Insect Poodborers Of Pigeonpea, Cajanus Cajan (L.) Mill sp., And Their Influence On Developing Pods And Final Seed Yield In Kenya

Abstract

Pigeonpea, Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. is an important pulse crop in several arid and semi-arid tropics. Its capacity to tolerate drought conditions and its high seed protein content of 20.9 per cent make it a suitable crop .in these areas. In Kenya, pigeonpea ranks third among the grain legumes. It is mainly grown in the drier areas of Eastern and Central Provinces.Under good agronomic practices pea may give high seed yields, but insect attack are a main constraint. The commonest pigeonpea insect pests are those feeding on reproductive parts and they include podborers. In the present investigations, attempts were made to identify important insect_pests of pigeonpea and assess the effect of podborers on developing pods and final seed yield in Kenya. Two sites, Kabete and Katumani, were selected for these studies. Fields at both sites were planted with the local PPI variety. Observations were made over the cropping seasons in 1976 and 1977