Weed management in pigeonpea-based cropping systems

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp., syn. Cajanus indicus Spreng), also known as arhar, tur, redgram, congopea, no eye pea, is one of the most important pulse crop of India in terms of acreage and production. Worldwide, it is grown on an area of 4.75 million hectares with 3.68 million tonnes of production (FAO 2012). Its grains are highly nutritious and rich in protein (21.7%), carbohydrates, fibre and minerals that constitute the main source of dietary protein to all vegetarian people, especially in developing countries. Weed infestation in pigeonpea is severe at the initial period during first 6–8 weeks, when the crop requires to be kept free from weeds. Chemical weed control is most promising, although there are cultural options like intercropping, crop rotation, closer spacing, tillage, etc. which could reduce the weed infestation in pigeonpea and pigeonpea-based cropping systems. Intercropping of pigeonpea with soybean (2:4) had smothering effect on weeds and resulted in 32% more grain yield than in sole crop. In pigeonpea, pre-emergence applications of pendimethalin 1.25 kg/ha was found most effective with 21.4% higher grain yield. Integration of the components of production technologies enhanced the productivity of pigeonpea by 29.8% with 27.2% higher net returns. Therefore, an attempt has been made in this article to review works done on several aspects of weed management in pigeonpea-based systems.