SEED SIZE AND ITS EFFECT ON GROWTH OF SEEDLINGS OF Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.

Abstract

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) is a drought-tolerant legume useful for human consumption, as source of forage and for environmental services. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of seed size on the germination and growth of pigeon pea seedlings under greenhouse conditions. In the experiment, the physical quality of a seed lot collected in Montecillo, Texcoco, Mexico, was evaluated. The seed was divided into large and small to establish the treatments. Each treatment had three replicates with 100 seeds each. The result showed statistical differences (P < 0.05) in germination, emergence speed, height, root collar diameter, number of leaves, slenderness index, dry matter accumulation, leaf area, root volume and plant vigor index. With the exception of the slenderness index, the large seed treatment outperformed the small seed treatment. Plants that originated from small seeds will be less prone to mechanical wind damage. Based on the results, it is recommended to use large seeds for sowing pigeon pea to ensure vigorous plants that will perform better after transplanting.