Collection and Phenotypic Characterization of Some Nigerian Bambara Groundnut (Vigna Subterranea) Germplasm Using Seed Morphology

Abstract

Bambara groundnut is an indigenous African legume with great potential to tackle food insecurity in Nigeria. A germplasm collection mission was carried out in collaboration with the Agricultural Developments Project (ADP) Extension officers of Nigeria between October and December 2014. Bambara groundnut seeds were collected from farmers in Kaduna, Niger, Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Enugu and Federal Capital Territoy (FCT) Abuja. Some seeds were also collected from National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB). A total of 45 original seed lots were collected which comprised of mixed seeds (different seed coat colours) and pure seeded accessions (comprising of one seed coat colour). A total of 24 distinct seed morphotypes were identified from the collections. The highest number of accessions were collected from NACGRAB (11) followed by Niger State (10) and the lowest from Benue, Jigawa and Adamawa States (2). Niger State also had the highest number of mixed seeds. The different seed phenotypes observed in the study are important for field production of true to type lines and can be exploited for the genetic improvement of bambara groundnut.