Planting Density and Seasonal Variability Effects on Yield of Mung Bean ( Vigna radiata ) as a Novel Crop in Tennessee

Abstract

Mung bean ( Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) is a short-season, Asian pulse grain legume potentially suited to USA agricultural crop rotations that could be of interest to Southeastern farmers. This legume boasts high seed nutritional value and drought tolerance. The climate of the East Asian region of origin of mung bean closely parallels the Southeast region of the United States, making it a candidate for testing as a novel crop. The objective of this study was to evaluate the overall performance and adaptability of available varieties of mung bean to the environmental conditions of West Tennessee. For this, we conducted a three-year study with varieties Berken and OK2000 planted in typical delta soils from 2022 to 2024. Different planting densities and dates were used as variables in the planting of the bean varieties. Planting was at three seeding rates: 150,000, 200,000, and 250,000 seeds per 0.4 ha (1 acre), with 19 cm row width (7.5 inches) in randomized complete block design with 6 repetitions. Trait measurements included plot weight, seed moisture content, and total yield. Results varied between the three years: yield was low in the August 2022 planting but higher in the July 2023 and June 2024 plantings, with mean yields averaging over 1,600 kg ha -1 across varieties and densities for those two years. Herbicides were very effective for weed control in the latter two seasons. These findings provide a basis for understanding the potential of mung beans in the agronomic settings and environmental conditions of the Mid South region of the United States.