Sensitivity of Pigeon Pea Landraces [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] to Amiprophos Methyl Treatment

Abstract

Aim: The success of any chemical mutagenesis revolves on the use of plant-specific mutagen(s), optimal concentration(s) and appropriate soaking duration. This paper was aimed at evaluating the effect of amiprophos methyl on morphological and yield traits in pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.)Millsp.]. Methods: Thirty seeds each of two varieties of pigeon pea (brown “Fiofio”, white “Fiofio”) were soaked in 0, 4, 6 and 8 ppm amiprophos methyl (APM) for 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively. They were planted in a 2 x 4 x 3 factorial layout using randomized complete block design (RCBD) in 10 replications. Results: Results obtained revealed that there were significant effects (P =.05) of the treatments on the phenological, morphological and yield traits, except on percentage germination, especially when the seeds were soaked for 48 hrs, the variety and mutagen concentrations notwithstanding. Our result revealed that plants raised from white Fiofio seeds soaked in 4 ppm and 6 ppm APM for 48 hrs produced the highest number of flowers plant-1 (227.4±2.95; 212.6±3.57); the highest number of pod plant-1 (178.6±5.05; 124.6±4.55) and the seed yield (1016.0±0.79; 935.2±0.37), respectively. Conclusion: Implicitly though, this could imply that these mutagen concentration and duration of exposure might be promising for pigeon pea productivity.