Response of pigeonpea varieties to diverse agronomic practices under rainfed conditions in vertisol: A comprehensive review
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) is one of the most important grain legumes of the semi-arid tropics, contributing significantly to food security and soil health in rainfed agricultural systems. Vertisols, characterized by high clay content, notable water-holding capacity and inherent fertility, represent a critical growing environment for pigeonpea across the Indian subcontinent and sub-Saharan Africa. This comprehensive review on agronomic investigations on the response of diverse pigeonpea varieties to key agronomic practices including variety selection, plant spacing, phosphorus fertilization, weed management and sowing date under rainfed Vertisol conditions. Evidence from numerous multi-location trials reveals that medium-duration varieties (ICPL 87, BDN 2, Asha) consistently outperform short- or long-duration types in rainfed Vertisol environments. Optimal row spacings of 60-75 cm, phosphorus application at 40-60 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ and timely sowing (late June to mid-July) significantly enhance grain yields ranging from 1.2 to 2.5 t ha⁻¹. Integrated weed management combining pre-emergence herbicides with one manual weeding achieves maximum weed suppression without yield penalty. Critical knowledge gaps regarding micronutrient interactions, genotype × environment × management interactions and climate-resilient cultivar deployment are identified. Future research priorities and policy implications for sustainable pigeonpea production in Vertisol-dominated regions are discussed.
Institution: GD Goenka University
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7203776012