Evaluation Of Medium Duration Pigeonpea (Cajanm Cajan) Genotypes For Green Vegetable Production And Acceptability In Makueni County Of Eastern Kenya

Abstract

Pigeon pea is an important crop in marginal rainfall, in the arid and semi-arid (ASAL) regions, where it is used as a supplementary source of dietary protein. Previous research has concentrated in identification of genotypes adapted to rain fed condition, for dry grain. Information on the performance of these genotypes for vegetable production, preference by consumers and farmers under irrigated and rain-fed condition is lacking. The aim of this research therefore, was to evaluate and quantify plant growth parameters and yield of twelve medium duration pigeon peas genotypes: ICP 7035B, ICEAP 00068, MTHAWAJUNI, MZ 2/9, KAT 60/8, ICEAP 00540, ICEAP 00557, ICEAP 00911, ICEAP 00902, ICEAP 00554, ICEAP 00850 and KIONZA, at two locations in Eastern region of Kenya, under rain-fed conditions at Kambi Ya Mawe and supplementary irrigation at Kiboko. Days to flowering, plant height, number of primary and secondary branches, grain and pod yield, pods per plant, pod length and width were quantified in experimental plots in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, at both locations. Preference and acceptability evaluation done by farmers and panelists, was done on six sensory parameters. I hese were: Seed color, Seed appearance, Seed taste, Seed aroma, Seed texture (mouth and hand feel) or softness and overall acceptability, using Hedonic scale of 1-7 (1-dislike very much and 7-Like very much) at both location for both seasons. Significant differences (P<0.01) in days to 50% and 75% flowering and plant maturity duration respectively, were recorded among pigeonpea genotype at both locations. Plant height differed significantly (P<0.05) among genotypes during both main crop and ratoon crop seasons. Supplementary irrigation (SI) recorded a positive increase on all the yield components, except for shelling percent, which was reduced by seven (-7) percent. Plant height, flowering, and maturity periods were enhanced by 105, 30, and 29%, respectively under supplemental irrigation. Similarly, pod length and width were also increased by 6, and 8%, respectively under irrigated conditions. Significant and positive correlation coefficients between grain yield and pods per plant were recorded, indicating that this is an important genotypes selection criterion for vegetable pigeon peas. Genotypes ICEAP 00068, ICEAP 00540, ICEAP 00554, ICEAP 00902, KAT 60/8 and MZ 2/9 were identified for high productivity potential under rain-fed conditions and ICEAP 00902, ICEAP 00068, ICEAP 00557, ICEAP 00554, KAT 60/8 and MTHAWAJUNI under supplementary irrigation. The genotypes KAT 60/8, ICEAP 00068, ICEAP 00554, and ICEAP 00902 were suitable for production under both rain-fed and supplementary irrigation. Sensory evaluation for preference and acceptance of genotypes at both locations indicated a significant difference among the genotypes on seed appearance, overall Acceptance, seed color, aroma, and cooked seed tenderness, as scored by farmers and panelists. 1 he sensory characteristics of pigeon pea seed were also influenced by genotypes x locations and seasons x locations. The genotypes ICEAP 00068, ICEAP 00540, ICEAP 00554, ICEAP 00902, KA I 60/8 and MZ 2/9 had good favourable scores and preferred by both farmers and panellists under rain-fed and ICEAP 00902, ICEAP 00068, ICEAP 00557, ICEAP 00554, KA1 60.8 and MTHAWAJUNI under supplementary irrigation. The genotypes KAT 60/8, ICEAP 00068, ICEAP 00554, and ICEAP 00902 were suitable for production under both rain-fed and supplementary irrigation. Production ol pigeon peas can be greatly enhanced with selective water application. Incorporation of organoleptic properties (seed colour, size, weight, and tenderness) in breeding strategies can optimize the utilization of vegetable pigeon pea genotypes and enhance food security.