Context:
According to the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) a new fast-breeding protocol is likely to make it easier for scientists to develop better quality varieties of the pigeonpea crop at a faster rate.
Relevance:
GS III: Agriculture
Pigeonpea:
- Also known as arhar and tur, Pigeonpea is a significant legume crop and a key source of protein in India.
- Mainly consumed as dal, it thrives in semi-arid tropical regions.
Climatic Conditions:
- Requires 600-650mm annual rainfall, with initial moist conditions and dry phases during flowering.
- Grows at temperatures between 26°C to 30°C in the rainy season and 17°C to 22°C post-rainy season.
- Adaptable to various soils, but sandy loam or loam soil is optimal.
Cultivation Practices:
- Often intercropped with various crops; 80-90% in India.
- Susceptible to diseases like Wilt, Sterility Mosaic Disease, Phytophthora Blight, Alternaria Blight, and Powdery Mildew.
Challenges and Concerns:
- Long growth cycle and sensitivity to day length hamper breeding efforts.
- Limited release of global varieties over six decades.
Health Benefits:
- Low glycemic index and rich in essential nutrients like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins, and minerals.
Major Producing States:
- Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand.
New ICRISAT Protocols:
- Aim to accelerate Pigeonpea breeding, reducing the development time from 13 years to 2-4 years.
- Manipulates factors like photoperiod, temperature, humidity, and breeding cycles for faster results.
-Source: Down To Earth
