Studies on Protein Composition of Pigeon Pea [Cajanus Cajan (L.) Millspaugh] Treated With Sodium Azide and Gamma Radiation

The aim of this study was to determine the protein composition of pigeon pea Cajnus cajan (L) millspaugh treated with sodium azide and gamma radiation. This was performed by exposing the seeds of landraces pigeon pea to gamma rays at Centre for Radiotherapy and Oncology Department, ABUTH, Shika, Zaria at doses of 0(control), 50, 100, 150 and 200Gy. These seeds were further treated with sodium azide (NaN3) concentrations at 0.00, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03 and 0.04% SA. The analysis of protein content was the determination of the amount of reduced Nitrogen present in food substance, i.e., its –NH2 and =NH2. The proximate analyses were carried out as recommended by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC, 1990) using the kjeldahl method. The highest crude protein (CP) percentage value was obtained from 150Gy + 0.03%SA (25.1 %), followed by that due to 100Gy + 0.01%SA (24.7 %), 100Gy + 0.04%SA (24.4 %), 100Gy + 0.03%SA (23.7 %) and 150Gy + 0.00%SA (23.6 %). It is, therefore, concluded that the two mutagens significantly affected the pigeon pea plant composition.