Evaluation of mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) varieties and advanced genotypes for pre-harvest sprouting tolerance

Pre-harvest sprouting is a major concern which causes immense losses in mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]. During 38th and 39th SMW of 2018, there were four successive rainy days with 76.6 mm total rainfall, RH almost 100% and negligible sunshine providing an ideal condition to screen mungbean genotypes for pre-harvest sprouting resistance. Released varieties (44) and advanced genotypes (18) were screened on the basis of damaged pod, damaged seed and reduction in test weight. Observations were also recorded on maturity, growth habit, height, pod traits (pubescence, position, curvature), water intake by seeds and radicle emergence (after 24, 48, 72 and 96 hrs). Yield losses from 11 to 100 % were recorded. Based on these parameters, none of the genotypes was found completely resistant to pre-harvest sprouting, however, Basanti, Ganga-8, Pusa Vishal, PusaRatna, SML 668, Vamban-2, SML 832 and Pant Mung-2 among the released varieties and MH 1142, MH 1436, MH 1451 and MH 1457 among the advanced lines, exhibited varying degrees of tolerance towards pre-harvest sprouting where the losses were <20% (pod damage, test weight and seed yield), water intake was low (in 24 hrs). These genotypes can be utilized for development of pre-harvest sprouting tolerant mungbean varieties.