Development of Early Maturing Fusarium Wilt Resistant Pigeonpea Cultivars

Most of the East African pigeonpea ( Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp) landraces are tall (up to 3.5 m), late maturing (10-12 months), low yielding and susceptible to Fusarium wilt ( Fusarium udum Butl.), one of the most serious fungal diseases in the region. Breeding populations were created by hybridization of the local landraces and early maturing, small and brown seeded Indian genotypes in 1984 and 1985. Selection for reduced height, early maturity, grain yield, seed colour and size, and resistance to Fusarium wilt was conducted for seven generations. Selected lines were evaluated at two Fusarium wilt infested plots for two years and also in a wilt infested soil in a glasshouse. Ten lines that were resistant or tolerant to Fusarium wilt, early maturing, short in height, high yielding and with large, white/beige seeds were finally selected. High positive significant correlations (r = 0.87** and 0.62**) between glasshouse and two field sick plot disease ratings were observed.