Cultivation of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba)

Botanical Name: Cyamopsis tetragonoloba
Common Name: Cluster Bean, Guar
Family: Fabaceae

Origin and Distribution

• Origin: Cluster bean is native to India and Pakistan. It has been cultivated for centuries in these regions.
• Global Distribution: It is now grown in North Africa, Middle East, Asia, and Australia. India is the largest producer of cluster beans, especially in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana.

Botanical Characteristics

• Plant Type: Cluster bean is an annual leguminous plant.
• Growth Habit: The plant has a branching habit with pods that grow in clusters along the stem.
• Leaves: The leaves are compound, with three leaflets.
• Pods: The plant produces green pods that turn yellow when mature. Each pod contains several seeds.

Climate Requirements

• Temperature: The ideal temperature range for cluster bean cultivation is between 25°C to 35°C. It thrives in hot, dry climates.
• Rainfall: Cluster bean is drought-resistant and grows well in regions receiving between 350-700 mm of annual rainfall.
• Frost Sensitivity: It is sensitive to frost, especially during the flowering and pod formation stages.

Soil Requirements

• Soil Type: Cluster bean prefers well-drained sandy loam to clay loam soils with a pH range of 7.0 to 8.5.
• Soil Fertility: It grows well in soils that are moderately fertile and can tolerate alkaline soils.
• Soil Preparation: The soil should be well-tilled and free of weeds before sowing.

Varieties

Some popular varieties of cluster bean include:

• Rajasthan-1: A high-yielding variety grown widely in Rajasthan.
• Guar-4: Known for high gum content.
• HG-365: A high-yielding hybrid variety.
• RGC-1008: A variety resistant to pests and diseases.

Propagation

• Seed Rate: The recommended seed rate is 8-10 kg per hectare for rainfed areas.
• Method of Planting: Seeds are sown in rows 30 to 45 cm apart, with 5 to 7 cm spacing between seeds within a row.
• Sowing Depth: Seeds are sown at a depth of 2 to 3 cm.

Time of Sowing

• Kharif Season: In India, cluster bean is typically sown during the Kharif season (June to July), just before the monsoon rains.
• Rabi Season: In some areas with irrigation, it can also be grown in the Rabi season (October to November).

Growth Stages

Cluster bean grows through several stages:

1. Germination: After sowing, germination takes about 7-10 days.
2. Vegetative Growth: The plants develop a strong root system and leafy growth.
3. Flowering: Flowering occurs about 40-50 days after sowing.
4. Pod Formation: Pods appear around 60 days after sowing, and the crop is ready for harvest after 90-120 days.

Water Requirements

• Cluster bean requires around 350-500 mm of water throughout its growing period.
• The plant is drought-tolerant and can grow with minimal irrigation. Fertile soils or irrigated lands can enhance productivity.

Nutrient Management

• Fertilizer Requirements:
  • Apply 20-25 kg of nitrogen (N), 25-30 kg of phosphorus (P), and 20-25 kg of potassium (K) per hectare.
  • Nitrogen application should be in two splits, half at sowing and the other half during flowering.
  • Organic manure like compost or farmyard manure (FYM) can be added before sowing.

Weed Management

• Cluster bean is sensitive to weed competition during early growth stages. Weed management can be done through:
  • Hand weeding or using herbicides.
  • A pre-emergence herbicide like pendimethalin can be used to control weeds.

Pests and Diseases

• Pests: Common pests include:
  • Aphids Whiteflies Pod borers
• Diseases: Cluster bean can suffer from:
  • Wilt (caused by fungi like Fusarium and Rhizoctonia)
  • Powdery mildew
  • Rust

Pest control can be managed through biological control, chemical treatments, and the use of resistant varieties.

Harvesting

• Maturity: The plant matures in about 90-120 days, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
• Harvesting Time: The pods should be harvested when the pods turn brown and the seeds inside are hard.
• Method: The plants are manually harvested, and pods are separated from the stalks.

Post-Harvest Management

• Seed Storage: The seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from pests.
• Processing: After harvesting, the seeds are processed for gum extraction, which is the primary use of cluster beans.

Uses of Cluster Bean

• Food: Cluster beans are consumed in various forms such as vegetables, soups, and salads. The tender pods are used in cooking, especially in India.
• Gum Production: The primary commercial use of cluster beans is for the extraction of guar gum, which is used in industries like food processing, oil drilling, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.
• Animal Feed: The leaves and stems are used as fodder for livestock.
• Soil Improvement: Being a legume, it helps in nitrogen fixation, improving soil fertility.

Yield The average yield of cluster bean in India ranges from 500 to 1,000 kg per hectare, depending on climatic conditions and soil health. In high-input farming systems, yields can go up to 1,500-2,000 kg per hectare.

Economic Importance Cluster bean is economically important due to the global demand for guar gum. India is the largest producer and exporter of guar gum, which is used in various industries like oil exploration, pharmaceuticals, and food products.

Uses of Cluster Bean

• Guar Gum Production: The primary use of cluster bean is in the extraction of guar gum, which has wide applications in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial sectors.
• Animal Feed: Its leaves and stems are used as fodder for cattle and other livestock.
• Human Consumption: The young pods are consumed as vegetables in several parts of India and other countries. They can be eaten fresh, cooked, or pickled.