Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to quantify the pollination deficit of pigeon pea in farmers’ fields in Lower Eastern Kenya and to assess the contribution of insect pollinators to yield and grain quality.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on eight farms during season one and six farms during season two. Fifteen plants were randomly selected per farm, and two terminal branches per plant with inflorescences of similar age and flower number were identified. One branch was bagged to exclude pollinators, while the other was left open to allow unrestricted visits. Pods were harvested, counted, and weighed. Yield components assessed included pod set, number and weight (g) of grains per pod and grain protein content (%).

Results: Significant differences were observed between bagged and open treatments for pod set (p < 0.001), grain number (p = 0.004), and grain weight (p = 0.003). Unrestricted pollination increased pod set by 201.3%, grain number per pod by 23.07%, and seed weight per pod by 17.34%. Mean pod weight increased by 19.01%. Grain protein content was higher in un-bagged inflorescences (22.5%) compared to bagged ones (19.3%), indicating a 16.58% increase due to insect pollination. Season one grains showed higher protein content (22.51%) than season two (16.05%).

Conclusion: It was concluded that insect pollination significantly enhances pigeon pea yield and grain quality. Promoting pollinator activity in pigeon pea fields may be recommended to improve productivity and nutritional value.

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