Effect of spacing and nipping on growth, yield attributes and yield of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.)

Abstract

The experimental study for the research named “Effect of spacing and nipping on growth, yield attributes and yield of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.)” was performed out at the Research farm of Barrister Thakur Chhedilal College of Agriculture and Research Station, Bilaspur (C.G.) during kharif 2021-22 located at 22.09° N latitude, 82.15° E longitude and altitude of 298 m above sea level. The experiment was carried in clayey loam type of soil with low availability of Nitrogen and medium availabilty of Phosphorous and Potassium content. The maximum and minimum temperature recorded during the crop growth period were (33.3 °C and 6.4 °C), relative humidity ranged between 84.6% - 96 % and rainfall (841.06 mm). The crop was sown on 17th July and the recommended dose of fertilizer was 20:50:20 NPK kg ha-1. The investigation was carried out in Randomized complete block design with two factors namely spacing (Three spacings: (S1) 40cm x 20 cm, (S2) 60 cm x 20 cm, (S3) 80 cm x 20 cm) and nipping (Three stages: (N1) No nipping, (N2) Nipping at 30 DAS, (N3) Nipping at 30 DAS and 60 DAS) with nine treatment combinations. Each experimental unit was replicated thrice with gross plot size of 4.8 m x 4 m and net plot size of 4 m x 3.6 m for 40 cm x 20 cm spacing, 3.6 m x 3.6 m for 60 cm x 20 cm spacing, 3.2 m x 3.6 m for 80 cm x 20 cm respectively. Amongst the growth parameters, significantly higher plant height, number of primary branches and secondary branches were seen in the spacing (S3) 80 cm x 20 cm and lowest in (S1) however in nipping, highest plant height was seen in the nipping treatment (N1) no nipping, and maximum number of primary branches and secondary branches were discovered in nipping at 30 DAS and 60 DAS (N3). Eventually with yield attributes, the highest number of pods plant-1, number of grains pod-1, 1000 grain weight gave best result in the spacing (S3) 80 cm x 20 cm although in nipping, they were maximum in (N3) Nipping at 30 DAS and 60 DAS. Similarly, higher grain yield, gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio were found in spacing (S3) 80 cm x 20 cm and least was observed in the spacing (S1) 40 cm x 20 cm and in nipping at 30 DAS and 60 DAS (N3) as compared to No nipping (N1).