Plant characteristics and growth parameters of vegetable pigeon pea cultivars

Authors: OJWANG, DAVID - Solidaridad; NYANKANGA, RICHARD - University Of Nairobi; IMUNGI, JAPHETH - University Of Nairobi; Olanya, Modesto

Submitted to: HortTechnology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/30/2015
Publication Date: 2/22/2016
Publication URL: http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/61896
Citation: Ojwang, D.J., Nyankanga, R.O., Imungi, J., Olanya, O.M. 2016. Plant characteristics and growth parameters of vegetable pigeon pea cultivars. HortTechnology. 26:97-105.

Interpretive Summary: Pigeon pea is an important food crop in the semi-arid and marginal agricultural areas of Eastern Kenya, and other regions with similar agro-climatic conditions. We evaluated growth parameters of twelve vegetable pigeon pea genotypes of medium maturity in order to assess their yield potential under variable conditions. Days to flowering, plant height, number of primary and secondary branches, pod length and width were quantified in well designed experiments. The plant heights varied between crop and ratoon seasons and locations; and averaged 174.5 cm and 236.4 cm for Kambi ya Mawe and Kiboko locations, respectively. Days to 50% flowering ranged from 93-121 days, while 75% plant maturity ranged from 115 to 150 days. The mean pod length and width were 6%, and 8%, greater at Kiboko than Kambi ya Mawe location indicating that additional water applications may be beneficial to plant growth and shoot development. These plant growth data were positively correlated to crop yield. This research identified genotypes ICEAP 00068, ICEAP 00540, ICEAP 00554, ICEAP 00902, KAT 60/8 and MZ 2/9 as suitable for high yield potential under rain-fed conditions, while the cultivars ICEAP 00902, ICEAP 00068, ICEAP 00557, ICEAP 00554, KAT 60.8 and MTHAWAJUNI performed well with additional water applications. Production and utilization of pigeon pea can enhance food security in the dry land regions.

Technical Abstract: Pigeon pea is an important crop in dry land and semi-arid regions and is a supplementary source of dietary protein for the resource-constrained farmers. The aim of this research was to evaluate growth parameters of twelve vegetable pigeon pea genotypes at two locations in Eastern Kenya. The number of days from planting to flowering, plant height, primary and secondary branches, pod length and width were quantified in experimental plots in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, Significant differences (P<0.01) in days to 50% and 70% flowering and plant maturity, respectively, were recorded among genotypes at both locations. The average plant height was significantly (P<0.05) greater at Kiboko than at Kimba ya Mawe. The number of days to 50% flowering and 75% plant maturity were also greater at Kiboko than at Kimba ya Mawe site, perhaps due to supplemental irrigation. Similarly, mean pod length and width at Kiboko location exceeded that at Kimba ya Mawe by 6 and 8%, respectively. Positive and significant (P<0.05) correlation coefficients between grain yield and pods per plant were recorded, indicating that pod numbers is a useful indicator of yield potential of vegetable pigeon peas. The genotypes ICEAP 00068, ICEAP 00540, ICEAP 00554, ICEAP 00902, KAT 60/8 and MZ 2/9 were identified for high yield potential under rain-fed conditions, while ICEAP 00902, ICEAP 00068, ICEAP 00557, ICEAP 00554, KAT 60.8 and MTHAWAJUNI showed the greatest potential when supplemental water applications were made. The genotypes KAT 60/8, ICEAP 00068, ICEAP 00554, and ICEAP 00902 were suitable for production under both rain-fed and with additional water applications. Yield potential of pigeon peas dry regions can be greatly enhanced by using genotypes with good plant growth characteristics and shoot density.