity is low due to biotic and abiotic stresses and socioeconomic constraints. The objectives of this study were to determine farmers’ perceived constraints to pigeonpea production and to identify the varieties and traits preferred by farmers in Malawi. A participatory rural appraisal was conducted in four major pigeonpea growing districts (viz. Chiradzulu, Mulanje, Thyolo and Zomba) in Malawi. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, focus group discussions and transect walks. ‘Mthawajuni’ was the most preferred variety grown by 45% of the respondents, due to its palatability and resistance to pod borers. The farmers identified insects, diseases, late-maturing varieties and small land holdings as the most important constraints to pigeonpea production in Malawi. Short cooking time, palatability, high yield, early maturity, long shelf-life, pest and disease resistance, large seeds and cream colour were the most preferred traits of the pigeonpea. The constraints experienced by farmers and their preferences for the identified traits should be considered as selection criteria during the breeding of new pigeonpea varieties in Malawi.

Trend in Area, Production and Productivity of Pigeon Pea in Myanmar

Background: Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is the third most important pulse crop of Myanmar. The country is the biggest exporter of pigeon pea accounting for nearly (90%) of the total global export volumes. This study evaluates trends in the area, production and productivity of pigeon pea in Myanmar. Methods: The study is based on 10 years (2008 to 2017) secondary data obtained from the Myanmar MOALI and FAOSTAT. CAGR and multiple regression were adopted as the study methods. Result: Results indicated that due to an increase in harvesting area and productivity, pigeon pea production increased from 7,65,000 MT in 2008 to 7,98,689 MT in 2017. However, CAGR indicated a nonsignificant decrease.