| dc.description |
Participatory farmers’ selection of preferred lablab bean (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet) was
conducted in Moshi Rural, Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania to identify farmers preferred traits and
accessions. An experimental plot was laid down in augmented block design where a total of 41
accessions including the local check (Katumani) and improved variety (HA4) were sown in three
blocks at the spacing of 75 cm x 40 cm. Semi-structured questionnaire and checklists were
prepared to gather the farmers’ preferences and knowledge as well as factors for lablab crop
abandonment. The factors for crop abandonment identified were unavailability of quality and
improved varieties, low yield, the high cost of agro-chemicals, the presence of diseases and insect
pests. In this study, farmers’ selection criteria of the accessions were resistance to diseases and
insect pest, the number of pods per plant, early maturity, high yielding capacity, seed colourand
size. The results showed that accessions D163 scored higher votes followed by D137, D88, D27,
D85, D155, D7, D159, and D151 while the least preferred accession was D140 with Garrets’ mean
score of 50.11, 50.06, 50.05, 50.02, 50.00, 49.88, 49.77, 49.59, 49.56 and 49.52, respectively.
Farmers’ ranked traits to be incorporated for future bean breeding in order of importance as; high
yielding, better taste, earliness and short cooking time. Therefore, successful selection of
germplasm through participatory research can raise awareness, adoption, and utilization of the
lablab crop which change the portfolio of varieties available in the area and open the new door for
plant breeders. |
|