Field trials confirm the potential of pigeonpea as a new summer pulse crop

Abstract

Pigeonpea is a tropical legume that is a valuable source of plant-based protein. Australia’s subtropical and tropical climates are well-suited for cultivating this crop. Despite its longstanding reputation as a healthy food option and the increasing demand for its grain, pigeonpea has not gained significant popularity among Australian growers. This lack of interest is largaPigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) has potential as a new high value summer pulse crop for grain growers in Queensland and northern NSW. Pigeonpea is the best candidate to fill a gap in current dryland summer crop rotations, with broad adaptation and a wider sowing window than current options. Pigeonpea also fixes
nitrogen, adds weed control options and acts as a disease break benefiting subsequent crops. Pigeonpea produces high value grain for domestic processing, and export to India where long-term demand is increasing. The Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI), with investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), conducted field trials in southern and central Qld in 2023-24 and 2024-25 evaluating new pigeonpea lines from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India. These lines were high yielding (elite lines producing 1.4-2.0 t/ha under rainfed conditions), quick maturing (45-50 days to first flower, 100-110 days to harvest) with a short flowering window (12-15 days), good agronomic height (50-100cm) and were managed and harvested with conventional equipment. Additional research has shown that insects and weeds in pigeonpea can be controlled using existing pesticides. These results are encouraging and efforts to develop a new pigeonpea industry are continuing.ly due to the unavailability of suitable genotypes that can be managed mechanically to achieve high yields. To address this challenge, we are investigating the potential of new super-early pigeonpea varieties. These varieties develop a flat-topped canopy and typically grow to a height of no more than one meter. They can yield over 2 tons per hectare in less than 100 days, and their compact canopies allow for mechanical sowing, spraying, and harvesting. However, we have observed significant interactions between cultivar types and sowing times for various traits. Our research indicates that it is wise to recommend agronomically superior cultivars and production practices that are specifically tailored to local growing environments. To achieve this goal, we are currently conducting multilocation testing and developing agronomic strategies assisted by the APSIM model.