Correlation Between Mung Beans (Vigna Radiata) Metabolites Profiles and Resistance to Storage Bruchids (Callosobruchus Spp) Infestations; A Potential Biomarker
Abstract
Mung beans (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek), also known as green grams, is an important legume crop cultivated for food and as a source of income. mung beans seeds are highly susceptible to infestation by bruchids (Callosobruchus spp), which can cause significant post-harvestloses,hence minimizing post-harvest losses is essential for global food security. Bruchids infestation control remains a top priority. The overreliance on chemical pesticides for pest control raises environmental concerns due to the potential harm to non-target species, soil, and water quality. Investigating natural resistance mechanisms in mung beans can contribute to more sustainable and eco-friendly pest management practices. This resistance is believed to be related to the presence of specific metabolites or secondary compounds in the plant biomarkers This study aimed at determining the correlation between mung beans metabolite levels and their resistance to storage bruchids infestations. The susceptibility of twenty-three (23) mung beans varieties both wild and local, obtained from KALRO Katumani were evaluated against pulse beetle, Callosobruchus malculatus, under laboratory conditions using ‘no choice’ test. Fifty (50) seeds of each test sample were placed in a separate petri dish. Five (5) male and female pairs of 0–24-hours old adults of the beetle were released into each petri dish, and then covered well to prevent the insects from escaping and allow air circulation. After 72 hours observations were made and recorded on ovipositioning preference by determining the number of eggs laid, percentage seed damage by counting the seeds with one or more holes from the total. The metabolite profiles were performed on seed samples according to AOAC procedure and using UV-Vis spectrophotometer OD reading for the respective varieties to determine total proteins, carbohydrates and soluble sugar. Total phenol, flavonoids and tannins content were quantified were quantified using gallic acid, catechol and tannic acid as standards respectively
Proteins and carbohydrates were quantified using albumin serum and glucose respectively. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the differences in metabolite profiles among 23 mung beans varieties. The ANOVA results (p ≤ 0.05) indicated that there were significant differences in metabolite profiles across the varieties. F-test was used to compare treatment means, significant F values indicated that the metabolite profile levels among different mung bean varieties were not the same. Pearson’s correlation, analysis was used to evaluate the connections between seed damage and metabolite variables. The mung beansvariety V100-U exhibited the highest resistance to bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus) infestations, with the seed damage. Other varieties, including AMVU-H, AMVU-A, AMVU C, and V100-S, also demonstrated high levels of resistance. The ANOVA results, characterized by significant F values and extremely low P values (all < 0.0001), demonstrate that the
metabolite profiles (proteins, carbohydrates, phenols, tannins, and flavonoids) among different mung beans varieties are significantly distinct. The study’s results implied that the mung beans metabolite profiles are linked to resistance mechanism to bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus) infestation. This study recommends the integration of highly resistant varieties, such as V100-U, into breeding programs to improve overall resistance to bruchid infestations