Morphological characterisation of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) germplasm collections: A basis for crop improvement

Bambara groundnut is one of the underutilised legume crops adapted to Sub-Saharan Africa's harsh, semi-arid tropical regions, providing nutrition and cash income among resource-poor farmers. A field study comprising 25 accessions was carried out during 2018/2019 cropping season at Crop Science Experimental Field, University Namibia-Ogongo Campus, characterise using qualitative traits. The experimental design used an alpha lattice with three replications. Based on visual observation techniques, results showed morphological variation genotypes. germplasm studied high phenotypic variations. had a proportion bunch-type growth habit (44% accessions), oval leaflet shape (64%), sparse hairiness (56%), absence eye pattern colour (70%). Also, cluster analysis grouped into five super classes. Shanon-Wennier index indicated significant level diversity for most traits studied, plant habits having highest 2.15, followed by pod (1.45) seed (1.22). These may be useful in formulating national breeding programs African regions. However, molecular required determine genetic variations accessions.