Productivity Of Black Gram Research Articles

Integrated Nutrient Management for Growth, Yield and Economic Assessment in Black Gram in Dehradun Valley

The field experiment was carried out at a designated location on the Agricultural Research Farm of Graphic Era Hill University in Dehradun during the kharif season of 2023 to study the influence of integrating organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on growth and productivity of black gram (Vigna mungo). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) consisting of nine treatments viz Control (T1), 100% RDF (20:40:20 Kg/ha NPK)(T2), Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 (T3) Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed (T4), 100% RDF+ Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 (T5), 100% RDF + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed (T6), Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed (T7), 70% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed (T8), 100% RDF+ Vermicompost @ 5 ha-1+ Bio-Nitrogen (T9) each replicated thrice. Integrated Nutrient Management had significantly affected growth, yield and economics of black gram. Maximum emergence count (13.3 m2) was recorded with 70% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed which at par with 100% RDF + Bio nitrogen@ 20gm kg-1 seed (T6) and 100% RDF+ Vermicompost @ 5 ha-1+ Bio-Nitrogen (T9). Growth parameter viz. plant height, number of nodules/plant, dry matter accumulation/m2, branches/plant were reported to be significantly influenced by INM with 70% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed. Similarly, maximum seed yield (36.33 q ha-1) was obtained under 70% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed. Increase in seed yield with the application of by 358.1% and 233.3% was obtained over control (T1) and 100% RDF (T2). The study highlights that combining organic and inorganic sources of nutrients is a simple and effective strategy to improve initial plant stand of black gram crop, ultimately contributing to increased crop growth, yield and better economic returns.

Variation among Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) Genotypes for Antioxidant Defence System and Yield under High Temperature Stress

Background: Blackgram is a short duration pulse crop which is sensitive to high temperatures. Raising global temperatures are becoming a serious threat to the production of blackgram by altering biochemical processes at cellular level. Hence, the present investigation was carried out for better understanding of genotypic variability and the biochemical mechanisms governing heat stress tolerance which can help in identifying heat tolerant blackgram genotypes that can yield better under climate change scenarios. Methods: Thirty blackgram genotypes selected from temperature induction response technique were evaluated for biochemical efficiency under natural high temperature conditions during summer, 2022 and 23. Field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College Farm, Acharya N.G Ranga Agricultural University, Agricultural College, Bapatla. Biochemical and yield parameters were recorded at flowering and the data were analyzed statistically and pooled. Result: The results of the study revealed that the genotypes TBG-129, LBG-1015, PU-1804 and PU-31 recorded higher seed yield indicating their ability to withstand high temperatures by up-regulating various biochemical pathways involved in increased production of proline, carotenoids and antioxidant defense enzymes that might have scavenged the free radicals that were produced due to high temperature stress, thereby preventing lipid peroxidation. Lower seed yield was recorded in TBG-125 and LBG-1023 which might be due to oxidative damage caused by higher accumulation of free radicals and poor scavenging activity of antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, the results of correlation analysis revealed that all the biochemical traits such as proline, carotenoids and antioxidant defense enzymes showed positive association with seed yield except free radicals and malondialdehyde. The principal component analysis results revealed considerable variability among the traits accounting for 80.0%. The genotypes TBG-129, LBG-1015, PU-1804 and PU-31 can be used in breeding programmes for development of heat tolerant genotypes.

Effect of mulching and herbicides on weed dynamics and productivity of black gram

Effect of mulching and herbicides on weed dynamics and productivity of black gram

Harnessing rain hose technology for water-saving sustainable irrigation and enhancing blackgram productivity in garden land

Blackgram, a protein-rich pulse crop (24%), is crucial for combating food insecurity, particularly in malnourished and economically weak countries. Enhancing blackgram production requires improved, input-saving management practices. Given the challenges of climate change and population growth, efficient water management is vital for increasing pulse productivity and water use efficiency with minimal investment. This study aimed to identify cost-effective irrigation methods to optimise blackgram yields. Experiments were conducted at the National Pulses Research Centre in Vamban, Pudukkottai, and the Agricultural College and Research Institute in Kumulur, Tiruchirappalli, during the kharif season of 2021 and 2022. The study compared different treatments of irrigation methods, such as check basin, raised bed, drip, sprinkler and rain hose irrigation. Results showed that the rain hose system maintained the highest soil moisture (23.93% at 10 cm depth and 19.71% at 20 cm depth). Even though drip irrigation resulted in a higher seed yield (1363 kg ha−1), the rain hose system proved to be more cost-effective, saving 27.09% in costs and achieving a 15.23% higher benefit–cost ratio. These findings suggest that the rain hose method, combined with current agronomic practices, is a viable low-cost technique for sustainable blackgram cultivation, optimising water use and maximising profits. This research provides valuable insights into water-saving irrigation methods for pulse crops.

The Impact Analysis on Productivity Enhancement of Blackgram through Front Line Demonstration in Chandel District of Manipur State

Background: Blackgram is the major pulse crop cultivated all over the India. The crop is resistant to unfavourable weather patterns and helps in enhancing soil fertility. It is a significant component of the Indian diet since it provides vegetable protein and balances the diet. About 26 per cent of it is protein, which is nearly three times more than cereal and other vitamins and minerals. In addition, it is utilised as nutrient-rich fodder, particularly for dairy cattle. A significant obstacle to expanding blackgram production in Chandel district, Manipur State is the technology gap. Frontline demonstration (FLD), is one of the most significant and effective methods for technology transfer. By using the newest technologies, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Chandel’s interventions aim to boost productivity and production. Methods: The study on Blackgram var. PU-31 under rainfed farming situations of Chandel district, Manipur was carried out by ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra-Chandel, during Kharif 2017 to 2022 with the objectives to increase production and productivity of pulse in the district conducted in the farmers’ field for 118 hectares of land with all the scientific package of practices. Result: The average grain yield of 776.50 kg/ha was obtained in the demonstration plot with 38.13 per cent increase in yield over farmers practices. The technological and extension gap were 723.50 kg/ha and 214.33 kg/ha respectively. Similarly, technological index was decreased from 50.33 percent to 44.53 percent during the study period, revealing satisfactory performance of technological interventions which can further be improved by bridging the gaps with more efficient research and extension services.

Progress in genomic-driven breeding for improving the disease and insect pest resistance in black gram (Vigna mungo)

Urdbean or black gram (Vigna mungo) is a short-duration pulse crop with a high nutritional profile, and its main cultivation areas are in South and Southeast Asia, including India. The production of black gram is constrained by various biotic stresses, particularly diseases like yellow mosaic disease, leaf crinkle disease, and powdery mildew. Additionally, insect pests like bruchids and pod borers also affect black gram production. These biotic stresses cause significant losses in yield and reduce yield quality. Breeding for resistance is the most desirable and economical approach for the management of diseases and insect pests. In the past, conventional approaches used in black gram breeding contributed to improving resistance to biotic stress in black gram, but the success was not at the desired level. Therefore, to enhance biotic stress resistance, the black gram breeding programs shifted their focus toward genomics. Recently, several genomics resources, including genome and transcriptome sequences, DNA markers, and genetic linkage maps, have been developed exclusively for the black gram. However, the progress of improving black gram resistance to biotic stress using these genomic resources is still very slow. In this review, we discuss the black gram genomic resources and their use in breeding programs for developing biotic stress resistance. In addition, we discuss the existing research gaps and offer our view on future research for combating the biotic stress in black gram.

Response of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) Cultivars for Nipping and Graded Levels of Nitrogen for Higher Productivity under Irrigated Conditions

Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) holds significant importance among grain legumes, particularly in terms of its production and productivity. Over the years, the decline in the cultivation area of this crop has become increasingly evident due to its persistently low yields. Many technologies are being implemented to improve the yield, and nipping is one of them. The main objective of this paper was to standardize the nipping timing and graded levels of nitrogen (N) application on growth and seed yield in blackgram cultivars under irrigated conditions. A study with three blackgram cultivars (cv.), three levels of N, and three intervals of nipping was taken up during the winter and monsoon seasons of 2018 and 2019, respectively. The study revealed that blackgram cv. VBN8 recorded a higher plant height of 49.52 cm, a higher number of branches (4.08), a higher number of pods per plant (47.75), a higher seed yield of 882 kg.ha−1, and a benefit cost ratio (B:C ratio) of 2.49. Among the graded levels of nutrients, applications of 125% N and 100% phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) recorded the highest growth and yield attributes, with a B:C ratio of 2.33. Nipping at 25 days after sowing (DAS) registered a higher number of branches (4.08), more pods per plant (48.14), and a seed yield of 902 kg.ha−1 with a B:C ratio of 2.36. Higher N, P, and K uptake was observed in blackgram VBN8, with an application of 150% recommended N and 100% P and K and nipping at 25 DAS. To conclude, application of 125% recommended N and 100% P and K and nipping at 25 DAS were found to be significant in enhancing the productivity of blackgram and NPK uptake, and resulted in 14% more profit than no nipping treatments.

Evaluation of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) Genotypes for Dry Matter Partitioning, Reproductive Efficiency and Yield under High Temperature Stress

Background: In the present climate change scenario, the rising temperatures are imposing severe threat to blackgram production leading to marked reduction in yield potential.The reduction in the yield potential is mainly due to reproductive failures caused by heat stress. Keeping this in view, the present study was carried out to find out the reasons behind reproductive failures and identify the genotypes that yield better under heat stress. Methods: Thirty blackgram genotypes selected from temperature induction response technique were evaluated for reproductive efficiency under natural high temperature conditions. Field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College Farm, Acharya N.G Ranga Agricultural University, Agricultural College, Bapatla. Dry matter partitioning, reproductive efficiency and yield traits were recorded at flowering and the data were analyzed statistically and pooled. Result: Genetic variability was observed among the blackgram genotypes with respect to dry matter partitioning, reproductive efficiency and yield traits under high temperature stress conditions. Among the 30 genotypes tested for thermotolerance, the genotypes TBG-129, PU-1804 and LBG-1015 were found to withstand high temperature stress at reproductive stage by possessing higher dry matter, number of flowers per plant, pollen viability, pollen germination percentage, pollen load on stigma, stigma receptivity, flower to pod setting percentage and higher yield. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive association of total dry matter and all the reproductive efficiency characteristics with seed yield under heat stress conditions. The PCA results revealed considerable variability among the traits accounting for 86.6% of total variability. The genotypes TBG-129, PU-1804 and LBG-1015 can be potentially used as donors in the breeding programmes for the development of heat tolerant genotypes.

Exploring organic cultivation methods for black gram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper): A review

Black gram is vital in South Asia, with organic farming promoting sustainability by enhancing soil fertility, agro-ecosystem quality, and crop nutrition. However, limited research and complex cultivation methods hinder its widespread adoption. Overcoming these challenges is essential for expanding organic black gram production to meet the growing demand for sustainable agriculture. This review article deals with various techniques and prospects of organic black gram production by collecting important information spread across organic black gram production research articles published on the internet. It is found that the application of 3 percent Panchagavya foliar spray increases physiological growth, leaf area index, dry matter production, chlorophyll content, N content, yield, and yield attributes of black gram. It is also found that the proper and effective use of bio-fertilisers has more advantages over other fertilizers. Farmers can use a foliar application of Panchagavya, bio-fertiliser, and other non-chemical practices for efficient production of organic black gram. Through this review, it is concluded that the research for organic production of black gram is limited, so focus should be given to organic black gram production research for the development of efficient technologies and the instant dissemination of findings among farmers.

Decadal Performance of Major Kharif Pulse Crops in Madhya Pradesh: In Context of Growth, Decomposition and Instability Analysis

The study purpose examined the growth, decomposition and instability of major kharif pulses i. e. pigeon pea, green gram and black gram in Madhya Pradesh. The study was based on secondary data. The data of area, production, and productivity of selected pulse crops have been taken for 30 years from 1992-93 to 2021-22. The study period was divided into four periods i.e. period-I (1992-93 to 2001-02), period-II (2002-03 to 2011-12), period- III (2012-13 to 2021-22) and overall period (1992-93 to 2021-22). Three different analyses had been carried out in the study viz. (a) Compound annual growth rates, (b) Decomposition analysis and (c) Instability analysis. It was revealed from the outcomes that during the entire study period, a mixed growth pattern was observed in the area, production and productivity of pigeon pea and green gram while significant and positive growth was noticed in area, production and productivity of black gram with the magnitude of 4.31, 6.19 and 1.80 percent, respectively in Madhya Pradesh. During overall study period, area expansion was major instrument to increase the production of pigeon pea and black gram. The highest variability was noticed production of all selected crops during period – I, II, III and entire study period.

Foliar Application of Tropical Trees Leaf Extract for Improve Growth and Yield of Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L). Hepper

Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.), the most important pulse crop is grown throughout India. The productivity of blackgram in India is relatively low compared to the world's average productivity. Nowadays for improving productivity foliar spraying of nutrients plays a major role. The available synthetic formulations for foliar spraying are polluting and highly expensive. Hence, the leaf extracts of tropical trees can be utilized as an alternative source since they have enormous bioactive compounds able to stimulate plant growth and improve productivity without any harmful effects. Therefore, the present study was conducted on a sandy loam farm of The Indian Agriculture College, Radhapuram from March 2023 to May 2023 to evaluate the effect of leaf extracts like Moringa oleifera (Moringa), Annona squamosa (Custard apple) and Nerium oleander (Nerium) at different concentration viz., 5% and 10% on cultivation of blackgram crop, variety VBN 8. The results revealed that foliar spraying of Moringa oleifera leaf extract @ 10% + RDF significantly improves the growth components like plant height (27.87 cm and 34.6 cm at 35 DAS and 50 DAS respectively), LAI (2.87 and 4.06 at 35 DAS and 50 DAS respectively), dry matter accumulation (141 g/m2 and 266 g/m2 at 35 DAS and 50 DAS respectively), Crop growth rate (5.77 and 8.33 g/m2/day at 20 to 35 DAS, 35 to 50 DAS respectively), Relative Growth Rate (0.064, 0.042 g/g/day at 20 to 35 DAS, 35 to 50 DAS respectively) and yield attribute like average number of pods per plant (36.9) and seed yield (648 kg/ha) over other treatments and it was on par with RDF + Foliar application of Custard apple leaf extract @ 10%.

Impact of CFLD Pulses on Blackgram Productivity and Profitability in Farmers’ Field of Gariyaband District

Background: Among the pulses grown in the kharif season, blackgram occupies 8654 ha area in the Gariyaband district. But because of improper cultivation practices, blackgram yield is quite low (430 kg/ha). Thus Cluster Frontline Demonstrations were planned and carried out to disseminate latest package of practices to the farmers inorder to boost blackgram production and productivity. Methods: 50 cluster frontline demonstrations were conducted during kharif season of 2020-21 and 2021-22 in farmer’s field at Mauhabhatta and Kamepur villages of Gariyaband district, Chhattisgarh State. The demonstrations were carried out in 20 ha area to show the higher production potentiality of the technique using improved variety Indira Urd-1. Result: The results revealed that improved seed of Indira Urd-1 treated with Rhizobium +PSB and recommended plant protection cover, recorded average yield of 6.82 q/ha as compared to 4.35 q/ha in control plot. The demonstrated technology gave higher net returns and B:C ratio of 28087 Rs/ha and 3.02 in comparison to control (16245 Rs/ha, 1.67). The average extension gap, technology gap and technology index recorded were 2.47q/ha, 5.18 q/ha and 43.16% respectively. The results indicate that adoption of improved production technologies minimized the yield gap and provided higher economic returns to the farming community.

Response of Blackgram Varieties to Various NPK Doses in the Bundelkhand Region, India

Pulses play a pivotal role in contemporary agriculture, influencing food security and climate change mitigation. Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.), with its nutritional richness and adaptability, addresses malnutrition and contributes to soil fertility. This study focuses on enhancing blackgram productivity in Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh, addressing challenges through tailored variety selection and balanced nutrient management. The experiment, conducted in 2022, evaluated three varieties (Azad-3, IPU 10-26, IPU 11-2) and three NPK doses (75% RDF, 100% RDF, 125% RDF) to comprehensively analyze growth, yield, and economic parameters of blackgram. Findings revealed that variety IPU 10-26 and NPK dose 100% RDF exhibited superior growth, yield, and economic performance, indicating its competitive and comparative advantage over the other varieties and nutrient management treatments. The study demonstrates that optimal blackgram production in Bundelkhand necessitates location-specific variety choices and a prudent balanced nutrient management strategy that could be exploited for increased productivity of the crop, as exemplified by IPU 10-26 and 100% RDF.

Genetic Variability, Heritability, Genetic Advance and Association Studies in Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper

Background: In Tamil Nadu blackgram is cultivated in 4.02 lakhs hectare with the production of 2.25 millon tonnes and productivity of 559 kg/ha. Even though it has great importance, blackgram cultivation is ignored as minimum attention is given towards its genetic improvement. There are various reasons for the low production of crop like lack of genetic variability, absence of suitable ideotype, susceptibility to biotic and abiotic stresses and planting in marginal areas of farming. Hence, it is important to improve the productivity of blackgram. Methods: The present investigation was carried out on 44 blackgram genotypes at field experimentation site of Regional Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Aruppukkottai, Virudhunagar District, to study genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and correlation and path effects of seven important yield contributing traits including yield trait. Result: Highest GCV and PCV value observed for seed yield per plant and for plant height. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean were recorded for plant height and seed yield (kg/ha) and selection of these traits was useful for further improvement in plant breeding programme. Association analysis revealed that seed yield exhibited significant and positive correlated with plant height and number of pods/plant. Yield component traits viz., plant height, number of pods/plant, 100 seed weight and single plant yield were highly correlated among themselves. It was observed that plant height and number of pod/plant had the maximum positive direct effects on seed yield. The indirect effect of plant height on grain yield was positive through days to maturity, days to fifty percent flowering and number of pods per plant. Hence selection of plants based on plant height and number of pods/plant will help the improvement of seed yield in blackgram.

Physiological Response of Blackgram Varieties to Foliar Nutrition and Growth Regulators under Partial Shade in Coconut Orchard in Kerala

Background: Coconut is one of the major plantation crops in Kerala which are planted at a wider spacing of 7.6 m ´ 7.6 m giving an ample opportunity for growing intercrops. To enhance soil fertility and productivity of crops inclusion of legumes is a viable option. Blackgram, though a shade sensitive crop performs well in partially shaded coconut gardens due to fast growing nature. The unique ability of biological nitrogen fixation, soil amelioration, carbon sequestration, low water requirement and capacity to withstand extreme drought, pulses have remained an integral component of coconut based cropping system. Since blackgram is a shade sensitive crop, to increase the productivity of blackgram in coconut garden, foliar spray of nutrients and growth regulators is a viable option. Under, shaded or stressed situations, nutrients and plant growth regulators provide optimum vegetative growth by regulating plant growth and architecture. The primary objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of foliar nutrition and growth regulator application on the physiology and yield of different blackgram varieties. Methods: A field trial was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala, India during rabi 2020 and summer 2020-21. To find the performance of five blackgram varieties. The treatments consisted of five performing blackgram varieties under partial shade viz; Sumanjana, DBGV 5, VBN 5, VBN 6, CO 6 and foliar sprays of nutrients (19:19:19 NPK, sulphate of potash) and plant growth regulators [naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and salicylic acid (SA)] alone and in combinations in split plot design at 45 and 60 days after sowing (DAS). Result: The study identified Sumanjana and DBGV 5 as shade adaptive varieties with suitable physiological traits. In both seasons, a higher stomatal conductance and lower stomatal index were observed, indicating a more efficient allocation of resources towards the photosynthetic machinery. Foliar spray of 19:19:19 (1%) and NAA at 40 mg/L and SA at 100 mg/L at 45 and 60 DAS resulted in higher seed yield, dry matter production and also higher net income and benefit cost ratio for these two varieties.

Salt Stress Responses in Early Seedling Growth Characteristics of Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] Genotypes

In view of increasing salinity and intrusion of salt water into the cultivable land area under coastal saline region, germination and crop establishment is a major problem that influence on decrease in the production and productivity of blackgram. Hence, screening of 101 genotypes under different salt concentrations for growth characters paves way to identify the saline resistant genotypes. The upshot of saline stress on seedling growth characters of 101 genotypes which are collected from different eco geographical regions subjected to Half strength Hoagland and Arnon’s solution (T1), Half strength Hoagland Arnon’s solution +NaCl treatment @100mM, 150mM, 200mM and 250mM concentration @7th, 10th, 13th, 16th days (T2) respectively and Half strength Hoagland and Arnon’s solution (control) (T3) during January 2022. Highly significant variation exhibited among the various genotypes for different seedling growth characters viz., leaf area per plant, total number of leaves per plant, dry weight of leaves per plant, dry weight of shoot per plant, dry weight of roots per plant and dry weight of the whole plant. Salinity has the adverse effect on the growth characters. Among the genotypes studied, AUB-08-33(G81) and CBG-09-08(G18) showed maximum mean values under different NaCl concentrations (T2), recommended as donor parent for hybridization as well as candidate genotype in crop improvement for saline soil.

Harnessing the Antifungal Potential of Seed Bacteriome against Major Seed and Soil-borne Pathogens in Blackgram

Blackgram is an important pulse crop in India. One of the major constraints on blackgram production is the attack of pathogens, which leads to yield loss. Nowadays, with the understanding of harmful effects of chemical fungicides, biocontrol methods are gaining more importance. One such method is biopriming with endophytes to control pathogens and enhance yield. In the present study, the endophytes of blackgram seeds was explored and tested for its biocontrol potential against major seed- and soil-borne pathogens and growth promotion in blackgram. A total of 14 bacterial endophytic isolates were obtained and screened against Macropomina phaseolina and Fusarium oxysporum. Among them, BSE5 isolate was proven to be more efficient in inhibiting the mycelial growth of M. phaseolina and F. oxysporum, with per cent inhibition of 22.5 and 50.6, respectively, following BSE9. Both the isolates showed improved plant growth parameters like germination percentage, root length, shoot length, dry matter production and vigour index. Molecular characterisation of BSE5 and BSE9 confirmed that the isolates are Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus xiamenensis.

Evaluation of Mulching Effects on Weed Control in Blackgram Production under Irrigated Condition

A field experiment with the objectives to understand the evaluation of mulching effects on weed control in blackgram production under irrigated condition involving two factors viz., mulching (paddy straw mulching, sugarcane trash mulching, no mulching) and herbicidal treatments (pendimethalin pre-emergence (PE) @ 1.0 Kg/ha, pendimathalin + Imazethapyr (pre-mix) pre-emergence Valor 32% EC 1.0 Kg/ha, Hand weeding on 15 and 30 days after sowing, weedy check) was undertaken in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) design with three replications at the instructional farm of Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore region of western Tamil Nadu during the cropping seasons of Rabi 2022-23. Results revealed that paddy straw mulching sequential application of Pendimathalin + Imazethapyr (pre-mix) pre-emergence Valor 32% EC and sugarcane trash mulching sequential application of pendimathalin + imazethapyr (pre-mix) pre-emergence Valor 32% EC recorded lower weed density, weed dry weight and maximum crop yield as well as net returns over rest of the mulching and herbicidal treatments.

Yield Gap Analysis through Cluster Front Line Demonstration in Blackgram at Tiruchirapalli District

Background: Black gram is one of the important crops among the pulses. Rice–blackgram cropping system is very common in Tamil Nadu. The traditional practice of broadcasting of seeds in the standing crop of rice does not ensure uniform plant population and moisture which results in poor crop growth and yield. Technology gap is a major problem in increasing blackgram production in Tiruchirapalli district of Tamil nadu State. So far, no systematic effort was made to study the technological gap existing in various components of blackgram cultivation. This project was implemented in Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) with main objective to increase the production and productivity through Cluster Frontline demonstrations (CFLDs) with latest technologies. Methods: The Cluster front line demonstration s were conducted with the objective of increase in pulse production. The five village of fifty nine Frontline demonstrations on blackgram (MDU-1) variety was laid out in an area of 50 hectares in farmer’s field in Ayelapettai, Jadamangalam, Sirugamani, Peruvanallur and Anjalam of Tiruchirapalli district in Tamil Nadu. The inputs i.e. distributed are blackgram (MDU-1) variety seed along with mechanized sowing, Result : There was 81.50 per cent increase in yield observed in demonstration plot over farmers’ practice. It was observed that potential yield can be achieved by imparting scientific knowledge to the farmers, providing the quality need based inputs and proper application of inputs. Combination of technical inputs viz., designer seeds, application of TNAU pulse wonder and biofertilizers with scientific interference have increased the potential yield of a crop.

Performance of spring-summer blackgram (Vigna mungo) with nutrient fortification under eastern Indian plains

Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] is an important grain legume in Indian sub-continent imparting nutritional benefits from ancient times. A field experiment was conducted with blackgram in spring-summer seasons during 2020 and 2021 in Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal with two sowing dates in March in main plot, two soil applications of Co at 4 kg/ha in sub-plot and five foliar spray levels of 1.25% K and 0.2% B in sub-sub plot in a split-split plot design to explore the effects of Co, K and B in improving growth, physiology, production, quality and production economics of the crop. Pooled analysis indicated that March first week sowing as well as soil application of Co and foliar K+B fortifications separately achieved significantly higher (P=0.05) plant height, dry matter accumulation, root nodulation, branches/plant, pods/plant, seeds/pod, test weight, total chlorophyll and nitrate reductase contents, net photosynthetic rate, physiological efficiency, yield, seed nutrients and protein contents, economic returns and benefit-cost ratio. Seed protein content was a linear function of root nodule numbers explaining about 84.05% variation. Sowing of blackgram during March first week with soil application of Co and foliar K+B spray is a promising agronomic management to improve blackgram production in a cost-effective way under Gangetic plains of Eastern India.