Cajanus cajan
Sunlight
Full sun — short day plant (flowering triggered by shortening days)
Water
Highly drought-tolerant — produces grain with 400-650 mm rainfall due to deep taproot.
Soil
Tolerates wide range including poor, gravelly, and acidic soils. pH 5.0-7.5.
Temperature
Optimal 25-30°C. Sensitive to frost. Grows well in warm semi-arid environments.
Humidity
Low to moderate. High humidity promotes Fusarium wilt and pod rot.
Season
Long season — 120-270 days depending on variety (short, medium, or long duration).
Updated February 2026
Is this Pigeon Pea (Red Gram / Tur Dal)?
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Overview
Pigeon pea is the second most important grain legume in Africa and a dietary staple for hundreds of millions in India, where it is consumed as 'dal' (split lentils). It is uniquely adapted to semi-arid conditions — deep-rooted, drought-tolerant, and capable of producing grain even on poor soils in low-rainfall areas. The crop is perennial (lives 3-5 years) but usually grown as an annual. It fixes nitrogen and improves soil structure, making it invaluable in cereal-legume rotations and intercropping systems. India produces 80% of the global supply. In East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique), pigeon pea is an important food crop and export commodity.
Plant Health
Pigeon Pea (Red Gram / Tur Dal) is susceptible to 1 known diseases. Early detection is critical — use the CuraPlant app to scan leaves and get an instant AI diagnosis.
Cultivation Guide
Intercrop with short-season cereals (sorghum, millet, maize) — pigeon pea matures after the cereal
Space at 60-90 × 30 cm for sole crop, wider for intercropping
Minimal fertilizer needed — phosphorus (20-30 kg P2O5/ha) most important
Scout and control Helicoverpa pod borer at flowering — the key yield constraint
Harvest when 80% of pods are brown and dry
Ratoon (cut back to 15 cm) after first harvest for a second crop in perennial systems
Companion Planting
Strategic companion planting reduces pest pressure, improves pollination, and can significantly increase yields.
Climate & Regions
Active climate zones for Pigeon Pea (Red Gram / Tur Dal) are highlighted below.
Tropical
Suitable
Subtropical
Suitable
Temperate
Not typical
Mediterranean
Not typical
Highland
Not typical
Arid / Semi-arid
Suitable
Specific Zones & Regions
Common Questions
Pigeon Pea (Red Gram / Tur Dal) grows best during the long season — 120-270 days depending on variety (short, medium, or long duration).. It requires optimal 25-30°c. sensitive to frost. grows well in warm semi-arid environments. and full sun — short day plant (flowering triggered by shortening days). In tropical regions with consistent warmth, it can often be grown year-round with proper irrigation.
Pigeon Pea (Red Gram / Tur Dal) is commonly affected by Downy Mildew. Regular crop monitoring, good air circulation, avoiding overhead irrigation, and using disease-resistant varieties are the most effective prevention strategies.
Pigeon Pea (Red Gram / Tur Dal) grows best in tolerates wide range including poor, gravelly, and acidic soils. ph 5.0-7.5.. For irrigation: highly drought-tolerant — produces grain with 400-650 mm rainfall due to deep taproot.. Maintaining proper soil moisture without waterlogging is critical — Pigeon Pea (Red Gram / Tur Dal) is sensitive to both drought stress and root rot from excess water.
Pigeon Pea (Red Gram / Tur Dal) grows well alongside sorghum, millet, maize, groundnut. These companions help repel pests, improve pollination, or provide ground cover.
CuraPlant
Scan any leaf with your phone and get an instant AI diagnosis, treatment guide, and prevention plan — even offline.
