Proximate composition and limiting amino acids content in grain of three maturity groups of pigeon pea genotypes at different sowing dates

The grains of three maturity group pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L). genotypes obtained on four sowing dates were analyzed for proximate composition and limiting amino acids. The varying sowing dates showed marginal variation in mean moisture content in grains of these genotypes. The mean values for ash (4.19%), crude protein (21.94%), crude fat (2.23%), limiting amino acids such as methionine (0.962 g 16⁻¹g N) and tryptophan (0.916 g 16⁻¹g N) in the grains of pigeon pea genotypes sown on 10 July, 2003 were the highest as compared to the values obtained from the grains of these genotypes seeded on other sowing dates. The values were closely followed by the values obtained from the grains of the genotypes sown on 25 June. However, the values for biochemical parameters were found to decline in grains of late sown genotypes. Crude fiber and carbohydrate contents, however, increased in the grains of pigeon pea genotypes sown after 10 July.