The genotype x environment interaction and stability analysis for L-Dopa trait in Velvetbean (Mucuna pruriens) seeds

Abstract

Legumes, unlike other crops, fix nitrogen, need little fertilizer and help maintain the soil fertility. They are also an important source of protein and iron. Velvetbean (Mucuna pruriens) is a promising plant with multiple uses. Its potential as rich source of protein supplement in food and feed has been well documented [1, 2]. The plant also constitutes excellent raw material for some of the indigenous ayurvedic drugs due to presence of L-Dopa as L-3, 4-dihydrophenylalanine which provides symptomatic relief in Parkinson’s disease [3, 4]. L-Dopa is present in variable concentrations within different plant parts, minimal in dried leaves and pods to maximal in raw seeds ranging between 1.9 and 9% dry matter [5- 8]. Although pharmacologically an active ingredient [9], it is potentially anti-nutritional and toxic if ingested in large amounts, and concentration greater than 1% is reported unsafe for human consumption [10, 11]. Past researches have shown this as major bottleneck for popularization of Velvetbean cultivation among the farmers and thus efforts are needed to breed improved varieties with safe levels of L-Dopa (less than 0.5%) to make its cultivation broad based and acceptable.