Yield optimization in cluster bean through improved seed and crop management practices in arid Rajasthan

Sixteen cluster bean varieties were evaluated under rainfed conditions at Agricultural Research Station, Keshwana, Jalore (Rajasthan). Year wise average seed yield ranged between 5.90 q/ha and 15.89 q/ha; however, variety wise it varied between 5.46 q/ha to 18.22 q/ha with the average of 10.31 q/ha. One thousand seed weight among varieties ranged between 26.97g and 30.03 g with the average of 29.13 g. The maximum seed yield has been provided by RGC-1033. Other varieties performed above average are RGM-112, RGM-1003, RGM-1038, RGM-1055, HG-563, RGM-1017, RGM-1002, RGM-936 and RGM-1066 with the seed yield of 16.59, 12.36, 12.07, 12.03, 11.93, 11.79, 11.40, 11.38 and 10.38 q/ha, respectively. All these high yielding varieties of cluster bean appear suitable for cultivation in arid Rajasthan.

Validation of crop management and plant protection practices at farmer's fields revealed that seed treatment with carbandazim 2 g/kg and bio-fertilizers; basal application of chemical fertilizers N 7.50 kg and P 30 kg/ha followed by foliar spray of 1% soluble NPK (19:19:19) at flowering stage; and foliar spray of plant protection chemicals azadirachtin 0.03% and trizophos 1.5 lit./ha at 30 and 45 days after sowing are appropriate for harnessing the higher seed yield.