Bambara groundnut (BG) is one of the neglected and underutilized African legumes. Not many studies have examined the seed quality response of BG landraces grown by Ugandan farmers to seed quality enhancement treatments and application of phosphorus. This study was aimed at determining the effect of applying different rates of phosphorus on seed yield and seed quality of BG, and the effect of hydropriming and halopriming with potassium nitrate on its seed quality. Field experiment was set at Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Ngetta in Uganda using RCBD with a 3x4 factorial treatment structure (3 BG landraces and 4 phosphorus rates). A standard germination test was conducted on seeds harvested from this experiment. Landrace with the poorest germination was subjected to seed priming treatments, and a standard germination test done. Phosphorus application did not significantly affect seed yield (p>0.05) of landraces but significantly affected their germination capacity and seed vigour (p<0.05). The effect of seed priming treatments on germination capacity and vigour of AbiBam 001 landrace was not significant (p >0.05). Among the landraces evaluated, only AbiBam 001 landrace responded positively to phosphorus application with respect to seed yield and seed quality. Seed priming treatments did not improve germination capacity and vigour in AbiBam 001 landrace. Phosphorus use efficiency of Bambara groundnut landraces should be investigated to explain their responses to application of phosphorus.
Bambara groundnut (BG) is a protein and energy-rich legume crop of African origin with the potential to contribute to food and nutrition security. There is limited information on seed management and quality of farmer saved seed of BG in Uganda. This study was conducted to investigate seed management practices and evaluate the quality of farmer saved seed from Uganda. Four hundred BG farmers were chosen using purposive sampling and information gathered on their seed management. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview the farmers. Seed colour and size determination, standard germination and electrical conductivity tests were done on seed samples collected from farmers. Results from survey revealed that farmers recycled seeds for more than 4 years (39.2%) and maintained mostly single landraces (52.5%). Seed was sun-dried on the ground (81%), stored in gunny bags (93.5%), and threshed mostly by hand (52.0%). Collected landraces had varied seed coat colours and significantly differed at p = 0.05 in their seed sizes, final germination percentage (FGP), electrical conductivity (EC), germination velocity index and seedling vigour index II (SVI-II). Local Bam landrace recorded highest SVI-II (485.3) and EC (0.52MSg-1) while TVSU 688 landrace recorded the highest FGP (96.0%) and lowest EC (0.06MSg-1).
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