This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID’s 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes.
Principally based on Projects R8481, R8205 and R7452.
Research has overcome a long-standing barrier to improved pigeonpea production by identifying the cause of the pigeonpea sterility mosaic virus (SMD). This has permitted the development of diagnostic tools and improved methods of screening for resistance, as well as integrated technologies to combat this and two other major pigeonpea problems: fusarium wilt and pod borer. Over 600 resource-poor farming families who grow pigeonpea in India now have high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties, integrated control components, village-level seed systems, special machines to help them in hulling, and bio-pesticides to safeguard their harvests. Pigeonpea is the principal dietary protein source for an estimated 1.1 billion people.
The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Current Promotion, Impacts On Poverty, Environmental Impact. Attached PDF (13 pp.) taken from the CD.