Seed development of mung bean: an approach of maturation in tropical conditions

There is a growing global demand for the production of protein-rich grains and animal protein substitute foods. Like other pulses, mung bean is a worldwide crop exploitation due to its high protein content. Hence, high quality seeds are a prerequisite for obtaining high productivity. With the aim to identify the most appropriate stage for harvesting seeds, the development of the mung bean crop was monitored from flowering to senescence of the plants, in Brazil Midwest during two distinct periods, as March to July, 2022 and September to December, 2023. Physical characteristics such as length, thickness, width, fresh and dry mass, water content, and germination dynamic throughout seed development were investigated. At 7 DAF the seed water content right was 68% (wet basis, w.b.). Gradually, the water content of the seeds reduced and reached hygroscopic equilibrium (35%, w.b.) with relative humidity of air between 28 and 35 DAF. The maximum size of mung bean seeds occurs at 21 DAF, concomitant with the maximum accumulation of seed dry mass. At 35 DAF, the collected seeds in 2022 increased germination ability and showed 77% root protrusion, while the seeds produced in 2023 had only 44% root protrusion. The acquisition of characteristics inherent to seedling establishment was slower and to a lesser extent during periods of intense temperatures (September to December, 2023) compared to milder temperature conditions (March to July, 2022).