Evaluation of pigeon pea cultivars [Cajanus cajan (L.) millsp.] sensitive to the photopedic in the san juan province, Dominican Republic

Abstract

Pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) is one of the most important legumes in the world, due to its high percentages of high quality protein, 8 to 10% green and 20 to 25% dry. In recent years, the Dominican Republic has become an importer of pigeon peas fresh with an annual average of 1 000 metric tons, mainly because the varieties used have low productivity (870 to 1 450 kg ha^-1). The objective of this research was to evaluate the development and yield components of pigeon pea cultivars sensitive to photoperiod in the localities of El Cercado and Asiento de Luisa, San Juan Province. In both locations, land preparation was carried out mechanized with a tractor, cutting, crossing and furrowing activities were carried out, then pre-planting gravity irrigation was carried out. Sowing was done manually, placing 2-3 seeds in the soil at a depth of 4-5 cm. Thinning was carried out 15 days after germination and a single plant was left. A randomized complete block design was carried out. The treatments that had the most outstanding green yields in the Cercado were T4 (Buena Vista del Yagal) and T3 (Anonymous-2) with 8 678.89 kg ha^-1 and 8 448.97 kg ha^-1, respectively, while in Asiento de Luisa it was Anonymous-2 with 7 221.66 kg ha^-1. A promising cultivar was identified, with the potential to become a variety of use in the country, it stands out: ''Anónimo-2'', since it showed good agronomic characteristics (yield, shattering percentage, grain size and low grain oxidation percentage).