Cultivation

Pigeon peas are grown primarily in India but also may be found in the tropical and subtropical regions of southern and eastern Africa, as well as in Central America and Australia. In 2005, approximately 3,5 million tonnes of pigeon peas were grown worldwide. Three million tonnes of this yield were harvested in India alone.

Utilisation

Of all parts of the plant, the seeds of the pigeon pea are used most frequently as food and feed. However, the pods and leaves are also consumed:

• the seeds are eaten whole, peeled or preserved.

• in India and Pakistan, pigeon peas are cracked and made into "dhal", a type of purée that is used as a base for many dishes.

• the pods and leaves of the pigeon pea are consumed as vegetables.

• pigeon pea greens, as well as the peas themselves, are used to feed animals.

Gene technology: aims of research and development

Agronomic traits

Resistance to pests

• insect resistence

• resistance to fungi

Quality traits

• vitamin A
• amino acids containing sulphur: the content of the amino acid methionine is one of the essential amino acids, i.e., the nutrition of human beings must contain methionine in order to maintain vital bodily functions.

Field trials with GM pigeon peas