A comprehensive review on pigeon pea cultivation in saline region of West Bengal

Abstract

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is a multipurpose legume with high agronomic, nutritional, and therapeutic value. It is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical countries. This study investigates the numerous aspects of pigeon pea, beginning with its botanical description, origin, historical relevance, nutritional profile of pigeon pea proteins and the seed's processing processes, both thermal and non-thermal, emphasizing their functional qualities and potential applications in innovative food products. Pigeon pea diversity is investigated using genomic resources, addressing the decline of genetic variety in traditional farming areas and the current situation of germplasm conservation. This study also examines germplasm characterization, its application in agricultural development, and the constraints of germplasm use. Advances in molecular biology, such as the use of molecular markers, CRISPR/Cas9 technology for gene editing, and allele mining, are investigated for their potential in improving pigeon pea qualities. Additionally, the applications of transcriptomics and metabolomics in pigeon pea are discussed, with a particular focus on their roles in improving crop resilience and productivity. The study concludes by proposing strategies to promote pigeon pea cultivation in West Bengal, aiming to empower marginal and sub-marginal farmers. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern genomic techniques, this study provides a comprehensive framework for the sustainable development and utilization of pigeon pea.