Genetic Characterisation of Kenyan Pigeon Pea (Cajanus Cajan) Landraces for Drought Tolerance Using Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) Markers

Abstract

1.1 Background information to the study Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.), a member of the leguminous Fabaceae family, is a perennial legume that is widely cultivated in both tropical and semitropical regions globally. South Asia is the largest Pigeon pea producing region contributing 90% of the global output (Fatokimi and Tanimonure, 2021). In the global legume production, pigeon pea is ranked 6th after other legumes such as dry bean, chickpea, field pea, cowpea, and lentil (Fatokimi and Tanimonure, 2021). In Kenya, this legume is ranked third after common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) (Mergeai et al., 2001). The popularity of pigeon pea among smallholder farmers can be attributed to its versatile usage. Pigeon pea folliage offer fodder for domestic animals, materials for thatching and fencing, soil erosion control, improved soil fertility and valuable fuelwood (Mergeai et al., 2001). Moreover, the seeds of pigeon pea are rich in protein, establishing them as a crucial source of this nutrient for people in developing countries (Mula and Saxena, 2010; Saxena et al., 2002). The protein is of high quality, characterised by its richness in lysine, which is a crucial amino acid often limited in cereals. Additionally, it possesses medicinal properties due to the presence of various phytochemicals, such as alkaloid (34%), flavonoid (46%), sterol (22%) and phenol (44%), further contributing to its importance in traditional medicine (Pal et al., 2011). Notably, it serves as a cash crop for low-income farmers, enhancing their economic stability (Mutegi and Zingore, 2014)...