Evaluation of Cajanus Cajan (Pigeon Pea) Genotypes for Agronomic Parameters, Yield and Nutritional Composition at Lowland Areas of Eastern Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted at lowland of Fedis district during 2018 and 2019 growing season to evaluate the performance of eleven improved pigeon pea genotypes for agronomic yield and nutritional composition. The study revealed that there were no significant differences among pigeon pea genotypes in terms of days to flowering and maturity. However, significantly higher dry biomass and grain yields were obtained. Grain yield ranged from 1,200 kg ha^-1 to 3,030 kg ha^-1 with 16524 having the highest and 11575 had the lowest grain yield. Herbage dry matter yield ranged from 2 to 4.4 t/ha. Genotype 16524 had the highest herbage dry matter yield (4.4 t/ha). Leaf to stem ratio of local check was (p<0.05) lower than 11563 genotype but similar to the remaining tested genotypes and seed yield of 16528 genotype was lower than 16524 genotype but similar to the remaining tested genotypes. The crude protein (CP %), ASH%, neutral detergent fiber (NDF %), acid detergent fiber (ADF %) and Acid detergent lignin (ADL %) were significantly (p<0.05) different among genotypes. However, dry matter (DM %) was not different (p>0.05) among genotypes. It was concluded that genotype 16524 had performed best most agronomic parameters, biomass yield, seed yield and LSR as compared to the other tested genotypes and adapted check. Thus, it was found promising to be promoted or demonstrated in Eastern Oromia under climatic conditions similar to Fedis.

Keywords: Pigeon pea, Genotypes, Dry matter, nutritional composition

DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/12-7-05

Publication date: April 30^th 2021