Effects of Planting Date, Variety, and Plant Population on the Flowering and Yield of Pigeonpeas (Cajan cajan L.)

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted in 1954 and 1959 at the Isabela Agricultural Experiment Substation for the purpose of obtaining information for improving certain cultural practices in three pigeonpea varieties. The results of the experiment with monthly plantings of varieties Saragateado, Florido, and Kaki demonstrated that height at time of flowering could be controlled through changes in planting dates. There was a linear reduction in the size of plants at time of flowering as the season of planting was retarded in the course of the year. This suggested the possibility of being able to adjust the size of the plant so as to develop better methods of harvesting by hand or by machine. Disregarding the season of planting, varieties Saragateado, Florido, and Kaki generally bloomed and produced a crop during the months of December, January, and February. However, Saragateado was always a late variety. Variations in planting distances within the row of 2, 3, and 4 feet apart did not affect time of flowering nor yield in a significant way. Kaki is an earlier and higher yielding variety than Saragateado. There is need for developing a substitute variety for Saragateado having a higher yield and producing a later crop.