Guar growth stages

Bean cluster farming.

Introduction of Cluster Beans: – Cluster bean is an annual legume crop and one of the famous vegetables, popularly known as “Guar” in India. Bean cluster is cultivated for its green vegetables and dry pods, & as a fodder crop and is also cultivated for Green Manure as planting of guar increases the yield of subsequent crops, as this legume crop conserves soil nutrients. It is grown in all parts of India. Guar bean(or) cluster belongs to “Leguminaceae” family and  the botanical name is “Cyamous tetragocalobe L. Taub”. Guar seeds have three parts: a) germ, b) endosperm c) husk. The very famous guar gum used in mining, petroleum drilling & textile manufacturing is obtained from the endosperm of the guar seed.

Natural Factors Needed for Guar Plant Growth

Coming to the cultivation part, this plant can grow in dry as well as wet climate. Regions that have received relatively quiet rainfall are considered suitable to look for significant growth with confidence. In addition, soil conditions and irrigation requirements must be considered as a significant growth factor. According to this requirement, guar seeds also need to be prepared to meet the demand. It requires the same type of cultivation as a cotton plant, in which, it must be spaced 36 to 40 inches apart with 10 to 20 inches of spacing apart. This type of fertilization helps to increase yields provided there is also sufficient moisture.

METHOD OF CARE

Before Guar sowing field should be pre-irrigated with irrigations of 1 – 2 acre inches to fill soil profile. For seed drilling, light harrowing is required for planting to conserve soil moisture. If the crop is used for fodder or as green manure, it is broadcast but if it is used for seed, drilling is better and the result is better seed germination. Line planting is also useful for grafting and for removing excess rainwater. Spacing of 30 – 45 cm between rows and 15 cm between plants is given for crops grown for cereal production. However, spacing is usually reduced under late sowing conditions and poor soil fertility. Closer spacing of 30 x 12 cm is provided for fodder crops. A wider spacing of 60 x 30 cm is desirable for crops grown for green vegetable pod production. A planting depth of 1 to 1 1/2 inches is usually recommended.

In Pakistan two types of Guar are developed for the purpose of fodder and grain ie. BR – 90 and BR – 99. The developed cultivars are much more resistant to insect pests and have higher yields. Improved varieties have higher pod set and pods are well distributed on the main stem and branches, increasing harvest efficiency. The multiple branches of these new cultivars also produce more pods. The crop takes 110-120 days to mature after planting. Plant height at maturity is 110cm.