Pigeonpea Grain Research Articles

Soil properties, water use efficiency and production potential of finger millet and pigeonpea intercropping under organic production in <em>Alfisols </em>of Karnataka

Field experiment was conducted at University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore with an objective to enhance productivity of finger millet intercropping in organic system of production during Kharif 2006 and 2007. Different organic manures at 50 kg N equivalent used in the experiment are FYM, sewage sludge, poultry manure compost, urban garbage compost, enriched urban garbage compost and vermicompost compared to inorganic fertilizers alone. Irrigation water was provided during dry spells throughout the crop growth period. Results indicated that grain yield of Finger millet (2498 kg ha-1) and pigeonpea grain (370 kg ha-1) were significantly influenced by application of sewage sludge followed by poultry manure compost. It also recorded greater soil microbial population viz., bacteria (23.54 x 107 cfu/g), fungi (25.65 x 104 cfu/g), actionomycetes population (23.04 x 103 cfu/g), microbial biomass carbon (2131.8 mg/g) and microbial biomass N (239.7 mg/g of soil), followed by poultry manure compost and lowest in inorganic fertilizer. Organic sources of nutrients improved soil physico-chemical properties viz, bulk density, water holding capacity, porosity and organic carbon. The highest organic carbon content was noticed with the application of sewage sludge (0.68%) followed by poultry manure.

Integrated weed management using row arrangements and herbicides in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) in Australia

In Australia, efforts are under way to revive the pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) industry, which has high export potential because of an increased demand in the international market. However, weeds are a major constraint to achieve high yield in pigeonpea. This study was designed to assess the effect of row arrangement and herbicide treatment on weed suppression and pigeonpea grain yield. Row arrangements included row spacing (narrow, 25 cm; wide, 50 cm) and paired rows (rows 25 cm apart within a pair, each pair separated from the next by 75 cm). Herbicide treatments were: untreated control; pre-emergent pendimethalin at 910 g a.i. ha–1; post-emergent imazapic at 84 g a.i. ha–1; and pre-emergent pendimethalin followed by post-emergent imazapic (rates as above). In the first year, Trianthema portulacastrum was the dominant weed, and infestation was 100% in the non-treated control plots. In the second year, other weeds (Setaria viridis, Eragrostis cilianensis and Chloris virgata) comprised 30% of the weed population. Averaged over row arrangements, grain yield varied from 2088 to 2689 kg ha–1 in 2017 and from 835 to 2145 kg ha–1 in 2018, and was lowest in the untreated control and highest in the plots treated with the sequential application of pendimethalin and imazapic. Averaged over years and herbicide treatments, yield was lower in paired rows (1850 kg ha–1) than in narrow (2225 kg ha–1) and wide (2165 kg ha–1) row spacings. In the first year, all herbicide treatments provided >50% control of T. portulacastrum in the narrow and wide row spacings and increased yield by >22% over the untreated control. In the second year, the single application of imazapic proved inferior for controlling weeds, resulting in a 21% reduction in grain yield compared with sequential application of pendimethalin and imazapic. In both years, grain yield was similar for the single application of pendimethalin and sequential application of pendimethalin and imazapic. Despite the complex weed flora in 2018, the single application of imazapic provided acceptable weed control only when the crop was planted at 25 cm row spacing. Our results suggest that the single application of pendimethalin was effective on T. portulacastrum. However, in a complex weed flora situation, the sequential application of pendimethalin and imazapic provided effective weed control and resulted in improved yield.

Effet Du Niveau Protéique Et Du Traitement Des Graines De Pois D’angole (Cajanus Cajan (L.) Huth, 1893) Sur La Croissance Du Poulet Local (Gallus Gallus Domesticus, Linnaeus 1758) En Côte d’Ivoire

This paper focuses on evaluating the effect of heat treatment of pigeon pea grains as a source of protein and protein level on local chicken growth. To conduct this study, 135 locally grown one-day-old chicks of roughly equal weight were randomized into 9 groups of equal size. Each group was subdivided into five lots of 3 subjects that were housed in a boxing. Then, three types of treatment (roasting, steaming and drying) were applied to the grains. For each type of treatment, three different protein level foods were developed. Each batch of chicks was fed with a given food. The results showed significant interactions between the protein level and the nature of the heat treatment on the different parameters (PTT <α, PNP <α and PTT * NP <α). Food consumption decreased significantly with protein level and was lower for CG and CV foods. The average daily gain and the feed index of batches fed with CG and CV foods were the best. Depending on the protein level, those titrated at 13% achieved the best growth and feed efficiency. Despite a lack of significant effect of the protein level on protein digestibility, there was a slight drop in protein at a dose of 16%. The nature of the treatment, for its part, significantly influenced the digestibility of proteins.

No rain but bumper harvest: the magic of pigeonpea in semi-arid Kenya

Land degradation and low rainfall seriously constrain agricultural production in arid and semi-arid areas. A study was conducted at Katumani Research Centre between 2009 and 2013 to investigate the effect of pigeonpea and crop residues on soil physical properties and maize yields. Sole- and inter-crops of maize and pigeonpea varieties drawn from three maturity groups and three crop residue application rates were evaluated in a split-split plot design with pigeonpea varieties, cropping systems and crop residue application rates as the main plot, sub-plot and sub-sub-plot, respectively. Results showed that maize-pigeonpea intercrops accumulated very low soil organic matter and hence, did not improve soil physical properties. Instead, they increased soil bulk density and reduced soil aggregation. Intercropping maize with pigeonpea requires more water compared to maize and pigeonpea sole crops. Mbaazi II-maize intercrop offers the best option since it gave the highest maize and pigeonpea grain yields and produced sufficient stover and stalks.

No rain but bumper harvest: the magic of pigeonpea in semi-arid Kenya

Land degradation and low rainfall seriously constrain agricultural production in arid and semi-arid areas. A study was conducted at Katumani Research Centre between 2009 and 2013 to investigate the effect of pigeonpea and crop residues on soil physical properties and maize yields. Sole- and inter-crops of maize and pigeonpea varieties drawn from three maturity groups and three crop residue application rates were evaluated in a split-split plot design with pigeonpea varieties, cropping systems and crop residue application rates as the main plot, sub-plot and sub-sub-plot, respectively. Results showed that maize-pigeonpea intercrops accumulated very low soil organic matter and hence, did not improve soil physical properties. Instead, they increased soil bulk density and reduced soil aggregation. Intercropping maize with pigeonpea requires more water compared to maize and pigeonpea sole crops. Mbaazi II-maize intercrop offers the best option since it gave the highest maize and pigeonpea grain yields and produced sufficient stover and stalks.

Biology of pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) and its response to botanicals in stored pigeonpea, Cajanus cajan (L.) grains

Biology of pulse beetle (Callosobruchus maculatus F.) was studied on pigeonpea grains during 2014-15 in laboratory conditions. The adult beetle was oval in shape and reddish-brown in colour, with dark stripes on each side of dorsal abdomen with average fecundity of 74.8±1.8 eggs per female. The average incubation period was 4.2±0.2 days with hatching 98.2±0.3 percent. Average larval-pupal period, oviposition, post-oviposition period, total life period and adult life span were 21.3±0.3, 8.2±0.5, 2.8±0.5, 33.3 ±2.4 and 12.0±2.1 days, respectively. The effect of nine botanicals viz., neem oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, turmeric powder and their mixture and surface protectants viz., neem seed kernel powder, saw dust, sand, dung cake ash and wheat husk were used on pigeonpea seed against Callosobruchus maculatus. The highest mortality (84-100%) was observed by neem oil @ 10ml/kg and lowest (3.33%) by turmeric powder @ 3.5g/kg seeds, after 135 days of storage. Neem oil @ 10ml/kg was completely inhibited the oviposition, adult emergence and seed damage. All the oils and inert materials prevented egg laying, reduced population build up of beetles and minimized the seed damage as compare to control.

THE CURSE OF LOW SOIL FERTILITY AND DIMINISHING MAIZE YIELDS IN SEMI-ARID KENYA:CAN PIGEONPEA PLAY SAVIOUR?

&lt;p&gt;Little research has been conducted in Kenya to ascertain and exploit the ability of pigeonpea to improve soil fertility and increase cereal yields. An experiment was conducted at Katumani Research Centre between 2009 and 2013 to evaluate the effects of pigeonpea on soil fertility and productivity of maize cropping systems in semi-arid Kenya. The experiment was established as a split-split plot design with sole and intercrops of maize and pigeonpea varieties drawn from three maturity groups and three crop residue application rates as the treatments. Results showed that intercropping maize with pigeonpea reduced (p ≤ 0.05) soil organic carbon and total soil N from 1.4 and 0.2 % in 2009 to less than 1 and 0.1 %, respectively, in 2013. Intercropping maize with long duration pigeonpea and ploughing back 4 t ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; of crop residues had no significant effect on available P. However, it increased (p ≤ 0.05) available P from 26 ppm at the start of the study to 50 ppm and 47 ppm in eight seasons under maize-Mbaazi I and maize-Kat 60/8 intercrops, respectively. Exchangeable K, Mg and Ca also declined significantly (p ≤ 0.05). Intercropping maize with long duration pigeonpea and ploughing back 4 t ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; of crop residues offers the best option since it gave higher maize (1.9 t ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;) and pigeonpea (1.4 t ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;) grain yields per season and sufficient crop residues to feed the livestock and plough back to improve soil fertility.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;

English

Acid, infertile reddish-brown soils characterize large amounts of central Mozambique. Few of these soils are in food production representing a missed opportunity for agricultural productivity and a missed alternative to improve the food security of the country. Low levels of soil nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, and potassium limit crop growth. Local agricultural amendments for acid, infertile soils such as limestone and rock phosphate exist but are unexploited. An experiment was conducted to assess the feasibility of using local Evate rock phosphate (40.7% total P2O5) as a corrective to supply phosphorus. The rock phosphate was applied at rates of 20, 40, 80 and 160 kg total P ha-1. Comparison triple super phosphate was also added at four P levels (0, 10, 20 and 40 kg P ha-1). A long growth cycle crop of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L., Mill sp. variety “ICAEP00020”) with a growth cycle of 190 days was used to assess effectiveness of the local rock phosphate. A pigeon pea grain yield of 1000 kg grain ha-1 was possible with an application of 80 kg ha-1 of total P added as Evate rock phosphate. By comparison 20 kg P ha-1 as TSP was needed to reach a maximum yield of pigeon pea grain. This ratio suggests that Evate rock phosphate was 25% as effective as TSP on a total P basis. This research suggests that the Evate rock phosphate can be an effective amendment that can enable or enhance food grain production on the acid, infertile upland soils of Central Mozambique. Whether for direct application for acid-tolerant crops or acid soils or processed into soluble fertilizer phosphate, the existence of such a valuable resource provides a great opportunity for improved local food crop production. Key words: Rock phosphate, pigeon pea, acid soils, food grains, food security.

English

Physical properties of grains plays play important role in the design of seed hopper, conveyers and seed metering device. The physical properties of pigeon pea grains at different range of moisture content from 10.3 to 20.3 d.b. were investigated. The pigeon pea grains dimensions such as length, width thickness and diameter increase linearly with increase moisture content. An increase in bulk density and true density was observed at different moisture content 10.3, 13.6, 16.8 and 20.3 % d.b.

Characterisation of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) landraces grown in two climatic zones in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa

Pigeon pea is an important legume in arid and semi-arid areas of the Sub-Saharan Africa. Knowledge of adaptation characteristics of genotypes would significantly enhance its production in diverse environments of the region. Field experiments were conducted at two sites, namely Makhathini and Newlands Research Stations, both in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa, to assess the variation in agronomic characteristics among six local landraces obtained from smallholder farmers. The six landraces were categorised based on seed coat colour according to farmers’ perception. Significant differences were observed among landraces with respect to plant height and time to 50% flowering, indicating phenotypic variability. The Light Brown-seeded landrace planted at Newlands flowered earlier (106 d after planting). The Dark Brown-seeded landrace flowered within 150 d at Makhathini and reached physiological maturity in 185 d, earlier than other landraces. The results of principal component analysis suggested that yield of the Light Brown-seeded landrace was associated with two important agronomic parameters, namely harvest index (HI) and pod mass. The Light Brown-seeded and Cream with Brown-seeded landraces were associated with desirable yield traits including grain yield, HI and pod mass and can, therefore, be recommended as suitable parental lines in crop improvement programmes to improve pigeon pea grain yield.

Effect of Bio-Rational Approaches on the Larval Population and Pigeonpea Pod Damage by Exelastis atomosa (Wlsm.)

Effect of bio-rational approaches such as intercropping and application of bio-pesticide on the larval population, pod damage, grain damage and grain weight loss by plume moth (Exelastis atomosa (Wlsm.)) infesting pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) was studied. Pigeonpea intercropped with maize, pearl millet, sorghum, rice and black gram had significant effect on the larval population of plume moth when compared with pigeonpea sole crop infestation. The pigeonpea pod damage, grain damage and grain weight loss due to larval infestation in different pigeonpea intercrops and pigeonpea sole crop differed significantly however few exceptions were also recorded. The average larval population, pod damage, grain damage and grain weight loss in different intercrops varied from 0.25 to 0.39 larva/plant, 1.29 to 1.79%, 0.41 to 0.55% and 0.25 to 0.35%, respectively. The pigeonpea sole crop had recorded relatively higher larval population (0.39 larva/plant), pod damage (2.03%), grain damage (0.85%) and grain weight loss (0.59%) than the intercropped pigeon pea. The two sprays of NSKE 5% (first at flowering and pod formation stage and second after 20 days) were found superior in reducing larval population, pod damage, grain damage and grain weight loss. However, the plots devoid of any biopesticidal treatment had maximum larval population (0.68 larva/plant), pod damage (2.75%), grain damage (0.86%) and grain weight loss (0.60%) by E. atomosa.

Effect of Moisture Content and Orientation on Force-Deformation Behavior of Pigeon Pea Grains during Uniaxial Compression

Abstract. The force-deformation behavior of pigeon pea grains and its correlation with moisture content was studied. Hertz’s theory of contact stresses was applied to predict the splitting and failure of cotyledons during uni-axial compressive loading between two rigid parallel plates. The apparent modulus of elasticity of pigeon pea decreased from 280.52 to 9.29 MPa when force was applied normal to the hilum joint (horizontal loading), whereas it decreased from 208.08 to 33.37 MPa when force was applied in the direction of the hilum joint (vertical loading) with an increase in moisture content from 5.28% to 34.568% (d.b.). At higher moisture contents (15.17% and above), the grains yielded after considerable deformation, thus showing a change in nature from brittle to ductile. Distribution of stresses below the point of contact were calculated and plotted to predict the location of the critical point, which was found at 0.45 to 0.75 mm and at 0.50 to 0.67 mm below the contact point in vertical and horizontal loading, respectively, depending on moisture content. The bio-yield of pigeon pea grains was due to breakage of the cotyledons in horizontal loading, whereas it was due to separation of the cotyledons in vertical loading. Separation of the cotyledons from each other was initiated before yielding of the cotyledons at lower moisture contents, and thus splitting of the seed took place. Keywords: Contact stresses, Hertz theory, Mechanical properties, Pigeon peas, Splitting.

Estimating demand for perennial pigeon pea in Malawi using choice experiments

Perennial crops have numerous ecological and agronomic advantages over their annual counterparts. We estimate discrete choice models to evaluate farmers' preferences for perennial attributes of pigeon pea intercropped with maize in central and southern Malawi. Pigeon pea is a nitrogen-fixing leguminous crop, which has the potential to ameliorate soil fertility problems related to continuous maize cultivation, which are common in Southern Africa. Adoption of annual pigeon pea is relatively low but perennial production of pigeon pea may be more appealing to farmers due to some of the ancillary benefits associated with perenniality. We model perennial production of pigeon pea as a function of the attributes that differ between annual and perennial production: lower labor and seed requirements resulting from a single planting with multiple harvests, enhanced soil fertility and higher levels of biomass production. The primary tradeoff associated with perennial pigeon pea intercropped with maize is competition with maize in subsequent years of production. While maize yield is approximately twice as valuable to farmers as pigeon pea yield, we find positive yet heterogeneous demand for perenniality driven by soil fertility improvements and pigeon pea grain yield.

Cultivar preference and sensory evaluation of vegetable pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) in Eastern Kenya

Pigeon pea is an important crop in the dry regions of Eastern Kenya because of its drought tolerance and high protein content. Preference and acceptability of 12 vegetable pigeon pea cultivars of medium duration to maturity were evaluated by consumers and farmers in Eastern Kenya on the basis of six seed parameters: color, appearance, taste, aroma, tenderness and overall acceptability. They were scored on a hedonic scale of 1–7, where 1 = highly unfavorable to 7 = highly favorable. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in the six parameters were recorded, the cultivars ICEAP 00068, ICEAP 00540, ICEAP 00554, ICEAP 00902, KAT 60/8 and MZ 2/9 being preferred. As production of pigeon pea and other grain legumes increases, incorporation in selection processes of cultivar preferences/acceptability, organoleptic properties, post-harvest processing and utilization to preserve nutritional qualities could greatly improve adoption and therefore food security and livelihoods of resource-constrained farmers and consumers. Such a development would increase the consumption of pigeon pea and therefore enhance the nutrition intake and food security in the dry regions of Eastern Kenya.

Effects of conservation agriculture on crop productivity and water-use efficiency under an irrigated pigeonpea–wheat cropping system in the western Indo-Gangetic Plains

SUMMARYIn search of a suitable resource conservation technology under pigeonpea (Cajanus cajanL.)–wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) system in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, the effects of conservation agriculture (CA) on crop productivity and water-use efficiency (WUE) were evaluated during a 3-year study. The treatments were: conventional tillage (CT), zero tillage (ZT) with planting on permanent narrow beds (PNB), PNB with residue (PNB + R), ZT with planting on permanent broad beds (PBB) and PBB + R. The PBB + R plots had higher pigeonpea grain yield than the CT plots in all 3 years. However, wheat grain yields under all plots were similar in all years except for PBB + R plots in the second year, which had higher wheat yield than CT plots. The contrast analysis showed that pigeonpea grain yield of CA plots was significantly higher than CT plots in the first year. However, both pigeonpea and wheat grain yields during the last 2 years under CA and CT plots were similar. The PBB + R plots had higher system WUE than the CT plots in the second and third years. Plots under CA had significantly higher WUE and significantly lower water use than CT plots in these years. The PBB + R plots had higher WUE than PNB + R and PNB plots. Also, the PBB plots had higher WUE than PNB in the second and third years, despite similar water use. The interactions of bed width and residue management for all parameters in the second and third years were not significant. Those positive impacts under PBB + R plots over CT plots were perceived to be due to no tillage and significantly higher amount of estimated residue retention. Thus, both PBB and PBB + R technologies would be very useful under a pigeonpea–wheat cropping system in this region.

Effect of plant density and fertility levels of &lt;italic&gt;kharif&lt;/italic&gt; groundnut (&lt;italic&gt;Arachis hypogaea&lt;/italic&gt; L.) + pigeon pea (&lt;italic&gt;Cajanas cajan&lt;/italic&gt;) intercropping system under red and laterite zone of West Bengal, India

A field experiment was conducted during &lt;italic&gt;kharif&lt;/italic&gt; season of 2005 and 2006 to find out the plant density and fertility levels of &lt;italic&gt;kharif&lt;/italic&gt; groundnut (&lt;italic&gt;Arachis hypogaea&lt;/italic&gt;) – pigeon pea (&lt;italic&gt;Cajanus cajan&lt;/italic&gt;) intercropping system. Growing of groundnut as sole crop recorded higher pod yield (1490 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;) over groundnut in intercropping system. The highest pod yield (889 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;) of groundnut among the intercropping system was obtained with the treatment received 100 % of both RDF and plant density of groundnut and pigeon pea respectively. Which was closely followed by T&lt;sub&gt;9&lt;/sub&gt; (850 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;), T&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; (846 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;), T&lt;sub&gt;11&lt;/sub&gt; (828 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;) and (825 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;) and they were statistically at par among each other. Growing of pigeon pea as sole crop recorded higher &lt;sup&gt;T&lt;/sup&gt;10 grain yield (1584 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;) over pigeon pea in intercropping system. Among the intercropping system the maximum pigeon pea grain yield was found in T&lt;sub&gt;1&lt;/sub&gt; (1013kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;) which was at par with T&lt;sub&gt;10&lt;/sub&gt; (978 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;), T&lt;sub&gt;11&lt;/sub&gt; (950 kg ha &lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;), T&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; (946 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;), T&lt;sub&gt;9&lt;/sub&gt; (939 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;), and T&lt;sub&gt;5&lt;/sub&gt; (903 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;). Among the cropping systems, intercropping of groundnut with pigeon pea resulted in maximum groundnut equivalent yield (2155 kg ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;) in T&lt;sub&gt;1&lt;/sub&gt;. Among the intercropping systems, groundnut with pigeon pea in 4:2 row proportions with 100% both plant density and RDF in all the crops was most remunerative in respect of net return (Rs.28400) and economic return: cost ratio (2.85).

Effect of some culture extracts of Aspergillus oryzae on dehulling properties of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.).

Pre-dehulling treatments with some culture extracts of Aspergillus oryzae of various incubation periods played an important role in improving the dehulling properties of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.). Yield percent of dehulled grains and dehulling efficiency increased concurrently with increase of incubation period of culture extracts. Maximum dehulled grains were achieved by 12-day old culture extract to the tune of 73% with least amount of undehulled kernels and fines (6.6 and 6.5%, respectively). Pre-dehulling trials conducted on pigeon pea grain employing wheat bran and pigeon pea husk based culture extracts of A. oryzae showed dehulling efficiency of 73% for wheat bran (12-day incubation period) and pigeon pea husk (9-day incubation period) in comparison with uninoculated extract (control) in the range 62.2-64.4%. Based on the results obtained, dehulling properties affected by pigeon pea husk based culture extract proved better than wheat bran culture extract. Key words: Dehulling, pigeon pea, culture extracts, incubation periods, pre-dehulling treatment.

Optimization of Roller S peed and Feed Rate of Mini Dhal Mill for Hulling Efficiency of Pigeonpea

Pigeonpea is mostly consumed in the form of splits, and it provides a good source of proteins. An abrasive carborundum roller cylindrical mill was generally used in small scale to dehusk and splits pulse grains to make dhal. The independent milling parameters of laboratory scale dhal mill were roller speed and feed rate. The oil treatments to the pigeonpea grains were given after pitting. The milling parameters were (i) roller speed (1000, 1200 and 1400 rpm) (ii) feed rate (50, 60, 70 and 80 kg/h). Two factor completely randomized design was used to optimize the hulling efficiency. Roller speed and feed rate showed significantly effect on the hulling efficiency. The maximum hulling efficiency of 73.53% was found with 1400 rpm roller speed and 60 kg/h feed rate. Dhal recovery was 63.18%.

Seed Protein and Starch Qualities of Drought Tolerant Pigeonpea and Native Tepary Beans

Tepary bean and pigeonpea were highly drought tolerant food legumes and were profitable in arid regions with sustainable productivity. Protein and starch, major constituents of legume grain, were used in various forms for human and animal consumption. Therefore, present investigation was carried out with an objective to evaluate protein content and various factors influencing qualities of starch in pigeonpea and tepary bean. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed for protein and starch qualities among the two crops and between the drought responsive cultivars of these crops. The protein content of pigeon pea (22.5-26.2 mg/100 mg) was high compared to tepary bean (17 to 26 mg/100 mg) seed. The resistant starch content of pure starch extracted from drought responsive cultivars varied from 1.09 (TB #7) to 8.75 (TB #31) in teparybean and 14.68% (G2) - 21.35% (W1) in pigeonpea. Amylose content of pigeonpea varied from 7.76 to 12.31% and the degree of crystallinity were 13.42 - 19.30% with X-ray diffraction pattern of the C-type. The pigeonpea starch granules were large, oval to ellipsoidal shape with a smooth surface and mean granule size of 47.6 µm in length X 36.4 µm in width. The transition temperatures and enthalpy of gelatinization ranged from 67.25-68.29 oC (To); 71.4-72.49 oC (Tp) and 77.04-78.51 oC (Tc) and 4.80-6.43 J/g respectively. Amylose content of tepary starch varied from 8.08 to 12.38% and the degree of crystallinity were 13.52-18.29% with X-ray diffraction pattern of the C-type. The tepary bean starch granules were round to oval shape with a smooth surface and mean granule size of 39.26 µm in length X30.36 µm in width. The transition temperatures and enthalpy of gelatinization ranged from 73.12-74.65 oC (To); 77.71-78.85 oC (Tp); 82.65-84.29 oC (Tc) and 2.21-5.27 J/g respectively. Pigeon pea starches were with low molecular weights of amylopectin (5.26 x 108 Da) and high molecular weights of amylose (4.63 × 105 Da) compared to those in tepary bean (13.6 × 108; 1.35 × 105) on an average. In both crops, the gelatinization showed significant correlation with amylose content, crystallinity and granule size. Pigeonpea grain was superior with quality starch and protein with adequate amounts of digestible fiber without any reduction in quality during extraction of starch compared to tepary bean. Black seed coated tepary had lowest gelatinization energy compared to brown and white. The drought tolerant cultivars identified in teparybean (TB #24) and Pigeonpea (W1) with high resistant starch and protein content will be useful in selection for crop production, developing homozygous line for industrial use in southern USA.

Storage of mung bean (Vigna radiata [L.] Wilczek) and pigeonpea grains (Cajanus cajan [L.] Millsp) in hermetic triple-layer bags stops losses caused by Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Dry mung bean and pigeonpea grains that had sustained some insect damage but fumigated before the start of the experiment were stored in triple-layer hermetic bags (Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS™ bags) or woven polypropylene (PP) bags for 6 months. Some of the bags were artificially infested with cowpea bruchid Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (PICS1, PP1) while others were not (PICS0, PP0). In an additional trial, PP bags containing the grains were treated with Actellic Super® dust before being artificially infested (PP1Ac). Moisture content, live adult C. maculatus count, grain damage, weight loss, and seed germination were determined on a monthly basis. At six months, moisture contents of grain stored in PICS and PP bags remained below 12%. Storage in PICS bags halted multiplication of C. maculatus, and the initial damage level and weight of grains did not change. Conversely, in the PP bags, C. maculatus populations increased massively and seed damage reached 71.8 ± 1.9%, 76.9 ± 0.4%, and 60.3 ± 0.6% corresponding to weight losses of 14.5 ± 0.1%, 16.5 ± 0.2% and 12.5 ± 0.1% in PP0, PP1 and PP1Ac, respectively, in mung beans. With the pigeonpeas, seed damage reached 55.1 ± 0.6%, 95.7 ± 0.4% and 75.8 ± 0.9%, corresponding to weight losses of 13.0% ± 0.3%, 26.2 ± 0.2% and 13.5 ± 0.1%, in PP0, PP1 and PP1Ac, respectively. PICS bags are an effective tool for preserving mung beans and pigeonpeas against C. maculatus attack, and their performance is superior to that of Actellic Super® dust.