Pod development in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Mill sp.)

Abstract

Investigations were carried out on pod development in pigeon pea variety 'BS—1' with maturity stages. Pods were harvested on alternate days from 18 days after flowering to full maturity. Among the different characters observed, the fresh weight of pod and seed first increased and then decreased with advance of maturity. The dry weight of pod and seed and per cent seed shell out from both fresh and dry pods increased with maturity. As against this, moisture per cent in pods and seeds and the crude protein content in husk and seeds declined with the age of pods. Based on these observations, it would be desirable to harvest the pods 34 days after flowering if the green seeds are to be used as vegetable.