Phenotypic diversity of rice bean collection [<i>Vigna umbellata</i> (Thunb.) Ohwi et Ohashi] in Burkina Faso based on quantitative traits

Abstract

Ricebean (Vigna umbellata) is a multipurpose legume known for its richness in protein, minerals and vitamins. It is a plant used in soil  protection and as green manure with nutritious fodder. Although very important, rice bean is a neglected and underutilized grain  legume. In Burkina Faso, few studies have been carried out on this crop of interest. It is in this sense that this present study aimed at  analysing the phenotypic diversity of the ricebean collection. The experiment was conducted at Farako-Bâ a research station in a  randomized complete block design with three (3) replications. The accessions were evaluated on fifteen (15) quantitative variables. Analysis of variance revealed a highly significant difference (P < 0.001). The diversity analysis carried out with the quantitative traits  revealed strong correlations between these traits. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed 70.80% of total variability. Agglomerative  Hierarchical Clustering (AHC) structured the accessions into four distinct groups, corroborated by discriminant factor analysis (DFA).  Accessions R80, R85 distinguished themselves with both a short cycle and a better quantitative production of seeds and fodder. These  early accessions, productive in seeds and fodder, could be exploited within the framework of future ricebean improvement programs.