Effect of Spacing on the Growth and Yield of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata) Varieties in Sunwal, Nawalparasi West, Nepal

Abstract

Mung bean productivity in western Terai, Nepal is challenged by conventional management practices and is influenced by plant spacing and variety. A field experiment was conducted at Nawalparasi West, Nepal, from March to June 2024, to assess the effects of spacing and variety on mung bean growth, yield and profitability. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications, comprising two spacing levels (20 cm×10 cm and 15 cm×15 cm) as the main-plot factor and five varieties (Pratigya, BARI mung-4, SML665, VC6173 and Pant-5) as the sub-plot factor. Data on phenology, growth parameters, yield attributes and profitability were recorded and analyzed. Spacing significantly influenced plant height, leaf number, plant dry matter and weed dry matter during early growth stages, and stover yield at harvest, with wider spacing (20 cm × 10 cm) promoting greater vegetative growth, biomass and stover yield. Seed yield was significantly affected by variety, with BARI mung-4 recording the highest yield, statistically at par with Pratigya, Pant-5 and VC6173, while SML665 recorded the lowest. The spacing×variety interaction was also significant for seed yield, with BARI mung-4 and VC6173 producing significantly higher seed yield under wider spacing and Pratigya under narrower spacing. Harvest index showed no significant differences. Profitability parameters did not differ significantly across treatments, though VC6173 recorded numerically higher gross margin and benefit-cost ratio. BARI mung-4 is recommended under wider spacing and Pratigya under narrower spacing, to enhance mung bean yield and profitability in western Terai, Nepal.

SAARC J. Agric., 24(1): 185-202 (2026)