Highlights

A MAGIC PEA LEADS A NEW GREEN REVOLUTION IN THE DRYLANDS
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) js looking forward to the introduction of a new variety of pigeonpea called Pushkal, the first commercially available hybrid legume in the world. Pigeon pea is a high protein staple in semi-arid tropical countries of the world including India, eastern and southern Africa, the Caribbean and Myanmar. In addition, pigeon pea is crushed for animal feed and dried stems are used for fuel.

The new hybrid pigeon pea is resistant to drought conditions and has a strong root system that aids in nitrogen fixation. In addition, the new hybrid was found to be highly resistant to diseases such as Fusarium wilt.

For details of the features of the new hybrid, how it was developed and the strategies on its distribution, see then news release at: http://www.icrisat.org/Media/2009/media4.htm