GENETIC VARIABILITY IN PIGEONPEA GERMPLASM FOR COLD TOLERANCE

Abstract

Four hundred and fifty three pigeonpea germplasm including some improved cu1tivarslvarieties were screened for cold tolerance in 1992-93 and 1993-94. Observations on bud drop and flower drop were recorded twice in December and January when maximum and minimum temperature was very .low. Out of 453 lines screened, 14 lines showed tolerance whereas 23 appeared to be moderately tolerant and rest of line were susceptible. The bud and flower drop during severe cold conditions ranged from 6 to 100 percent. The genotypes observed with high level of tolerance to cold were NDA 88-2, Najar, ICP-4193, DR-ll1, NDA91-1, NDA 91-2 and MA-2.