The influence of monosodium glutamate dosage on the yield of long beans (Vigna sinensis L.) Peleton variety

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) dosage on the yield of long beans (Vigna sinensis L.) of the Peleton variety. The use of MSG as a food ingredient has been a topic of debate, but research on its impact on plant growth is still limited, especially regarding long beans. Therefore, this research is important for providing further understanding of the influence of MSG on long beans plants. The study was conducted from July to October 2023 in Mata Air Village, Central Kupang District, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. The research method used was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 9 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments included: No MSG, MSG at doses of 2.5 g/plant, 5 g/plant, 7.5 g/plant, 10 g/plant, 12.5 g/plant, 15 g/plant, 17.5 g/plant, and 20 g/plant. Parameters observed included flowering age (days), number of pods (pieces), pod length (cm), and pod weight (g). Based on the results and discussion, it can be concluded that MSG application had a significant effect on the number, length, and weight of pods, but had a non-significant effect on flowering age. The treatment of 15 g/plant was identified as the optimal MSG dosage for the plants, resulting in the highest number of pods (16.2), longest pod length (60.4 cm), and highest pod weight (256.4 g/plant). This research is innovative in exploring the potential use of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on long beans plants, particularly the Peleton variety. The focus on MSG application as a growth stimulant is an innovative step that has been less studied previously. The discovery of the optimal MSG dosage (15 g/plant) for achieving the best results provides valuable information for farmers to enhance productivity efficiently, sustainably, and environmentally friendly. Information about MSG’s potential as a plant stimulant can serve as a starting point for more sustainable agricultural strategies aimed at optimizing available resources.