Podborer insect pests attacking pigeonpea, cajanus cajan (L) millsp, at flowering and post-flowering stages and their impact on yield in Kenya

Abstract

The pigeonpea Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp, is one of the major pulse crops farmed in Kenya particularly in arid and semi-arid areas. It is important for its nutritive value to people because of its high protein content. One of the constraints that limit pigeonpea production in the tropics is infestation by insect pests, particularly on the harvestable reproductive parts (flower buds, flowers,pods and seeds) . Investigations were therefore initiated to identify the common insect podborers and their effect on seed yield in major pigeonpea production zones in Kenya. Three study sites; Thika, Kiboko and Karaba from Muranga, Machakos and Embu districts respectively were used for these investigations where improved " pigeonpea cultivar, NPP 670, was planted. During the study period, a total of 40 insect pest species were recorded attacking pigeonpea reproductive parts.