Pigeonpea Production Research Articles

Management of sterility mosaic disease in pigeonpea caused by pigeonpea sterility mosaic virus (PPSMV)

Sterility Mosaic Disease (SMD) caused by Pigeonpea Sterility Mosaic Virus (PSMV) is one of the major threats to pigeonpea productivity in India. The incidence of disease under favorable conditions may reduce the yields by up to 80-90%. The virus is transmitted through the eriophyid mite Aceriacajani. Plant viral diseases are managed either through vector control or by the application of antiviral principles. Therefore the present investigation was carried out to find effective acaricides and plant products for the management of SMD. Among all the treatments tested, seed treatment with imidacloprid 70% WS @ 5 g/kg seed+foliar spraying of fenpyroximate 5 EC @ 0.1% (1 ml/L of water) was found to be the most effective in controlling vector and in turn reduced the incidence of sterility mosaic disease with the lowest mean of 22.1% disease incidence as compared with the control (61%).

Yield Yield loss and economic threshold estimates for pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) in late maturing pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan)

Pod borer [Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)] is a major biotic constraint to global pigeonpea production. The farmers largely apply synthetic insecticides to control this pest in pigeonpea. The study was conducted to quantify yield losses and estimate economic thresholds for H. armigera. The late maturing cultivar, IPA-203 was infested with different larval densities to determine the insect density-yield loss relationships. The yield response was variable and grain yield declined with increasing larval density from 1–5/plant. Yield loss of 4.56 kg/ha was evident for each unit increase in larval population. Economic threshold estimates indicated that the control measures for pod borer in IPA 203 cultivar should be initiated at an insect density of ≈1 larva/2 plants or at 3% pod damage to avoid the economic crop losses. The damage potential and economic threshold estimates are prerequisite for integrated pest management and reducing production costs (Alves et al. 2017). Present results indicated that relatively low infestations of H. armigera can cause significant yield reduction in pigeonpea hence intensive monitoring and timely control measures are necessary. Based on present economic threshold estimates, the farmers could decide the timing and kind of control measures to be initiated against pod borer in late pigeonpea cultivars to avert the economic losses.

Herbicidal weed management options for pigeon pea(Cajanus cajan) grown in southeastern Rajasthan

A field experiment was carried out during the kharif seasons of 2020–21, 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Kota, Rajasthan, to study the effect of post-emergence herbicides on productivity of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp]. The results indicated that the minimum weed density and dry weight, and the highest yield attributes, yields, and net return of pigeonpea were obtained under weed free plot. All the herbicidal treatments significantly reduced the weed density and biomass compared to the weedy check. However, application of pendimethalin 30 EC @ 0.75 kg /ha (PE) fb Imazethapyr 10 SL @ 100 g/ha at 20–25 DAS + one inter-cultivation at 50 DAS recorded significantly higher plant height (1.82 m), pods/branch (22.96), pods/plant (206.3), weed control efficiency (84.39% at 60 DAS), grain yield (1,868 kg/ha), net return (` 87.66 x 103 /ha) and B: C ratio (3.35) over weedy check. This leads to the 61.73% higher pigeonpea grain yield over the weedy check plot. Hence it can be inferred that the ap- plication of pendimethalin 30 EC @ 0.75 kg /ha (PE) fb Imazethapyr 10 SL @ 100 g/ha at 20–25 DAS + one inter- cultivation at 50 DAS is an efficient weed control method for profitable cultivation of pigeonpea in south eastern Rajasthan.

Evaluating Effect of Climate Smart Agricultural Practices Adoption on Productivity of Drought-Tolerant Pulses: Insights from Dryland Areas of Makueni County, Kenya

Increased productivity of drought-tolerant pulses could potentially reduce household food insecurity, particularly in developing countries. This paper examines the effect of socioeconomic and institutional factors and the adoption of climate smart agriculture (CSA) practices on productivity of green gram, pigeon pea and cowpea in Makueni County, Kenya. We consider six common CSA practices namely: benches, soil conservation practices, minimum tillage, agroforestry, irrigation practices, and crop diversification. Using data from 384 randomly selected farmers, we use Sseemingly Unrelated Regression (SUREG) model to estimate factors influencing productivity of drought-tolerant pulses. The results showed that soil conservation practices were the most adopted (72%), while irrigation practices were the least adopted (9.6%). Among the CSA practices, crop diversification and benches were key to significantly affect the productivity of the three pulses, while agroforestry did not affect productivity of any of the selected pulses. Farming experience, number of extension contacts, and years of schooling were key socioeconomic and institutional factors that significantly affected the productivity of drought-tolerant pulses considered. Results showed that the impact of CSA practices on productivity differed among the pulses, since the soil conservation practices affected the productivity of both green gram and pigeon pea, while other practices including minimum tillage soil and irrigation practices affected the productivity of cowpea and green gram, respectively. Consequently, policies should consider promoting the adoption CSA practices among smallholder famers in Sub-Saharan Africa to improve farm level crop productivity and ensure household food security. Furthermore, Sub-Saharan Africa governments and agricultural sector policy makers should promote sustainable financial incentives such as establishment of farmer-friendly credit financing schemes to enhance CSA adoption and in-turn boost smallholder farmers farm net returns.

Productivity, nutrient uptake, microbial activity and economics of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) as influenced by foliar application of nano fertilizers

Productivity, nutrient uptake, microbial activity and economics of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) as influenced by foliar application of nano fertilizers

Comparison of the Agronomic Performance between a Pigeonpea Hybrid and Five Breeding Lines Developed through Conventional Breeding

Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Mill.] may have cross- or self-pollination that allows the use of hybrids or improved genotypes by conventional breeding approaches in pigeonpea production. The objectives of this research were to: 1) compare the agronomic performance of a hybrid vs. breeding lines (BLs) developed by pedigree and bulk methods, and 2) determine if there were average and useful heterosis and heterobeltiosis for quantitative traits. The hybrid 13KLAF1 and UPE-1, UPE-2, UPE-3, UPE-4, UPE-5 BLs, their parents (13KPP-264-05 and ‘Lázaro’), and one early maturity check ‘ICPL 86012’ were evaluated in field trials in Isabela and Lajas, PR. Data of plant height, days to flowering and harvest, seed yield, and weight of 100 dry-seeds were noted for all genotypes. There were no significant differences between 13KLAF1 and UPE BLs for plant height in both locations. ‘Lázaro’ was late maturity in Isabela (157 days) and Lajas (124 days), as expected. The weight of 100 seeds for all genotypes did not reach values more than 18.5 and 16.3 g such as those observed for 13KPP-264-05 in Isabela and Lajas, respectively. The higher seed yields were observed for 13KLAF1 (3112 kg·ha−1), UPE-4 (2970 kg·ha−1), and ‘ICPL 86012’ (2739 kg·ha−1) in Isabela, whereas 13KLAF1 (1599 kg·ha−1) and ‘ICPL 86012’ (1450 kg·ha−1) produced the higher yields in Lajas. The 13KLAF1 showed an average heterosis and heterobeltiosis of 87% and 60%, and 78% and 30% for seed yield in Isabela and Lajas, respectively. The useful heterosis was >125% in both locations.

Combined effect of phosphorus, sulphur and biofertilizers on plant development, yield attributes, production and quality of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp)

Combined effect of phosphorus, sulphur and biofertilizers on plant development, yield attributes, production and quality of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp)

Impact of cluster frontline demonstration on increasing productivity and profitability of pigeonpea in Bihar

The present investigation was conducted on cluster frontline demonstration (CFLD) on pigeonpea with improved pigeon pea varieties (Malviya Chamawtkar or MAL-13, LRG-41 and IPA-203) in Kharif season over three at 104 farmer’s field covering 40 ha rainfed/upland areas of 12 villages of Bhagalpur district to know the field gap, technology gap, extension gap, economic return, the extent of farmer’s satisfaction and constraints faced by the farmers, especially pigeon pea growers. Based on three years’ mean data the highest pigeon pea yield (16.98 q/ha) was received from the demonstration plot, which was 39.6% higher as compared to existing common farmers’ practice. Extension gap, technology gap, and technological index were found as 4.82 q/ha, 5.51 q/ha, and 23.8%, respectively. The highest net return (Rs. 80,292/ha) and B:C ratio (3.75) were also calculated in CFLD technology as compared to existing common farmers’ practices.

On-farm Pre-extension Demonstration of Newly Released Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) Technology with Proper Agronomic Practices in Gamo and Konso Zones of Southern Ethiopia

Pigeon pea is widely cultivated by Ethiopian farmers, but its production remains low despite suitable conditions. This is partly due to inadequate demonstration of new pigeon pea varieties with proper agronomic practices. To address this, Arba Minch Agricultural Research Center released a new variety, Ashenafi, which showed promise in adaptation trials. However, its farmer preference and socio-economic benefits were not assessed. Therefore, a pre-extension demonstration of Ashenafi and a local check was conducted in 2024 at Karat Zuria and Boreda districts to improve pigeon pea production. The demonstration covered 20 farmers’ fields and 2 Farmers Training Centers, with 10m x 50m plots for each variety, using a spacing of 1.2m between rows and 0.5m between plants, a seed rate of 3 kg/ha, and a fertilizer rate of 100 kg/ha NPS. Grain yield data and farmer preferences were collected and analyzed. Ashenafi yielded 1,860 kg/ha compared to the local variety's 1,065 kg/ha at Karat Zuria, and 1,785 kg/ha compared to 890 kg/ha at Boreda. Results at the Farmers Training Center were similar. The significant yield gap of 787 kg/ha suggests a need to encourage adoption of the new variety. Ashenafi proved more profitable and was preferred by farmers for its earliness, quick branch emergence, seed size, grain yield, and pod number. Thus, Ashenafi is recommended for wider production with proper agronomic practices.

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.

Impact of organic nutrient modules on productivity of pigeonpea based intercropping system

Impact of organic nutrient modules on productivity of pigeonpea based intercropping system

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.

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.

Pigeonpea Productivity and Soil Health as Influenced by Phosphorus Levels and AM Fungi under Different Planting Methods

A field experiment was conducted at ARS, Bheemarayarnagudi, Karnataka to study the effect of phosphorus graded levels and inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi under different establishment techniques in pigeonpea during kharif season of three years (2010-13) in Upper Krishna Project command area of Karnataka. The treatment consists of phosphorus graded levels (0, 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50kg ha-1) with inoculation VAM fungi under two establishment techniques (Transplanted and dibbled) with randomized block design. Three-year pooled data indicated that, Application of 50 kg P + VAM under transplanting technique recorded significantly higher pigeonpea yield (1510 kg ha-1) and it was on par with application 37.5 kg P + VAM under transplanting method over rest of the treatment. The economics and nutrient uptake also noticed similar trend. It proved that pigeonpea could be successfully transplanted in the UKP command area of Karnataka by applying 37.5 kg of phosphorus ha-1 in conjunction with VAM fungus inoculation. This boosted crop productivity, nutrient availability, and net returns.

Effect of Companion Cropping of Sesame on Development of Pigeonpea

The field study was laid out during two consecutive rainy seasons of 2016-17 and 2017-18 at Soil Conservation and Water Management Farm, C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. The main objective was to find out the yield of main crop of pigeonpea and sesame and their economic I term of net profit. The fertility status of experimental plot was medium. The three treatments i.e., pigeonpea sole, sesame sole and pigeonpea + sesame (1+1) additive series were tested. The total productivity of pigeonpea + sesame was highest (20.30 q/ha) in comparison to pigeonpea sole (17.34 q/ha) and sesame alone (6.32 q/ha). The pooled data display that maximum cost of cultivation Rs. 56191/ha observed under pigeonpea + sesame cropping system. The highest gross return Rs. 116053/ha, net return Rs. 54862/ha and BCR 1:2.07 were also recorded with pigeonpea + sesame (1+1) additive series.

Feasibility of Parallel Cropping of Black Gram with Pigeon pea in Central Trait of Uttar Pradesh

An experiment was laid out during two consecutive Kharif seasons of 2016-2017 and 2017-18 at Soil Conservation and Water Management Farm, C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. The main objective was to find out the yields of main crop of pigeonpea and black gram and their economic in term of net return. The soil analysis indicated the medium nutrients status. The cropping system i.e., pigeonpea sole, black gram sole and pigeonpea + black gram (1+1) additive series were tested. The total productivity of pigeonpea + black gram was maximum (23.53 q/ha) in comparison to pure crop of pigeonpea (17.34 q/ha) and black gram pure (9.44 q/ha). The study of pooled data of economic display that maximum cost of cultivation Rs. 57876/- ha observed under intercropping of pigeonpea + black gram system. The highest gross return Rs. 134024/ha, net return Rs. 76148/ha and BCR 2.32 were also noted under pigeonpea + black gram (1+1) additive series.

Growth, yield, yield indices and system productivity of Pigeonpea as influenced by pigeonpea-based intercropping system in eastern dry zone of Karnataka

Growth, yield, yield indices and system productivity of Pigeonpea as influenced by pigeonpea-based intercropping system in eastern dry zone of Karnataka

Effect of different planting geometry of transplanted pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) as an intercrop in young arecanut (Areca catechu) garden at Southern Transitional Zone of Karnataka, India

A field experiment was conducted during 2017–18, 2018–19 and 2019–20, to study the influence of planting methods on growth and productivity of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with 8 treatment combinations and replicated thrice. Pooled data indicated that transplanted pigeonpea at 60 cm × 30 cm geometry gave significantly higher pigeonpea seed and stalk yield (2,353 and 6,533 kg/ha respectively), and it was followed by 60 cm × 60 cm spacing (2,072 and 5,852 kg/ha respectively). The above-mentioned treatments also recorded significantly higher total uptake of nitrogen (129.18 and 123.39 kg/ha respectively), phosphorus (36.84 and 32.40 kg/ha respectively) and potassium (62.57 and 57.58 kg/ha respectively), whereas, higher available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (246.64, 35.87 and 155.65 kg/ ha respectively) were recorded in 180 cm × 30 cm. Further higher nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in arecanut leaf (Areca catechu L.) was observed in 60 cm × 60 cm (1.72 %), 120 cm × 30 cm (0.260 and 1.20 %) as compared to other planting geometry in young arecanut garden.

Partial factor productivity and water use efficiency of ratoon pigeonpea under varied levels of irrigation, fertigation, and mulching

The scarcity of irrigation water and nutrients poses a serious challenge to the production of pigeonpea in the changing climate. Despite largest producer of pigeonpea, India is still not meeting the domestic pulses requirement. Exploiting the ratoon ability of pigeonpea in rainy and post-rainy seasons would produce higher grains with limited resources in shorter periods due to multiple harvests. Therefore, the present study was conducted to know the resource requirement of ratoon pigeonpea, partial factor productivity (PFP), and water use efficiency (WUE). Two irrigation levels (I 1= 0.50 and I 2=0.75 Crop Pan Evaporation), three nutrient levels (F 1 = 100%, F 2 = 75%, and F 3 = 50% of recommended dose of fertilizers; 25:50:25 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha−1) and two mulching levels (M 0 = without mulching, and M 1 = with mulching) were laid out in split-split plot design at University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru. Results revealed that a combination (I 2 F 1 M 1) of a higher level of irrigation (0.75 CPE) and 100% of recommended fertilizer through fertigation with mulching produced higher dry matter accumulation (190.16 g plant−1 at harvest) and nutrients (82.08, 17.37, and 78.35 kg total N, P, and K ha−1, respectively) uptake. Whereas, higher PFP of nutrients (58.12, 29.06, and 58.12 kg grain kg−1 of N, P, and K fertilizer nutrient, respectively) and WUE (21.07 kg ha-cm−1) were observed in higher irrigation with 50% of required fertilizer and mulching (I 1 F 3 M 1) as a result of higher yield and lesser resources used. Therefore, a concurrent supply of optimum irrigation and mulching could improve the PFP and WUE of ratoon pigeonpea even under reduced fertilizer application.

Performance of cluster frontline demonstrations on productivity and profitability of pigeonpea (Cajanus Cajan L.) through improved technologies under rainfed conditions

Performance of cluster frontline demonstrations on productivity and profitability of pigeonpea (Cajanus Cajan L.) through improved technologies under rainfed conditions