Selection of High Yielding and Farmers’ Preferred Genotypes of Bambara Nut (<i>Vigna subterranea</i> (L.) Verdc) in Malawi

Abstract

Bambara nut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc) is a nutritious legume, however, its production is characterised by use of landraces, which have been maintained by farmers. Lack of improved varieties has contributed to low yields. This research was done to identify potentially high yielding and farmers' preferred genotypes for improved production of Bambara in Malawi. A completely Randomised Block Design experiment with eight genotypes (181CR, 181RD, 194, 137CR, 137RD, 317, 2762 and 2768) and four replicates was implemented at Chitedze, Chitala and Mbawa Research Stations to identify high yielding genotypes. In addition to the yield, farmers' criteria based on plant vigour, ability to fully bury its pods in the ground (mounding), yield at harvest, maturity period, seed colour, grain size, taste of boiled dry grain and taste of fresh pods were used to identify farmers' preferred genotypes. Significant yield differences were identified between genotypes (P < 0.0001), sites (P < 0.001) and interaction between genotypes and sites (environment) (P < 0.001). Yield means across sites show that genotype 181CR yielded highly (1322 kg/ha) followed by 2768 (1066 kg/ha), 181RD (1064 kg/ha) and 2762 (841 kg/ha). In contrast to the high yielding genotypes, genotype 137RD gave the lowest yield (485 kg/ha) followed by 194 (573 kg/ha), 317 (617 kg/ha) and 137CR (620 kg/ha). Mbawa Research Station showed significantly high yields with site mean of 1177 kg/ha compared with Chitedze and Chitala with site means of 703 kg/ha and 530 kg/ha respectively. Farmers ranked the eight accessions in order of importance as follows: 181RD, 181CR, 2768, 137CR, 194, 137RD, 2762 and 317. Combination of yield and farmers' preference identified three genotypes (181RD, 181CR and 2768) as potential varieties for production in Malawi. Accessions 181RD and 2768 were specifically selected for relish unlike 181CR, which has been selected for use as snack. However, further research on nutrition, value addition and marketing needs to be conducted on the identified genotypes.

Influence of Cross-Inoculation on Groundnut and Bambara Groundnut-&lt;i&gt;Rhizobium&lt;/i&gt; Symbiosis: Contribution to Plant Growth and Yield in the Field at Sarh (Chad) and Ngaoundere (Cameroon)

“…This yield increment was attributed to the improvement in mineral nutrition of plants, as well as seeds content in N and P, following inoculation (Ngakou et al [12]). Similar to our findings, grain yield varying from 485 to 1322 kg•ha −1 depending on Bambara groundnut varieties has been reported (Pungulani et al [38]). …”

Farmers’ practices, utilization, conservation and marketing of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) in Dosso Region, Western Niger

“…This shows the ability of Bambara groundnut to cope with some biotic (pests and diseases attacks) and abiotic stress (drought). This result is not in agreement with the findings of Pungulani et al (2012) who stated that the most important traits preferred by Bambara farmers in Malawi were plant vigour followed by maturity period and grain Size while seed colour was the least.…”

Genetic diversity and population structure of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.): synopsis of the past two decades of analysis and implications for crop improvement programmes

“…The effect of selection pressure based on the first hypothesis is a complex scenario that might need detailed long term empirical evidence to prove. The few current reports do not seem to point to significant differences in phenotypic traits preferences across geographical regions which might significantly impact on selection pressure (Abu and Buah 2011;BAMFOOD 2012;Pungulani et al 2012). However, the occurrence of such differences some time in history is an issue that may need to be investigated further.…”