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practice because of the poor performance of the available
traditional mungbean varieties that are mostly late maturing,
low yielding, and susceptible to pests and diseases.
Recognizing
the need to overcome these constraints, researchers of the
Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and Don Mariano Marcos
Memorial State University (DMMMSU) led by Fernando Sugui and
Velma Mangaser evaluated high-yielding and pest-resistant
mungbean lines during the 2003-2006 dry seasons for adaptability
in Region I.
Results
of the trials monitored by PCARRD showed that lines EGM 93
289, EGM 93 293, and EGM 6173-B-15 yield from 1,225 kg/ha
to 1,253 kga. These yields are 12-18% higher than those of
the check varieties NSIC Mg 8 and NSIC Mg 11, which yield
from 1,062 kg/ha to 1,098 kg/ha.
The
big-seeded EGM lines mature within 62-63 days after planting
(DAP) with plant height of 55.59-60.64 cm. They produce 12
pods per plant, measuring 9.74-9.91 cm long. Each pod contains
12 green to glossy green seeds of good quality.
The
lines are highly resistant to shattering and lodging. They
are also resistant to beanfly, pod borer, and powdery mildew;
and moderately resistant to rust and Cercospora leaf spot.
It
is best to plant these improved lines in February if irrigation
is available. Otherwise, they should be planted not later
than December 15 to avoid the outbreak of powdery mildew.
According
to Sugui and Mangaser, at a production cost of P15, 000/ha
and a yield of 1,000 kg of seeds/ha valued at P40/kg, net
income is as much as P25,000/ha or a net return of P1.66 for
every peso invested.
After
undergoing stringent evaluation in the National Cooperative
Testing for Field Legumes, EGM 93 293 bested all other lines
in terms of performance across locations and seasons.
The
EGM lines are products of the breeding program of the Department
of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry-Los Baños
National Crop Research and Development Center (BPI-LBNCRDC).
Researchers Flora A. Jarilla, Project Leader/Senior Agriculturist;
Eugenia M. Buctuanon, Agriculturist I; and Ma. Anna M. Madela,
Research Assistant are responsible for developing the variety.
According
to Jarilla, chair of the Field Legumes Technical Working Group
(TWG) of the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC), EGM 93
293 will be recommended to the NSIC for commercial release.
Seeds of EGM 93 293 could be obtained from BPI-LBCNRDC (Josefina
A. Atienza, S&T Media Service)
*Photos
courtesy of Ms. Flora A. Jarilla (BPI-LBNCRDC).
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