Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

Utilization of landraces for the genetic enhancement of pigeonpea in Eastern and Southern Africa

Author(s):

E. T. Gwata ^1*, S. N. Silim ²

Recieved Date: 2008-11-12, Accepted Date: 2009-04-10

Abstract:

The eastern and southern Africa (ESA) region is considered as a centre of secondary diversity for pigeonpea. Accessions (297) of pigeonpea landraces were collected from major production areas in four countries in the region and evaluated for desirable agronomic traits, particularly resistance to fusarium wilt and market-preferred traits. Selected germplasm was utilized in the regional breeding program aimed at genetic enhancement of pigeonpea. Five improved long-duration (LD) cultivars that are highly resistant to fusarium wilt and have large (100-grain weight >15.0 g) grains were developed. Similarly, six early maturing medium-duration (MD) cultivars (averaging 2.5 t/ha) for production in the high latitude areas in the region and three MD cultivars that are able to ratoon, were developed. Seed of pre-released cultivars that are preferred by the farmers was distributed widely in the region in order to facilitate adoption. Consequently, the productivity of pigeonpea and food security in the region improved significantly.

Keywords:

Germplasm, landrace, pigeonpea, ratoon

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2009
Volume: 7
Issue: 2
Category: Environment
Pages: 803-806

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