BSMR 736

BSMR 736 is a long-duration, indeterminate pigeonpea variety developed at Agriculture Research Station, Badnapur, under Marathwada Agricultural University (now VNMKV, Parbhani). It was released in Maharashtra in 1996. The variety was developed from the cross ICP 7217-4-1 × No. 148 and is described as semi-spreading with green stems and branches, yellow flowers, green pods that develop faint black markings at maturity, and red to brown seeds. It was bred for the pigeonpea-growing conditions of Maharashtra and is particularly noted for combined resistance to Fusarium wilt and sterility mosaic disease. Official variety records report an average yield of about 12–18 q/ha and maturity of approximately 180–185 days.

Plant typePigeonpea variety
MaturityAbout 180–185 days
Yield potentialAbout 12–18 q/ha average yield under suitable production conditions
Disease resistanceResistant to Fusarium wilt and highly resistant to sterility mosaic disease
SoilMedium to deep, well-drained black soil and other well-drained soils suitable for long-duration pigeonpea
SeasonKharif

• Sowing timeMid-June is a strong timely-sowing target after adequate monsoon rainfall; Maharashtra field research found 15 June superior to later sowing dates for seed yield
• Seed rateAbout 15 kg/ha for sole cropping; around 5 kg/ha when intercropped with cotton under the documented Maharashtra production system
• SpacingAbout 90 cm between rows and 20 cm between plants for the documented medium/long-duration production system
• Sowing methodLine sowing or dibbling is suitable. BSMR 736 is used both as a sole crop and in intercropping systems such as cotton–pigeonpea.
• IrrigationPrimarily suited to rainfed kharif production. Avoid prolonged waterlogging. Where irrigation is available, supplemental irrigation during prolonged dry spells, especially around flowering and pod development, can support yield.
• FertilizerUse the current soil-test-based pigeonpea nutrient recommendation for the locality rather than assigning a variety-specific fertilizer dose. A variety-specific NPK recommendation was not established in the primary sources reviewed.
• HarvestingUsually requires about 180–185 days according to official variety records. Harvest when most pods have matured and turned brown and the seeds have reached full maturity; dry the harvested grain adequately before storage.

Actual yield depends on sowing time, soil, irrigation, weather, seed quality and crop management.

• Maharashtra

• UPAS 120

  An early pigeonpea variety developed at Pantnagar from a spontaneous mutant in germplasm line P-4758. Its main advantage is early maturity, making it useful where pigeonpea must fit into a wheat-based rotation. It is still listed in institutional seed offerings, although live local stock should be confirmed before purchase.

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• ICPL 87119 (Asha)

  A medium-duration Asha variety from ICRISAT, valued for combined resistance to Fusarium wilt and sterility mosaic disease and continued cultivation in central and southern India.

  Open crop guide

• Pusa Arhar 16

  From IARI — the first determinate, combine-harvestable pigeonpea released in India, bred so the crop ripens together instead of over the usual staggered picking window.

  Open crop guide

• ICPL 87 (Pragati)

  A short-duration, determinate pigeonpea released as Pragati in 1986, valued for early harvest, wilt tolerance and suitability for multiple-harvest or double-cropping systems.

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• Maruti (ICP 8863)

  A landmark ICRISAT pigeonpea variety released as Maruti in Karnataka in 1986. Its defining strength is very strong Fusarium-wilt resistance. It became especially important in northern Karnataka and spread through farmer adoption into neighboring pigeonpea-growing areas, but it is highly susceptible to sterility mosaic disease.

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