Framing a pigeon pea improvement program through genetic analysis, character association and genetic diversity: A review

Abstract

Pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.], is the second most important pulse crop of India after chickpea. It is a rich source of protein, carbohydrate, vitamins, lipids and certain minerals. It has a wide range of genetic diversity which provides a tremendous scope for genetic improvement of economic traits. An improvement in yield and quality characters in pigeon pea crop is normally achieved by selecting the genotypes with desirable character combinations existing in nature or by hybridization. Hence, the information in a collection of some genotypes of pigeon pea in order to formulate a sound breeding plan for its improvement has been reviewed here.