Principles of selecting the best Varieties and Hybrids for Pigeon pea Cultivation
The pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is a versatile and important pulse crop widely cultivated across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It is known for its drought tolerance, nitrogen-fixing properties, and high protein content, making it a crucial crop for food security and sustainable agriculture. To ensure a bountiful pigeonpea harvest, selecting the best varieties and hybrids is paramount. The principles behind choosing the finest pigeonpea varieties and hybrids to maximize yields, resist pests and diseases, and adapt to varying environmental conditions are:
- Environmental Adaptability
One of the primary principles in selecting pigeonpea varieties and hybrids is their adaptability to the local environmental conditions. The crop is cultivated in diverse regions with varying climatic and soil conditions. Therefore, it’s essential to choose varieties and hybrids that can thrive in the specific agro-climatic zones where you intend to cultivate them. Selecting cultivars well-suited to the local conditions ensures better yields and minimizes the need for artificial interventions.
a. Climatic Adaptability: Pigeonpea varieties should be chosen based on their adaptability to rainfall patterns and temperature. Early maturing varieties are preferred in regions with short growing seasons, while late maturing ones suit areas with long monsoon periods.
b. Soil Adaptability: Soil type, pH, and nutrient content should be taken into account. Certain pigeonpea varieties thrive in acidic soils, while others do better in alkaline or neutral soils. Soil testing can help determine the compatibility of a variety with your soil type.
- Yield Potential
The ultimate goal of pigeonpea cultivation is to achieve a high yield. To select the best varieties or hybrids for your specific needs, it’s crucial to consider their yield potential. Look for varieties that consistently deliver good yields, considering factors such as pod number, pod size, and seed quality.
a. Pod Number: Varieties with higher pod numbers per plant are generally preferred, as they have the potential to provide more seeds per unit area.
b. Seed Quality: High-quality pigeonpea seeds are not only visually appealing but also nutritionally rich. The seeds should be plump, well-formed, and free from diseases and insect damage.
- Pest and Disease Resistance
Pigeonpea is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can significantly reduce yields if left unmanaged. Selecting varieties and hybrids with built-in resistance to common threats can reduce the need for chemical interventions, making the crop more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
a. Pod Borer Resistance: Helicoverpa armigera, commonly known as the pigeonpea pod borer, is a significant threat to pigeonpea crops. Choose varieties with natural resistance to this pest or those that have been genetically modified to withstand attacks.
b. Fusarium Wilt and Sterility Mosaic Disease (SMD) Resistance: Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne disease that can decimate pigeonpea plants. Opt for varieties that exhibit resistance to this disease. Example: use wilt and Sterility Mosaic disease (SMD) resistant /tolerant varieties BSMR 736, 853, 846, ICPL 96053, BDN 2010, ICPL 43, 44, IPA 203, 204, 234 and IPH 09 – 5 as per suitability of region. ( IIPR AICRP Pigeonpea ).
Wilt-resistant varieties VL Arhar – 1, Vipula, JKM – 189, G.T. – 101, Pusa 991, Azad (K – 91 – 25), BSMR – 736, M A – 6 etc.
Use hybrid varieties PPH – 4, ICPH – 8, IPH 09 – 5, ICPH – 2740 as per suitability of region.
c. Maruca Resistance: Maruca vitrata is another pest that plagues pigeonpea crops. Selecting varieties with resistance to Maruca can save the crop from substantial damage.
- Growth Habit and Maturity
Pigeonpea varieties exhibit different growth habits and maturity periods. These characteristics can influence the crop’s management and suitability for particular agricultural systems.
a. Growth Habit: Pigeonpea can be classified into two primary growth habits – determinate and indeterminate. Determinate varieties have a more compact, bushy structure, while indeterminate ones are more vine-like. The choice between the two depends on your farming system and field management practices.
b. Maturity Period: The maturity period varies among pigeonpea varieties, ranging from early-maturing to late-maturing. Select a variety that aligns with the length of your growing season.
- Market Demand and End-Use
Consider the market demand for pigeonpea and its end-use when selecting varieties. Some varieties may be more suitable for certain culinary dishes (like daal) or processing into value-added products (canned pigeonpea). Understanding market preferences can help you target the right pigeonpea varieties and hybrids to meet consumer demands.
- Crop Duration and Crop Rotation
Pigeonpea plays a vital role in crop rotation and as a cover crop in various farming systems. Depending on your crop rotation needs, select pigeonpea varieties that align with your cropping schedule.
- Availability of Quality Seeds
Access to high-quality seeds is critical for successful pigeonpea cultivation. Ensure that the selected varieties or hybrids have a reliable source of quality seeds. Consistency in seed quality is crucial for maintaining the crop’s productivity from season to season.
- Farmer Experience and Preference
Local farmers often have valuable insights into pigeonpea varieties that perform well in their region. Engage with experienced farmers and agricultural extension services to gather information about their preferences and experiences with specific pigeonpea varieties and hybrids.
Overall, selecting the best pigeonpea varieties and hybrids is a critical decision that can significantly impact your crop’s success. By considering the principles of environmental adaptability, yield potential, pest and disease resistance, growth habit, maturity, market demand, crop rotation, seed availability, and local farmer experiences, one can make informed choices to ensure a successful pigeonpea harvest. Adhering to these principles will not only enhance yields but also contribute to sustainable and resilient pigeonpea farming systems, ensuring food security and economic stability in pigeonpea-growing regions worldwide.
References:
Saxena, Kulbhushan & Chauhan, Yashvir & Sameer Kumar, C.V. & Hingane, Anupama & Kumar, R. & Saxena, Rachit & Rao, G.. (2018). Developing improved varieties of pigeonpea. 10.19103/AS.2017.0023.33.
Singh, Y.P., Singh, S., Nanda, P. et al. Impact of Establishment Techniques and Maturity Duration of Pigeon Pea Cultivars on Yield, Water Productivity and Properties of Soil. Agric Res 7, 271–279 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40003-018-0309-7
Saxena KB, Choudhary AK, Saxena RK, Varshney RK. Breeding pigeonpea cultivars for intercropping: synthesis and strategies. Breed Sci. 2018 Mar;68(2):159-167. doi: 10.1270/jsbbs.17105. Epub 2018 Apr 12. PMID: 29875599; PMCID: PMC5982186.
Further reading
Pigeon pea: Plant information, History, and Nutrition
Principles of selecting the best varieties and hybrids for Pigeon pea cultivation
Pigeon pea Soil requirement, Soil preparation and Plant density
Irrigation requirement for Pigeon pea Cultivation
Fertilization requirement for Pigeon Pea
Weed Management in Pigeon Pea Farming
Pigeon pea Diseases and Management Practices
