Analysis of components of growth and their interrelationship in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.)

A study on growth parameters of 10 late maturing pigeonpea genotypes was undertaken with a view to study the physiological frame of late arhar. The investigation included the partitioning of assimilates to vegetative and reproductive parts at different stages of growth cycle. Besides, leaf area index and specific leaf wicght were also measured at six growth stages, starting after first flush of flowering till maturity at an interval of about one month. It was found that considerable variability exists in late arhar for different physiological parameters. It was found that specific leaf weight was an important trait in process of storage of photosynthates and their subsequent translocation to developing seeds.

It was observed that the morphological architecture continues to partition greater share of assimilates into vegetative part production till maturity as a result the plant fails to come upto expectation with respect to yield increase. The findings underscore that a desirable plant type should have reproductive sink more competetive at the time of flower flushes but at the same time higher leaf area index is also desirable during reproductive phase.

Temerature plays a very important role in growth pattern of late pigeonpea.