Agro-physiological Evaluation of Selected Mung Bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] Accessions under Rainfed Conditions in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Burkina Faso

Abstract

In Burkina Faso, mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) remains underexploited despite its high potential, though recent efforts aim to integrate it into local farming and diets. Adoption fundamentally relies on high-yielding, well-adapted seeds. This study evaluated the adaptability of fifteen accessions to the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso. A field experiment was conducted at the Institute of Rural Development (IDR) experimental station in Gampèla, in Saaba municipality during the rainy season 2022/2023. The study used a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The fifteen accessions were evaluated for growth parameters, phenological traits, yield, and yield components. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Results from ANOVA revealed highly significant differences (p < 0.001) across accessions for all measured traits, except emergence rate. Accession A8 demonstrated the shortest growth cycle, achieving 95% pod maturity within 56 days, whereas A2 recorded the highest yield at 579.73 kg/ha. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was performed based on the parameters contributing most to the first two axes of the principal component analysis (PCA). This approach allowed the differentiation of three homogeneous groups, primarily distinguished by hypocotyl color, time to reach 95% maturity, and yield. Accessions A2, A7, and A9 (cluster 3) emerged as the most promising, combining short cycle length with high yield. These results support the selection of high-performing mung bean genotypes for plant breeding programs tailored to the agroecological conditions of Burkina Faso, for the benefit of farmers.