How to Grow ICPL 87119 Lentil

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ICPL 87119 Lentil

Lens culinaris

vegetable

ICPL 87119 is a high-yielding lentil cultivar developed by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). It is a bold-seeded variety known for its excellent grain quality, disease resistance, and adaptation to semi-arid and rainfed agricultural conditions.

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Example ICPL 87119 Lentil timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant ICPL 87119 Lentil

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest ICPL 87119 Lentil

    Around Jul 16

    ≈ 90 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact ICPL 87119 Lentil dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; thrives in bright, open fields
💧
Water: Moderate; requires 400-500 mm rainfall or irrigation over the growing season. Drought-tolerant once established. Avoid waterlogging; prefers winter and spring rainfall patterns. Rainfed cultivation common in target regions.
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Spacing: 4-6 inches between plants; rows 9-12 inches apart inches
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Days to maturity: 90-120 days depending on planting time and region
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Planting depth: 1-1.5 inches deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to clayey soil with moderate fertility
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Farmyard manure or compost (5-10 tons/hectare) Phosphorus fertilizer (40-60 kg/ha) Potassium where deficient Rhizobium inoculant for nitrogen fixation

Growing Zones

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Thrives in warm, semi-arid regions (USDA zones 8-10); best in subtropical and tropical climates

8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

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Growth Stages

1

Germination & Seedling

2-3 weeks

Seeds germinate within 7-10 days; emergence of cotyledons and first true leaves; plant height 2-4 inches

Ensure adequate soil moisture for germination. Thin seedlings if necessary. Monitor for damping-off in overly wet conditions.

2

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Plant develops compound leaves and branching structure; rapid increase in plant height and leaf area; no flowering yet. Height reaches 12-18 inches.

Monitor for weeds and control early; apply first irrigation/rainfall during this phase if needed. Watch for early pest infestations.

3

Flowering

3-4 weeks

Delicate white, pink, or pale blue flowers appear along stem and branches; flowers are small and self-pollinating. Plant appears bushy with multiple flower clusters.

Avoid water stress during flowering. Monitor for flower-feeding pests and diseases. Do not apply excess nitrogen as it promotes vegetative growth over pods.

4

Pod Development & Grain Filling

3-4 weeks

Flowers transition to small pods containing developing lentil seeds. Pods progressively mature from green to yellow-brown. Seed fill increases pod weight.

Reduce water if rainfall is excessive to prevent pod rot. Monitor for pod-feeding insects and pod diseases. Apply micronutrients if deficiency symptoms appear.

5

Maturation & Harvest Ready

2-3 weeks

Pods fully mature, turn brown/tan, and become dry and brittle. Leaves yellow and drop. Plant dries down completely; seeds hard and ready for threshing.

Stop irrigation 2-3 weeks before harvest. Allow field to fully dry. Monitor for pre-harvest sprouting in wet conditions. Ready to harvest when pod moisture drops to 12-15%.

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (excessive pest pressure) Onion and garlic (water competition in semi-arid regions) Heavy feeders like cotton in rotation immediately before

Common Pests

  • Early planting to avoid peak pest populations; use pheromone traps; spray neem oil or approved insecticides during pod formation; biological control with Trichogramma

  • Hand-picking during early infestation; neem-based sprays; coordination with neighboring farms to reduce pest load

  • Spray insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators; remove heavily infested plants early

  • Use yellow sticky traps; spray neem oil; maintain field sanitation; remove weeds that harbor whiteflies

  • Store in airtight containers; use diatomaceous earth; maintain cool, dry storage; fumigate if necessary

Uses

🍳

Staple Food Legume

Culinary

ICPL 87119 lentils are widely used in Indian and global cuisines, particularly in dal preparation, curries, soups, and as split red lentils. The bold seed size and quick cooking time make it preferred for everyday meals. [source]

🍳

Protein-Rich Nutrition

Culinary

Contains approximately 25-30% crude protein, making it an excellent plant-based protein source. High in fiber, minerals, and polyphenols. Widely promoted as a nutritious food for food security in developing regions. [source]

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Traditional & Modern Health Benefits

Medicinal

Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. Modern research indicates benefits for cholesterol management, blood sugar control, and antioxidant activity due to polyphenol content. [source]

🏠

Sustainable Agriculture

Household

As a nitrogen-fixing crop, ICPL 87119 improves soil fertility naturally through biological nitrogen fixation, reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. Excellent for crop rotation and sustainable farming systems, especially in rainfed agriculture. [source]

🦋

Livestock Feed & Fodder

Wildlife

Crop residues and processed lentil mill byproducts serve as nutritious livestock feed, providing protein and fiber. Haulms (straw) are grazed or stored as winter fodder in semi-arid regions. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest when pods are fully dry and brittle (brown/tan color) and seeds do not dent when pressed with thumbnail. Pod moisture should be 12-15%. Cut plants with sickle or use mechanical harvester; gather into heaps for drying (2-3 days), then thresh by beating or mechanical thresher. Winnow to remove chaff. Clean and store in moisture-proof containers. ICPL 87119 has excellent threshing properties.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 ICPL 87119 was specifically developed for rainfed agriculture in South Asia and Africa, making it a climate-smart crop suitable for regions with unpredictable rainfall and water scarcity.
  • 🌱 Lentils have been cultivated for over 13,000 years and are one of the oldest cultivated crops; ICPL 87119 represents modern breeding combining ancient nutrition with contemporary yield potential.
  • 🌱 The crop naturally improves soil health by fixing 40-80 kg/hectare of atmospheric nitrogen, benefiting subsequent crops in rotation and reducing synthetic fertilizer requirements.

Gardening Terms

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