Research was conducted by an MSc student, on the use of biostimulants in the production of an underutilised legume species, Bambara groundnut (jugo bean, izindlubu). The researchem commenced in 2019 and concluded in 2020 and was supervised by myself (Dr Ethel Phiri, Department of Agronomy) and Dr Palesa-Natasha Mothapo (Division for Research Development).

The research, titled “Use of biostimulants to assess the production of the underutilised legume, Bambara groundnut”. In the thesis, published in March 2021, “humic substance” is in reference to Vigoland’s Plant Growth Stimulator (Vigo™). While Vigoland donated the Plant growth Stimulent for research purposes, the study utilised three different “biostimulants” including the commercially available Kelp and an Moringa extract. Thus, the results are presented without prejudice.

The main highlights of the results are:

• Vigo™ treated plants reached 50% flowering significantly earlier than the control and other treatments.
• Treatment with Vigo™ resulted in higher yield parameters, i.e., number of pods per plant, 100-seed weight, and total seed yield.
• Vigo™ treated plants showed the highest harvest index percentage relative to the other treatments.
• Statistically (multiple linear regressions), the study showed that variation in total seed yield was due to treatment, i.e. Vigo™.
• The nutrient composition (fatty acids, carbohydrates, and proteins) of the Bambara groundnut seeds was improved under Vigo™ treatment, meaning that the treatment not only improved plant growth and productivity but maintained the nutritional composition of the crop.

Trial 2:

Trial Summary:

To determine the effects of Vigo™ on the growth of legume seedlings, Vigo™ was tested on runner bean seeds.

Treatments:

• Control
• Vigo™ treated at a dilution of 1:1600

Plot size: 5 seeds x 3 replications = 15 seeds/treatment

The trial period was conducted for 7 days, after which seedling mass was measured and compared.

 Trial Observations and Results:

Seeds treated with Vigo™ responded more vigorously, significantly increasing primary root length and seedling mass when compared to untreated plants.