Cropping Systems, Uses, and Primary in situ Characterization of Tanzanian Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) Landraces

Abstract

Landraces of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) were collected from farmer's fields in its major cropping areas in Tanzania. Passport data, including descriptors, information on cultural practices and uses were recorded. Pigeonpea intercropping with maize, sorghum and cassava were found to be the dominating cropping systems, with characteristic differences between regions. In the northern part of the country pigeonpea has been developed into a relatively high yielding cash crop. Also in part of the Coastal Zone and Eastern Plain a market, particularly for green pods, have been developed. It is also in these areas near Dar es Salam that pigeonpea is most frequently found as a garden crop.

The study showed that farmers mainly relay on self-saved seed, but seed is also quite often provided from other sources. About one third of the farmers selected sowing seed in the field at harvest. Seed storage was considered a great problem, and a variety of indigenous storage techniques were recorded. Chemical seed dressing was only common in the Northern Highlands, where the crop plays an important role as a cash crop. In all areas pigeonpea was consumed green as well as dry. Dry pigeonpea was most often consumed as whole grains, but dehulling was common especially in the Southern Plain. Most landraces identified were long-duration types, medium-duration types only being common in the Coastal Zone. The recorded plant and seed traits varied considerably, but the frequency of landraces with relatively large white or cream seeds and large pods was high in all regions. A number of accessions with potential resistance to fusarium wilt, bruchids and pod borer were identified.