Participatory selection of mungbean genotypes in Uganda

Abstract

Production and utilisation of mungbean (Vigna radiata) in Uganda is constrained by unavailability of improved and farmer-preferred varieties. The objective of this study was to document and assess farmers’ preference for mungbean using eleven introduced genotypes. We captured twenty five traits during farmer interviews out of which six traits were identified (through group discussions) as the most often used by farmers when selecting the best mungbean genotypes. The traits were; yield, overall performance, seed size, seed colour, marketability and early maturity. Nine out of eleven introduced genotypes were selected during on-farm trials using the six traits. The selected genotypes were; Filsan, Mauritius, Sunshine, VC6137B14, VC61485012, VC6153B20, KPS1, VC6173B10 and VC63724560. The selected genotypes were early maturing (60-70 days), with large green or greenish yellow seeds. However, two late maturing (80-90 days) and small seeded genotypes; Blackgram and Yellowgram were rejected by farmers despite yielding higher (1459 and 1035 kg ha^-1, respectively) than other genotypes. This study showed that farmers use a combination of traits when choosing a mungbean genotype for adoption and these should be considered in mungbean improvement. Chi square tests of independence showed that there were no significant differences in genotype choices based on gender (χ² = 2.5419, P-value = 0.97). However, there were significant genotype preference differences between eastern and northern regions (χ² = 22.34, P< 0.01). It is possible to develop new genotypes that are acceptable to both men and women since they have no specific trait preferences.

Key Words: Gender, preferences, Vigna radiata