Vol.9 : Number 14
Pod and seed morphotypes of bambara groundnut {Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc}

Author(s): Onwubiko, Nwakuche Chinenye


Pod and seed characters were used to appraise the morphological qualitative diversity that exist in 20 accessions of Bambara groundnut. The study was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The experimental design was complete randomised block design and it was replicated three times. Data collection on qualitative morphological characters was carried out using standard shape and colour charts as described by IPGRI/IITA/BAMNET (2000). Pod and seed characters of the accessions showed useful variation that can be used for collection and characterisation of landrace of Bambara groundnut. Some characters like pod colour and seed shape showed low distinguishing feature among the accessions but were found to have some important agronomic properties that can increase the production of Bambara groundnut. Other characters like eye pattern and ground colour of testa had a high level of variation among the accessions. They were also implicated to have breeding value that can enhance genetic improvement of Bambara groundnut. 


Country: Owerri, Nigeria