Evaluation for early seedling vigour of hybrids and varieties of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]

Abstract

The research was conducted at Parbhani, Maharashtra, India during kharif 2011and 2012 to evaluate hybrid and varieties of pigeonpea for early seedling vigour and its related traits under greenhouse condition. The experimental material consists of three medium duration hybrids (ICPH 2671, ICPH 2740, and ICPH 3762) and three medium maturing varieties (BDN 711, BSMR 736, and Asha). Results revealed that hybrids recorded significantly higher rate of germination (97.58%), longer radicle length (16.75 2cm), wider leaf area (177.70 cm ), more chlorophyll content (37.35), higher seedling dry weight (4.6 g) and greater seedling vigour 2index (4139.08) as compared to varieties (91.9%, 11.85 cm, 106.27 cm , 32.81, 3.67 g and 3937.28, respectively). Genotype × environment (G × E) interaction found highly significant for all the traits except leaf area and seedling vigour index. Among G × E 2combinations, G E (ICPH 3762 in 2012) noted longer radicle (21.78 cm), wider leaf area (189.9 cm ), more chlorophyll content 3 2 (38.64) and highest seedling dry weight (5.84 g). These findings proved that hybrids had better germination percentage, uniform plant stand, longer radicle, and better seedling vigour index, an indication of producing higher seed yield over the varieties.