Field Performance and Yield of Four Pigeonpea Varieties in Middle Tennessee

Abstract

As the demand in the United States for legume crops such as pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] increases, it becomes increasing important to improve yield and extend the area where pigeonpea may suitably be grown. To understand the effect of agricultural management on the leaf physiology, growth, and yield of pigeonpea, a 3-yr (2010-2012) field experiment was conducted in Nashville, TN. A split-split-plot experimental design with two planting dates in years 2010 and 2012, and one late planting in 2011 were used (main plot factor, early and late planting). Four pigeonpea varieties (subplot factor, GA1, GA2, W1, and W3) at three plant densities (sub-subplot factor, 295,500, 145,250, and 96,833 plants/ha) were planted. Maximum leaf photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, plant height, plant stem diameter, leaf area index (LAI), and seed yield were measured. There were significant differences in leaf physiology, growth and yield among varieties, between planting dates, and between years. Leaf transpiration (5.4 mmol H 2 O/m 2 /s) and yield (1048 kg/ha) were higher at early planting than at late planting (4.8 mmol H 2 O/m 2 /s, 2.64, and 629 kg/ha), but height (138 cm) was lower at early planting than at late planting (150 cm). Among varieties, GA2 plants were shorter (131 cm) and had lower LAI (1.61), but produced higher seed yield (1263 kg/ha). Plant density did not show significant influence on leaf physiology, LAI, or yield. All variables measured showed remarkable variation between years. Our results indicated that variety selection and early planting may improve pigeonpea growth and yield in middle Tennessee.

Forage Potential of Summer Annual Grain Legumes in the Southern Great Plains

“…Similar responses to different rainfall patterns occurred in central Oklahoma (Rao and Northup, 2009b). Pigeon pea was also noted to have higher water use efficiencies under dry conditions compared with wet growing conditions (Yu et al, 2014).…”

“…Although pigeon pea is mainly grown under rainfed conditions, it is affected by intensity and timing of rainfall. Yu et al (2014) in west-central Tennessee found 172% greater seed yield in a year receiving normal rainfall combined with drought during the early growing season compared with a year receiving heavy rainfall during early growing season and severe drought at flowering. Similar responses to different rainfall patterns occurred in central Oklahoma (Rao and Northup, 2009b).…”

“…However, mostly annual cultivars are preferred for seed production in tropical and subtropical regions (Singh and Oswalt, 1992;Mallikarjuna et al, 2011). Short-duration cultivars have been developed that are capable of grain production in the southern United States (Phatak et al, 1993;Yu et al, 2014), and such materials were tested in the SGP (Rao et al, 2002(Rao et al, , 2003. Pigeon pea contributed 6% of the total worldwide production of pulse crops in 2014 (FAO, 2017).…”

Effects of sowing methods and seeding rates on growth and yield characteristics of phasey bean (Macroptilium lathyroides)

“…Contrarily, increasing the seeding rates of lucerne did not increase its seeding‐year yield or stand longevity during the subsequent year, compared with lower plant densities (Hall, Nelson, Coutts, & Stout, ). Plant density is limited by seeding rates, while plant length (height) generally increases with higher plant densities (Turk, Tawaha, & El‐Shatnawi, ; Yu et al, ). In contrast, there have been reports that plant density of faba bean and pigeonpea did not significantly influence DMY or leaf area index (LAI) (López‐Bellido, López‐Bellido, & López‐Bellido, ; Yu et al, ).…”