| dc.description.abstract | Farmer-participatory breeding approach is an important component in the crop
improvement of lablab (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet). The study was carried out to
obtain the knowledge, practices and preferences of lablab through 31 lablab growing farmers from Arusha, Kondoa, Karatu, Same and Babati districts of Tanzania toward
initiating a lablab breeding program. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered
and focused group discussions were held to collect data on the socio-demographic
factors, production practices, constraints and farmer’s preferred traits of lablab.
Selection of preferred traits and accessions was also done by the farmers in the field.
Results showed that the chief constraints of lablab production are pests and diseases,
poor marketability, low seed quality, inadequate rainfall, expensive agrochemicals, low
yield, and poor storage facilities. The major pests are pod borer (field) and bruchids
(storage). Preferred traits for lablab improvement include the development of insect
pests and disease-resistant varieties, early maturing, high yield, black colored seed for
market, short cooking time, and dense foliage. Genotypes EK2, D360, HA4, and D96
with preferred traits were identified by farmers, which forms critical decisions in crop
improvement. This study describes the current view of lablab production and generates
the understanding of farmers’ perceptions and preferences vital for breeding priorities
and programs to increase its production, utilization and consumption. | en_US |
