Nutritional potential of Vigna minima (Roxb.) Ohwi and Ohashi: I. Seed protein content and amino acid composition

Abstract

The seed protein content and amino acid composition of 14 natural populations and their three-generation progenies (grown in different locations) belonging to Vigna minima (Roxb.) Ohwi & Ohashi and of V. umbellata cv IC 1568 have been investigated. The populations of V. minima were sampled from different ecozones of Western Ghats of Kerala and Tamil Nadu (India). The range of variation in protein levels is narrow, but the protein content of the coastal population is higher than the rice bean suggesting its breeding potential for high protein and salt tolerant lines of rice bean. Although the seed protein content shows genotype × environment interaction, there is a substantial genetic variability among the populations. The tenuous relationship between protein content and yield conponents suggest the presence of correlation breakers which can be utilized in breeding programmes of rice bean. There is a broad genetic base in the levels of essential amino acids, and the range of variation observed is higher than that recorded for different species of Vigna and Phaseolus. The wild relative is nutritionally as good as or superior to the cultigen.