International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
Abstract
To identify alternative rainy season crops that fit into the production zone of Northern Telangana, 11 lines of extra-short duration pigeonpeas (ESDP) [Cajanus cajan] which mature in 110-120 days were evaluated at research stations and farmers' fields during 1990-93. Yields ranged from 1.4 to 1.7 t/ha for the lines ICPL85010, ICPL88034 and ICPL84031. A further trial of ICPL85010 and other local crops confirmed that ESDP were the most profitable rainy season crop, and that they fitted into existing cropping systems and avoided Helicoverpa armigera infestation. Prolonged drought during flowering and pod development, pre-harvest sprouting and damage caused by Maruca testulalis [Maruca vitrata] may provide constraints to their adoption
