Effect of Leaf Crinkle Virus infection on Nodulation, Productivity and Yield of Black Gram Vigna mungo

Abstract

In the present study, effect of Urd bean leaf crinkle virus (ULCV) infection on the nodulation, productivity and yield of black gram (Vigna mungo) was investigated. Virus infection was shown to reduce the number, size and weight of nodules in both the cultivars of black gram viz., T-9 and IPU 94-1. Primary productivity was also adversely affected due to virus infection. Gross and net production rates decreased whereas respiratory loss increased in infected leaves. Virus infection also reduced the grain yield which ranged from 6.81 to 66 percent over healthy plants when inoculated at different growth stages. Decrease in the number of pods per plant and 100 grain weight was recorded. Early inoculated plants showed higher yield loss than the mid and late inoculated ones.