Developing improved varieties of pigeonpea

Description

Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is a high protein pulse crop which grows well under biotic and abiotic stress situations. It could play a significant role in meeting the challenges of food security in the tropics and sub-tropics, under the looming threat of drought, warm climate, and rising production costs. This chapter examines the role of pigeonpea in global nutritional security for humans and animals, and addresses the physical, environmental and genetic factors that may affect the sustainability of pigeonpea production. The chapter examines four ways of enhancing pigeonpea production: through crop modeling, an efficient seed system, plant breeding and hybridization. Finally, the chapter considers the latest trends in pigeonpea breeding and production.

Table of contents

1 Introduction 2 Pigeonpea for nutritional security 3 Factors affecting stability of pigeonpea production 4 Genetic factors influencing sustainability of pigeonpea production 5 Enhancing pigeonpea sustainability through crop modelling 6 Enhancing sustainability through an efficient seed system 7 Enhancing sustainability through plant breeding 8 Pigeonpea hybrids for greater productivity and sustainability 9 Future trends and conclusion 10 Where to look for further information 11 References