Title: Black Gram Sowing Season and Variety: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction:
Black gram (Vigna mungo), also known as urad dal or black lentil, is a highly nutritious and widely popular pulse crop. Its cultivation in the right season and selection of appropriate varieties play a crucial role in maximizing production. In this article, we will discuss the ideal sowing season for black gram and recommend some popular varieties for successful cultivation.
Sowing Season:
The black gram plant thrives in warm weather conditions, requiring temperatures between 20°C and 35°C (68°F – 95°F). It is considered a Kharif season crop, primarily sown during the monsoon months in India, but it can be adapted to various climatic conditions.
Ideal sowing time:
1. First sowing: Depending on the region, black gram can be sown from June to July after the onset of the monsoon. This allows the crop to make the best use of available water and ensures proper growth.
2. Second sowing: In regions with a prolonged monsoon, a second sowing of black gram can be done during August to September. However, it is crucial to consider the maturity period of the selected variety to ensure proper harvesting before winter.
Varieties of Black Gram:
Selecting suitable black gram varieties is important to achieve higher yields and disease resistance. Here are some popular varieties:
1. T9 (TNAU Blackgram 9):
– Maturity period: 60-70 days
– Features: High yielding variety, resistant to yellow mosaic virus, suitable for rainfed cultivation, and known for its good cooking quality.
2. WBU-108:
– Maturity period: 70-75 days
– Features: Early maturing variety, resistant to yellow mosaic virus, suitable for both rainfed and irrigated conditions, with high yield potential and excellent grain quality.
3. ADT-3:
– Maturity period: 70-75 days
– Features: Tolerant to yellow mosaic virus, suited for both rainfed and irrigated cultivation, and known for its high yield potential with good cooking quality.
4. CO-5:
– Maturity period: 60-65 days
– Features: Highly tolerant to yellow mosaic virus, resistant to powdery mildew, suitable for late sowing and intercropping, possessing excellent cooking quality.
5. VBG-01-003:
– Maturity period: 70-75 days
– Features: High yielding variety, tolerant to yellow mosaic virus, suitable for both rainfed and irrigated conditions, and known for its delicious taste.
Conclusion:
Black gram is a significant pulse crop known for its high nutritional value and economic importance. Proper sowing during the ideal season and selecting the right variety for your region are key factors in achieving successful black gram cultivation. Considering the recommended varieties mentioned above can help ensure good yields, resistance to diseases, and high-quality yield for a flourishing black gram farming venture.