Rachie, K.O. and Robertst, I.M. (1974) Grain legumes of the lowland tropics. In: Advances in Agronomy. Academic Press, pp. 1-132.
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Abstract
Grain legumes form a major component of lowland tropical cropping systems. Several species are utilized throughout the wet and dry tropics both in monoculture and complex multiple cropping and bush-fallow practices. More than two. dozen species are grown to lesser or greater extent depending on the specific uses required of each, but all share similar desirable features. The universal ability to grow vigorously under a wIde range r, of environments and on poor soils withont supplemen!al nitrogen)s particularly advantageous in subsistence agiiculture in remote areas. The quick growth of some annuals like cowpeas and dry beans, the high consistent productivity of soybeans and peanuts, and the extended fruiting habit of long duration viny species (yam, lima, and velvet beans) and woody perennials (pigeon pea, jack bean, and locust bean) are complementary advantages in complex bush-fallow farming systems. Legumes have several advantages over other food plants in their simplicity of preparation and multiplicity, of edible forms, such as tender green shoots and leaves, unripe whole pods, green peas or beans, and dry seeds. Some species, for example, the Mexican yam bean, produce edible tubers in"addition to the fruit, and the winged bean is reputed to be utilizable as seedlings, tender green leaves, green pods, ,dry seeds, and tubers. The excellent nutritional values of most legumes in terms of proteins, calories, vitamins, and minerals are highly complementary in tropical diets comprised of roots and tubers, plantains, cereals, indigenous vegetables, fruits, and minimal animal proteins. Legume seed proteins are also the least expensive, most"easily~stored"ntt-transported',--nonprocessed"roteinaceons'~ food concentrate for both rural and urban utilization.
| Item Type: | Book Section |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | World produciton, Toxonomy, Plant Improvement, Plant Protection, Management |
| Author Affiliation: | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Iboden, Nigeria, and tThe Rockefeller Foundation, New York, New York |
| Subjects: | Crop Improvement |
| Divisions: | Other Crops |
| Depositing User: | Mr T L Gautham |
| Date Deposited: | 24 Feb 2016 07:50 |
| Last Modified: | 24 Feb 2016 07:50 |
| URI: | http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/14191 |
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