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
Top States (Area) | Top States (Production) |
Madhya Pradesh | Madhya Pradesh |
Uttar Pradesh | Uttar Pradesh |
Rajasthan | Rajasthan |
Maharashtra | Maharashtra |
Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh | Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh |
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
Aspect | Details |
Seedbed | Well-pulverized, fine tilth |
Sowing Time | – Kharif: Mid-June to early July |
Seed Rate | 15–20 kg/ha (kharif) |
Spacing | 30 × 10 cm (rainfed) |
Depth | 4–6 cm |
Irrigation | – Mostly rainfed |
Fertilizer | 20 kg N + 40–60 kg P₂O₅ / ha (starter dose) |
Duration | 80–120 days |
Yield | 8–15 q/ha (rainfed), 15–20 q/ha (irrigated) |
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
- Yellow Mosaic Virus (YMV) – whitefly-transmitted. Resistant varieties: Pant Urd-19, LBG-752, KU-96-3. Vector control: Imidacloprid sprays.
- Leaf Crinkle Disease – viral, seed-borne → use healthy seed, resistant varieties.
- Cercospora Leaf Spot – Carbendazim 0.1%.
- 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
