Insight into floral biology and ancillary characteristics of underutilized legume-Bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.]

Abstract

The present study floral biology and ancillary characteristics of Bambara groundnut used SB-42, Uniswa Red, S-165-A, S-193 and nine isolated gamma irradiated stabilized mutants of SB-42 for this investigation. Mutant 11 produced significantly maximum number of pods per plant (46.05 g/ plant) and seed yield per plant (28.96 g/plant), compared to control SB-42 (40.85 g/plant, 20.54 g/plant) respectively. Results obtained from flower biology studies were, Inflorescence- Simple Racemes, Flower- Bracteates, Zygomorphic, Hermaphrodite, Pedicellate, hypogynous, Calyx- sepal 5, gamosepalous, valvate aestivation, Corolla- petals 5, Polypetalous, Papilionaceous with a standard (vexilum/banner) petal, 2 wing petals(Alae) and 2 keel petals (Carinea), Androecium- stamens 10, Didelphous condition (9+1), Gynoecium- Ovary superior, Floral formula- Br Brl % K(5) C1+ 2 + (2) A 9+1 G (1).