Vigna umbellata

Ricebean (Vigna umbellata) is a warm-season legume crop that is cultivated in many parts of Asia, especially in India and Southeast Asia. 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.

Ricebean is highly valued for its nutritional value, as its seeds are a rich source of protein, carbohydrates, and minerals, making it an important food crop for human consumption. The crop 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 3-4 months, depending on the location and climate. Ricebean has several advantages over other crops, including its ability to tolerate drought and poor soil conditions, making it a sustainable option for cultivation in marginal areas.

However, ricebean cultivation faces several challenges, including low yields, pests and diseases, and environmental stresses such as high temperatures and humidity. 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 ricebean.