Vigna radiata

Mung bean (Vigna radiata) is a warm-season legume crop that is widely cultivated in many parts of Asia, as well as in Africa, Australia, and the Americas. It is a highly adaptable crop that can grow in a range of soil types, but performs best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter.

Mung bean is a highly valued crop due to its nutritional value, as its seeds are a rich source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it an important food crop for human consumption. Mung bean is also used for animal feed, soil improvement, and in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments.

The crop is generally sown in the spring and harvested after 2-3 months, depending on the location and climate. Mung bean has several advantages over other crops, including its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, making it a sustainable option for soil improvement and reducing the need for nitrogen fertilizers.

However, mung bean cultivation faces several challenges, including low yields, pests and diseases, and environmental stresses such as drought and heat. Therefore, efforts are underway to improve the crop through breeding and selection of improved varieties and better crop management practices, to enhance its productivity, nutritional value, and resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses.

A comprehensive strategy for the global conservation of Vigna has been developed through a survey of all genebanks around the world, taking into account mung bean.