The Grain Legumes Improvement Programme (GLIP) is one of the seven research programmes of the Institute; established in 1975 with the zonal mandate to carry out genetic improvement of some major legumes (cowpea, soya bean, winged bean, African yam bean, pegion pea and lima bean) in the southwest agro-ecological zones (high rain forest, transition forest, southern savanna and derived savanna). This is in addition to developing sustainable production technologies for legumes in the South West agro ecologies through multidisciplinary, participatory and collaborative efforts. Grain legumes are the most economically and nutritionally important African protein sources with the seed yield still low (less than 1 ton per hectare), yield loss of between 46-80% due to severe insect pest, disease and weed infestations as well as non-availability of tolerant or resistant cowpea varieties adaptable to the ecology. In addition to the aforementioned factors, lack of knowledge of good agronomic practices, scarcity of viable seeds for planting and discouraging marginal returns to farmers further worsen the limitations of grain legumes.

It is therefore impossible to economically cultivate cowpea in these zones without the application of hazardous pesticides (in most cases indiscriminately applied) which causes high levels of pesticide residue in the grains and fodder from the crop as well as leading to high cost of production of cowpea.

Cultivar development and improvement, innovative agronomic technologies coupled with sustainable integrated pest management are the antidotes to the challenges of cowpea production for enhanced income as well as food security in the South forest agro-ecologies. Therefore the need to develop insect and disease tolerant/resistant varieties and sustainable and economically viable technologies for improved productivity. This is imperative because of high levels of rainfall and humidity which has made the brown blotch disease endemic as well as high resurgence of complexes of insect pests and weed infestation.

Soya bean is one of the most valuable crops in the world because it is a good source of vegetable oil and dietary protein. With the rising interest in healthy lifestyle, the demand for soya bean products in Nigeria is on the increase. However, the availability of such products in the Nigerian market is limited due to the along the soya bean value chain from availability of improved viable seeds and production practices to improved processing and utilisation technologies. Other challenges are pests, diseases and unavailability of sufficient improved genotypes. Hence, the need to bridge the gaps along soya bean value chain for the Nigerian population.

Lima bean (Phaseoluslunatus) is one of the underutilised legumes in Nigeria which has potential to address both food and nutritional security. It is a nutritious plant containing about 23% protein and 6% fibre. It has the ability to improve soil fertility and it is well adapted to the humid rainforest environment of southern Nigeria. However, its production has almost gone into extinction and as such, its level of utilisation is very low. This is due to its unavailability in the market and also the fact that it takes long to cook. Lima beans can however be reincorporated into the cropping system of southwest, Nigeria so as to facilitate its inclusion in the diets of the rural populace, hence the project.

Pigeon pea is a leguminous crop that is often grown as hedges int residential areas or as a cover crop in rural communities, thus it is highly underutilised as food for humans. The seed is high in protein and can be an alternative to cowpea preparing various meals. However, the crop has received little research attention in Nigeria in terms of crop improvement and utilisation, thus only low yielding landraces are cultivated by the farmers. Holistic research into all the aspects of the crop will unleash the potentials, increase food alternatives and reduce food insecurity. Winged bean, a wonder legume, is a valuable source of protein, vitamins and minerals and occupies an important place in human nutrition. It is a multipurpose crop and therefore considered as a versatile legume. Winged bean can readily serve as a substitute for soya bean. Research into this crop will provide vital information on the yield potential and would also profer ways of genetically improving it. The programme has experienced and competent scientists from various disciplines including Plant Breeding, Plant Protection, Soil Microbiology, Agricultural Extension and Economics and Food Science.

· Crop varietal development and breeding to ensure sustainable yield increase.

· Crop protection and utilisation (value addition for end-users).

· Impact assessment through effective information dissemination and monitoring and evaluation of released maize varieties

Unit's Focus

Development of improved, stress-resistant and adaptable maize varieties for increased production and better livelihood in southwest and south east agro-ecologies.

Current Activities

Baseline study to ascertain the biotic and abiotic constraints to maize productivity due to climate change.
Development of multiple stress resistant maize genotypes to mitigate biotic and abiotic stresses occasioned by climate change, and for enhanced productivity.
Evaluation of maize genotypes for tolerance to drought, response to various fertilizer types and to determine soil mineral uptake and micro-nutrients for maize genotypes to be developed.
Assessment of maize genotypes to be developed for resistance to pests and diseases.
Development of appropriate approach for the control of maize constraints
Laboratory assessment of climate smart maize varieties for nutrient content, utilisation potentials, and products development.
Development of provitamin A maize to tame hidden hunger among vulnerable groups in South West Nigeria.
On- farm demonstration of high yielding, early maturing maize tolerant to multiple stresses in southwestern Nigeria
Dissemination and promotion of climate smart technologies for wider adoption by farmers.
Multi-location and on-farm trials for release of promising hybrid popcorn varieties
Studies on maize streak disease in southwestern Nigeria towards the development of its control strategies.

Our Collaborators

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture
University of Ilorin

External Grants

Seed for Resilience Project: Global Crop Diversity Trust FMST/GRB/153.6/S.3/III/368 in collaboration with National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), Ibadan

Past Achievements

Some popcorn varieties and hybrids for adaptation to southern agro-ecologies of Nigeria were developed. The developed lines are undergoing evaluation for the process of release in December 2023
Capacity building of about 200 youths across the southwest geo-political zone on profitable maize production under climate change and other constraints in southwest Nigeria.
Capacity building of about 150 youths across southwest geo-political zone on technologies involved in quality seed production of maize
Training of some selected farmers and extension officers across six southwestern states on effective control of fall armyworm

Future Plans

Release of low nitrogen tolerant yellow and white hybrid maize to reduce cost of input and enhance higher yield per hectare.
Development of new maize varieties.,
Establishment of more eco-friendly strategies for field and post-harvest safety of produce and germplasm to combat the challenges of climate change and resource-poor farmers in order to enhance /improve their level of productivity.
Collaboration with relevant stakeholders nationally and internationally for better productivity and improved livelihood of maize growers