Assessment of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdcourt) Seed Systems and Farmers’ Seed-Saving Practices on Seed Quality

Abstract

Bambara groundnut is an underutilized legume with significant potential for enhancing nutrition and food security. However, limited knowledge of its seed systems hinders the development of targeted interventions. This study assessed the Bambara groundnut seed systems and seed quality in Ghana. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to examine seed production, conditioning, and saving practices, while 150 farmer-saved seed samples were evaluated for quality. The findings revealed that the seed system is predominantly informal, with 99% of farmers relying on their own saved seeds, which showed poor germination and emergence. About 54.4% sourced seeds from local markets, and 60.7% recycled seeds for five years or more. Seeds were stored unshelled in polypropylene bags in Tolon and shelled in the Kintampo South and Talensi Districts. Seed selection was primarily based on size (in Tolon) and visible absence of disease symptoms (in Kintampo South and Talensi). An incidence (7.6%) of seed-borne pathogens was recorded, with Aspergillus flavus (38.8%) and A. niger (16.6%) being most prevalent. Other pathogens included Macrophomina phaseolina (11.5%), Rhizopus spp. (6.5%), Curvularia lunata (5.3%), and A. fumigatus (1.9%). This study highlights the need to support community-based seed systems to improve farmers’ access to quality Bambara groundnut seed.