Tailoring the plant type in pulse crops.

摘要

The pulse crops (grain legumes) are widely grown in varying conditions with low and irregular yields. There is a need to restructure existing plant types. In this article, available plant types of the major pulse crops, viz. Cicer arietinum, Lens culinaris, Pisum sativum, Cajanus cajan, Vigna radiata and V. mungo, are described, and ways to improve plant type are suggested. Two distinct growth types (determinate and indeterminate) are found in all pulses. The indeterminate habit is primitive and has an adaptive advantage. In general, the number of pods/plant is the most important yield component, followed by branches/plant, plant height, seeds/pod and/or seed weight. No single plant type can be optimum for all different cropping systems. The dwarf, early, erect and non-branching type with podding from the base of the main stem is ideal for higher input systems. For average to poor input systems the plant type with restricted branches and average plant height may be preferred. Bold-seeded types with higher seedling vigour are more suitable for late sowing. The fruiting zone can be increased by making crosses between determinate and indeterminate types and selecting plants with more pod bearing length. Stability in production can be achieved by incorporating resistance to the major biotic and abiotic stresses of particular growing regions.