The potential of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) in Africa

Abstract

Pigeonpea is a tropical grain legume grown mainly in India. Though largely considered an orphan crop, pigeonpea has a huge untapped potential for improvement both in quantity and quality of production in Africa. More than any other legume adapted to the region, pigeonpea uniquely combines optimal nutritional profiles, high tolerance to environmental stresses, high biomass productivity and most nutrient and moisture contributions to the soil. The legume can be utilized in several diverse ways while the high genetic variability that exists within the cultivated and wild relatives remains to be explored for further uses. This article highlights the need for popularizing pigeonpea as a major legume crop in Africa. The main constraints to productivity are discussed and recent breeding efforts in Africa highlighted. Important opportunities for improvement are further provided.

Soil fertility changes and their effects on ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) yield response in an ultisol under different pigeon pea hedgerow alley management in South Eastern Nigeria

“…In an African research study conducted by Mafongoya et al (2006), the Nitrogen fixation rate of pigeon pea was estimated to range from 40 to 97 Kg N/ha. Other research trials conducted across Africa and India also showed that the N contributions from pigeon pea to the soil environment and for the following crop in the rotation range between 40 to 60 Kg N/ha (Chauhan et al, 2004;Odeny, 2007). There is ample research evidence based on the results of this study indicating that alley cropping pigeon pea with ginger is a promising crop management technology capable of sustaining available P capacity of the highly degraded soils of South Eastern Nigeria.…”

Agroforestry Technique for Minimal Extra-Labour: Influence of Chromolaena-Cajanus Combination on Soil Chemistry and Biology, and Yam Yields

“…Other benefits are conceivable with this practice as commonly reported for agroforestry in general (Simelton et al, 2016;Rahman et al, 2017). For instance, Cajanus' grains are highly nutritional and suitable for feeding both human and animals, and the plant offers fuelwood (Odeny, 2007). The species can be managed as an annual shrub or a perennial plant, but it can live up to 4 years which remains shorter, compared to the common fallow length in the region.…”

“…(Fabaceae) also called Pigeonpea is a tropical multi-purpose grain legume with huge untapped potential for improvement of production in Africa (Odeny, 2007). The plant is a prolific seed producer and its grains are popularly consumed in India, Asia, and Africa; it can be managed as an annual shrub or a perennial plant that can live up to four or five years (Sheahan, 2012).…”

Dietary Effects of Increasing Levels of Pigeon Pea Meal on Rabbit Performance

“…The crude protein content of the seeds of pigeon pea is within the range of 18 to 25% (Salunkhe et al, 1986;Akande, Abubakar, Adegbola, Bogoro, & Doma, 2010). It has also been reported to be a good source of carbohydrate, minerals and vitamins (Sinha, 1977;Odeny, 2007).…”