Division of Genetics, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012.
1Present Address: S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati 517 502.
The efficiency of different width of Sesbania aculeata pers. (Dhaiancha) barrier crop on yield, natural outcrossing and pollinator activity was studied at I.A.R.I, Delhi centre using growth habit (determinate vs indeterminate 't) as the genetic marker. Significant decrease in yield and its components was recorded on MS Prabhat DT with an increase in the width of barrier crop from 6-rows to 12-rows. The data indicated natural outcrossing rates in the range of 0.0 to 17.5 (mean 7.8%) and 0.0 to 21.3 (mean 10.1%) per cent in kharif and rabi seasons, respectively. Barrier crop was proved to be effective in reducing the amount of out-crossing by 54.1% and pollinator activity by 53.7% at the maximum width of 18 rows barrier.
Pigeonpea, barrier crop, out-crossing, pollinator activity, yield
