Greengram (Vigna radiata) and blackgram (V. mungo) improvement in India : past, present and future prospects

Abstract

Greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilezek] and blackgram [V. mungo (L.) Hepper] are widely cultivated in India in different seasons. In general, these crops are grown in rainfed condition. During the past 40 years, the area and production of these crops have shown a positive trend, and now these crops are no more considered as minor crops. This has been achieved primarily owing to the availability of short-duration, disease-resistant varieties which fit well in the different cropping systems. However, the productivity has shown a slow progress. To increase the yielding ability with added advantage of stability, crossing programme involving wild relatives and land races may be followed. The cultivation practices as well as varieties suitable for intercropping systems may be developed. There is a need to incorporate resistance against cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora spp), anthracnose [Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Sacc. & Magn.) Briosi & Cav.)], pre-harvest sprouting, drought and heat tolerance. The integrated pest management (IPM) module (s) for different seasons and cropping systems may also be developed for these crops.