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.

To develop high yielding varieties of grain legumes that are resistant to insects, nematode and diseases.

To develop low-input production technologies for various food legumes.

To develop sustainable production technologies for under-utilized legumes towards food security, poverty reduction and biodiversity conservation

Research Focus

The general focus of Grain Legumes Improvement Programme (GLIP) is to develop appropriate and sustainable technologies for increased productivity of grain legumes to meet national demands. We are responsible for the development of sustainable production technologies of grain legumes to serve the farmers in South-west Nigeria. Grain Legumes Improvement Programme is endowed with experienced and well-groomed scientists that cut across various disciplines such as crop breeding, agronomy, soil microbiology, crop protection and seed science that are able to address challenges envisaged in developing acceptable varieties of grain legumes that will be adaptable to the Nigerian Southwest agro ecologies.

Current Activities

Multiplication and evaluation of newly developed extra-early cowpea varieties

Improvement of mung bean for seed size using interspecific hybridization with cowpea

Improvement of cowpea variety, ife brown, for resistance to bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus F.) using marker assisted selection

Effect of herbicides on growth, nodulation and yield of cowpea

Economic evaluation of biopesticides in integrated pesticide control method in cowpea production in Southwest Nigeria

Promoting production and utilization of lima bean/green bean (phaseolus spp) in Southwest Nigeria

Development and evaluation of improved technologies for soybean and winged bean production and utilization

Development of pigeon pea technologies along value chains

Our Collaborators

External Grants

IBR-TETFUND: Molecular Characterization of a Segregating Population of Callosobruchus maculatus (Bruchid) Resistant Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) Lines for Improved Productivity in Nigeria

Past Achievements

Future Plans

· Development and release of high yielding, extra-early, biotic and abiotic resistant grain legumes for Southwest agro-ecologies

· Evaluation of grain legumes for agronomic potentials, socio-economic impact and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Development and release of high yielding, extra-early, biotic and abiotic resistant grain legumes for Southwest agro-ecologies

Evaluation of grain legumes for agronomic potentials, socio-economic impact and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Services Rendered

Advisory services to farmers (small, medium and large scale) in Nigeria, especially South western zone. Also, Scientists serve as resource persons to Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs) within our mandate zone.