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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania » Eastern Regional Research Center » Food Safety and Intervention Technologies Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #324562
Title: Yield potential of pigeon pea cultivars

Author
item OJWANG, DAVID - Solidaridad
item NYANKANGA, RICHARD - University Of Nairobi
item Olanya, Modesto
item Ukuku, Dike
item IMUNGI, JAPHETH - University Of Nairobi

Submitted to: Subtropical Agriculture and Environments
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/31/2016
Publication Date: 5/21/2016
Citation: Ojwang, D.J., Nyankanga, R.O., Olanya, O.M., Ukuku, D.O., Imungi, J. 2016. Yield potential of pigeon pea cultivars. Subtropical Agriculture and Environments. 67:1-12.

Interpretive Summary: Pigeon pea is an important crop in the dry regions, due to its drought resilience and nutritious content. Assessment of cultivar performance is crucial in order to maximize yield potential. Twelve vegetable pigeon pea cultivars were evaluated at two locations in eastern Kenya for yield components (pod numbers, seeds per pod, seed mass, shelling percentage) and grain yield in replicated field experiments. Although variations in yield components were observed among cultivars, locations and cropping seasons, the yield of cultivars such as ICEAP 00068, ICEAP 00540, MZ 2/9) was comparable to the local check cultivar, KIONZA, and maturity duration was considerably lower. The yield components such as pod length and width, numbers of primary and secondary branches were not good indicators for grain yield in these experiments. Selective deployment of early maturity cultivars and increased utilization of pigeon pea can improve food security in the drier climatic regions.

Technical Abstract: Yield potential of twelve vegetable pigeon pea (Cajanus cajun) cultivars was evaluated at two locations in eastern Kenya during 2012 and 2013 cropping years. Pigeon pea pod numbers, seeds per pod, seed mass, grain yield and shelling percentage were quantified in three replicated plots, arranged in a randomized complete block design. Significant differences (P<0.05) in grain yield (Kg/ha) was recorded among cultivars and cropping seasons. Yield of vegetable pigeon pea cultivars varied between locations as grain weight, pod length and seed mass were greater at Kiboko than Kambi ya Mawe location. Similarly, significant (P<0.05) and positive correlation coefficients between grain yield and grain plus pods as well as shelling percentage indicating that this is an important variable for cultivar selection in vegetable pigeon pea. The cultivars ICEAP 00068, ICEAP 00540, ICEAP 00554, ICEAP 00902, and MZ 2/9 showed high yield potential under rain-fed conditions, while ICEAP 00902, ICEAP 00068, ICEAP 00557, ICEAP 00554 and MTHAWAJUNI had good yield response when supplemental water was applied. Under both rain-fed and supplementary water applications, the yield response of the cultivars KAT 60/8, ICEAP 00068, ICEAP 00554, and ICEAP 00902 ranged from 1,315 to 4,702 Kg per hectare. Selective deployment of cultivars can greatly improve its productivity and utilization in the dry agricultural regions.