Source: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
DEVELOPING MUNGBEAN (VIGNA RADIATA) (L) AS ALTERNATIVE CROP FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED FARMERS THROUGH RESEARCH AND OUTREACH
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
ACTIVE
Funding Source
AFRI COMPETITIVE GRANT
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1022092
Grant No.
2020-67023-31553
Cumulative Award Amt.
$496,029.00
Proposal No.
2019-05832
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jun 15, 2020
Project End Date
Jun 14, 2025
Grant Year
2020
Program Code
[A1601]- Agriculture Economics and Rural Communities: Small and Medium-Sized Farms
Recipient Organization
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
3500 JOHN A. MERRITT BLVD
NASHVILLE,TN 37209
Performing Department
Agric & Environmental Sciences
Non Technical Summary
Small and medium-sized farmers have been facing challenges over the years. The goal of this project is to introduce mungbean to small and medium-sized farmers in Tennessee.The specific objectives of this three year integrated proposal are: 1) to assess knowledge gap about mungbean among small and medium-sized farmers in Tennessee 2) to evaluate a wide range of mungbean varieties and germplasm lines for adaptation, agronomic and physiological traits desirable for production as food crop for human consumption. 3) to conduct profitability analysis of mungbean production under prevailing farming conditions in Tennessee4) to examine various marketing channels that could be used by small and medium-sized farmers and 5) to develop outreach resources and use them for outreach activities. Field work would be conductedon theTSU research and demonstrationfarmand on selected farmers' fields. Results of this project could benefit other stakeholders including small and medium sized farmers,extension educators, researchers, policy makers and students. A multi-disciplinary team with expertise and experience in different areas will be involved in implementing the objectives of the project. Not only would this proposal help in diversifying small and medium-sized farmers' operations but also enhance research and outreach capacity at Tennessee State University.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
6011419301060%
2051410107040%
Knowledge Area
601 - Economics of Agricultural Production and Farm Management; 205 - Plant Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
1419 - Leguminous vegetables, general/other; 1410 - Beans (dry);

Field Of Science
1070 - Ecology; 3010 - Economics;
Goals / Objectives
The goal of this study is to develop mungbean for human consumption, evaluate the agronomic, and economic feasibility as a viable alternative crop for small and medium-sized farms in Tennessee.ObjectivesThis goal will be achieved through the following specific objectives:To assess knowledge gap about the crop among small and medium-sized farmers in Tennessee.To evaluate a wide range of mungbean varieties and germplasm lines for adaptation and agronomic and physiological traits desirable for production as food crop in Tennessee.To conduct economic analysis of mungbean production under prevailing farming conditions in Tennessee.To examine current marketing channels used and consider other channels that could be considered by small and medium-sized farmers.To develop outreach resources and training programs to assist small and medium-sized farmers in the cultivation of mungbean in Tennessee.
Project Methods
Objective 1: A questionnaire will be developed and administered to assess the farmers' knowledge, its acceptability, production feasibility, utility, marketability and their willingness to produce and market the crop. In addition, factors accounting for the knowledge gap, willingness to change and diversify will be examined. Farmers will be randomly selected from a data base maintained by the Tennessee Cooperative Extension Program (CEP). Data will be collected using face to face method. Analysis will use both qualitative and quantitative methods. The project research team has established working relationship with the CEP. The PI will develop the survey instrument in collaboration with the Co- PIs and pre-test the draft by sending it to stakeholders including the project advisory committee for feedback. Students will be involved in collecting data. Completed questionnaires will be sent to the PI for properly maintaining and analyses and development of generating various publications in collaboration with the Co-PIs. Objective 2:Applicable varieties and/or germplasm lines obtained from Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center (AVRDC) in Taiwan and USDA germplasm sources, will be assessed for adaptation growth habit, growth vigor, insect, disease, phonological development, biomass, and seed yield in replicated plots using completely randomized block design the university research and demonstration station. Soil samples taken before planting the crop and after harvesting will be analyzed for nutrient profile, sequestered organic C, and soil organic matter. Data on plant biomass at flowering and final harvest, number of pods per plant or unit area, seeds per pod, and seed weight will be analyzed using stepwise regression analysis to determine yield contributing trait (Rao et al., 2002), useful in selection for high yield in breeding programs. Four germplasm lines/varieties will be selected for growth, development, yield, insect, and disease tolerance based on data from year one trials. These selected lines will be established in replicated field plots at the university research and demonstration station and on three farmers' farms. The lines will be subjected to agronomic treatments to determine optimum planting date and spacing. The experiment will be laid out in split-split-plot design with three planting dates, Mid April, Mid-May, and Mid-June as main-plot treatments, three spacings: 45cm x 5cm, 45 x 10 cm, 45 cm x 20cm as sub-plot treatments and four varieties will be sub-sub-plot treatments thus providing more precision for selection of varieties. Each treatment will be replicated four times. The farmers will be involved in participatory research as they will select best performing line as per their requirements. The best performing line will then be planted on additional three farmers' farms (total of six) in year three as demonstration cum research plots. In addition to replicated field trials using selected lines, all germplasm lines will be planted in single row plants to continue assessing them for their performance and tolerance to multiple biotic and abiotic stresses, and also to showcase the germplasm to farmers. Objective 3: Cost accounting method will be used to develop enterprise budgets. Cost data in monetary terms on the operation and production of the crop will be collected and analyzed to work out the unit cost of producing mungbean. Estimated returns and expenses per acre will also be calculated. Production costs will be grouped according to operation and appropriate data will be collected and recorded at the time of operation. Selected averages and ratios will be calculated to show the average production cost per unit of a farm product. Farmers will be given notebooks for keeping record of the different activities and enterprise budget form will be developed and distributed to the farmers to enter data pertaining to cost and benefit items. Farmers would be trained on the usage of the enterprise budget form. Objective 4: Current marketing channel (s) will be examined using existing information. Mungbean is currently marketed directly to restaurants that use the sprout in their menus as well as dealers that sell dry split seeds to consumers. Most of the South East Asian and Chinese restaurants are the primary customers. There are issues relating to small and medium sized farmers' products in terms of volume, quality of their products and reliability in delivering products in a timely manner. One method to address the above issues is wholesale auction. Another approach is participation in marketing cooperatives. Yet another method is to be part of farmers' social network based on collaboration with other farmers. Marketing using the internet could also be beneficial as it can reduce transaction cost arising from searching for buyers and dealers/middle men. Farmers' income could potentially improve by using the above marketing channels and by making effort to deal with the challenges noted above. Objective 5: Field demonstrations will be arranged for farmers at different times during the life of the crop including field days. Farmers will be given information about specific operation during the demonstration. Detailed information about agronomic practices, crop requirements, weed control, nutritive value of the crop will be made available and distributed through Cooperative Extension offices in various counties.

Progress 06/15/23 to 06/14/24

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audiences for Year 3 of the project include: Graduate Students: Two graduate students involved in project activities, one focusing on agronomy and plant physiology, and the other on the economics of mung bean production. Undergraduate Students: Undergraduate students in Dean's scholar program provided undergraduate research experiences through project activities. County Extension Agents: Engaged for recruiting farmers for field trials. Farmers, Faculty, and Researchers: Key stakeholders in the project. Changes/Problems:Continue efforts to hire a Research Associate to work during the remaining period of the project. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has provided significant opportunities for students. Two graduate students were recruited and supported, completing their MS theses and subsequently pursuing doctoral studies. The project also facilitated participation in conferences, meetings, and networking events, enabling students and research team members to acquire skills and enhance their knowledge in agronomy and economic benefits for consumers. Furthermore, farmers received valuable technical information on growing mung beans. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Research results have been disseminated to relevant communities primarily through presentations, demonstrations, discussions, and site visits. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In the upcoming period, we plan to undertake the following activities: Consumer Survey Analysis: We have completed a consumer survey and are currently analyzing the data. A project report on current marketing channels and consumer preferences regarding mung beans will be prepared. Continued Dissemination Activities: We aim to prepare two fact sheets: i.) Agronomic Aspects of Growing Mung Beans. ii.) Economic Aspects of Mung Bean Production. Two undergraduate students will be involved in final phase of the project and provide undergraduate research experiences in fall 2024 and spring 2025.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Accomplishments Under Project Goals: Completion of Agronomic and Physiological Studies: The agronomy and physiological aspects of the project have been successfully completed. A graduate student defended their thesis titled "Effects of Density and Variety on Mung Bean Ecophysiology and Yield," based on field and laboratory studies conducted throughout the project. This student graduated in summer 2023. Economic Analysis of Mung Bean Production: An economic analysis comparing mung bean production with three other bean types--lema, snap, and soybean--was completed. This included the preparation of crop budgets and a Monte Carlo simulation to account for variations in input costs, prices, and yield, ultimately assessing net returns. The graduate student working on these economic aspects completed their MS thesis and is set to graduate in summer 2024. Producer Survey and Knowledge Gap Assessment: A producer survey was conducted to evaluate the knowledge gaps regarding mung bean cultivation among small and medium-sized farmers in Tennessee. An analysis of the factors influencing the adaptation of mung bean was also completed. Collaboration with Farmers, Local Businesses: Mung bean samples from field trials were provided to a sprout-producing company in Cookeville, Tennessee, to test the production of sprouts from locally grown mung beans. Additionally, mung bean and sprout samples were distributed during the Ag Day event to raise awareness about the potential of locally grown mung beans in Tennessee.

Publications

  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Tiwari, S. 2024. Assessing the Economic Viability and Determinants of Producer Adoption for Mung Bean Cultivation. Thesis submitted to the partial fulfilment of the requirements for MS degree. Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee. August 2024.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Jaekedah, C. Effects of Variety and Density on Mung Bean Eco-Physiology and Yield in the Southeastern US. Thesis submitted to the partial fulfilment of the requirements for MS degree in Biological Sciences. Tennessee State University, August 2023.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Tiwari, S, Illukpitiya, P, Tegegne, F, Hui, D. Economic analysis of the prospects of mung bean cultivation in the Southeastern Region. Paper presented at Southern Agricultural Economics Association Annual Meeting, February 2024, Atlanta, GA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Tiwari, S, Illukpitiya, P*, Pitchay, D. Bhandari, D, Tran, DL. Estimating Economic Benefits of Mung Bean as a Cover Crop. Poster presented at Southern Agricultural Economics Association Annual Meeting, February 2024, Atlanta, GA.


Progress 06/15/22 to 06/14/23

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences in year 3 of the project included: Graduate students: Two graduate students involved in project activities doing their thesis research. One student worked on agronomy and plant physiology aspects. The other student involved in economics of mung bean production.. Undergraduate students: those who assisted in summer field work (planting, crop management and assist in data collection). County Extension Agents: Those who contacted for recruiting farmers for field trials. Farmers, faculty and researchers. Changes/Problems:We are cautious about the response rate of the planned surveys. In the event of low response rate, we willsend few rounds of reminders to the participants and also planning to increase the sample by obtaining additional mailing list. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Opportunities for students: Several graduate and undergraduate students in agriculture and biology were assisted in germination tests, designing field experiments, field preparation, planting, maintenance, harvesting and data recording in agronomy trials. We recruited two graduate students to do their MS theses. One student is working on economic analysis of mung bean production and the other graduate student who worked in agronomy and physiology of mung bean production, completed the thesis research and graduated in summer 2023. Project provided various opportunities for students and research team members participation in professional development during conferences, meetings, networking, field and laboratory research enabling participants to acquire skills and enhance their knowledge in agronomy, plant physiology and economics related to mung bean production. Farmers also received technical information of growing mung bean. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Research results were shared and disseminated to target audiences mainly through lectures, presentations, discussions and visits. Through farm trials, we brought plot experiments to actual field conditions and provided opportunities for farmers to gain hands on experiments by growing mungbean. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Following activities have been planned for the next reporting period. 1. We have already developed the Qualtrics survey to learn about grower's willingness to adopt the mung bean. We are planning to disseminate the survey, collect information/data, and complete the analysis. 2. We are also started developing a questionnaire for consumer surveys. Once we receive IRB approval we are planning to conduct the consumer survey as well. 3. The graduate student working on economics and social aspects of mung bean production has defended the proposal and working on thesis research. The student will continue working on the thesis research and planning to graduate in summer 2024.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 1. We successfully completed second field trial in evaluating mung bean varieties for adaptation, agronomic, and physiological traits desirable for production as food crop in Tennessee. The field experiments conducted during summer 2022 was completed in October 2022. Having received expert opinions, we selected 3 mungben varieties for the second year trial (OK2000, Berken, and AAMU-1) which we believed best suited for Tennessee agro-ecological conditions. For the year 2 trials, the seeds of three varieties were obtained from Oklahoma Foundation Seeds (OK2000, Berken) and Alabama A&M University (AAMU -1). Our approach was to test and evaluate mungbean varieties in replicated field trials on university research and demonstration station. The experiment was initially laid out in split-split-plot design. Planting was done in mid May with three spacing: 45cm x 5cm, 45 x 10 cm, 45 cm x 15 cm as sub-plot treatments and four varieties were in sub-sub-plot treatments. We irrigated the plots to help seeds germinating. Each treatment was replicated three times. We monitored plant growth, and measured plant leaf photosynthesis and transpiration. The varieties were assessed for adaptation, growth vigor, resistance to multiple pests and abiotic factors, yield and grain quality. Leaf photosynthesis, transpiration, water use efficiency, plant height, leaf area index, yield and its components were collected for each plot. Data analysis will be conducted to test the effects of variety and planting density on mung bean growth and yield. Simultaneously, we conducted two farm trials, one in Franklin County and the other in Shelby County. 2. We updated the previous analysis and completed the economic analysis of mung bean production under prevailing farming conditions in Tennessee: We updated the input data of mung bean production from second field experiments. The input data were supplemented by data obtained from secondary sources and enterprise budgets prepared by university extension services. We also collected mung bean yield data from published sources based on experiments. Mung bean prices were updated by visiting supermarkets and information collected from online marketing sources. For comparison of economic feasibility of mung bean, we collected production costs information of other types of beans (lema beans, snap beans and soybean) in the region. Cost accounting method were used to develop enterprise budgets. Cost data in monetary terms on the operation and production of the crop were collected and analyzed to work out the unit cost of producing mung bean. Estimated returns and expenses per acre were also be calculated. Production costs were grouped according to operation and appropriate data were collected and recorded at the time of field planting and operation. Based on the primary data and the secondary data, we prepared am enterprise budget. In order to get a better view of profitability with production risks, we conducted a Monte Carlo simulation and generated range of possible costs, prices, yield and the net return from mung bean as well as the other 3 bean types mentioned above. 3. A producer survey questionnaire was developed to assess their willingness to adopt mung bean. We received the approval from Institutional Review Board to conduct the survey. We have gathered the e-mail list of growers, prepared the survey in Qualtrics platform and ready to send out the survey.

Publications

  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Jaekedah, C. Effects of Variety and Density on Mung Bean Eco-Physiology and Yield in the Southeastern US. MS Thesis submitted to the Tennessee State University, August 2023.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Thiwari, S; Illukpitiya, P. Tegegne, F and Hui, D. Mung bean as an alternate crop for small and mid-sized farmers. A comparative economic analysis. Paper Presentation. 45th Annual Research Symposium, Tennessee State University, March 27-30, 2023.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Tiwari, S, Illukpitiya, P, Tegegne, F, Gurung, S, and Hui, D. Alternative crop for small and medium sized farmers: Comparative economic analysis of mung bean production in southeastern US. Poster presented at the presentation at Southern Agricultural Economics Association Annual Meeting, February 4-7, 2023, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Tiwari, S. Assessment of economic returns and farmers adaptation decision of production of mung bean. 3M Thesis Competition, Southern Agricultural Economics Association Annual Meeting, February 4-7, 2023, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Jaekedah Christian, Dafeng Hui, Navneet, Christina Kieffer, Soroush Moghaddam, Aisha Touray, Matthew Blair, Rao Mentreddy, Fisseha Tenegne, and Prabodh Illukpitiya. Effects of Density, Variety, and Their Interaction on Mung bean Ecophysiology and Yield. Paper presented at the Ecology Society of American (ESA) Annual meeting, August 14-19, 2022, Montreal, Canada.


Progress 06/15/21 to 06/14/22

Outputs
Target Audience:Graduate students: Involved in project activities related to review of literature, data collection, planning field experiments. Undergraduate students: Assistedin summer field work,County Extension Agents: Having received education on mungbean production, contacted farmers, shared information and assisted in recruiting interested growers for possible field trials. Target audienace also included farmers, faculty and researchers. Changes/Problems:We were able to establish two farm trials during spring/summer 2022. Additional farm trials are needed for better performance evaluation of this new crop. We are planning to recruit more farmers for farm trials during summer 2023. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Opportunities for students: Several graduate and undergraduate students in Agriculture and biology were assisted in germination tests, designing field experiments, field preparation, planting, maintenance, harvesting and data recording in agronomy trials. We recruited two graduate students to do their MS theses. One student is working on economic analysis of mungbean production and the other graduate student is developing her thesis on agronomy and physiology of mungbean production. Project provided various opportunities for students and research team members participation in professional development during conferences, meetings, networking, field and laboratory research enabling participants to acquire skills and enhance their knowledge in agronomy, plant physiology and economics related to mungbean production. Farmers also received technical information of growing mungbean. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Research results were shared and disseminated to target audiences mainly through lectures, presentations, discussions and visits. Through farm trials, we brought plot experiments to actual field conditions and provided opportunities for farmers to gain hands on experiments by growing mungbean. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Following activities are planning for next reporting period. 1. Evaluate selected mung bean varieties for adaptation and agronomic traits desirable for production as food crop: We are planning to complete second year field trial in fall. We are expecting to harvest the crops in September-October. We will continue recording data on plant physiology during the growing period and biomass and yield at final harvest, and number of pods per plant or unit area, seeds per pod, and seed weight. We are planning to recruit farmers for farm trials in year 3. 2. Conduct economic analysis of mungbean production under prevailing farming conditions in Tennessee: We will continue collecting/updating primary and secondary data based on planned farm trials, finalize enterprise budgets and Monte Carlo simulation. 3. Assess knowledge gap about the crop among small and medium-sized farmers in Tennessee: We have developed questionnaires to conduct producer and consumer surveys. Once we receive IRB approval we are planning to conduct surveys during fall 2022 and spring 2023.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 1. We successfully evaluated common mungbean varieties for adaptation, agronomic, and physiological traits desirable for production as food crop in Tennessee. The field experiments conducted during summer 2021 was completed in October 2021. We planned, designed and established second year trial in late spring 2022 at TSU main experimental research station in Nashville. Having received expert opinions, we selected 4 mungben varieties (OK2000, Berken, TSU-1, and AAMU-1) which we believed best suited for Tennessee agro-ecological conditions. For the year 2 trials, the seeds of three varieties were obtained from Oklahoma Foundation Seeds (OK2000, Berken) and Alabama A&M University (AAMU -1). Our approach was to test and evaluate mungbean varieties in replicated field trials on university research and demonstration station. The experiment was initially laid out in split-split-plot design. Planting was done in mid May with three spacing: 45cm x 5cm, 45 x 10 cm, 45 cm x 15 cm as sub-plot treatments and four varieties were in sub-sub-plot treatments. We irrigated the plots to help seeds germinating. Each treatment was replicated three times. We monitored plant growth, and measured plant leaf photosynthesis and transpiration. The varieties were assessed for adaptation, growth vigor, resistance to multiple pests and abiotic factors, yield and grain quality. Leaf photosynthesis, transpiration, water use efficiency, plant height, leaf area index, yield and its components were collected for each plot. Data analysis will be conducted to test the effects of variety and planting density on mung bean growth and yield. Simultaneously, we conducted two farm trials, one in Franklin County and the other in Shelby County. 2. Conducted economic analysis of mungbean production under prevailing farming conditions in Tennessee: We collected input data of mungbean production from field preparation upto harvesting from field experiments. The input data were supplemented by data obtained from secondary sources and enterprise budgets prepared by university extension services. We also collected mungbean yield data from published sources based on experiments. Mungbean prices were collected from various marketing sources. For comparison of economic feasibility of mungbean, we collected production costs information of other types of beans (lema beans, snap beans, soybean and black bean) in the region. Cost accounting method were used to develop enterprise budgets. Cost data in monetary terms on the operation and production of the crop were collected and analyzed to work out the unit cost of producing mungbean. Estimated returns and expenses per acre were also be calculated. Production costs were grouped according to operation and appropriate data were collected and recorded at the time of field planting and operation. Based on the primary data and the secondary data, we prepared am enterprise budget. In order to get a better view of profitability with production risks, we conducted a Monte Carlo simulation and generated range of possible costs, prices, yield and the net return..

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2021 Citation: Wilson, D and Illukpitiya, P. Hui. D. 2021. Incorporating mung bean in farm production systems. A comparative economic analysis. Presented at Tennessee Academy of Science, Annual Meeting, November 6, 2021.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2022 Citation: Jaekedah Christian, Soroush Moghaddam, Aisha Touray, Dafeng Hui, Navneet, Christina Kieffer, Matthew Blair, Fisseha Tenegne, and Prabodh Illukpitiya. Effects of Density, Variety, and Their Interaction on Mungbean Ecophysiology and Yield. Paper presented at Tennessee State University Annual Research Symposium. March 2022.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2022 Citation: Dafeng Hui, Jaekedah Christian, Navneet, Christina Kieffer, Soroush Moghaddam, Aisha Touray, Matthew Blair, Rao Mentreddy, Fisseha Tenegne, and Prabodh Illukpitiy. Mung bean as a new crop in Tennessee. TSU-USDA Conference on New crops for the Southeast. Tennessee State University. March 16-18, 2022.


Progress 06/15/20 to 06/14/21

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences in year 1 of the project included: Graduate students: involved in project activities related to review of literature, data collection, planning field experiments. Undergraduate students: those who assisted in summer field work.Extension Agents: Those who contacted for recruiting farmers for possible field trials. Faculty and researchers. Changes/Problems:Due to time needed for setting up the project account and issues related to the pandemic, we were unable to obtain many mung bean varieties. We contacted experts in the field and selected most suitable varieties believed to have the best suitability for agro ecological situation in southern US. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Opportunities for students: Several graduate and undergraduate students assisted in performing germination tests, designing field experiments, field preparation, planting, maintenance and data recording in agronomy trials. One student is working on economic analysis of mungbean production and prepared her thesis proposal. Project provided various opportunities for students and research team members to participatein professional development during conferences, meetings, networking, field and laboratory research enabling participants to acquire skills and enhance their knowledge in agronomy, plant physiology and economics related to mungbean production. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We are in the preliminary stage of the project, conducting agronomy trials and economic analyses.Research results were shared and disseminated to target audiences mainly through lectures, presentations, discussions and visits. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Following activities are planned for the next reporting period. 1. Evaluate selected mung bean varieties for adaptation and agronomic traits desirable for production as food crop: We are planning to complete current field trial in fall 2021. We are expecting to harvest the crops in early October, 2021. We will continue recording data on plant physiology during the growing period and biomass and yield at final harvest, and number of pods per plant or unit area, seeds per pod, and seed weight. We are planning to recruit farmers for farm trials in year 2. 2. Conduct economic analysis of mungbean production under prevailing farming conditions in Tennessee: We will continue collecting/updating primary and secondary data based on planned farm trials, continue benefit:cost analysis for mungbean production for different scales of operations, perform risk analysis via MonteCarlo simulation. 3. Assess knowledge gap about the crop among small and medium-sized farmers in Tennessee: We are planning to finalize survey questionnaire, get IRB approval for the survey, conduct online survey viaQualtrics survey platform, perform data tabulation and analysis.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 1. Evaluatea wide range of mungbean varietiesfor adaptation and agronomic and physiological traits desirable for production as food crop in Tennessee: The field experiments were planned, designed and established at TSU main experimental research station inNashville. Having received expert opinions, we selected 4 mungbean varieties which we believed to be best suited for Tennessee agro-ecological conditions. The seeds were obtained from Oklahoma (OK 2000, Berken), Alabama A&M University (Chinese -1) and TSU tested variety.Our approach was to test and evaluate mungbean varieties in replicated field trials on university research and demonstration station. The experiment wasinitially laid out in split-split-plot design with two planting dates, Early and late June as main-plot treatments, three spacing: 45cm x 5cm, 45 x 10 cm, 45 cm x 15 cm as sub-plot treatments and four varieties were in sub-sub-plot treatments. The first planting was abandoned due to drought and poor germination. We irrigated the plots in the second planting to help with seed germination. Each treatment wasreplicated three times. We monitored plant growth, and measured plant leaf photosynthesis and transpiration. The varieties were assessed for adaptation, growth vigor, resistance to multiple pests and abiotic factors, yield and grain quality. 2. Conducted economic analysis of mungbean production under prevailing farming conditions in Tennessee: A comprehensive literature survey was conducted on mung bean production and marketing as well as similar other types of beans in the region, secondary data on cost of production, yield, bean prices, etc were compiled. The input use and applicable costs for field experiments were recorded for primary information. Cost accounting methods were used to develop preliminary enterprise budget. Cost data in monetary terms on the operation and production of the crop were collected and analyzed to work out the unit cost of producing mungbean.Production costs were grouped according to field operations and appropriate data were collected and recorded at the time of field planting and operation. Based on the primary data and the secondary data, we prepared a preliminary enterprise budget and conducted a Monte Carlo simulation for profitability analysis.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Jaekedah Christian1, Dafeng Hui, Matthew Blair, Fisseha Tegegne, Prabodh Illukpitiya, 2020. Seasonal changes of leaf physiology and responses to light and CO2 of mungbean plants. Paper presented at 18th Annual TLSAMP Undergraduate Research Conference, 2021.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Jaekedah Christian1, Dafeng Hui, Matthew Blair, Fisseha Tegegne, Prabodh Illukpitiya, 2021. Seasonal changes of leaf physiology and responses to light and CO2 of mung bean plants" Poster presented at Tennessee State University Annual Research Symposium. March 2021.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Daiva Wilson, Prabodh Illukpitiya, Fisseha Tegegne, 2011. Economic feasibility of developing mung bean (Vigna radiata) as an alternative crop for small and medium sized farmers. Poster presented at the Tennessee State University Annual Research Symposium, March 2021.