EVALUATION OF SEED OF 3 MUNGBEAN CULTIVARS FOR STORABILITY, QUALITY AND FIELD PERFORMANCE

Cultivar variation in yield of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) is a common problem; therefore, this study was initiated to determine whether thi s variation is due to differences in storability resulting in poor see d quality among cultivars. Seeds of three newly harvested mungbean cul tivars (Berken, Texsprout and Oklahoma 73 x 587) with minimum preharve st deterioration were exposed for 0-10 days to accelerated ageing (38 degrees C and 98% R.H.) and then were evaluated for viability and vigo ur using laboratory and field tests. Germination percentage showed con siderable differences in relation to duration of exposure to accelerat ed ageing conditions. All three cultivars responded similarly to the a geing treatments. Decreases in seedling root length and field stand es tablishment were observed with the increasing days of seed in ageing. Height of 20 day old plants, number of pods per plant and yield based on equal plant density were significantly higher from plants of high v igour seeds than those of low vigour seeds. The number of established seedlings in the field and seed yield were correlated with root length , but not with standard germination percentage.