Evaluation of Improved Pigeon pea (<i>Cajanus cajan</i>) Varieties at Adola, Guji Zone of Oromia

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

A study was conducted with the objective to identify adaptable, high biomass, good quality and seed yield of Pegeon pea cultivars at Adola sub-site of Bore Agricultural research center. Four pegeon pea cultivars Tsigas, Degagsa-75, Belabas-27 and 16555 were tested in RCBD with three replications. The analysis of variation revealed that significant (P<0.05) differ in days to 90% maturity were observed among cultivars. Among tested cultivars Belabas 27 was significantly earlier (162 days) to maturity, while late matured cultivar was Degagsa (203 days). Analysis of variance showed highly significant differences (P<0.01) were observed among cultivars for number of primary branches per plant. Higher branch number was recorded for Tsigas cultivar (21.6) whereas the lowest branch number was obtained from cultivar Degagsa-75 (9.75). The cultivars were significant (P<0.05) differ for pod length. The long pod was recorded from cultivar 16555 (5 cm) while the short pod length was recorded from cultivar Belabas -27 (3.14 cm). Cultivars were significant (P<0.05) varied for plant height. The long plant height was measured from cultivar Degagsa-75 (159.75 cm) followed by Tsigas (104.9 cm) whereas the short pant height was obtained from cultivar Belabas-27 (78.63 cm). Significant variations (P<0.05) in biomass yield between genotypes were observed (Table 2). Superior biomass yield was produced from Tsigas cultivar (2.17 ton/ha) followed by cultivar 16555 (1.27 ton/ha) while the low biomass yield was obtained from Degagsa-75 cultivar (0.97 ton/ha). In addition to the nutritional values were promising particularly the crude protein (CP) content in cultivar Tsigas. Based up on its adaptability, high biomass yield, seed yield and good CP of cultivar Tsigas and 16555 is recommended for further promotion in the midland of Guji zone and similar agro- ecologies.