Urd Bean (Black Gram) – Vigna mungo

Importance

• India is the primary producer of urd bean, contributing more than 70% of global production.
• Major kharif pulse crop, next only to pigeon pea and chickpea.
• Important for soil fertility → fixes 50–60 kg N/ha through symbiotic nitrogen fixation.
• Consumed as dal, papad, dosa, idli, vada → highly valued in South India.

Origin

• India is the primary center of origin.
• Domesticated from the wild species Vigna mungo var. silvestris.

Nutritional Value

• Protein: 24%
• Carbohydrates: 56%
• Fat: 1.5%
• Rich in phosphorus, iron, and vitamins.
• Medicinal use: improves digestion, strengthens nervous system, used in Ayurveda.

Area and Production in India

Botanical Description

• Family: Leguminaceae (sub-family: Papilionaceae)
• Root: Deep tap root with profuse nodulation.
• Photosynthesis: C3 plant.
• Growth habit: Erect/bushy, short duration.
• Flower: Yellow, papilionaceous.
• Fruit: Small cylindrical pod (4–6 cm), 4–10 seeds, black in colour.

Classification

• Desi types: small-seeded, hardy, widely grown.
• Improved varieties: resistant to YMV and tolerant to drought/waterlogging.

Agronomic Practices

Management Practices

• Seed Treatment: Rhizobium + PSB inoculation → improves nodulation and yield.
• Weed Control: 2 hand weedings (20–25 DAS & 45 DAS). Pre-emergence herbicide: Pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha.
• Cropping System: Intercrop: with pigeon pea, maize, sorghum, cotton. Sequential: Rice → Urd → Wheat (North India).

Diseases & Management

1. Yellow Mosaic Virus (YMV) – whitefly-transmitted. Resistant varieties: Pant Urd-19, LBG-752, KU-96-3. Vector control: Imidacloprid sprays.
2. Leaf Crinkle Disease – viral, seed-borne → use healthy seed, resistant varieties.
3. Cercospora Leaf Spot – Carbendazim 0.1%.
4. Powdery Mildew – Wettable sulphur 0.2%.

 Insect Pests

• Pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) → controlled with NPV or Spinosad.
• Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) → systemic insecticides, neem-based sprays.
• Aphids & Jassids → Dimethoate, neem extracts.

Varieties

• Resistant to YMV: Pant Urd-19, LBG-752, Mash-114, KU-96-3
• High-yielding: PU-30, TAU-1, CO-5, T-9
• Short duration (60–70 days): Pant Urd-30, IPU-94-1

Quick Facts

• Origin: India
• Protein: 24%
• Seed rate: 15–25 kg/ha
• Spacing: 30 × 10 cm
• Duration: 80–120 days
• Critical irrigation: Pre-flowering & Pod filling
• Major disease: YMV
• Major pest: Pod borer