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Sudan Journal of Agricultural Research

Evaluation of Pigeon pea ( Cajanus cajan L. ) Varieties in the Heavey Clays of Central Sudan

Ali E. Khashmelmous

Introduction:

Pigeonpea is one of the major and important leguminous food crops in many tropical countries where its known for its high nutritive value. In Sudan, it constitutes the main diet in certain regions. It contains an appreciable percentage of protein and starch besides the fodder value of the vegetative parts and the ever increasing market value of the seeds. Young green seeds and pods are eaten as a vegetable in some countries. The tops of the plants with the fruits provide an excellent fodder and also baled into hay or silage. Pigeonpea could also be planted as green manure, cover crop, temporary shade for certain crops, wind breaks and anti-erosion purposes, while the dried stalks are used for firewood .
Pigeon pea production in Sudan is allocated in very small areas, in guard rows and along minor irrigation canals inside farmers fields. Very scarce literature is available about its husbandry in Sudan.
This study was conducted to evaluate twenty three introduced varieties from ICRISA T ( provided by Or . O.G. Faris ) besides one local cultivar to study their adaptability to the heavy clay soils in central Sudan ( Sennar region ) located along latitude 13^o- 33' N at about 420m above sea level. The soil is slightly alkaline ( pH 7.8 ) Dindir soil series. The annual rainfall received approaches 300 - 600 mm from May to October.

Keywords:

Sudan Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 5 (2005) PP. 19-20