Pigeon Pea is one of the most common tropical and sub-tropical legumes cultivated for its edible seeds.

Pigeon Pea is also known as Red Gram, Arhar or Tur.

India is the largest producer of Pigeon Pea in the world.

The major Pigeon Pea producing states are Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Order: Fabales
• Family: Fabaceae
• Genus: Cajanus
• Species: Cajan

• Seeds are most economically important part of Pigeon Pea.
• Seed husk, leaves and young pods can be used as animal feed.

Pigeon Pea grows best in hot humid climates where temperatures are between 18°C and 38°C .

The plants will grow in a wide range of soils, from sandy soil to clay and also in soils with low fertility.

Pigeon Pea will grow optimally in a well drained soil with a pH between 5.0 and 7.0.

Pigeon Pea is relatively tolerant to drought conditions and can survive for long periods with little irrigation.

• The major challenges involve Biotic and Abiotic causes.
• Biotic Causes:
  • Major Pests: Aphids, Armyworms, Corn Earworm, Cutworms and Leaf Miners.
  • Major Diseases: Alternaria Blight, Anthracnose, Cercospora Leaf Spot, White Mold and Wilt.
• Abiotic Causes
  • Drought
  • Chlorosis
  • Stunted growth
  • Necrosis