Evaluation of Local and Exotic Hybrid Genotypes of Yardlong Bean (Vigna unguiculata) in Saline Prone Area of Bangladesh

Abstract

Y ardlong beans (Vigna unguiculata Walp. Subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdc.; 2n = 2×11 = 22) are a member of the Fabaceae family (Pornsuriya and Chittawanij, 2019) and are believed to have originated in Africa, although they are widely grown in South Asia (Pidigam et al., 2021). The species is highly variable, Abstract | In the face of climate change and a greater likelihood of extreme weather events, selecting appropriate varieties of Yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata) can help ensure proper yield even under stressful conditions, particularly in saline conditions. However, choosing the right variety is a challenge. In 2019, a field trial was conducted at Nobogram Farm in Noakhali, Bangladesh to evaluate the performance of local and exotic varieties of Yardlong bean under saline conditions. The experiment involved seven traits, including germination percentage, days to first flowering, fruit weight, fruits per plant, fruit length, seeds per plant, and yield. The study compared local hybrids (Saba, Lalbeni, Tokii, and 1070) and exotic hybrid (White Beauty, imported from Thailand) using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The results revealed that exotic hybrid varieties had a positive significant difference (p<0.001) in the number of seeds per fruit compared to other local hybrids. Local hybrids showed positive significant differences (p<0.05) in the number of fruits per plant than exotic hybrid variety. However, germination percentage and first flowering were disproportionate, with exotic V 3 (White Beauty) showing moderate germination and fast first flowering, while local hybrids showed high germination percentage and late first flowering. In terms of weight per fruit and yield, varieties showed high weight per fruit and the highest yield, except for V 4 (Tokii), which showed the lowest weight per fruit but moderate yield. Overall, the study suggests that locally developed hybrids are more promising for the study site.