Potentials Distribution and Origin of Lablab [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet]: A Review

Abstract

The review summarizes the potential, distribution and origin of Lablab purpureus. Forage legume has potentials for the production and productivities of arable land by suppling nitrogen for the living organisms in the soil those allowed to obtain their own feed in the symbiotic relationships. Further the soil become fertile for the next cropping season even at the time of intercropping the yield would be improved than mono-cropping systems. It also supplies the protein requirement of livestock and human consumption as vegetable or as seed sources. It is summer growing annual trifoliate forage legume. The origin of lablab is considered to be in Africa because in large parts of tropical Africa wild type cultivated lablab exists. Then it is heavily distributed to the corner side of the continent and Southeast Asia for seed and vegetable production. Even though the origin and distribution of lablab initiated in the African continent the applicability and degree of uses of the species were not well recognized across countries in the continent. Therefore further conservation and evaluation of this dual purpose species give priority by governmental and non-governmental bodies.