Vegetable Legumes Research Articles

Genetic dissection of green pod yield in dolichos bean, an orphan vegetable legume, using new molecular markers.

In the era of genomic-assisted breeding for crop improvement, developing new molecular markers and validating them for use in breeding programs are the prelude. Dolichos bean is one of the most important vegetable legume crops owing to its nutrient-rich green pods used as vegetables. Limitations in genomic resources, including molecular markers, restrict the accelerated improvement of the crop. In the present investigation, a set of 430 new simple sequence repeat markers was developed from sequence information of a reference variety. These markers included di- and tri-nucleotide repeats. The markers were assayed on an association panel, which was evaluated for green pod yield over 5years. A multi-locus model, FarmCPU, was used to assess the marker-trait association analysis. A total of 106 marker-trait associations were identified using an efficient mixed-model approach. Tri-nucleotide repeats were more informative and predominantly associated with trait. Among these markers, 17 were associated with a high level of significance. Markers LP-D-68 and LP-D-14 were identified with a high level of significance in 5-year pooled data and explained 12.70% and 12% of the phenotypic variance, respectively. These markers associated with a high level of confidence have significant scope for use in marker-assisted selection programmes. Other associated markers may be utilized for improving parents through marker-assisted recurrent selection or genomic selection programs.

CORRELATION COEFFICIENT AND REGRESSION ANALYSIS OF SOME ECONOMIC TRAITS IN GARDEN PEAS AFFECTED BY CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL MUTAGENS

Garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) is one of the most vegetable legume crops grown in Egypt through the winter season. In order to develop high-yieldinggenotypes in this legume crop available genetic wealth is very essential. Therefore, genetic variability induced by mutagenic agents in plant growth traits and their contribution towards seed yield may be used as a criterion for yield improvement in garden peas. The overall objective of this study was to estimate the extent of association between plant growth traits with the doses of mutagenic agents through correlation and regression analysis. One germplasm of garden pea, as well as seven doses of mutagenic agents in addition to the control, were used in this study. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the Agri-Farm of Genetic Department inside the campus of Mansoura University. Analysis of the correlation coefficient revealed that the amount of correlation coefficients appeared very close between plant fresh weight, chlorophyll b with the mutagenic doses. Meanwhile, plant dry weight, leaf area developed per plant andtotal chlorophyll concentration exhibited a positive correlation with mutagenic doses that induced new genotypes in garden peas. Therefore, these traits may be considered the most reliable traits that respond to mutagenic agents which can be used as indicators for new genotypes induced which related to effective improvement in the growth and yield of garden peas through mutation breeding.

Genome-wide association analysis reveals the optimal genomic regions for pod size in bean.

The snap bean is the most commonly grown vegetable legume worldwide, and its pod size is both an important yield and appearance quality trait. However, the improvement of pod size in snap beans grown in China has been largely hindered by a lack of information on the specific genes that determine pod size. In this study, we identified 88 snap bean accessions and evaluated their pod size traits. Through a genome-wide association study (GWAS), 57 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with pod size were detected. Candidate gene analysis showed that cytochrome P450 family genes, WRKY, and MYB transcription factors were the predominant candidate genes for pod development, and eight of these 26 candidate genes showed relatively higher expression patterns in flowers and young pods. A significant pod length (PL) SNP and a single pod weight (SPW) SNP were successfully converted into kompetitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (KASP) markers and validated in the panel. These results enhance our understanding of the genetic basis of pod size, and also provide genetic resources for the molecular breeding of pod size in snap beans.

A Compendium of Major Traditional Fermented Foods and Beverages in Nigeria

Many traditional fermented foods and beverages are prepared locally in various parts of Nigeria. These fermented food and beverage products have sustained millions of people in terms of food security. This review attempts to put together the major traditional fermented foods and beverages produced in Nigeria. These products are mainly beverages, cereal, dairy, fish products, fruits and vegetable legumes, meat products, starchy crop products, and other miscellaneous products. The sources, processing methods, process control and fermentation of the various fermented foods and beverages are been reviewed. The current state of production of traditional fermented products, status of research, conditions for their upgrade and suggestions for the regulatory authorities are discussed.

Production technology of soy protein additives for use in meat products

Nowadays, the average person's diet does not contain enough foods that are high in readily absorbed proteins. Using cheaper and healthier vegetable proteins in favor of animal proteins is one option to address this issue. The only crop with high-quality protein is soy. With the exception of methionine and cysteine, soy protein has a good balance of all the necessary amino acids. 15–25% of proteins are found in meat products. There are no other vegetable legumes (beans, peas) with a protein content (44–45%) and oil (20–22%) as high as vegetable soybeans while they are in the green bean phase. This crop is particularly nutrient-dense, and adding vegetable soy to diet enables to add proteins and other essential elements to cuisine. As soy protein is more similar to proteins of animal origin in terms of protein complexity and the presence of key amino acids (lysine, tryptophan, etc.), both animal and human organisms require less energy to transform soy protein into body proteins. The use of soy protein additives in meat products leads to enrichment with proteins and a significant improvement in the functional and technological properties that determine the structural and mechanical characteristics of the combined meat products.

Phenotypic, genotypic and nutritional divergence in cowpea and implications for drought tolerance breeding: a review

Genetic diversity is crucial for crop improvement in any breeding program. Cowpea is an important indigenous grain vegetable legume crop. The crop has a significant potential to improve food and nutritional security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and family income for resource poor famers. Cowpea is a source of proteins, vitamins (folate, thiamine and vitamin C), minerals (Fe, Zn, Mn and Ca) and amino acids such as lysine and tryptophan, hence, has a high potential for combating nutrient deficiencies. The SSA countries, including South Africa, have been experiencing many dry seasons, which have negatively affected agricultural production and productivity. Cowpea has a long taproot with the ability to grow in arid and semi-arid regions; however, lasting exposure to severe droughts will result in significant yield and grain quality reduction. There has been limited progress in drought tolerance research in cowpea due to the complexity of this trait, as it involves numerous genes, which in turn are affected by environmental conditions. It is therefore important to review research done on the nutritional, phenotypic and genotypic diversity of cowpea and the importance of diversity when breeding for complex quantitative traits such as drought tolerance and yield. The review will also outline the important omics tools used for drought tolerance breeding, cultivar development and as reference for future cowpea breeding.

Understanding water conservation vs. profligation traits in vegetable legumes through a physio-transcriptomic-functional approach.

Vegetable soybean and cowpea are related warm-season legumes showing contrasting leaf water use behaviors under similar root drought stresses, whose mechanisms are not well understood. Here we conducted an integrative phenomic-transcriptomic study on the two crops grown in a feedback irrigation system that enabled precise control of soil water contents. Continuous transpiration rate monitoring demonstrated that cowpea used water more conservatively under earlier soil drought stages, but tended to maintain higher transpiration under prolonged drought. Interestingly, we observed a soybean-specific transpiration rate increase accompanied by phase shift under moderate soil drought. Time-series transcriptomic analysis suggested a dehydration avoidance mechanism of cowpea at early soil drought stage, in which the VuHAI3 and VuTIP2;3 genes were suggested to be involved. Multifactorial gene clustering analysis revealed different responsiveness of genes to drought, time of day and their interactions between the two crops, which involved species-dependent regulation of the circadian clock genes. Gene network analysis identified two co-expression modules each associated with transpiration rate in cowpea and soybean, including a pair of negatively correlated modules between species. Module hub genes, including the ABA-degrading gene GmCYP707A4 and the trehalose-phosphatase/synthase gene VuTPS9 were identified. Inter-modular network analysis revealed putative co-players of the hub genes. Transgenic analyses verified the role of VuTPS9 in regulating transpiration rate under osmotic stresses. These findings propose that species-specific transcriptomic reprograming in leaves of the two crops suffering similar soil drought was not only a result of the different drought resistance level, but a cause of it.

Parasitoid complex of legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on different pulses

The spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius is an important herbivore of major pulses and vegetable legumes in India and the chemical pesticides are major contributors for its management. In order to have an idea on other alternative management tools, the present studies were carried out on the availability of parasitoids and its genetic variation. Totally, four larval parasitoids viz., Bassus sp., Trathala flavoorbitalis Cameron, Phanerotoma hendecasisella Cameron and an undetermined Braconid wasp were recorded on M. vitrata larva. The occurrence of P. hendecasisella was reported for the first time from Tamil Nadu, India. The Bassus sp. was found to be dominant with the parasitism of 3.0 to 12.7% in different pulses and total parasitism of four parasitoids was maximum in pigeonpea (16.1 %). Total parasitism had a positive relationship with number of webbings on cowpea. The larval parasitoids Bassus sp. and braconid wasp (undetermined) yielded specific fragments (~800 bp) with mitochondrial COI primer. Presence of Wolbachia was confirmed in all four larval parasitoids with the amplicons size between 600 and 650 bp. Present study clearly indicated the close proximity of Bassus sp. on M. vitrata than other parasitoids studied. Hence, it gives way for further insights on suitability, mass culturing and development for sustainable management of this insect pest.

Dry Matter Accumulation, Yield and Economics of Maize Cultivation as Influenced by Mixed Stands of Maize + Vegetable Legumes

Dry Matter Accumulation, Yield and Economics of Maize Cultivation as Influenced by Mixed Stands of Maize + Vegetable Legumes

Biochemical content and yield of some cultivars of green bean (<I>Phaseolus vulgaris</I> L.) under Moscow region conditions

Relevance. Increased demand in Russia for common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties of domestic breeding has stimulated the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center of breeding to intensify research on the creation of new asparagus bean varieties of vegetable direction.Materials and methods. Four vegetable bean varieties – Secunda, Lika, Ulyasha, Si Bemol of the laboratory of selection and seed production of vegetable Legume crops of the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center were used as the material for the study. The counts and observations were made according to the Methodology of the State Variety Trial of Agricultural Crops, 1975. The count of productivity was carried out in the technical stage of ripeness by replications. Harvesting was carried out when the biological stage of ripeness was reached. Biochemical studies of plants were carried out in the laboratoryanalytical department of the FSBSI FSVC. The biochemical composition of vegetable bean (green bean) varieties was studied according to the following indicators: determination of the total content of water-soluble antioxidants, ascorbic acid, dry matter, polyphenols, monosaccharides, total sugar content and starch.Results. Evaluation of samples by aggregate factors contributes to the selection of the most promising and high-quality varieties for their introduction into production. As a result of the research of vegetable bean on the main economically valuable features and biochemical composition for the period from 2018 to 2020, the varieties Lika and Ulyasha were selected. They were distinguished by high productivity of beans and seeds. Green bean variety Lika was noted for the highest total content of water-soluble antioxidants, ascorbic acid and the total of sugars content, the green bean variety "lobio" Ulyasha - high content of polyphenols and the total of antioxidants in the alcohol extract. Stable high yield, adaptive potential and high quality of beans, confirmed by the results of biochemical evaluation, allow us to recommend these varieties for consumption by the population as part of the diet and as an alternative to meat and dairy products.

Abundance of Poleroviruses within Tasmanian Pea Crops and Surrounding Weeds, and the Genetic Diversity of TuYV Isolates Found.

The genus Polerovirus contains positive-sense, single-stranded RNA plant viruses that cause significant disease in many agricultural crops, including vegetable legumes. This study aimed to identify and determine the abundance of Polerovirus species present within Tasmanian pea crops and surrounding weeds that may act as virus reservoirs. We further sought to examine the genetic diversity of TuYV, the most commonly occurring polerovirus identified. Pea and weed samples were collected during 2019–2020 between October and January from thirty-four sites across three different regions (far northwest, north, and midlands) of Tasmania and tested by RT-PCR assay, with selected samples subject to next-generation sequencing. Results revealed that the presence of polerovirus infection and the prevalence of TuYV in both weeds and pea crops varied across the three Tasmanian cropping regions, with TuYV infection levels in pea crops ranging between 0 and 27.5% of tested plants. Overall, two species members from each genus, Polerovirus and Potyvirus, one member from each of Luteovirus, Potexvirus, and Carlavirus, and an unclassified virus from the family Partitiviridae were also found as a result of NGS data analysis. Analysis of gene sequences of the P0 and P3 genes of Tasmanian TuYV isolates revealed substantial genetic diversity within the collection, with a few isolates appearing more closely aligned with BrYV isolates. Questions remain around the differentiation of TuYV and BrYV species. Phylogenetic inconsistency in the P0 and P3 ORFs supports the concept that recombination may have played a role in TuYV evolution in Tasmania. Results of the evolutionary analysis showed that the selection pressure was higher in the P0 gene than in the P3 gene, and the majority of the codons for each gene are evolving under purifying selection. Future full genome-based analyses of the genetic variations will expand our understanding of the evolutionary patterns existing among TuYV populations in Tasmania.

​​An Agrobacterium rhizogenes Strain R1000-mediated Efficient Hairy Root Transformation Protocol for Common Bean

Background: Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a globally important grain and vegetable legume crop, providing a substantial portion of the diet protein and minerals for many people in the developing world. However, the genetic studies and improvement on this crop has long been impeded by its recalcitrance to Agrobacterium-mediated whole plant genetic transformation. Established Agrobacterium rhizogenes-based hairy root transformation in common bean heavily relies on the strain K599. Methods: In order to develop an efficient alternative protocol for hair transformation in common bean, the efficiency of Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain R1000 in inducing hairy roots from 6-day-old seedlings with root below cotyledons excised by the soaking and smearing method were tested. The binary plasmid pBI121 with the reporter gene GUS (pBI121-GUS) or eGFP (pBI121-eGFP) driven by the constitutive promoter was used for transformation and rapid identification of the transgenic hairy roots. Result: We established a strain R1000-based system for the induction of hairy roots in common bean. The plant receptor genotypes and infection methods were optimized, which led to a high transformation rate of hairy roots up to 60%. This method therefore provides a useful alternative means for functional genomic studies in common bean.

Nutritional value, quality of raw materials and food value of vegetable pea culture (<i>Pisum sativum</i> L.)

Vegetable peas are by far the most widely used among the main vegetable legumes. Due to its high nutritional value, it has an important food value and is cultivated almost everywhere. High nutritional qualities of vegetable peas are determined by the content of protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins, as well as macro– and microelements. Pea protein is popular due to its affordable price compared to animal protein. The value of pea protein is determined by its amino acid composition and its high balance, especially valuable amino acids that are not synthesized in animals and humans.The article discusses the nutritional value of vegetable peas (green beans; fresh, frozen and canned vegetable peas; dry seeds); the content of water-soluble protein, amino acid composition, the content of macro- and microelements in the seeds of vegetable peas of FSBSI FSVC selection varieties; the quality of green peas as raw materials for canning, depending on the type of seeds and the structure of starch grains; requirements for the quality of raw vegetable peas for canning; seedlings and microgreens as useful and nutritious products for fresh consumption; medicinal properties of vegetable peas; varieties of vegetable peas for various uses.

Impact of intercropping of vegetable legumes in summer maize on productivity and competitive ability of crops

Maize (Zea mays L.), the queen of cereals, has versatile use as food, feed and industrial purpose and the area under maize is increasing during recent times. As a widely spaced crop, it offers inclusion of intercrops without reducing the optimum plant stand. Intercropping legumes in maize is widely practiced to herness the efficient use of resource and multiple advantages. Based on the above facts, an experiment was conducted during summer season of 2021 on intercropping maize with legumes at Experimental Farm of Centurion University of Technology and Management, Parlakhamundi, Odisha. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) comprising of nine treatments namely, T1: Maize sole, T2: Cowpea sole, T3: Cluster bean sole, T4: Maize + Cowpea (2:1), T5: Maize + Cowpea (2:2), T6: Maize + Cowpea (2:3), T7: Maize + Cluster bean (2:1), T8: Maize + Cluster bean (2:2) and T9: Maize + Cluster bean (2:3). The results revealed that the yield attributes of maize such as number of cobs/plant, number of rows/cob, number of seeds/row, test weight and cob length and maize yield were not significantly influenced among the treatments. In case of Land Equivalent Ratio (LER), the values obtained in all the intercropped treatments were greater than unity which clearly showed that intercropping was advantageous. However, the maximum LER and Area Time Equivalent Ratio (ATER) were obtained from 2:3 row proportion of maize + cluster bean and it was followed by maize + cowpea in 2:3 row ratio. Product of Relative Crowding Coefficient (RCC) was found maximum in the case of maize + cowpea (2:3). The competitive ratio depicts that those legumes were more competitive over maize. The study indicated that intercropping 2:3 row proportion of maize + vegetable legumes were advantageous over pure stand of maize.

Dual-Purpose of the Winged Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.), the Neglected Tropical Legume, Based on Pod and Tuber Yields.

Winged beans (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.) are grown as a vegetable legume crop in Thailand. All parts of the plant, including pods, seeds, leaves, flowers, and tubers are edible and are rich in protein and nutrients. Although the major consumption of winged bean is based on pod and tuber yields, only the people of Myanmar and Indonesia utilize winged bean tubers as food materials. The usefulness of the winged bean as an alternative crop for staple food and feed can shed some light on the impact of winged bean. Therefore, the evaluation of the dual purpose of the winged bean based on pod tuber yields is the objective of this study. In this study, ten-winged bean accessions—six accessions obtained from introduced sources and four accessions obtained from local Thai varieties—were laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at the Agronomy Field Crop Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand from September 2019 to April 2020 and from October 2020 to April 2021. Data, including total pod weight, number of pods, pod length, 10-pod weight, and tuber weight were recorded, and the proximate nutrient and mineral contents in the tubers were also determined. The results revealed that the principal effects of year (Y) and genotype (G) were significant for total pod weight and the number of pods. Moreover, the Y × G interactions were principal effects upon the total pod weights and tuber weights. The results indicated that superior genotype and appropriate environmental conditions are key elements in successful winged bean production for both pod and tuber yields. The winged bean accessions W099 and W018 were consistent in both experimental years for pod and tuber yields at 23.6 and 18.36 T/ha and 15.20 and 15.5 T/ha, respectively. Each accession also proved high in tuber protein content at 20.92% and 21.04%, respectively, as well as significant in fiber, energy, and minerals. The results suggest that the winged bean accessions W099 and W018 can be used for dual-purpose winged bean production in Thailand.

↵​​Effect of Hermetic Storage on Seed Quality Maintenance of Dolichos Bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) var Typicus Prain

Background: Dolichos bean is one of the important vegetable legume crops. During storage, protection of seed from bruchid attack is a major problem worldwide. Once the bruchid attacks, the extent of damage could be up to 100%, leading to both quantitative and qualitative loss by making it unfit for consumption. Existing traditional methods are less effective or impractical and the use of chemical methods can be harmful to the farmers and consumers. So, there is urgent need of hermetic storage method for seed quality maintenance. Keeping in view, the present study was carried out to investigate on hermetic storage practices for seed quality maintenance. Methods: Triple-layer PICS technology, a chemical-free hermetic storage was evaluated for storage of dolichos bean to moisture content, germination and quality. Four different types of storage bags viz., jute bags, polythene bags, triple layer PICS bags and jute bags treated with chlorpyrifos were used for evaluating their efficacy in managing dolichos bean seed attributes. The data on various parameters pertaining to seed characteristics and changes in biochemical composition of dolichos bean seeds stored in different bags was recorded at every two month intervals for 3 times (2,4, and 6 months) by using standard protocols. Complete Randomized Design (CRD) (Snedecor and Cochran, 1967) was used for the data analysis. The data was subjected to statistical analysis as per the methods suggested by Panse and Sukhatme (1985). Result: Results on moisture content showed that, in case of storage in PICS bags, there was no decrease in seed moisture content at 2, 4 and 6 months respectively and germination percent in triple-layer PICS bag at 2, 4 and 6 months storage was highest among all bag types. Test weight (g), protein content (%) and carbohydrate content (%) at 2, 4 and 6 months storage respectively were higher in triple layer PICS bag. The mean fat content recorded was highest in jute bag (1.25%) and lowest in triple layer PICS bag (0.63%). Our study concludes that the triple layer PICS bags hermetic technology is efficient in managing maintaining same level of moisture content percent, germination percent and test weight compared to other bags over 3 different periods of storage. The triple layer PICS bags are also highly useful for retaining carbohydrate percent and protein percent at almost the same levels compared to initial values.

Molecular genetic diversity of winged bean gene pool in Thailand assessed by SSR markers

Winged bean [Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.] is a vegetable legume crop. The center of origin, diversity and domestication of this crop are not known. In this study, we assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of 457 accessions of winged bean collected from six geographical regions (North, Northeast, East, West, and central, and South) in Thailand using 14 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. In total, the SSR markers detected only 55 alleles with an average of 3.9 alleles per locus. Observed heterozygosity was relatively high (0.15) and overall gene diversity was moderate (0.487). Gene diversity, allelic richness and observed heterozygosity in the six regions were comparable, while the estimated out-crossing rate was relatively high (16.4%). STRUCTURE analysis grouped the 457 winged bean accessions into three sub-populations. Neighbor-joining (NJ) analysis grouped all the accessions into two major clusters. Genetic groups identified by both STRUCTURE analysis and NJ analysis were unrelated to geographical origins. Principal coordinate analysis revealed no clear clustering of the winged bean accessions. Although genetic groups were not unrelated to geographical origins, most of the winged bean accessions with long pods (30 cm or higher in length) or having purple seed coats or purple young pods were grouped together. This suggested that the winged beans with long pods or with purple seed or purple young pods may have a single origin. Altogether, these results demonstrated that the genetic diversity of winged bean in Thailand was moderate with high genetic admixture. We argue that the high genetic admixture of the winged bean in Thailand is due to seed migration and relatively high outcrossing rate.

Developments and Prospects in Imperative Underexploited Vegetable Legumes Breeding: A Review.

Vegetable legumes are an essential source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, along with health-promoting bioactive chemicals. The demand for the use of either fresh or processed vegetable legumes is continually expanding on account of the growing consumer awareness about their well-balanced diet. Therefore, sustaining optimum yields of vegetable legumes is extremely important. Here we seek to present d etails of prospects of underexploited vegetable legumes for food availability, accessibility, and improved livelihood utilization. So far research attention was mainly focused on pulse legumes’ performance as compared to vegetable legumes. Wild and cultivated vegetable legumes vary morphologically across diverse habitats. This could make them less known, underutilized, and underexploited, and make them a promising potential nutritional source in developing nations where malnutrition still exists. Research efforts are required to promote underexploited vegetable legumes, for improving their use to feed the ever-increasing population in the future. In view of all the above points, here we have discussed underexploited vegetable legumes with tremendous potential; namely, vegetable pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus), dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus), and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), thereby covering the progress related to various aspects such as pre-breeding, molecular markers, quantitative trait locus (QTLs), genomics, and genetic engineering. Overall, this review has summarized the information related to advancements in the breeding of vegetable legumes which will ultimately help in ensuring food and nutritional security in developing nations.

Multivariate analysis unravels genetic diversity and relationship between agronomic traits, protein, and dietary fiber in yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis Verdc.)

Abstract. Widyawan MB, Hasanah A, Taryono, Alam T, Sayekti RS, Pramana AAC, Wulandari RA. 2020. Multivariate analysis unravels genetic diversity and relationship between agronomic traits, protein, and dietary fiber in yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis Verdc.). Biodiversitas 21: 5662-5671. Yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis Verdc.) is a vegetable legume that possesses the highest amount of protein and total dietary fiber (TDF) content among other vegetables. However, protein and TDF content diversity are found among yardlong bean genotypes. Genetic improvement to produce cultivars with high yield and improved nutritional content is required. This study aimed to analyze genetic diversity and identify the relationship between important agronomic traits from 21 yardlong bean genotypes assessed by multivariate statistical analysis. The experiment was arranged in alpha design with three replicates, each consist of six blocks. Six pod-related important agronomic traits, protein, and TDF content were observed in this study. Total pod weight, pod weight, and pod length were found to be negatively correlated with protein and TDF content based on correlation and principal component analysis (PCA). Although negatively correlated, several variables possess a large and positive direct effect on protein and TDF content, such as the number of pod, pod weight, and days to flower. D2 analysis and Tocher’s method classify genotypes used in this study into five clusters with diverse traits value. Information from this study laid a foundation for the improvement of important agronomic traits as well as nutritional content in yardlong bean.

Influence of enriched organic manure, biostimulants and bio-mulches on organic okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Field experiments were conducted to identify the best source of nutrients and bio-mulch for fruit yield, quality and soil properties of organic okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) at U B K V, Pundibari, West Bengal, India during February- May 2017-18. The experiment was laid out in Factorial RBD comprising of two factors, viz. organic nutrient sources (N) and bio-mulches (M) having four levels each. The findings of the experiment suggested that basal application of Azophos biofertilizer enriched vermicompost (5 t/ha) along with foliar spray of seaweed extract (2 ml/l) at 30, 40 and 50 days of sowing (N4) emerged as best treatment in terms of highest number of fruits (19.94/plant) and maximum yield (14.39 t/ha). Among the different bio-mulches, the vegetable legume plant residue mulch (M4) recorded highest number of fruits (20.79/plant), total fruit yield (14.79 t/ha), maximum ascorbic acid content (18.47 mg/100 g) and increased total chlorophyll content (46.99 mg/100 g). The interaction of N4M4 recorded highest number of fruit (22.88/ plant), fruit yield (348.08 gm/plant), total yield (16.68 t/ha) and the maximum total fruit chlorophyll content (51.60 mg/100 g). All the interaction of organic nutrient sources and bio-mulches showed increase in available N, P, K and organic carbon content in post harvest soil over the initial status. The study concluded that adoption of biofertilizer enriched vermicompost in combination with 3 times foliar spray of seaweed extract in standing crop with legume as mulch have significant positive impact on fruit yield, quality and soil properties of organic okra.