Legume Research
Web of Science
  • Year: 2026
  • Volume: 49
  • Issue: 8

Tannin and Flavonoid Contents Influence Seed Pigmentation and Seed Quality Aspects during Seed Development of Bambara Nut [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.] Landraces

  • Author:
  • Gerard Oballim1,2,3,*, Wilson Reuben Opile1, Julius Onyango Ochuodho1
  • Total Page Count: 11
  • Page Number: 1312 to 1322

1Department of Seed, Crop and Horticultural Sciences, University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya

2National Agricultural Research Organization, Abi Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute, P.O. Box 219, Arua, Uganda

3National Agricultural Research Organization, National Semi Arid Resources Research Institute, P.O. Box 56, Soroti, Uganda

*Corresponding Author: Gerard Oballim, Department of Seed, Crop and Horticultural Sciences, University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya, Email: obalconkene@gmail.com

Abstract

Tannins and flavonoids are seed polyphenolics that largely accumulate in the testa and may influence seed physiological quality and seed coat color. The pattern of accumulation of these compounds and the relationship of their seed contents with seed quality of Bambara nut (BN) is poorly understood. A study was therefore conducted to determine the relationship between seed physiological quality and seed coat color development and tannin and flavonoid contents of BN landraces.

Dark seeded (LocalBam), intermediate (AbiBam001) and light seeded (TVSU544) BN landraces were harvested from field experiments and tested for final germination percentage, germination velocity index and seedling dry weight. Seeds were also analyzed for total tannin and flavonoid contents in relation to maturity stage.

Tannin and flavonoid contents of AbiBam001 and LocalBam significantly decreased (P<0.05) as the seeds developed and matured, then leveled off after maturation. At maturity, LocalBam and AbiBam001 had higher contents of the polyphenolics than TVSU544, alluding to their influence on seed coat color of BN. Seed quality characteristics of the landraces predominantly showed negative correlations with tannin and flavonoid contents before maturation, indicating that these compounds may negatively affect seed quality of BN at early stages. However, after maturation, the relationships were mostly positive, suggesting that tannins and flavonoids might enhance seed quality at later stages of development. These results provide further insights into the roles of tannins and flavonoids in BN seed quality and the potential for their manipulation for seed quality management.

Keywords

Bambara nut, Flavonoid, Phytochemical, Seed coat color, Seed development, Tannin