Assessment of nutritional attributes in pigeonpea genotypes: Protein quality, carbohydrate fractions, and digestibility patterns

Abstract

This study evaluated 20 pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) genotypes across two consecutive cropping seasons (2023-2024) to assess their nutritional potential in terms of protein content, carbohydrate content, and In vitro protein digestibility. The pooled data revealed significant genotypic variation. Protein content ranged from 20.39% to 24.67%, with the highest values observed in early maturing genotypes PUSA Arahar-16 (24.65%), ICPL-15 (23.93%), and PAU-881 (22.70%), and in late maturing genotypes AMAR (24.67%), NDA-1 (24.66%), and MAL-6 (23.31%). In vitro protein digestibility varied from 42.72% to 82.80%, with ICPL-15 (82.80%), NDA-1 (79.40%), and KA-12-1 (75.34%) demonstrating the highest digestibility. Carbohydrate content ranged from 49.07% to 60.25%, with early genotypes UPAS-120 (60.25%) and ICPL-15 (59.58%), and late genotype AJAD (59.55%) showing the highest levels. Genotypes such as ICPL-15, NDA-1, and PUSA Arahar-16 emerged as promising candidates for biofortification and dietary protein improvement. High carbohydrate genotypes like UPAS-120 and AJAD may be suited for energy-dense food applications, while lower carbohydrate lines like PAU-881 and IPAL-21-1 may be beneficial for low-glycemic diets. The findings provide a valuable basis for selecting nutritionally superior pigeonpea varieties in breeding programs aimed at combating malnutrition and enhancing dietary quality in pulse-based food systems.