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Sudan Journal of Agricultural Research

Grain, forage and yield components of Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) as affected by phosphorus and plant population

Mozzamil A. M.¹, E1tohami I. ELtayeb²  and Mohamed A. M. Khair¹

Abstract:

Besides its short growth period, low water requirements and positive nutritive impact on soils, short - duration pigeon pea is valued for its highly nutritious grains and forages. Despite that, information on its agronomy is extremely lacking in Sudan. In this context, an experiment was conducted in the Gezira Research Station Farm for two seasons (winter 1998/1999 and snmmer 1999) to study some agronomic aspects of this crop. The treatments comprised two phosphorus(P) levels (O and 92 kg P₂ O₅ per hectare as superphosphate) and three planting densities (16 ,32 and 48 plants/m²). Observations included grain yeild ,total dry matter. plant height, leaf area index, number of pods per plant , number of seeds per pod , 100 - seed weigbt , and harvest index. The results revealed that the effects of phosphorus on pigeon pea were limited, and significant only with respect to 100 - seed weigbt in the winter season and an increase harvest index in the summer season. Likewise, the response of pigeon pea to increasing planting density was also limited. A significant increase in LAI and TDM were observed in the winter season only.

Keywords:

Sudan Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 5 (2005) PP. 21-27