Author(s):

Subramani T, Velmurugan A, Singh AK and Damodaran V

Abstract: Field experiments were conducted during 2013-2015 under coconut plantation at Sipighat Research farm, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair. The experimental design was factorial RBD with two factors viz., varieties/genotypes and plant geometries. Four red gram varieties/genotypes (Co-6, Bahar, ANP-11-21 and ANP-12-02) were tested with six different plant geometries (60 x30 cm, 60 x 45 cm, 75 x 30 cm, 75 x 45, 90 x 30 cm and 90 x 45 cm) under coconut garden. It was observed that light intensity in the interspaces of coconut (74530 to 7380 lux) was just enough to drive the photosynthesis and other vital physiological process under coconut. Among the varieties/ genotypes, ANP-12-02 recorded higher seed yield (610 kg/ha), stover yield (1720 kg/ha), net return (₹17963) and B: C ratio (2.17) which was at par with Co-6 as compared to all other varieties. Though 90 x 45 cm spacing recorded better growth and yield attributes, the maximum seed yield (606 kg/ha), stover yield (1628 kg/ha), net return (₹18822) and B: C ratio (2.35) were recorded by 75 x 45 cm due to higher plant population per unit area and at par with 90 x 30 cm and 90 x 45 cm spacing. The results showed that pigeon pea (ANP-12-02) can be grown as intercrop in coconut garden with 75 X45 cm spacing which can give yield upto 70 -80% of pure stand yield. This provided scope for increasing the pigeon pea production under existing coconut plantation besides enriching the soil.

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