Genotype-by-environment interaction on pod-shattering resistance and yield of mungbean

Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek var. radiata] is a potential crop for an inexpensive supplier of plant-based protein for promoting food security. One of the causes of low mungbean production is pod shattering during pod maturing or harvesting. Currently, there is limited knowledge regarding the effects of genotype and genotype × environment (G × E) interaction on pod-shattering resistance in mungbean. This study aimed to analyze the effect of G × E and to identify mungbean genotypes that had stability on pod-shattering resistance and high yield. The study was conducted across two locations (Malang and Probolinggo, East Java, Indonesia) and two seasons (Dry Season 1, February to May 2023, and Dry Season 2, June to August 2023). Forty mungbean genotypes were evaluated for morpho-agronomic traits (three qualitative and 16 quantitative traits) and pod-shattering resistance (represented by the proportion of non-shattering pods). There was a significant interaction effect of G × E for non-shattering pod and yield. Genotypes G8 (MLGV 0377), G10 (MLGV 0371), G21 (MLGV 1052), G31 (Murai), and G36 (Vima 3) were identified as potential due to their stable resistance to pod shattering as well as high and stable yields based on several stability parameters, including linear regression coefficient (b_i) = 1. These five genotypes belong to the resistant category, exhibiting a non-shattering pod percentage of 91%–99%. No correlation was observed between qualitative traits and pod shattering, while for quantitative traits, a significant positive correlation (r = 0.35, p < 0.05) was found between pod width and non-shattering pod. Our findings indicate the possibility of breeding stable pod-shattering-resistant genotypes with high yield, which would pave the way to advancing near-future mungbean breeding programs.