Trait–yield associations and economic benefits of hydropriming in pigeonpea under rainfed conditions

Poor stand establishment and yield instability constrain pigeonpea productivity in rainfed regions of South Asia. This study evaluated the effects of hydropriming—a low‐cost, non‐chemical seed enhancement method—on emergence traits, yield, and economic returns in pigeonpea ( Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) under rainfed conditions. Field experiments were conducted across three post‐rainy (rabi) seasons using two genotypes (Asha and TDRG‐59) and three seed treatments: untreated control, standard thiram protocol (PoP), and hydropriming. Laboratory assessments and field observations were used to quantify germination, seedling vigor, yield components, and benefit–cost (B:C) ratio. Hydropriming consistently improved germination (9.8% over control), seedling vigor index (18.4% gain), and seed yield (14.2% over control). Yield benefits reached up to 35.8% under moisture stress conditions. Multivariate analysis revealed strong positive correlations among early vigor, seed yield, and profitability, with germination and vigor indices explaining 94.2% of yield variability in regression models. Path analysis confirmed germination as the dominant driver of yield gains. Hydroprimed plots also recorded the highest B:C ratios (2.15), validating economic feasibility. Unlike earlier work, this study establishes trait–yield linkages via regression modeling and quantifies economic returns, offering new evidence for hydropriming's agronomic and economic relevance. The findings demonstrate that hydropriming delivers stable physiological, agronomic, and economic benefits across seasons. Quantified trait‐to‐yield relationships strengthen the case for its integration into dryland seed management programs and scaling in smallholder pulse systems.