Effect of soil moisture status on seed quality of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verde.) cultivars in Ghana

Abstract

Studies were carried out in Ghana, to determine seed quality of Bambara groundnut, using two cultivars; Jabajaba (cream-seeded) and Chichele Balgu (red-seeded), under three soil moisture regimes of 30-40, 50-60 and >70%. Soil moisture significantly (LSD 5%) affected seed size, protein and tannin contents of Bambara groundnut. Tannin content was lower at >70% soil moisture than at 50-60% soil moisture but highest at 30-40% soil moisture. The 50-60% soil moisture favored good seed size and protein content than at 30-40 and >70% soil moisture regimes. The 30-40% soil moisture did not favor good quality seed development of Bambara groundnut cultivars. At each moisture regime, cream-seeded cultivar (Jabajaba) recorded lower seed sizes, higher protein and lower tannin contents than red-seeded cultivar (Chichele Balgu). Selecting cultivars with high protein and low tannin contents and growing them under optimum conditions that favor 50-60% soil moisture regime will improve seed quality of Bambara groundnut. © 2012 Knowledgia Review, Malaysia.