Deciphering Biochemical Traits in Selected RILs of Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] against Bruchids (Callosobruchus maculatus F.)

Abstract

Background: Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is a vital pulse crop having a colossal nutritionary and gastronomic significance. The bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus is recognised as the most heinous storage pest of leguminous crops that causes drastic economic loss. Crop breeders may use the nutritional and antinutritional traits of seeds to successfully combat storage pests. Methods: The present investigation has been framed to compare the degree of seed damage and weight loss with the biochemical parameters, viz., starch, sugar, protein, phenol, tannin and alpha-amylase inhibitor, of mungbean seeds from parental and selected lines of F5 populations for bruchid resistance. Result: The resistant parent, V2802BG and seven F5 families (BSR-GG-1-49-2, BSR-GG-1-49-5, BSR-GG-1-56-5, BSR-GG-1-170-5, BSR-GG-1-198-2, BSR-GG-1-198-3, BSR-GG-1-160-1) were completely resistant to bruchid infestation with no seed damage. One of the probable reasons for the stunted development of Callosobruchus maculatus might be the high level of phenol. Seed weight loss and damage by bruchids were shown to be positively correlated with high levels of protein, starch and sugar; however, alpha-amylase inhibitors and tannins did not reach statistical significance at the 5% level.