The effect of time of sowing on yield of mungbean (Vigna radiata) varieties in coastal New South Wales

Abstract

The effect of time of sowing on the growth and yield of mungbean varieties (Vigna radiata var. aureus) was examined during summer in a warm humid coastal climate at Camden, New South Wales (latitude 34�s). Four varieties, Pusa Baisakhi, Berken, S8, and M4 were grown in a split-plot randomized complete block experiment with six replicates. Main plot treatments were three times of sowing (October 28, December 8 and January 19); varieties were on sub-plots. Berken, a current commercial cultivar, attained the highest grain yield, at the October sowing, of 1.5 t ha-1 in 97 days from sowing. S8 attained a yield of 1.4 t ha-1 at the October sowing in 103 days, but was susceptible to lodging, disease and pest attack. Pusa reached its highest grain yield (1.1 t ha-1) at the December sowing in 91 days. Although the grain yield of M4 was the lowest, its top dry matter yield of 5.1 t ha-1 at the December sowing indicates its promise as a forage crop.