Morphophysiological and Molecular Diversity in Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.)

Abstract

Mung bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is one of the upsurging, highly economical, nutritive Asiatic leguminous crops. The crop is getting higher attention in terms of the consumption and production worldwide being an important source of amino acids, proteins, dietary fibre and unsaturated fatty acids. It possesses folate and iron in significant amount along with several phytochemicals. The short life cycle and nitrogen-fixing ability make it more suitable for sowing along with other crops. In spite of several advantages, it has got less attention in terms of development of morphophysiological and molecularly diverse varieties. Mung bean has a small genome, and fortunately it has been sequenced; therefore, it may be utilized as an exemplary plant to understand other legumes. Development of wild mung bean pool from diverse origins and environmental conditions would help to conserve the genetic wealth of the crop. Higher yields, shorter maturity period, higher harvest index, photoperiod insensitivity, resistance to major insect pests/diseases, compact canopy and synchronous maturity are some of the important objectives for crop improvement in mung bean. This chapter reviews the morphophysiological and molecular diversity of mung bean and also gives an insight about mutagenesis, plant protection and abiotic stresses associated with the crop.