Evaluation of neem strains and productivity of pearl millet and cluster bean under agroforestry system in semi-arid climate

Abstract

In the present investigation, cultivation of pearl millet and cluster bean under neem tree plantation was undertaken at Western Regional Research Station, ICAR-IGFRI, Avikanagar. A field experiment was laid out in RBD in which one year old saplings of ten promising neem strains in 6 x 6 m plant geometry were planted. The inter spaces of plantation were used for growing of pearl millet and cluster bean during kharif 2011-13. Significant difference among the neem strains were observed for growth parameters viz., tree height, stem diameter, number of primary branches, width of leaflet and leaf biomass production. Strain-5 showed better performance for growth parameters. Average per year growth rate of strain-5 as compared to local strain for tree height was 1.43 and 1.07 m, for DBH 3.77 and 3.10 cm, for leaf biomass production 18.6 and 15.0 kg/tree, respectively. Fodder and grain yield of pearl millet and cluster bean under neem trees decreased significantly at the age of 5 years irrespective of neem strains as compared to control (crops without neem trees). Study indicated that there was sufficient genetic variability among neem strains for selection and improvement. But planting of neem trees in 6 x 6 m geometry was not sufficient for cultivation of the pearl millet and cluster bean crops beyond 5 years age of plants.