TSU researchers, led by Dr. Matthew Blair, are developing and providing mung bean varieties adapted for Tennessee and neighboring states to agricultural producers. They are screening mung bean genetic material to determine and enhance traits that will help the crop thrive in the Southeastern climate. The screening will include disease and insect resistance and amino acid and protein levels. In addition, the researchers are evaluating crop rotations to determine where mung bean can best fit in agriculture cycles and sharing cultivation technology with growers. The goal is to help growers with fertilization and crop rotation plans and allow them to make the most informed decisions about mung bean production.
Blair, the principal investigator, said “Our team of TSU, Agricenter, Bush’s and Caney Forks and additional collaborators from Corteva and Iowa State will really make a difference on introducing this next-generation crop to the United States. Sending mung beans out from the port of Memphis and other parts of the Mississippi Valley will generate further U.S. exports. Meanwhile, here at home we will have an important locally produced crop for everything from bean sprouts to high protein processed products. Imagine East Asian style mung bean cakes, South Asian recipe stews or Thai noodles made in the USA! Or how about mung bean chili con carne? We are excited to be working on this highly nutritious pulse legume.”
Former Vice President Al Gore, owner of Caney Fork Farm, said, “The agricultural sector must continue to become a stronger part of the solution to the climate crisis by integrating management practices focused on restoring soils, reducing emissions and diversifying crops for increased food security. I am excited that Caney Fork Farm is supporting research efforts into mung bean crops that could play an important role in advancing these solutions in the Southeast.”
As TSU is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), the researchers are particularly interested in promoting mung bean’s role in improving the diet for African American, Latino and refugee populations in Nashville and the U.S. Limited availability and affordability of healthy foods is a challenge many Americans face, especially families with limited financial resources, according to co-principal investigator Prof. Sharon Suggs.
Steve Savell, director of External Affairs & Sustainability at Bush Brothers & Company said “We are honored and excited to support the efforts of Tennessee State University to introduce mung beans into the Tennessee agricultural economy. We believe this is important not only to our state and its grower community, but to the entire pulse industry.”
In addition to promoting the production of mung bean, this research project aims to increase the use of mung beans in urban food systems, in processing/canning and regenerative production systems and processing into canned products. The researchers are forming a research team with community members and research partners to determine the potential acceptance of mung bean and develop culturally acceptable pulse recipes and meal plans.