Productivity of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajarz)-based intercropping systems as influenced by fertility and pest management practices under rainfed conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (khaiijj season of 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 on clay loamy soil at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh, to find out the influence of cropping systems, nutrient and pest management practices on the productivity of pigeonpea [Cajanns cajan (L.) Millsp.] based cropping systems under rainfed conditions. The two consecutive years data revealed that significantly higher pigeonpea equivalent yield (2 232 kgiha) was observed with pigeonpea + groundnut cropping system under integrated pest management practice with recommended dose of fertilizers compared with the pigeonpea + sorghum cropping system with same pest and nutrient management practices (I 3 13 kgiha). Integrated pest management practice recorded significantly lower pod damage (1 1.91%) by pod-borer among pest management practices.