Differential resource allocation in seed and vegetable types of cluster bean [cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.

Abstract

Selection for vegetable and seed types in cluster bean has necessitated a change in the resource allocation pattern between the seed and pod features. In the vegetable types where selection has been primarily for the pod characteristics, several features such as pod length, individual pod weight, pod coat weight (also referred to as packing cost), packing cost per unit seed weight, packing cost per unit seed number and packing cost per unit pod length indicate a substantial allocation of resource to the pod than the seed. In the seed types, the allocation is biased to seed biomass per se. Though the seed number per pod was same in the vegetable and seed types, the correlation between the seed number per pod with pod length, pod weight, individual seed weight and packing cost was negative for vegetable type, while, it was positive in the seed types. Z transformation considering packing cost per seed weight and seed number per pod, and pod weight to seed weight and packing cost per unit seed number segregated the two types into distinct quadrants. The two contrasting allocation patterns may also represent alternate strategies of cluster bean against seed predators in the wild habitats.