Most of the East African pigeonpea ( Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp)
landraces are tall (up to 3.5 m), late maturing (10-12 months), low
yielding and susceptible to Fusarium wilt ( Fusarium udum Butl.), one
of the most serious fungal diseases in the region. Breeding populations
were created by hybridization of the local landraces and early
maturing, small and brown seeded Indian genotypes in 1984 and 1985.
Selection for reduced height, early maturity, grain yield, seed colour
and size, and resistance to Fusarium wilt was conducted for seven
generations. Selected lines were evaluated at two Fusarium wilt
infested plots for two years and also in a wilt infested soil in a
glasshouse. Ten lines that were resistant or tolerant to Fusarium wilt,
early maturing, short in height, high yielding and with large,
white/beige seeds were finally selected. High positive significant
correlations (r = 0.87** and 0.62**) between glasshouse and two field
sick plot disease ratings were observed