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Bambara groundnut is vital for food security due to its high nutritional content and resilience to environmental stresses. The objectives of the study were to determine associations among agronomic traits and nutrients in Bambara groundnut and identify traits influencing grain production in Bambara groundnut. Field experiments were conducted at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Ukulinga Farm and Controlled Environment Facility (CEF) to assess agronomic performance and nutritional content. Nutritional content was evaluated using standard combustion procedures and electron microscopy. Correlation, regression, and path coefficient analyses revealed varying relationships among agronomic traits, nutrient content, and grain yield. The number of seeds (NS), healthy seeds (NHS), and plant height (PH) exhibited significant associations with grain yield. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), starch, magnesium (Mg), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), and phosphorus (P), were the key predictors of grain yield productivity. Path coefficient analysis showed that NS, PH and magnesium, oxygen, and carbon contents positively affected grain yield. In conclusion, grain yield was influenced by multiple traits through different pathways that are complicated by the growing environment. Selecting taller genotypes with good agronomic traits and high nutrient content is recommended to develop high yielding Bambara groundnut cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to parameterize and test the generic crop model AquaCrop for a local bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc] landrace. Such a model should be water driven and assist in the promotion of neglected and underutilized species as possible future crops under water-limited conditions. AquaCrop was parameterized for a South African bambara groundnut landrace using data from controlled field and rain shelter experiments conducted during two seasons (2010/2011 and 2011/2012) at Pretoria, South Africa. Observed weather, soil physical, and measured crop parameters from optimum experiments conducted during 2010/2011 were used to develop respective climate, soil, and crop files in AquaCrop and to parameterize the model. Model parameterization for bambara groundnut showed a very good fit for canopy cover (R² = 0.94, Willmott's d index of agreement = 0.99, RMSE = 3.37%) and biomass (R² = 0.96, d index = 0.99, RMSE = 1.29 Mg ha-1). The model also predicted final biomass (RMSE = 1.70 Mg ha-1) and yield (RMSE = 0.29 Mg ha-1) reasonably well. Model testing showed good fit for canopy cover under irrigated (R² = 0.86, d index = 0.96, RMSE = 9.72%) and rainfed field conditions (R² = 0.95, d index = 0.97, RMSE = 6.18%) compared with simulation of results from rain shelter experiments. The model simulated final biomass and yield of bambara groundnut very well under field conditions. The model's performance under rainfed conditions make it particularly suited for extrapolation to marginal areas of agricultural production in South Africa and the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study determined the best management practices for improved yield (Y) and water productivity (WP ET) of groundnut and bambara groundnut under different environments. Three sites representing different agro-ecological zones of KwaZulu Natal were used (Umbumbulu, Ukulinga and Wartburg). Thirty-year historic climate data from the different sites was categorised into normal and dry seasons based on probability of exceedance. Thereafter, eight strategies included were assessed against a reference scenario that represented current practices by smallholder farmers. The eight strategies included (i) early planting, (ii) recommended planting date, (iii) late planting, (iv) mulching, (v) deficit irrigation, (vi) optimum irrigation, (vii) soil bunds, and (viii) tied ridges. The Y and WP ET responses (%) to different management practices relative to the reference scenario were analysed. Frequency analyses of crop failure for every management practice were conducted. Early and late planting decreased Y and WP ET of groundnut by 35% at Ukulinga. At Umbumbulu and Wartburg, late planting increased WP ET by 60% during normal seasons. Early planting increased Y and WP ET of bambara groundnut by 30–60% at all sites during normal seasons. Both crops responded positively to mulching, especially bambara groundnut — Y and WP ET increased by up to 60% during dry seasons. Optimum irrigation increased Y by 50%, but decreased WP ET by ≈ 15% for both crops. Tied ridges improved Y and WP ET by up to 30% for both crops. Irrigation and soil water conservation practices mitigated crop failure during dry seasons. Groundnut was more prone to crop failure during dry periods compared to bambara groundnut. • Late planting improved productivity of groundnut during dry seasons. • Early planting improved productivity of bambara groundnut. • Irrigation and soil water conservation practices improved productivity and mitigated crop failure. • Bambara groundnut was hardier than groundnut during dry periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]