Studies on key seed physico-chemical factors and climatic variables regulating hardseededness in green gram (Vigna radiata L.) genotypes

Debashis Paul; Shyamal Chakrabarty; Lata Nain; Aniruddha Maity Maity

Just Accepted

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Studies on key seed physico-chemical factors and climatic variables regulating hardseededness in green gram (Vigna radiata L.) genotypes

Debashis Paul , Shyamal Chakrabarty, Lata Nain, Aniruddha Maity Maity

Abstract

Context: Green gram is an important source of plant-based dietary protein. ‘Physical dormancy’ or ‘Hardseededness’ is prevalent in many released varieties of green gram in India. Green gram seeds exhibit a variable proportion of hard seeds which do not imbibe water. Presence of hard seeds results in uneven germination, lower field emergence and ultimately leading to poor yield. Hardseededness is primarily attributed to thick impermeable seed coat, lignin content and structural carbohydrates, which is controlled genetically as well as by prevailing environmental interactions. Aim: To identify the major biochemical and growing conditions regulating the hardseededness in green gram. Methods: Eighteen hard seeded (HS) and non-hard seeded (NHS) genotypes were evaluated for variation in hardseededness and physico-chemical parameters during two consecutive monsoon and summer season. Key Results: Hardseededness varied significantly between HS and NHS genotypes as well as between the growing seasons. Physico-chemical parameters like lignin content, cellulose, hemicelluloses, total phenol and calcium content varied significantly among HS and NHS genotypes and also between monsoon and summer produced seeds. Conclusions: Green gram genotypes produced in summer seasons exhibited lower proportion of hard seeds compared to Monsoon. This may be due to higher atmospheric temperature at the time of seed maturity as well as relatively lower lignin, calcium, phenol and structural carbohydrate content in varieties. Implications: The present study indicated summer season may be preferred over monsoon for production of quality seeds of identified hard seeded green gram varieties.

CP24259 Accepted 09 December 2024