Characterization of 20 Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) genotypes in Owerri, South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

The problem of protein deficit in the diets of individuals in South-eastern Nigeria led to exploring affordable plant-based protein sources, hence, the introduction of Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) to curb this issue. Mung bean seeds were sown on ridges and the experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design replicated thrice. Data generated on agronomical and morphological characters were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) which revealed significant differences (p<0•05) amongst characters and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was utilized for the separation of means. Results showed higher variations existed in agronomic characters like: days to 50% seedling emergence, seedling vigour, number of pod cluster, plant height at maturity, 10 pod weight(g), 100 seed weight(g), seed yield/plant(g), yield/plant(g) and yield in kg/ha. Considerable variations subsisted for characters including: number of primary branches, plant height at maturity, pod length, and number of seeds per pod. However, low to no variation was present in days to 50% seedling emergence, days to 50% flowering, days to first pod maturity, primary leaflet length and width and terminal leaflet length and width. Euclidean Distance Cluster Analysis grouped the genotypes in six clusters; Cluster IV had maximum genotypes (six), while Clusters V and VI possessed only one genotype in each. The closest intra-cluster distance was observed between Tvr1172 and Tvr125 and the maximum inter-cluster distance existed between Tvr10 and Tvr161. We recommend that more research should be done in other agricultural areas to give more universally acceptable findings.