​Identification of Low Light Tolerant Blackgram Varieties with Respect to Morpho-physiology and Yield

Abstract

Background: Blackgram is generally considered as a shade sensitive crop. Nevertheless, it fits well in intercropping, crop rotation and crop mixture in coconut gardens thus forming an integral part of cropping systems of the tropics. To encourage and extend blackgram cultivation in coconut gardens, suitable varieties tolerant to shade, need to be identified. The current study aims to screen shade tolerant blackgram varieties with respect to morpho-physiological characters and yield. Methods: Field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2019 at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala, India. Uniformly spaced coconut palms of age above 40 years were selected having a light intensity of 40-46.5 Klux. Twelve promising blackgram varieties along with three cultures were evaluated under low light intensity in coconut garden. Morpho-physiological attributes and yields were recorded and analysed statistically. Result: Superior growth attributes and physiological parameters like stomatal frequency, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate and transpiration rate were recorded in varieties namely, DBGV 5, Sumanjana and VBN 5. These varieties were found tolerant to low light intensity with DBGV 5 recording significantly higher yield (1183.33 kg ha-1) followed by VBN 5 (916.67 kg ha-1) and Sumanjana (906.67 kg ha-1) and could be recommended as suitable for intercropping in coconut garden.

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

“…The experiment was laid out in split plot design, replicated four times with five varieties (v 1 -Sumanjana, v 2 -DBGV 5, v 3 -VBN 5, v 4 -VBN 6, v 5 -CO 6). These varieties were selected after a preliminary screening under the partial shade in coconut garden in terms of yield per unit area (Pooja et al, 2021) for the main plot treatments. The duration of blackgram varieties in the shaded condition ranged between 90 to 110 days, which were more than that of open condition in general.…”