How to Grow Pigeon Pea ICPL 87
Pigeon Pea ICPL 87
Cajanus cajan
vegetableICPL 87 is a high-yielding, early-maturing cultivar of pigeon pea developed by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). This legume is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions for its nutritious seeds, which are rich in protein and are a staple in many cuisines, particularly in South Asian cooking. The variety is known for its disease resistance, particularly to sterility mosaic virus and fusarium wilt, and its ability to thrive in marginal soils.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in tropical and subtropical zones 9-13; best performance in zones 10-12 with warm temperatures year-round
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Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout within 7-10 days. Seedlings develop cotyledons and first true leaves. Plant is small, tender, and vulnerable.
Maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging. Protect from heavy rain and strong winds. Thin seedlings to desired spacing if direct seeded. Keep free from weeds.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant develops robust branching, compound leaves, and deep root system. Height increases to 1-2 meters. Foliage is dense and bushy. No flowers yet.
Apply balanced fertilizer (NPK 20:20:20) or use organic compost. Monitor for pests like shoot borers. Ensure consistent moisture. Support tall varieties with staking if needed in windy areas.
Flowering
3-4 weeksSmall yellow flowers appear in terminal racemes. Flowers attract pollinators. This stage marks transition to reproductive phase.
Avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent excessive vegetative growth at expense of pods. Ensure adequate phosphorus and potassium. Maintain consistent watering; flowering is sensitive to water stress. Monitor for pod borers.
Pod Development & Maturation
6-8 weeksFlowers transition to elongated, membranous pods containing 2-5 seeds each. Pods initially green, gradually turning brown/tan as they mature. Seeds inside enlarge and harden.
Continue regular watering, especially if rainfall is low. Apply potassium-rich fertilizer to support seed fill. Scout for pod borers and other pests. Reduce nitrogen to encourage seed development over foliage.
Harvest Maturity
2-3 weeksPods dry and become papery. Seeds rattle inside pods when shaken. Plant foliage may yellow or brown depending on moisture availability. Pods are ready for harvest.
Reduce watering as plant approaches maturity. Allow pods to dry on plant if possible for easier threshing. Monitor for moisture to prevent seed damage. Begin harvesting when majority of pods are dry.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use pheromone traps; spray neem oil or spinosad at pod development stage; plant resistant varieties like ICPL 87; encourage natural predators
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Remove affected shoots; use insecticidal soap; maintain crop hygiene; rotate crops annually
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Store dried seeds in airtight containers with neem powder; use phosphine fumigation for large-scale storage; keep storage areas clean and dry
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Remove infested stems; use yellow sticky traps; maintain field sanitation; spray insecticidal neem oil
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Spray with water to dislodge; use sulfur or miticide if severe; maintain adequate humidity
Uses
Protein-Rich Staple Legume
CulinaryPigeon pea seeds are cooked whole or split into dhal, a nutritious staple in South Asian, African, and Caribbean cuisines. ICPL 87 is prized for its cooking quality and nutritional profile. [source]
Dal & Traditional Dishes
CulinarySplit pigeon peas are ground into flour for various traditional preparations, used in curries, rice dishes, and as a meat substitute in vegetarian cooking throughout India, East Africa, and the Caribbean. [source]
Nutritional & Therapeutic Benefits
MedicinalPigeon pea is rich in fiber, folate, and minerals; traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support digestion and overall health. The seeds contain polyphenols with antioxidant properties. [source]
Fodder & Animal Feed
HouseholdPlant residues and immature pods serve as nutritious livestock feed. The plant enriches soil with nitrogen through nitrogen fixation, reducing need for synthetic fertilizers. [source]
Pollinator Support & Biodiversity
WildlifeYellow flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystem health. The plant provides habitat and food resources for beneficial insects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
ICPL 87 typically reaches maturity in 160-180 days. Harvest when 80-90% of pods are brown and dry. Pods can be harvested by hand-picking individual mature pods or by cutting entire plant branches. Allow harvested pods to dry for 2-3 days in sun before threshing to separate seeds. Threshing can be done manually by beating or using a mechanical thresher. Seed moisture should be reduced to 10-12% before storage. Dry seeds in sun for 2-3 days if needed. Store in cool, dry conditions in sealed containers.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 ICPL 87 was specifically bred to mature earlier than traditional pigeon pea varieties, allowing farmers in semi-arid regions to harvest before drought stress peaks, making it ideal for climate-resilient agriculture.
- 🌱 Pigeon pea is nitrogen-fixing, meaning it forms symbiotic relationships with soil bacteria (Rhizobium) to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form plants can use, naturally enriching soil and reducing fertilizer requirements for subsequent crops.
- 🌱 In addition to seeds, pigeon pea produces edible young pods called 'gunda' or 'drupes' that are eaten as vegetables in some regions, providing an additional harvest 60-90 days after planting before seed maturity.
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