Mungbean: A Preview of Disease Management Challenges for an Alternative U.S. Cash Crop
Jean C. Batzer, Arti Singh, Ashlyn Rairdin, Kevin O. Chiteri, Daren S. Mueller
Abstract
Abstract Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) products and other plant-based protein sources exceeded $1 billion in U.S. sales during 2020. Nearly all of the mungbean consumed in the U.S. is imported, but it has considerable potential as a domestic crop. Its tolerance of drought and high temperatures gives U.S. farmers additional options for crop rotation. Mungbean is a short-season crop (60 to 90 d). It fits the current infrastructure of equipment, chemical, inputs, and storage for soybean and has a developed market. Similar to other crops, vulnerability to diseases can be a constraint for mungbean production. This manuscript reviews mungbean diseases causing significant yield losses in current production regions and current control options. This information will provide a useful guide to breeders and farmers to develop and produce a profitable crop, and will also equip university extension personnel with essential information to assist mungbean farmers with disease management.