Assessment of Growth Parameters of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) Cultivated in Two Different Ecological Zones in Cross River State

Abstract

Background and Objective: Sustainable food security in Nigeria has become very important to curb malnutrition and protein deficiency. Changes in the observed climate are affecting the growth of food crops through phenological alterations among other stress factors. Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) has been reported as one of those crops with significant potential to withstand these stressors as well as meet the demands for a source of protein and medicine for humans and livestock. This study assessed the growth parameters of fifty accessions of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) cultivated in two ecological zones in Cross River State.Materials and Methods: A 50×2 factorial in a completely randomized block design with three replications was used. Three seeds per accession were sown per hole at a depth of 2 cm and thinned to two after emergence, on beds measuring 1×1 m. Each bed had six plants and growth parameters were measured on plant height, number of leaves, number of branches and leaf area. Results: It showed significant differences in growth parameters, including plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, leaf area, leaf area index and relative growth rate between the two locations, with the accessions planted in Calabar displaying higher mean values for all parameters except plant height and leaf area indices, 50.98 and 5.38 cm, respectively, which were higher in Obudu. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that these fifty accessions of pigeon peas can be cultivated successfully in Calabar and Obudu. This information is crucial for farmers to optimize pigeon pea production to diversify the food base, ameliorate protein deficiency and enhance soil nutrition in Cross River State and Nigeria.