Effects of Irrigation Conditions on Development of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) Sprouts

Mungbeans (Vigna radiata L.) are one of major legume crops in Asia as major sources of proteins and carbohydrates. Additionally, they provide functional substances such as vitamin and antioxidant compounds when consumed as bean sprouts. In this study, physical traits of mungbean sprouts, such as sprouts yield, thickness and length of hypocotyl, length of epicotyl, number of lateral roots, and length of root depending on four irrigation conditions (irrigation interval: 2 and 4 hours; irrigation time: 2 and 4 minutes) were measured for three cultivars (Dahyeon, Samgang, Sunhwa). In general, the length and thickness of hypocotyl increased gradually until day 3, followed by a decrease on day 4. Lateral roots and the length of root increased during the cultivation period. Sprouts yield was higher under short irrigation time than long irrigation time until day 3. Preferable traits including sprouts yield, the length of hypocotyl, and the thickness of hypocotyl were better under shorter irrigation time conditions (2 minutes). Traits of negative effect for consumers’ preference, such as number of lateral roots and length of epicotyl, were lower under longer irrigation interval conditions (4 hours). Samgang had the highest yield of sprouts. However, it also had the highest growth of epicotyl. Although Sunhwa had preferable physical traits of bean sprouts, it had the least yield of sprouts. Overall, Dahyeon cultivated under 4 hours (irrigation interval) & 2 minutes (irrigation time) condition had the most preferable traits for producing mungbean sprouts. This study provides information about irrigation conditions affecting quality-related traits to produce mungbean sprouts.