Gram, also known as chickpea or chana, is one of the most important pulse crops grown in India during the rabi season. It is a hardy crop that can grow well even in dry conditions, but sometimes farmers face problems when the plants do not flower properly. Flowering is a crucial stage in gram production because it directly affects the number of pods and the final yield. There can be several reasons behind poor or delayed flowering, including weather, nutrient imbalance, pests, and improper management. Let us understand these reasons and how to solve them.
1. Effect of weather and temperature
Gram requires a cool and dry climate for proper growth. The ideal temperature for flowering is around 20–25°C. If the temperature suddenly rises or falls during the flowering stage, it can delay or reduce flower formation. High temperatures above 30°C can cause flowers to drop, while cold waves or frost can damage the buds. To minimize these effects, farmers should select suitable sowing time based on their region. In North India, gram is usually sown from mid-October to early November so that flowering happens in January or February when the temperature is favorable.
2. Moisture stress and irrigation
Insufficient soil moisture during the flowering stage is another major cause of flower drop. Gram is sensitive to both water stress and waterlogging. If the soil is too dry, plants become weak and fail to produce or retain flowers. On the other hand, too much water can damage the roots and reduce flowering. Farmers should give a light irrigation at critical stages—especially before flowering and during pod formation. Drip irrigation or controlled watering helps maintain proper soil moisture and improves flowering.
3. Nutrient management
Balanced nutrition is essential for healthy flowering. Deficiency of nutrients such as phosphorus, boron, and molybdenum can result in poor flower development. Phosphorus encourages root growth and early flowering, so farmers should apply recommended doses of DAP or single super phosphate at sowing. Foliar sprays of 0.1% boron or 0.05% molybdenum solution at pre-flowering stage can also help. Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizers, as they promote vegetative growth (leaves and stems) instead of flowers and pods.
4. Pest and disease management
Pod borer and aphids are common pests that attack gram crops during flowering. These pests suck plant sap or feed on flower buds, causing flower drop. Regular field inspection and timely use of safe insecticides or neem-based formulations can prevent damage. Diseases like Fusarium wilt can also weaken the plants and reduce flowering, so crop rotation and seed treatment with fungicide before sowing are helpful practices.
5. Use of growth regulators
In some cases, spraying plant growth regulators like NAA (Naphthalene Acetic Acid) at 40–60 ppm during the flowering stage can reduce flower drop and improve pod setting. However, this should be done carefully following expert advice.
In conclusion, proper timing of sowing, balanced fertilizer use, adequate irrigation, and pest management are the key practices to ensure good flowering in gram crop. Healthy flowering ultimately leads to better pod formation and higher yield for the farmer.
