Effect of anti-transpirant and nutrient management on pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum)-pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) intercropping system under rainfed conditions

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2009 and 2010 to study the effect of cropping systems, transpiration suppressants and nutrient management on productivity of pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)– pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp] intercropping system under rainfed conditions on a sandy loam soil at New Delhi. All the growth parameters of pearlmillet and pigeonpea (plant height, total number of tillers of pearlmillet, leaf area index and crop growth rate) were significantly influenced due to cropping systems. The grain yield of pearlmillet declined by 8.6% in intercropping system as compared to sole stand. Similarly, intercropped stand of pigeonpea recorded its lower productivity (0.61 t/ha) when compared to its sole stand (1.52 t/ha). Intercropping system recorded higher pearlmillet equivalent yield and net returns as compared to sole stand. Protein content in grain and nutrient (N and P) concentration in grain and stover remained unaffected due to cropping systems and transpiration suppressants. Significant improvement in all the growth and yield attributes and yield under transpiration suppressants with the spray of PMA (320 ppm) and cycocel (200 ppm) over the control in limited moisture conditions. Cycocel was found less effective than PMA. Application of 50 kg N + 17.2 kg P/ha gave on an average highest grain yield of pearlmillet (3.35 t/ha), pigeonpea (1.21 t/ha), pearlmillet equivalent yield (4.45 t/ha) and net returns (36.6×10³) over other treatments. Protein content in grain enhanced by 7.3% and N and P concentration increased by 7.4 and 9.2% in grain, and 40.9 and 51.1% in stover of pearlmillet with the application of 50 kg N + 17.2 kg P/ha over control, respectively. The maximum protein content in grain (20.40%) and N (3.26 and 1.38%) and P (0.44 and 0.14%) concentration in grain and stover, respectively was noticed with the application of 50 kg N + 17.2 kg P/ha as compared to other fertility levels.