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The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, known for its famous Mongolian horses, faces significant environmental challenges due to the large-scale rearing of these animals, which produces a substantial amount of manure. If not managed effectively, this manure can lead to severe environmental pollution. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a small-scale intelligent aeration and heating composting system is effective in treating Mongolian horse manure, with the objective of enhancing composting efficiency and resource utilization to support sustainable agricultural development in the region. The equipment was utilized to treat a compost mixture of Mongolian horse manure and corn stover, allowing for an analysis of the changes in key indicators throughout the composting process. The results demonstrated that the equipment maintained high temperatures for up to eight days during the composting process, effectively inactivating pathogens and promoting the efficient decomposition of organic matter. The system also successfully controlled humidity to 12.7% and maintained oxygen concentration within the optimal range. Post-composting analysis revealed that the final compost contained 2.3% nitrogen, 1.3% phosphorus, and 1.2% potassium, with a pH of 6.4 and conductivity of approximately 5.2 mS/cm. Additionally, the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio decreased significantly from 27.3 to 15.9, indicating substantial organic matter degradation. Seed germination tests showed germination rates of 80%, 86%, and 75% for corn, mung bean, and wheat, respectively, with a final seed germination index of 104%. This study concluded that the small aeration and heating composting equipment is highly effective in treating Mongolian horse manure, producing high-quality organic fertilizers that significantly enhance soil fertility and demonstrate considerable potential for supporting sustainable agricultural practices and improving environmental management in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newly incorporated module into the WASH_2D model has enabled simulating a rainwater harvesting system (RWHS) using a tank. The incorporated module in WASH_2D was tested for two field experiments to determine the optimal tank capacity and cultivated area that give the highest net income for farmers. The first experiment was composed of treatments A, B, and C having the same cultivated and harvested areas (plastic sheets) of 24 m2 and 12.5 m2, respectively. The capacity of the tanks for treatments A, B, and C was set at 500, 300, and 200 L, corresponding to storability of 21, 13, and 8 mm, respectively, while in the second experiment we carried out three treatments: F, G, and H having the same tank capacity of 300 L and harvested area of 12.5 m2 with variable cultivated areas as G and H were larger by two and three times than F (10.5 m2), respectively. Water was applied automatically through a drip irrigation system by monitoring soil water suction. Results of the first experiment showed that the optimal storability and seasonal net income simulated by WASH_2D were 17 mm and 5.82 USD yr−1, which were fairly close to 18 mm and 5.75 USD yr−1 observed from field data, respectively. Similarly, the results of the second experiment revealed that simulated net incomes for different cultivated areas agreed well with the observed data. We concluded that the use of the simulation model WASH_2D can be economically useful to promote small-scale irrigation in semi-arid regions and guide planning irrigation or rainwater harvesting investments.

The domesticated Vigna species still need some of the beneficial characters that exist in the wild Vigna species, despite the improvements obtained so far. This study was carried out to enhance our understanding of the Senegalese wild Vigna diversity by exploring the agro-morphological characteristics of some accessions using 22 traits. The phenotyping was carried out in a shaded house for two consecutive rainy seasons (2021 and 2022) using the alpha-lattice experimental design with 55 accessions. Multiple correspondence analysis was carried out based on the qualitative traits, which showed considerable variability for the wild species (Vigna unguiculata var. spontanea, Vigna racemosa, Vigna radiata and the unidentified accession). The quantitative traits were subjected to statistical analysis using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Our results revealed that ninety-five percent (95%) pod maturity ranged from 74.2 to 125.8 days in accession 3 of V. unguiculata and in accession 92 (V. racemosa), respectively. In addition, accession 14 of V. radiata recorded the highest weight for 100 seeds with a value of 4.8 g, while accession 18 of V. unguiculata had the lowest (1.48 g). The ANOVA showed significant differences for the accessions during each season (p ≤ 0.05). Seasonal effects (accession × season) were observed for some quantitative traits, such as the terminal leaflet length and width, time to 50% flowering and 95% pod maturity, pod length and 100-seed weight. Principal component analysis showed that reproductive traits, such as the time to 50% flowering, number of locules per pod, pod length, pod width and 100-seed weight, were the major traits that accounted for the variations among the wild Vigna accessions. The genetic relationship based on qualitative and quantitative traits showed three clusters among the wild Vigna accessions. Indeed, the diversity observed in this study could be used to select parents for breeding to improve the cultivated species of Vigna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crambe abyssinica Hochst defatted seed meals were used to produce protein hydrolysates through a mild enzymatic two-step hydrolysis process. The resulting hydrolysates were rich in free amino acids, low-molecular-weight peptides, and potential bioactive compounds such as phenols, glucosinolates, or their derivatives. These hydrolysates were tested in bioassays, performed under controlled conditions, on mung bean (Vigna radiata) cuttings, to investigate a possible auxin effect, and on maize (Zea mays L.) in an aeroponic/hydroponic system during the first two weeks of growth. In both assays, crambe hydrolysates revealed a stimulating effect on root development at a dose corresponding to nitrogen concentration of 4.8 mM, promoting lateral root formation and altering root architecture. Furthermore, they exhibited a positive impact on nitrogen content in both maize roots and shoots, along with an increase in the chlorophyll SPAD index. Notably, the observed effects were similar to those induced by a commercial biostimulant based on an animal-derived hydrolysate, tested under the same conditions on maize. The present work underscores the potential of crambe seed by-products for new sustainable and environmentally safe agro-inputs aimed at enhancing crop performance within the framework of a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biplot analysis has emerged as a crucial statistical method in plant breeding and agricultural research. The objective of this research was to identify the best-performing genotype(s) for the environments in three distinct regions of Nigeria while also examining the characteristics and magnitude of genotype–environment interaction (GEI) effects on the yield of Bambara groundnut (BGN). The study was conducted in Ibadan, Ikenne, and Mokwa, utilizing a sample of 30 accessions. The yield of BGN was found to be significantly affected by accessions, environment, and their interaction through a combined analysis of variance, with a p-value < 0.001. Biplots were utilized to demonstrate the pattern of interaction components, specifically the genotype's main effect and genotype–environment interaction (GEI). The initial two principal components elucidated the complete variance of the GGE model, encompassing both genetic and genotype-by-environment interaction effects (PC1 = 87.81%, PC2 = 12.19%). The accessions that exhibited superior performance in each respective environment, as determined by the "which-won-where" polygon, were identified as TVSu-2223, TVSu-2236, TVSu-2240, and TVSu-2249 in Mokwa; TVSu-2214 in Ikenne; and TVSu-2188 in Ibadan. The accessions TVSu-2207 and TVSu-2199 exhibited stability in all environments, whereas the accessions TVSu-2226, TVSu-2249, TVSu-2209, TVSu-2184, TVSu-2204, and TVSu-2236 demonstrated adaptability. In addition, the accessions TVSu-2240 and TVSu-2283 were stable and adaptable in all environments. The accessions that were chosen have been suggested as suitable parental lines for breeding programs aimed at enhancing grain yield in the agro-ecological zones that were evaluated. This study's findings identify BGN accessions with adaptability and stability across selected environments in Nigeria, suggesting specific accessions that can serve as suitable parental lines in breeding programs to enhance grain yield, thereby holding promise for improving food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information regarding the relative importance of elevated day/night-time temperatures combined with water stress on mungbean yield is limited. This study aimed to investigate the yield response of mungbean cultivars to different water stress and temperature regimes under controlled glasshouse conditions. Two mungbean cultivars, Celera II-AU and Jade-AU, were grown and evaluated under four temperature regimes with and without water stress, each replicated 10 times in a randomized complete block design. The four temperature regimes were as follows: (i) HTHT: Plants were consistently exposed to high day/high night temperatures (35/25 °C). (ii) LTHT: Plants experienced ambient day/ambient night temperatures (25/15 °C) for the first 35 days, followed by the HTHT environment. (iii) LTLT: Plants were maintained at ambient day/ambient night temperatures (25/15 °C) throughout the experiment. (iv) HTLT: Plants were subjected to high day/high night temperatures (35/25 °C) for the initial 35 days, followed by the LTLT environment. Under water stress conditions, mungbean yield declined significantly in the HTHT environment by 57% for Jade-AU and 76% for Celera II-AU compared to the LTLT environment. The highest seed yield (10.2 g plant−1 for Jade-AU and 11.4 g plant−1 for Celera II-AU) for both cultivars was observed when grown without water stress in the LTLT environment. However, yield decreased substantially when plants experienced combined heat and water stress during the reproductive stage (HTHT and LTHT environments). Without water stress, mungbean yield under the HTHT environment decreased by 30% for Jade-AU and 60% for Celera II-AU compared to the LTLT environment. Surprisingly, no significant difference in response to water stress was observed between the two cultivars. Furthermore, when grown under no-water stress and HTHT environments, the yield of Celera II-AU was reduced by 37% compared to Jade-AU. Similarly, a comparable response was seen between cultivars under no-water stress and LTHT environment. The results indicated that water and heat stress negatively affected mungbean seed yield. Moreover, it was observed that Jade-AU outperformed Celera II-AU regarding seed yield under heat-stress conditions. In conclusion, this study suggests that adjusting sowing time and selecting suitable heat-tolerant cultivars, such as Jade-AU, could enhance mungbean yield under heat and water stress conditions. The results demonstrate substantial impacts on mungbean productivity from changing climatic and water stress conditions and these findings can be utilized for improving mungbean productivity in dryland regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Securing good feed and sustaining production is one of the main pillars of the livestock production sector. However, this is difficult to achieve in many different environments or circumstances. The production of fodder in a hydroponic system allows for sustainable production throughout the year and provides many benefits to the animal. However, ways must be found to improve the quality of hydroponic fodder and extend its shelf life. In this study, hydroponic barley fodder was produced by mixing it with mung bean seeds at different mixing ratios. In addition, silage was prepared from the resulting fodder by mixing it with barley straw to reduce the high moisture. The results of this study showed that the proportions of the components of nutritional value in the produced fodder were increased, especially the proportion of proteins, when the percentage of mung beans in the mixture was increased. In addition, the preservation of hydroponic fodder using the silage method resulted in obtaining a higher percentage of dry matter compared to fresh fodder and increased the preservation time. This brings many advantages to farmers and livestock producers, as well as researchers in the field, to expand the scope of experiments to other fodder mixtures and the sustainable production of good fodder in hydroponic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small changes in soil aggregates-associated organic carbon and soil nitrogen (N) can induce huge fluctuations in greenhouse gas emissions and soil fertility. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding the responses to long-term continuous rotation systems, especially in N-fixing and non-N-fixing crop wheat in terms of the distribution of soil aggregates and the storage of soil carbon (C) and N in aggregates in the semiarid calcareous soil of Central China. This information is critical for advancing knowledge on C and N sequestration of soil aggregates in rainfed crop rotation systems. Our aim was to determine which legume (soybean (Glycine max)– or mung bean (Vigna radiata)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) rotation practice is more conducive to the formation of good soil structure and C and N fixation. A 10-year field experiment, including a soybean (Glycine max)–winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) rotation (SWR) with yield increments of 2020 compared to 2010 achieving 18.28% (soybean) and 26.73% (wheat), respectively, and a mung bean (Vigna radiata)–winter wheat rotation (MWR) achieving 32.66% (mung bean) and 27.38% (wheat), as well as farmland fallow, was conducted in Henan Province, China. The soil organic carbon (SOC), N content in the soil, and the soil aggregates were investigated. Legume–wheat rotation cropping enhanced the proportion of the >2 mm soil fractions and reduced the <0.053 mm silt + clay in the 0–40 cm soil profile. In the 0–30 cm soil layer, the SWR had a greater increment of the >2 mm aggregate fractions than the MWR. Two legume–winter wheat rotations enhanced the C and N sequestration that varied with soil depths and size fractions of the aggregate. In contrast, the MWR had greater SOC stocks in all fractions of all sizes in the 0–40 cm soil layers. In addition, the greater storage of N in the macro-, micro-, and silt + clay fractions was observed in the 0–30 cm layers; the MWR enhanced the C/N ratios in most of the size aggregates compared with the SWR. The MWR cropping system is more beneficial to the formation of good soil structure and the increasement of C and N reserves in soil. Thus, these findings show that mung bean, in contrast with soybean in the legume–wheat rotation system of a semiarid temperate zone, may offer soil quality improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing utilization of nanoparticles (NPs) in agricultural practices has led to a surge in demand for nano-based products. Herein, we investigate the dose-dependent impacts of nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2)/nickel (Ni) NPs, synthesized using Asparagus racemosus Linn. leaf extract, on the seed germination and growth of Vigna radiata (Linn.) Wilczek. In all seed samples, 100% germination was observed in Treatment 1 (2.74 mg mL−1) and Treatment 2 (5.48 mg mL−1) of Ni/Ni(OH)2 NPs. However, in Treatment 3 (8.22 mg mL−1) and Treatment 4 (10.96 mg mL−1), the germination percentage was lower, reaching 80%. Further, Treatment 5 (13.70 mg mL−1) of Ni/Ni(OH)2 NPs showed a reduced germination rate of 60%, indicating a prolonged germination process at higher concentrations. Remarkably, the length of seedlings showed a significant increase in all experimental treatments compared to the control group, which received 5 mL of distilled water. Among the investigated parameters, Treatment 2 demonstrated the most promising outcomes, exhibiting the highest chlorophyll stability index (23.73%) and membrane stability index (67.89%) values, as well as the lowest root ion leakage (24.75%). These findings indicate that Ni/Ni(OH)2 has the capacity to enhance seed germination and foster seedling growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-year field experiment was carried out to assess the efficacy of various tillage and residue management practices, as well as weed management approaches, in a rice–wheat–green gram rotation. The treatments included: conventional till transplanted rice–conventional till wheat–fallow (T1); conventional till transplanted rice–zero-till wheat–zero-till green gram (T2); conventional till direct-seeded rice—conventional-till wheat—zero-till green gram (T3); zero-till direct-seeded rice—zero-till wheat—zero-till green gram (T4); zero-till direct-seeded rice + residue zero-till wheat + residue zero-till green gram (T5). In weed management, three treatments are as follows: recommended herbicides (W1); integrated weed management (W2); and unweeded (W3). The integrated weed management treatment had the lowest weed biomass, which was 44.3, 45.3, and 33.7% lower than the treatment W3 at 30 and 60 days after sowing and harvest, respectively. T1 grain and straw yielded more than T2 in the early years than in subsequent years. The conventional till transplanted rice–zero-till wheat–zero-till green gram system produced 33.6, 37.6, and 27.7% greater net returns than the zero-till direct-seeded rice—zero-till wheat—zero-till greengram system, respectively. Conventional till transplanted rice–conventional till wheat–fallow had the biggest reduction (0.41%) in soil organic carbon from the initial value. The findings of the study demonstrated that adopting the transplanting method for rice, followed by zero tillage for wheat and green gram, enhanced productivity and profitability, while simultaneously preserving soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing crop productivity through crop diversification under the same unit area has been considered as a way for sustainable intensification of cropping systems. This research was conducted on loamy sand soil at the Crop Research Station of Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) in Cambodia. The objective was to evaluate the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) and mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) crops and land-equivalent ratio (LER) of maize-mungbean intercropping system using different seed rates of mungbean at 0% (0 kg ha−1), 25% (10 kg ha−1), 50% (20 kg ha−1), 75% (30 kg ha−1), 100% (40 kg ha−1) of recommended rates. The experiment was laid out using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The agronomic traits and yield of both crops were measured at harvest. The weeds were removed three times to measure biomass. The results showed that there was no significant difference in agronomic traits and yield of maize under either maize-mungbean intercropping or maize monocropping irrespective of different mungbean seed rates. The highest mungbean seed rates as recommended did not decrease the growth and yield of intercropped maize. In contrast, the presence of mungbean in the intercropping suppressed weed growth significantly and the trend of weed biomass decreased with increasing mungbean seed rates. The intercropped mungbean grain yield decreased in comparison with monocropping mungbean. Overall, the land equivalent ratio (LER) was higher than 1 under the intercropping, showing its agronomic benefits, compared to monocropping. Therefore, maize-mungbean intercropping is a potential practice for improving productivity and managing weeds. Further research needs to be investigated under different ecological and social-economical niches to determine overall potential benefits and opportunities for scaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the environmental constraints, the growth and yield of crops are seriously impaired by moisture stress. With this view, an experiment was conducted to observe genotypic differences in water relation, gas exchange characteristics and yield performance of mungbean under low soil moisture conditions. Experimental variables consisted of five drought tolerant genotypes (G88, G108, G141,varietiesG186), one susceptible genotype (G43) and two standard check variety (BU mug 5, Binnamoog-8) which assigned to two moisture regimes viz., water regime A ((80 to 90% field capacity (FC)) and water regime B (40 to 50% FC). Results showed that water saturation deficit, water uptake capacity and transpiration rate were the lowest in tolerant genotypes G88 followed by genotypes G141, while those were the highest in susceptible genotype G43 under low soil moisture conditions. Contrarily, the highest amount of relative water content and water retention capacity were found in tolerant genotypes G141, G108 and G88 and the lowest was recorded in susceptible genotype G43 under low soil moisture conditions. In the case of the photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance, the tolerant genotype G141, G88 and G108 showed the higher values at moisture stress condition. The highest total chlorophyll content and proline content were also found in tolerant genotype G88 followed by G141 and G108, and the lowest was found in susceptible genotype G43 under moisture stress conditions. Irrespective of genotypes, moisture stress significantly decreased the yield attributes and yield of mungbean genotypes. However, the highest seed yield per plant (12.11 g) was found in tolerant genotype G88 under low soil moisture conditions because of its lowest reduction rate of yield attributes under moisture stress. Similar responses were also observed in tolerant genotypes G141 and G108. Therefore, the genotypes G88, G108 and G141 showed better performance in the case of water relation and gas exchange characteristics which might be contribute to higher yield of those genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legumes are a multipurpose crop species, with a great economic value, which, worldwide, are commonly cultivated for human food, livestock fodder, industrial raw materials, and soil health enhancement. Over the last few decades, numerous research projects have been conducted for the genetic improvements of legumes, in order to meet the Sustainable Development Goals of 2015–2030. Remarkable progress has been made in legume genetics, genomics, and breeding. The first references to the genome of legume plants were published in 2010, and these were the complete draft genome sequences of Glycine max. The chromosome scale high-quality genome assembly and annotations are available for many legume species today, including Glycine max; Lotus japonicus; Medicago ruthenica (L.); Medicago truncatula; Phaseolus lunatus; Mucuna pruriens; Vicia sativa; Trifolium pratense; Lupinus angustifolius; Cajanus cajan; Vigna radiata ssp.; and Cicer arietinum. Large-scale transcriptomic, genotyping, and phenotyping data have been generated from this diverse panel of legume cultivars for their varietal improvements. This Special Issue presents a collection of a variety of articles that cover the recent progress that has been made in legume genetics, genomics, and breeding. The authors have addressed the applications of phenotypic and genotypic diversity for the selection of the best cultivars; of morphological traits for the selection of the best local variety, the estimation of the agronomic performances of resistant and susceptible cultivars; the nutritional characteristics of the seed protein; genome-wide association studies on agronomic traits and isolation; and the characterization and function studies of many agronomically important genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information to aid the selection of suitable cultivated areas remains meager for mung bean, despite it being a socio-economically important legume crop in Thailand. Hence, a user-friendly soil assessment tool is required to help properly choose planting areas. We aimed to provide a decision support system for mung bean cultivation in central Thailand. Soil suitability classes were performed using relevant factors and data essential for mung bean cultivation in 22 provinces in central Thailand. A decision support system was developed as soil map and mobile phone application using data based on soil suitability classes. Information of mung bean growth and yield grown in experimental fields with different soil suitability classes was used for preliminary validation. The main areas were very suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S3) for mung bean plantation, accounting for 1,319,841 and 1,327,804 ha, respectively. The number of pods per plant and yield per plant of mung bean were higher in S1 areas (12.83–16.65 pods per plant and 8.35–12.43 g/plant, respectively) than in S3 areas. The mung bean yield was also greater in S1 areas (1613.8–2158.7 kg/ha) than in S3 areas (735.8–1138.6 kg/ha). The findings suggest the possibility of using developed decision support system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-component system (TCS) genes regulate a wide range of biological activities in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, including plants. TCS plays an important role in cellular responses to external stimuli, such as biotic and abiotic factors. In plants, this system supports cell division, leaf senescence, stress response, chloroplast division, and nutrient signaling. There are three kinds of proteins responsible for the appropriate functioning of the TCS system: histidine kinases (HKs), histidine phosphotransfer proteins (HPs), and response regulators (RRs). The results of the current study revealed that Vigna radiata has 54 genes encoding potential TCS proteins, which were divided into three subgroups: 18 HKs, 9 HPs (seven true and two pseudos), and 27 RRs (8 type-A, 8 type-B, 3 type-C, and 8 PRRS). The anticipated TCS genes were widely dispersed across all eleven chromosomes and had family-specific intron/exon structures. After investigating TCS genes in a variety of plant species, we determined that Vigna HK (L)s, HPs, and RRs have closer evolutionary relationships with other legume genes. Gene duplication, including segmental and tandem types, is the most frequent source of gene family expansion. Multiple stress-related cis-elements were predicted in the promoter sequences of the VrTCS genes. RNA-seq data analysis demonstrated that VrTCS genes were expressed in clusters of upregulated and downregulated groups in response to drought stress. Moreover, these clusters were differentially expressed as early or late responses to drought stress. Real-time qPCR showed that VrHK2, VrHK3, VrPHYE, VrHP4.1, VrRR5.2, and VrRR10 genes were upregulated, while VrRR3 and VrHP6.1 genes were downregulated in response to drought stress. The current study highlights the architecture of V. radiata TCS and provides a robust framework for subsequent functional evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus (P) is a major limiting nutrient reducing crop yields especially in weathered soils of the subtropics and tropics. P exhibits poor mobility and availability to plants in soil. To overcome P deficiency in soil, phosphatic fertilizers are added. Global phosphate rock reserves are finite, and the addition of phosphatic fertilizers is not financially and ecologically sustainable. Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) is important grain legume for nutritional security. Attempts are being made to develop mungbean varieties with better P-use efficiency through enhanced P uptake and utilization. In the present study, 327 accessions of 18 Vigna species were examined for inter- and intra-specific variation for traits related to phosphorus uptake and utilization efficiency under hydroponic conditions at two levels of phosphorus. Significant species-specific variation was recorded for studied traits. Among the studied Vigna species, mungbean exhibited higher phosphorus use efficiency. Seven mungbean genotypes (IC 251950, IC 585931, V1002532AG, IC 371653, IC 331615, V1001400AG, and V1000532BG) were found to be promising for both PupE and PutiE. Using mean and standard deviation as criteria, mungbean genotypes identified with high phosphorus-use efficiency include IC 25950 and IC 583664. Mungbean genotypes KPS 1546, IC 277060, IC 697141, IC 343440, and Pusa 0831 were identified based on the stress tolerance index as genotypes that performed better under P stress. Cultivated species revealed higher PUE in comparison withwild forms. The most promising genotype identified from this study for PUE can be used as a parent for the development of a mapping population of mungbean for understanding genetics of PUE under a low-phosphorus environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To optimize a suitable fertilization method needed for high nitrogen utilization and growth of mung bean in the black soil of Northeast China, a field experiment was carried out with 10 treatments based on isotope-tracing technology. The nitrogen fertilizer utilization, residual, loss and dry-matter transportation, leaf area, photosynthetic potential, and wet-basis moisture content of mung bean were discussed. The results showed that the total utilization rate of nitrogen fertilizer under different treatments was 34.75~47.71%, while in the 0~15 cm soil layer, the total residual rate was 11.36~33.69%, and the loss rate was 21.03~53.89%. The T1 treatment had the lowest total nitrogen fertilizer utilization rate and the greatest loss rate. The leaf area and photosynthetic potential at the seedling stage in the T9 treatment, the branching stage in the T2 treatment, and the flowering stage in the T4 and T9 treatments were 5.11~31.82% higher than those in the CK treatment, and the values at the drumming and maturing stages were significantly lower than those in the CK treatment (p < 0.05). The total wet-basis water content of the root, stem, leaf, and pod in the whole stages compared with the CK treatment increased by 3.35~7.41% in T4, T5, T7, and T8. In the T6 and T9 treatments, the output rate of stem-sheath storage matter and the transformation rate were significantly higher than those in the T1 treatment (p < 0.05). The dry-matter accumulation in the T1 and T9 treatments was significantly different from that in the CK treatment, which increased by 27.72% and 5.10%, respectively. Thus, organic fertilizer coupled with nitrogen fertilizer can improve the nitrogen fertilizer utilization rate and the growth of mung beans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In crops, drought stress reduces the photosynthetic rate and gamete function through oxidative damage. Earlier studies showed that nanoceria possesses an antioxidant property; however, the ability of nanoceria to alleviate drought-stress-stimulated oxidative damage in pulse crops has not been studied. Therefore, experiments were conducted to assess the impacts of nanoceria on drought-induced oxidative damage in mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]. We hypothesize that foliar application of nanoceria under drought stress can scavenge the excess produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to its inherent properties which could result in increased photosynthesis and reproductive success of mungbean. Three experiments were conducted under well-watered and limited-moisture conditions. The traits associated with oxidative damage, photosynthesis, reproductive success, and yield were recorded. Results showed that for mungbean, the optimum concentration of nanoceria for foliar spray was 100 mg L−1. Field and pot culture experiments showed that foliar application of nanoceria under drought decreased the superoxide radical content (29%), hydrogen peroxide content (28%), and membrane damage (35%) over water spray. Nanoceria increased the photosynthetic rate (38%), pod-set percentage (16%), and seed weight m−2 (44%) in drought-stressed plants compared to control plants. The increased photosynthetic rate by nanoceria spray under drought stress is associated with lesser oxidative damage and stomatal limitation caused by nanoceria's inherent ROS-scavenging ability. Hence, foliar application of nanoceria at the rate of 100 mg L−1 under drought stress could increase mungbean seed yield per plant through increased photosynthetic rate and pod-set percentage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mung bean residues stimulate the hatching of soybean cyst nematode (SCN). In our previous study, combined incorporation of mung bean residues and biochar into soil can be effective in suppression of the soybean cyst nematode (SCN), Heterodera glycines, in the upper layer soil. However, there are no data available as to whether such effects are transmissible, and could for example be manifest in subsoil zones where such incorporation is confined to topsoils, via water-based pathways. We evaluated the effects of leachate passage from a biochar-amended soil in an upper soil zone to a lower zone in a microcosm-based system, upon a range of physicochemical properties and density of SCN. Disturbed soil was filled in a total of 9 cylindrical cores with two layers. The upper layer (0–15 cm) was amended with biochar at rates equivalent to 0, 0.3% or 1.8%, with bulk density set at of 1.1 g cm−3. The lower layer (15–25 cm) without biochar amendment was compacted to 1.2 g cm−3. Mung beans were grown for two weeks and incorporated into the upper layer. Water was surface-applied to the cores 4, 6, and 8 weeks after mung bean incorporation. After 16 weeks, the upper and lower layer soils were separately collected and assayed. The presence of biochar in the upper layer reduced the abundance of free-living nematodes, mainly bacterivorous, but increased that of a predator genus Ecumenicus in this zone. In the lower layer of soil under a biochar-amended upper layer, available P and soluble cations were increased as were abundances of total nematodes including Ecumenicus, resulting in greater maturity index, basal and structure indices. Notably, SCN density was decreased in lower zones by more than 90% compared to zero-biochar controls. This demonstrates that the effects of biochar upon soil properties, including impacts on biota and plant pathogens, are transmissible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromium (Cr) is a toxic heavy metal discharged into the environment through various anthropogenic sources, which affects soil properties and fertility. Hence, an effective soil restoration strategy is the need of the hour. In this study, a potent Cr(VI)-reducing strain M2 was isolated from the rhizosphere of Zea mays L. grown in leather industrial effluent contaminated sites and identified as Bacillus flexus through 16S rDNA sequencing. Strain M2 exhibited strong tolerance to multi-stresses such as temperature (up to 45 °C), pH (up to 9.0), Sodium chloride (NaCl) (up to 7%) and PEG 6000 (up to 50%) and showed strong Cr(VI) reduction with the presence of multi-stresses. The interaction of Cr(VI) with strain M2 was elucidated through various instrumentation analyses. Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) Spectroscopy analysis confirmed that Cr(VI) exposures induce significant changes in the cell-surface functional groups. Raman spectrum and Transmission Electron Microscopy–Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM-EDX) analysis confirmed the bio-reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and their intracellular localization as Cr(III). Further, strain M2 produced a significant quantity of Indole acetic acid (IAA), ammonia, and exopolysaccharide (EPS) and showed positive results for various plant-growth-promoting activities with the presence of Cr(VI). In greenhouse experiments, the strain M2 inoculation progressively increased the plant growth parameters and stabilized the antioxidant system of Vigna radiata under Cr stress. However, Cr(VI) exposure decreased the growth parameters and increased the level of proline content, Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation, and antioxidant enzymes expression in V. radiata. Interestingly, strain M2 inoculation significantly reduced the accumulation of Cr in root and shoot of V. radiata when compared to the uninoculated Cr(VI) treatment. Hence, this study confirms that rhizobacterial inoculation markedly reduced the negative impact of Cr toxicity and improved V. radiata growth even in harsh environments by stabilizing the mobility of Cr in the rhizosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) is an important short-duration grain legume of the genus Vigna that has wider adaptability across agro-climatic regions and soil types. Significant strides have been made towards the development of superior, high-yielding, and climate resilient cultivars in mungbean. A number of donors for various traits to have been deployed in introgression breeding. However, the use of common sources of resistance to different biotic stresses may lead to boom and bust cycles due to the appearance of new races or biotypes. Therefore, broadening the genetic base using wild and exotic plant genetic resources may offer a better quality of durable resistance. Many crop wild relatives (CWRs) confer a high degree of resistance against multiple diseases. Recently, several agronomically important genes have been mapped using inter-specific populations, which are being deployed for the improvement of mungbean. In such a situation, tagging, mapping, and exploiting genes of interest from cross-species donors for stress tolerance will offer novel genetic variations. This will also provide increased opportunities for the selection of desirable types. Advances in genomics and transcriptomics have further made it easy to tag the cross-compatible resistance loci and study their expression for delineating the mechanism of resistance. The comparative analysis of omics technology also helps in understanding the evolution and offers a scope for using cross-specific target genes for mungbean improvement. This review focuses on the effective utilization of cross-species cultivated and wild relatives as well as their omics resources for breeding multiple disease-resistant mungbean cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing consumer awareness and knowledge about safe and healthy food, it is imperative to develop 'green' crops with reduced fertilizer application for quality food production, environmental protection and sustainable agricultural development. This study systematically evaluated and compared the water footprint (WF) including WFblue, WFgreen and WFgrey of eight crops including wheat, maize, rice, sweet potato, soybean, millet, mung bean and sorghum under green and traditional cultivation in the Huang-Huai-Hai farming region. The data came from 252 onsite questionnaires conducted in 2018 for land under green and traditional cultivation by 19 green planting companies and farming cooperatives with green food production certification authorized by the government of China. The results revealed that, compared to traditional cultivation, green cultivation under reduced N fertilizer application (1) decreased crop yields by 3–13%; (2) reduced the average WFtotal by 29% to 1168 m3 t−1 and average WFgrey by 57% to 419 m3 t−1 with no significant differences in WFblue and WFgreen; (3) decreased the WFtotal of maize by 55%, rice by 41%, wheat by 27%, mung bean by 31%, sorghum by 24%, sweet potato by 19%, millet by 17% and soybean by 17%. The WFgrey proportion of WFtotal under green cultivation ranged from 27–57% and contributed the most to the decline in WFtotal. This study offers insight into the impact of green cultivation on water requirements and pollution relative to traditional cultivation. Precision N fertilizer application and improved N use efficiencies on-farm are important pathways to sustainable agricultural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mung beans (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) are only inoculated in some production systems, but there is a current lack of knowledge on the best inoculants to use for effective nitrogen fixation (nodulation) and plant yields. The objectives of the present study were to determine if the dual inoculation of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (F) and Bradyrhizobium (R) provides greater (a) mung bean yield and quality (b) nitrogen fixation for mung bean and residual soil nitrogen for the following crop, and (c) determine if these effects are consistent across various environments. Field trials were conducted in Blacksburg, VA (sandy clay loam), and Eastern Shore, VA (sandy loam), over the summers of 2020 and 2021. There were 5 treatments replicated 5 times for each variety at each site; R, F, R + F, high nitrogen (N) (100 kg ha−1), and a control, for a total of 25 plots per site. Mung beans grown in Blacksburg in 2020 and 2021 averaged 53.8% more seeds per pod than mung beans grown at the Eastern Shore. Overall yield components (seeds per pod, pods per plant) are heavily influenced by soil type. Dual inoculation significantly increased grain yield (+33%) compared to a synthetic N fertilizer application, but did not significantly increase grain yield compared to the control (+22%). Dual inoculation may increase the grain yields of mung beans compared to synthetic fertilizer regime, but does not show evidence of improving N fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.), one of the most widely grown edible legumes in Asia, plays important roles in the improvement of agricultural cultivation systems as well as human diets. As an understudied crop, however, most mungbean varieties are characterized by unstable yields, poor disease resistance, and unsuitability for mechanical harvesting, thereby leading to a low production income. We, therefore, developed Jilv 20, a new mungbean cultivar with a dull seed coat, by crossing Bao 942-34 with Weilv 9002-341. After 11 years of selection and evaluation, Jilv 20 has shown wide adaptability, early maturity, high yield, halo blight resistance, and suitability for mechanical harvesting. The growth period of Jilv 20 is 79.5 and 66.7 days in the spring and summer sowing seasons, respectively, and the average plant height is approximately 56.4 cm. In this study, average yields were 1737.9, 1532.3, and 2045.1 kg/hm2 in northern spring-sowing, northern summer-sowing, and southern sites, respectively; these values were respectively 27.83%, 28.48%, and 6.96% higher than those of control cultivar Zhonglv 5, which has been popular in past decades because of its wide adaptability. The average protein and starch contents of Jilv 20 seeds were 25.0% and 49.56%, respectively. Further application and extension of Jilv 20 in China should contribute to mungbean production, breeding, and industrial development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mungbean is susceptible to waterlogging stress; therefore, breeding tolerant varieties would provide Australian growers with management options for wet summer season planting. Selection for waterlogging tolerance could be improved using vegetative indices that correlate to yield. Five mungbean genotypes were exposed to waterlogging stress at the pod-filling stage and characterised for various morphological and physiological traits governing seed yield. Waterlogging during pod filling decreased stomatal conductance (gs) and photosynthetic rate (Asat) to ~27% and 25% compared to control, respectively, resulting in a decline in effective quantum yield of PSII (ФPSII) and maximum efficiency of PSII of dark-adapted leaves (Fv/Fm) and leaf chlorophyll while increasing excitation pressure (1-qP) significantly. Waterlogging at pod filling reduced leaf count (19%), plant height (23%), leaf dry weight (38%), stem dry weight (33%), pod dry weight (36%), above-ground biomass (34%), root biomass (26%), and 100-seed weight (4%). Seed yield was highly positively correlated with Asat (0.86), gs (0.69), chlorophyll content (0.63), and ФPSII (0.59), with a highly negative correlation with 1-qP (−0.87) at 30 days of treatment imposition. A yield penalty of 32% was recorded under waterlogging stress compared to control plants, while the performance of all genotypes was found to be similar in terms of seed yield. Interestingly, genotype AVTMB#3 produced significantly larger seeds under waterlogging stress relative to other genotypes, including the leading Australian mungbean variety, Jade-AU. Based on a robust and significantly strong correlation with seed yield under waterlogging stress, 1-qP and photosynthetic rates (Asat) are recommended as potential indicators for the screening of mungbean genotypes. Thus, the current study presents a framework for screening waterlogging tolerance, which can provide a reasonable basis for the selection of various genotypes in future mungbean breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorophyll is the primary source of color in widespread green plants. It has been investigated in mung bean seed coats and cotyledons. This study aimed to examine chromatic changes in mung beans during heat processing. It observed pigment variation within the cotyledons and seed coats of mung beans. Following thermal treatment from 0 to 50 min, the color of mung bean products changed, primarily from a decrease in chlorophyll content in the seed coat (from 6.57 to 1.28 mg/100 g, with significant differences. p < 0.05), accompanied by the formation of tawny pheophytin. However, the b value of mung bean seed coat showed an increasing trend with significant differences (yellowness, 21.55 increasing to 34.85, p < 0.05). Interestingly, the total flavonoid content in the seed coat tended to increase with thermal time (2.93 to 18.74 µg/mg) with statistical differences (p < 0.05). The condensation reaction of flavonoids with other polyphenolic compounds formed dark-brown polymers, resulting in a significant decrease in brightness (L value) of the cooking solution with thermal processing time (p < 0.05). Thus, the chlorophyll extraction and purification of the mung bean seed coat confirmed the morphological change of chlorophyll combined with the Maillard reaction, resulting in the color change after thermal treatment. It showed that a significant reason for the discoloration of mung beans was pheophytin from chlorophyll in the processing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mung bean is vulnerable to bruchids (Callosobruchus spp.), resulting in low quality and losses worldwide. Developing resistant cultivars is the most effective, economical, and eco-friendly way to protect mung bean seeds from the damage of bruchids. Previously, we identified two gene loci that are tightly linked with bruchid resistance, which makes new cultivar development possible using molecular assisted selection (MAS). In the present study, marker-assisted backcross (MABC) breeding was employed to introgress the bruchid resistance gene VrPGIP2 locus from the donor parent V2802 into a popular cultivar, Kamphaeng Saen 1. Markers VrBR-SSR013 and DMB-SSR158 were used for foreground selection, and phenotypic selection was used for background selection. Three advanced inbred lines (R67-11, R67-22, and R92-15) carrying the resistance gene VrPGIP2 were developed from the BC3F6 population. Further analysis showed that the line R67-22 performed best; it was highly resistant to bruchids and showed excellent agronomic traits in the field. Therefore, R67-22 could be further evaluated in large-scale trials for release as a variety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information to aid the selection of suitable cultivated areas remains meager for mung bean, despite it being a socio-economically important legume crop in Thailand. Hence, a user-friendly soil assessment tool is required to help properly choose planting areas. We aimed to provide a decision support system for mung bean cultivation in central Thailand. Soil suitability classes were performed using relevant factors and data essential for mung bean cultivation in 22 provinces in central Thailand. A decision support system was developed as soil map and mobile phone application using data based on soil suitability classes. Information of mung bean growth and yield grown in experimental fields with different soil suitability classes was used for preliminary validation. The main areas were very suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S3) for mung bean plantation, accounting for 1,319,841 and 1,327,804 ha, respectively. The number of pods per plant and yield per plant of mung bean were higher in S1 areas (12.83–16.65 pods per plant and 8.35–12.43 g/plant, respectively) than in S3 areas. The mung bean yield was also greater in S1 areas (1613.8–2158.7 kg/ha) than in S3 areas (735.8–1138.6 kg/ha). The findings suggest the possibility of using developed decision support system.

To optimize a suitable fertilization method needed for high nitrogen utilization and growth of mung bean in the black soil of Northeast China, a field experiment was carried out with 10 treatments based on isotope-tracing technology. The nitrogen fertilizer utilization, residual, loss and dry-matter transportation, leaf area, photosynthetic potential, and wet-basis moisture content of mung bean were discussed. The results showed that the total utilization rate of nitrogen fertilizer under different treatments was 34.75~47.71%, while in the 0~15 cm soil layer, the total residual rate was 11.36~33.69%, and the loss rate was 21.03~53.89%. The T1 treatment had the lowest total nitrogen fertilizer utilization rate and the greatest loss rate. The leaf area and photosynthetic potential at the seedling stage in the T9 treatment, the branching stage in the T2 treatment, and the flowering stage in the T4 and T9 treatments were 5.11~31.82% higher than those in the CK treatment, and the values at the drumming and maturing stages were significantly lower than those in the CK treatment (p < 0.05). The total wet-basis water content of the root, stem, leaf, and pod in the whole stages compared with the CK treatment increased by 3.35~7.41% in T4, T5, T7, and T8. In the T6 and T9 treatments, the output rate of stem-sheath storage matter and the transformation rate were significantly higher than those in the T1 treatment (p < 0.05). The dry-matter accumulation in the T1 and T9 treatments was significantly different from that in the CK treatment, which increased by 27.72% and 5.10%, respectively. Thus, organic fertilizer coupled with nitrogen fertilizer can improve the nitrogen fertilizer utilization rate and the growth of mung beans.

Chlorophyll is the primary source of color in widespread green plants. It has been investigated in mung bean seed coats and cotyledons. This study aimed to examine chromatic changes in mung beans during heat processing. It observed pigment variation within the cotyledons and seed coats of mung beans. Following thermal treatment from 0 to 50 min, the color of mung bean products changed, primarily from a decrease in chlorophyll content in the seed coat (from 6.57 to 1.28 mg/100 g, with significant differences. p < 0.05), accompanied by the formation of tawny pheophytin. However, the b value of mung bean seed coat showed an increasing trend with significant differences (yellowness, 21.55 increasing to 34.85, p < 0.05). Interestingly, the total flavonoid content in the seed coat tended to increase with thermal time (2.93 to 18.74 µg/mg) with statistical differences (p < 0.05). The condensation reaction of flavonoids with other polyphenolic compounds formed dark-brown polymers, resulting in a significant decrease in brightness (L value) of the cooking solution with thermal processing time (p < 0.05). Thus, the chlorophyll extraction and purification of the mung bean seed coat confirmed the morphological change of chlorophyll combined with the Maillard reaction, resulting in the color change after thermal treatment. It showed that a significant reason for the discoloration of mung beans was pheophytin from chlorophyll in the processing process.

Mung bean is vulnerable to bruchids (Callosobruchus spp.), resulting in low quality and losses worldwide. Developing resistant cultivars is the most effective, economical, and eco-friendly way to protect mung bean seeds from the damage of bruchids. Previously, we identified two gene loci that are tightly linked with bruchid resistance, which makes new cultivar development possible using molecular assisted selection (MAS). In the present study, marker-assisted backcross (MABC) breeding was employed to introgress the bruchid resistance gene VrPGIP2 locus from the donor parent V2802 into a popular cultivar, Kamphaeng Saen 1. Markers VrBR-SSR013 and DMB-SSR158 were used for foreground selection, and phenotypic selection was used for background selection. Three advanced inbred lines (R67-11, R67-22, and R92-15) carrying the resistance gene VrPGIP2 were developed from the BC3F6 population. Further analysis showed that the line R67-22 performed best; it was highly resistant to bruchids and showed excellent agronomic traits in the field. Therefore, R67-22 could be further evaluated in large-scale trials for release as a variety.

High yields, high stress resistance, and wide adaptability are important cultivar traits, especially for crops sensitive to the photoperiod and temperature. Mung bean (Vigna radiata) is a typical short-day plant, traditionally cultivated in Asian countries, and consumed all over the world. However, there has long been relatively little research regarding its genetic improvement until in recent decades. Zhonglv 5 is a mung bean cultivar that was developed via crossbreeding in China in the early part of this century. It has since played an important role in improving mung bean production in the country because of its high yields, high stress tolerance, and wide adaptability. We herein describe the development of Zhonglv 5, summarize its yield performance and adaptability in diverse eco-regions within China, and predict its potential future uses to provide information relevant for mung bean breeding, production, trade, and related industries.

Water deficit stress is a critical abiotic constraint to mung bean production that affects plant growth and development and finally reduces crop yield. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at five diverse environments using four water stress-tolerant genotypes, namely BARI Mung-8, BMX-08010-2, BMX-010015, and BMX-08009-7, along with two popular cultivated varieties (check) of BARI Mung-6 and BARI Mung-7 to evaluate more stable tolerant genotypes across the country. Stability analysis was performed based on the grain yield. The combined analysis of variance showed significant variations among genotypes, environments, and their interactions. The AMMI analysis of variance indicated that genotype accounted for 91% of the total sum of squares for grain yield, followed by genotype × environment interaction (5%), and environment (4%). Partitioning of interaction indicated that the first three interaction principal components (IPCA1–IPCA3) were highly significant (p ≤ 0.01). Using these significant IPCAs, AMMI stability parameters and non-parameter indices BMX-010015 was found stable across the environment based on yield traits and grain yield. The BMX-08010-2 genotype also showed significant regression coefficient (bi) more than unity, and non-significant deviation from regression (S2di) values, indicating suitable for a favorable environment considering grain yield. So, based on the stability analysis (Eberhart and Russell), additive main effects, and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) analysis, the BMX-010015 and BMX-08010-2 could be suitable for having tolerance to water deficit stress.

Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) in Australia has been transformed from a niche opportunistic crop into a major summer cropping option for dryland growers in the summer-dominant rainfall regions of Queensland and New South Wales. This transformation followed stepwise genetic improvements in both grain yields and disease resistance. For example, more recent cultivars such as 'Crystal', 'Satin II', and 'Jade-AU' have provided up to a 20% yield advantage over initial introductions. Improved agronomic management to enable mechanised management and cultivation in narrow (<50 cm) rows has further promised to increase yields. Nevertheless, average yields achieved by growers for their mungbean crops remain less than 1 t/ha, and are much more variable than other broad acre crops. Further increases in yield and crop resilience in mungbean are vital. In this review, opportunities to improve mungbean productivity have been analysed at four key levels including phenology, leaf area development, dry matter accumulation, and its partitioning into grain yield. Improving the prediction of phenology in mungbean may provide further scope for genetic improvements that better match crop duration to the characteristics of target environments. There is also scope to improve grain yields by increasing dry matter production through the development of more efficient leaf canopies. This may introduce additional production risks as dry matter production depends on the amount of available water, which varies considerably within and across growing regions in Australia. Improving crop yields by exploiting G x E x M interactions related to cultivar photo-thermal sensitivities and make better use of available water in these variable environments is likely to be a less risky strategy. Improved characterisation of growing environments using modelling approaches could also better define and identify the risks of major abiotic constraints. This would assist in optimising breeding and management strategies to increase grain yield and crop resilience in mungbean for the benefit of growers and the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High yields, high stress resistance, and wide adaptability are important cultivar traits, especially for crops sensitive to the photoperiod and temperature. Mung bean (Vigna radiata) is a typical short-day plant, traditionally cultivated in Asian countries, and consumed all over the world. However, there has long been relatively little research regarding its genetic improvement until in recent decades. Zhonglv 5 is a mung bean cultivar that was developed via crossbreeding in China in the early part of this century. It has since played an important role in improving mung bean production in the country because of its high yields, high stress tolerance, and wide adaptability. We herein describe the development of Zhonglv 5, summarize its yield performance and adaptability in diverse eco-regions within China, and predict its potential future uses to provide information relevant for mung bean breeding, production, trade, and related industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flowering time is an important target for breeders in developing new varieties adapted to changing conditions. A new approach is proposed that uses Approximate Bayesian Computation with Differential Evolution to construct a pool of models for flowering time. The functions for daily progression of the plant from planting to flowering are obtained in analytic form and depend on daily values of climatic factors and genetic information. The resulting pool of models demonstrated high accuracy on the dataset. Day length, solar radiation and temperature had a large impact on the model accuracy, while the impact of precipitation was comparatively small and the impact of maximal temperature has the maximal variation. The model pool was used to investigate the behavior of accessions from the dataset in case of temperature increase by 0.05 – 6.00 ° . The time to flowering changed differently for different accessions. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the SNP value and the change in time to flowering revealed weak but significant association of SNP7 with behavior of the accessions in warming climate conditions. The same SNP was found to have a considerable influence on model prediction with a permutation test. Our approach can help breeding programs harness genotypic and phenotypic diversity to more effectively produce varieties with a desired flowering time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water deficit stress is a critical abiotic constraint to mung bean production that affects plant growth and development and finally reduces crop yield. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at five diverse environments using four water stress-tolerant genotypes, namely BARI Mung-8, BMX-08010-2, BMX-010015, and BMX-08009-7, along with two popular cultivated varieties (check) of BARI Mung-6 and BARI Mung-7 to evaluate more stable tolerant genotypes across the country. Stability analysis was performed based on the grain yield. The combined analysis of variance showed significant variations among genotypes, environments, and their interactions. The AMMI analysis of variance indicated that genotype accounted for 91% of the total sum of squares for grain yield, followed by genotype × environment interaction (5%), and environment (4%). Partitioning of interaction indicated that the first three interaction principal components (IPCA1–IPCA3) were highly significant (p ≤ 0.01). Using these significant IPCAs, AMMI stability parameters and non-parameter indices BMX-010015 was found stable across the environment based on yield traits and grain yield. The BMX-08010-2 genotype also showed significant regression coefficient (bi) more than unity, and non-significant deviation from regression (S2di) values, indicating suitable for a favorable environment considering grain yield. So, based on the stability analysis (Eberhart and Russell), additive main effects, and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) analysis, the BMX-010015 and BMX-08010-2 could be suitable for having tolerance to water deficit stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Timor-Leste, most paddy fields are abandoned after rice harvest due to limited water resources for another rice production cycle, particularly in lowland coastal areas. There is substantial scope for including legumes and other crops in the rice–fallow system in Timor-Leste. This study investigated the adaptation of grain legumes to terminal drought. The experiment was undertaken in 2018 and 2019 at field sites in Vemase and Laleia, respectively, on the northeast coast of Timor-Leste. The experiments used a split-plot design with two factors (water treatment and species) and three blocks (Vemase site) or four blocks (Laleia site). In 2018, the water treatments were well-watered control (W0), water withheld from flower initiation to maturity (W1), and water withheld after seedling establishment to maturity (W2). In 2019, the water treatments were well-watered control (W0) and water withheld from flower initiation to maturity (W1). Grain legumes were mungbean and soybean tested against grass pea (cv. Ceora), a well-known drought-adapted grain legume. The measured parameters included soil water content, crop phenology, plant growth and development, yield and yield components. The experiments revealed that mungbean is the most suitable grain legume crop after rice harvest under moderate drought conditions, while soybean is the preferred option under severe drought. Grass pea could be the best adaptive grain legume under severe drought in Timor-Leste when combined with the worsening conditions of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To ensure food security on sustainable basis, reducing weeds interference and boosting land use efficiency are critical. A field study was conducted at research farm of University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan, to sort out the most productive maize-gram intercropping system under semi-arid environment. Treatments included sole maize in single row (60 cm apart) (T1) and double rows (90 cm apart) (T2) strips, sole black (T3) and green gram (T4) crops, six single rows (60 cm apart) of maize with twelve double rows (20 cm) of black (T5) and green gram (T6), three double rows (90 cm apart) of maize with three sets of quadratic rows (20 cm apart) of black (T7) and green gram (T8). The experiment was executed in regular arrangement of randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that T1 produced the highest grain yield (6.97 t ha−1) of maize and significantly lower weeds infestation compared to wider row spacing (T2). Among intercropping systems, T8 significantly decreased weeds density (16.33 plants m−2) and their fresh (20.93 g m−2) and dry weights (5.63 g m−2), while the maximum land use efficiency as indicated by unmatched land equivalent ratio and intercropping advantage were recorded by T7 and T8. Interestingly, green gram in intercropping recorded over 58% higher productivity than black gram. We conclude that maize-green gram intercropping hold potential to impart sustainability to maize production by reducing weeds infestation (431% lower than sole maize) and could be a viable option for smallholder farmers in semi-arid environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to identify an efficient agrophotovoltaic (APV) system structure for generating electricity from solar radiation without causing an adverse impact on crop growth. In a temperate climate region, it is critical to design an APV system with appropriate structure with the maximum amount of electricity generation because, unlike in desert areas, strong solar radiation is only available for a few hours a day. In this study, APV systems with three different shading ratios (i.e., 32%, 25.6%, and 21.3%) were considered, and the optimum structure in terms of electricity efficiency and profitability was investigated via nonlinear programming. Moreover, an estimation model of electricity generation was developed via a polynomial regression model based on remote sensing data given by the APV system located at Jeollanamdo Agricultural Research and Extension Services in South Korea. To evaluate the impact of the APV on crop production, five different grain crops—sesame (Sesamum indicum), mung bean (Vigna radiata), red bean (Vigna angularis), corn (Zea mays), and soybean (Glycine max)—were cultivated in the system. As a result, the proposed optimization model successfully identified the best APV system structure without reducing existing crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress is considered a severe threat to crop production. It adversely affects the morpho-physiological, biochemical and molecular functions of the plants, especially in short duration crops like mungbean. In the past few decades, significant progress has been made towards enhancing climate resilience in legumes through classical and next-generation breeding coupled with omics approaches. Various defence mechanisms have been reported as key players in crop adaptation to drought stress. Many researchers have identified potential donors, QTLs/genes and candidate genes associated to drought tolerance-related traits. However, cloning and exploitation of these loci/gene(s) in breeding programmes are still limited. To bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical breeding, we need to reveal the omics-assisted genetic variations associated with drought tolerance in mungbean to tackle this stress. Furthermore, the use of wild relatives in breeding programmes for drought tolerance is also limited and needs to be focused. Even after six years of decoding the whole genome sequence of mungbean, the genome-wide characterization and expression of various gene families and transcriptional factors are still lacking. Due to the complex nature of drought tolerance, it also requires integrating high throughput multi-omics approaches to increase breeding efficiency and genomic selection for rapid genetic gains to develop drought-tolerant mungbean cultivars. This review highlights the impact of drought stress on mungbean and mitigation strategies for breeding high-yielding drought-tolerant mungbean varieties through classical and modern omics technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) is an early maturing legume grown predominantly in Asia for its protein-rich seeds. P deficiency can lead to several physiological disorders which ultimately result in a low grain yield in mungbean. The genetic dissection of PUpE (P Uptake efficiency) and PUtE (P utilization efficiency) traits are essential for breeding mungbean varieties with a high P uptake and utilization efficiency. The study involves an association mapping panel consisting of 120 mungbean genotypes which were phenotyped for total dry weight, P concentration, total P uptake, and P utilization efficiency under low P (LP) and normal P (NP) conditions in a hydroponic system. A genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) based genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach was employed to dissect the complexity of PUpE and PUtE traits at the genetic level in mungbean. This has identified 116 SNPs in 61 protein-coding genes and of these, 16 have been found to enhance phosphorous uptake and utilization efficiency in mungbeans. We identified six genes with a high expression (VRADI01G04370, VRADI05G20860, VRADI06G12490, VRADI08G20910, VRADI08G00070 and VRADI09G09030) in root, shoot apical meristem and leaf, indicating their role in the regulation of P uptake and utilization efficiency in mungbean. The SNPs present in three genes have also been validated using a Sanger sequencing approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural mechanization has spread across much of Asia since the 1960s. It has increased agricultural productivity and reduced arduous farm work. However, differing impacts for smallholders and hired laborers, and for men and women, require careful consideration. This study analyzed, ex-ante, the likely social and economic tradeoffs of mechanizing the mungbean harvest in Bangladesh and Myanmar. We used a mixed methods approach combining survey data from 852 farm households with in-depth interviews in four villages. Partial budget analysis shows that mechanical harvesting of mungbean is not yet profitable for most farms. There is nevertheless an incentive to mechanize as the associated timeliness of the harvest reduces the risk of harvest losses from weather shocks. Men and women farmers expect time savings and reduced drudgery. The results confirm that hired workers depend on manual harvesting for income and status in both countries. Most hired workers are landless married women with limited access to other sources of income. In the short term, farmers are likely to combine manual harvests and a final mechanized harvest of the indeterminate crop. This could mediate the impact on hired workers. However, in the long term, it will be necessary to facilitate income-generating opportunities for women in landless rural families to maintain their well-being and income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) inhibits plant growth, perturbs nutrient uptake, and affects chloroplast ultrastructure. The role of Cd stress in affecting growth and physiology and ameliorative effects of gibberellins (GAs) in Cd-induced toxicity in mung bean are lesser-known. This study comprehensively investigated Cd stress (CdCl2, IC50—500 µM L−1) with or without GA3 on mung bean (Vigna radiata L. Var. SML-668). In our methodology, a total of 80 mung bean plants (15 days old of uniform height) were divided into four groups, and each group (n = 20) was subjected to four different treatments (Control, CdCl2, GA3, CdCl2+GA3) twice during the entire life cycle of mung bean plants (until harvest 85–90 days). Results revealed negative impacts of Cd stress on shoot morphometry (plant height, leaf surface area, stem diameter, shoot fresh weight, number of leaves, number of pods, length, and diameter of pods), root morphometry (root length, root surface area, root dry weight, nodule number and nodule diameter), photosynthetic pigments, and agronomic traits. GA3 application ameliorated Cd stress by modulating shoot and root growth, improving overall plant metabolism, photosynthetic pigments, and shoot and root morphometry and transcript abundance of VrPCS1, VrIRT1, VrIRT2 and VrCD29. Thus, we propose GA3 application for the effective management of Cd-induced phytotoxicity in mung bean plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the physiological basis of tolerance to combined stresses to low phosphorus (P) and drought in mungbean (Vignaradiata (L.) R. Wilczek), a diverse set of 100 accessions were evaluated in hydroponics at sufficient (250 μM) and low (3 μM) P and exposed to drought (dehydration) stress. The principal component analysis and ranking of accessions based on relative values revealed that IC280489, EC397142, IC76415, IC333090, IC507340, and IC121316 performed superior while IC119005, IC73401, IC488526, and IC325853 performed poorly in all treatments. Selected accessions were evaluated in soil under control (sufficient P, irrigated), low P (without P, irrigated), drought (sufficient P, withholding irrigation), and combined stress (low P, withholding irrigation). Under combined stress, a significant reduction in gas exchange traits (photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, instantaneous water use efficiency) and P uptake in seed and shoot was observed under combined stress as compared to individual stresses. Among accessions, IC488526 was most sensitive while IC333090 and IC507340 exhibited tolerance to individual or combined stress. The water balance and low P adaptation traits like membrane stability index, relative water content, specific leaf weight, organic acid exudation, biomass, grain yield, and P uptake can be used as physiological markers to evaluate for agronomic performance. Accessions with considerable tolerance to low P and drought stress can be either used as 'donors' in Vigna breeding program or cultivated in areas with limited P and water availability or both. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Besides carbon (C) sequestration, biochar (BC) is recently believed to deliver multiple eco-friendly benefits to the soil for enhancing crop productivity. Use of mineral fertilizers coupled with BC been suggested a promising sustainable strategy for increasing crops yield. However, imperative study is needed to investigate (1) BC integration with multiple legumes crop adjusted in summer gape for pooling more organic carbon and nitrogen, and (2) subsequently looking into its synergism with mineral N in the following crop. Therefore, two years' field experiments were conducted on maize under cereal based cropping pattern with the adjustment of legumes (i.e., mungbean, cowpea, and Sesbania) with a fallow in summer. In legumes, treatments consist of (0 and 50 t ha−1) BC application. However, N rates of 0, 90, 120, 150 kg ha−1 were added to the subsequent maize crop. Preceding legumes plots with the use of 50 t ha−1 biochar enhanced maize grain yield, above ground biomass, stover N, grain N, soil C, and N content after maize harvest and N use efficiency as compared to non-legumes with BC and legumes without BC plots. N application increased grain yield, above-ground biomass, stover N, grain N, and soil N but reduced N use efficiency with higher rates. Conclusively, the integration of biochar and legumes is a promising option for increasing the entire farm production of cereal-based cropping systems. This increment in yield was associated with supplying a viable input of N and C to soil and increased yields from this supplementary 'summer gap' crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yellow mosaic disease (YMD) affects several types of leguminous crops, including the Vigna species, which comprises a number of commercially important pulse crops. YMD is characterized by the formation of a bright yellow mosaic pattern on the leaves; in severe forms, this pattern can also be seen on stems and pods. This disease leads to tremendous yield losses, even up to 100%, in addition to deterioration in seed quality. Symptoms of this disease are similar among affected plants; YMD is not limited to mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) and also affects other collateral and alternate hosts. In the last decade, rapid advancements in molecular detection techniques have been made, leading to an improved understanding of YMD-causing viruses. Three distinct bipartite begomoviruses, namely, Mungbean Yellow Mosaic India Virus (MYMIV), Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV), and Horsegram Yellow Mosaic Virus (HgYMV), are known to cause YMD in Vigna spp. Vigna crops serve as an excellent protein source for vegetarians worldwide; moreover, they aid in improving soil health by fixing atmospheric nitrogen through a symbiotic association with Rhizobium bacteria. The loss in the yield of these short-duration crops due to YMD, thus, needs to be checked. This review highlights the discoveries that have been made regarding various aspects of YMD affecting mungbean, including the determination of YMD-causing viruses and strategies used to develop high-yielding YMD-resistant mungbean varieties that harness the potential of related Vigna species through the use of different omics approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of biofertilizers is important for sustainable agriculture, and the use of nodule bacteria and endophytic actinomycetes is an attractive way to enhance plant growth and yield. This study tested the effects of a biofertilizer produced from Bradyrhizobium strains and Streptomyces griseoflavus on leguminous, cereal, and vegetable crops. Nitrogen fixation was measured using the acetylene reduction assay. Under N-limited or N-supplemented conditions, the biofertilizer significantly promoted the shoot and root growth of mung bean, cowpea, and soybean compared with the control. Therefore, the biofertilizer used in this study was effective in mung bean, cowpea, and soybean regardless of N application. In this study, significant increments in plant growth, nodulation, nitrogen fixation, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) uptake, and seed yield were found in mung beans and soybeans. Therefore, Bradyrhizobium japonicum SAY3-7 plus Bradyrhizobium elkanii BLY3-8 and Streptomyces griseoflavus are effective bacteria that can be used together as biofertilizer for the production of economically important leguminous crops, especially soybean and mung bean. The biofertilizer produced from Bradyrhizobium and S. griseoflavus P4 will be useful for both soybean and mung bean production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]