Effect of weather on phenology and yield of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) in central plain zone of Uttar Pradesh

A field experiment was carried out at Research Farm of C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur to assess the impact of weather variables on phenology and yield of five genotypes of pigeonpea, viz. Azad, Amar, Bahar, Pusa-9 and Narendra Arhar-1 sown at different dates, viz. 16 July, 1 August, 16 August and 1 September at 15 days interval during kharif seasons of 2003–04 and 2004–05. The seed yield was significantly influenced by date of sowing. Early date of sowing (16 July) attained the highest yield (1.95 t ha⁻¹). Crop sown early took more number of degree-days ranges from 2813.8° to 3043.8°C than delayed sowing (2482.7° to 2654.6°C) during both the years of cropping season. Shortening of growing season in pigeonpea gradually related to reduction in growing degree days. Low temperature at vegetative and flower bud initiation stages of the crop caused reduction in seed yield. Genotype ‘Azad’ recorded significantly maximum grain yield (1.82 t ha⁻¹), followed by ‘Bahar’ (1.60 t ha⁻¹) and ‘Amar’ (1.55 t ha⁻¹).