Development of Selection Indices for Improvement of Seed Yield and Lipid Composition in Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.)

Abstract

The underutilised grain legume bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) has the potential to contribute significantly to nutritional security. However, the lack of commercial cultivars has hindered its wider adoption and utilisation as a food source. The development of competitive cultivars is impeded by (1) lack of systematic data describing variation in nutritional composition within the gene pool, and (2) a poor understanding of how concentrations of different nutritional components interact. In this study, we analysed seed lipid and protein concentration and lipid composition within a collection of 100 lines representing the global gene pool. Seed protein and lipid varied over twofold with a normal distribution, but no significant statistical correlation was detected between the two components. Seed lipid concentration (4.2–8.8 g/100 g) is primarily determined by the proportion of oleic acid (r2 = 0.45). Yield and composition data for a subset of 40 lines were then used to test selection parameters for high yielding, high lipid breeding lines. From five selection indices tested using 15 scenarios, an index based on the seed number, seed weight, and oleic acid yielded a > 50% expected increase in each of the mean values of seed number, pod dry weight, seed dry weight, and seed size, as well as an expected 7% increase in seed lipid concentration.

Exploring phenotypic variation of diverse bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L) origin and development of mini‐core collection for future breeding

“…The breeding techniques of bambara groundnut have not been well defined and there are no high‐yielding varieties available for production by subsistence farmers, including women. This inability to develop high‐yielding varieties that would adapt to different growing environment have been the major challenge for the adoption of bambara groundnut (Halimi et al, 2022; Mabhaudhi et al, 2016). In addition, it has been traded informally which may largely explain the low hectarage of the crop (Chibudu, 1995; Makanda et al, 2009).…”

Characterization of Seed Storage Proteins in Eight Bambara Groundnut Landraces in Burkina Faso

“…The protein content of seeds may vary from one variety to another, and values between 14% and 24% have been reported [2] [3]. The seeds also contain appreciable amounts of carbohydrates (up to 64%), low quantities of lipids (4.2% -8.8%), 5.5% fiber, and minerals [4] [5].…”