Response of germination to seed size and color of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]

The effect of large and small seed size and color of pigeonpea on germination was studied on six hybrids and twelve inbred lines at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh, India. Seeds of each genotype were segregated into large and small seed classes according to their 100-seed weight (g). Experiment revealed that seed size had an effect on rate of germination up to seven days after sowing. In addition, seed color significantly affected germination of pigeonpea in day second and day third. Although there was a mixed response among individual genotypes, large seeds germinated significantly earlier in ICEAP 000040-1, ICP 11811, ICP 13395, and ICP 7035. However, germination percentage of small seeds among the other genotypes was not significantly affected during day eight, indicating uniform performance with the large seeds. The results of this study showed that small seeds can likewise be used as planting material, whereby farmers can gain more seeds per unit weight as compared to large seeds while maintaining the same germination performance. However, the relationship between seed size and germination is complex and differs from species to species and even differs between each cultivar within a species