Figure: Pigeonpea can be a lifeline for dryland communities and thrive where other legumes struggle, providing sustenance, income and hope for farming communities. Photo Source: ICRISAT

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has pioneered the world's first speed breeding protocol for pigeonpea, promising to substantially cut the time required to develop new pigeonpea lines with desirable traits, and bring food to dryland communities faster.

Pigeonpea, a staple in tropical and subtropical diets, is crucial for food security and soil health globally and is lauded for its nutritional value and versatility. Traditionally, pigeonpea breeding takes up to 13 years. With the new protocol's emphasis on material breeding and control over factors such as photoperiod, temperature, and humidity, the breeding cycle can now be shortened to just two to four years.

Dr. Jacqueline Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT, underscored the consequence of the innovation. "This pigeonpea speed breeding protocol represents a significant advancement for major pigeonpea-producing regions, paving the way for self-reliance in pulse production and meeting the dietary necessities of nations such as India, Myanmar, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique," she said.

For more details, read the article in ICRISAT Media Center.

See https://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=20672