Agronomic Evaluation of Seed Production in Mucuna pruriens, Canavalia ensiformis, and Clitoria ternatea

Abstract

Justification: Seed production in legumes shows variable yields due to the lack of appropriately adjusted agronomic management, which limits seed availability and sustained use in agricultural systems. Objective: Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of the support system and planting distance on phenological behavior, yield components, and seed production of Mucuna pruriens var. hirsuta, Mucuna pruriens var. utilis, Canavalia ensiformis, and Clitoria ternatea. Methodology: The study was conducted using a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement consisting of two support systems, two planting distances, and four species, with four replications. Days to flowering, duration of the flowering period, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 100-seed weight, and yield per hectare were evaluated. Results: The species × support system interaction significantly influenced the evaluated variables, whereas planting distance did not show statistically significant effects. Mucuna pruriens var. hirsuta, established directly on the soil, showed fewer days to flowering, a longer flowering period, and a higher number of pods per plant, while Canavalia ensiformis recorded the highest values for number of seeds per pod, 100-seed weight, and yield per hectare. Conclusion: The reproductive and productive performance of the legumes depended on the specific combination of species and planting system.