Description of Phaseolus Mungo L.
Phaseolus mungo L. is a species of legume that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is commonly known by several names, including black gram, urad bean, and black lentil. The plant is believed to have originated in India, where it has been cultivated for food and medicine for more than 3,000 years.
General Appearance of Phaseolus Mungo L.
Phaseolus mungo L. is a small, erect, and bushy plant that grows to a height of about 30-100 cm. The leaves of the plant are trifoliate with ovate leaflets that are 4-10 cm long and 3-6 cm wide. The flowers of the plant are small, white or yellowish, and borne in racemes of 10-15 cm long. The fruits are slender, cylindrical, and contain 4-10 seeds that are kidney-shaped and black in color.
Uses of Phaseolus Mungo L.
Phaseolus mungo L. is a highly valued crop because of its high nutritional content. The seeds of the plant are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as inflammation, fever, and digestive disorders. In addition, the plant is used as a soil-enriching crop and as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion.
Light Requirements
Phaseolus mungo L. requires moderate to high levels of sunlight to complete its growth cycle. The ideal duration of daylight for these plants is around 14 to 16 hours. Insufficient sunlight can result in stunted growth and poor yield.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature for Phaseolus mungo L. growth is between 25 to 30°C. These plants cannot thrive in extreme temperatures, and sudden weather changes should be avoided.
Soil Requirements
These plants do well in well-drained sandy loam or loam soil. The soil must be rich in organic matter, have a pH range of 6 to 7.5, and should not have high salinity. The soil must also possess good water retention capacity but should not be waterlogged as this could lead to root rot. Regular fertilization may also be necessary to ensure maximum yield.
Cultivation Methods
Phaseolus mungo L., also known as black gram or urad bean, is a warm-season legume crop that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. It is typically cultivated as a kharif or late-season crop from June to October. The plant prefers well-drained loamy soils, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
The seeds should be sown at a depth of 4 to 6 cm in rows spaced about 30 to 45 cm apart. The recommended seed rate is 10-15 kg/ha. The field should be well-prepared and free from weeds before sowing for optimum growth of the crop. The crop should be irrigated immediately after sowing for better germination.
Watering Needs
Phaseolus mungo L. requires frequent watering, especially during the flowering and pod formation stage. The water requirement of the plant varies with the type of soil, climate, and stage of crop growth.
The crop should be irrigated when the topsoil is dry to a depth of 5 cm. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to waterlogging, which can affect plant growth and yield. The frequency of irrigation should be increased during periods of high temperature or low rainfall.
Fertilization
Black gram is a legume crop that fixes atmospheric nitrogen with the help of Rhizobium bacteria present in the root nodules. Therefore, the application of nitrogen-based fertilizers should be minimized.
The application of phosphorus and potassium-based fertilizers should be done at the time of sowing. The recommended dose is 20-25 kg/ha of phosphorus and 20-30 kg/ha of potassium. Foliar application of micronutrients like iron, zinc, and manganese can also be done to improve plant growth and yield.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for Phaseolus mungo L. as the plant has a single main stem and a bushy growth habit that helps in better fruiting. However, removing the pests and diseased parts of the plant can help maintain plant health and improve yield.
Propagation of Phaseolus mungo L.
Phaseolus mungo L., also known as black gram, is commonly propagated using seeds or cuttings.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest method to propagate Phaseolus mungo. The seeds are sown in the soil during the rainy season or just before the onset of the rainy season. The seeds are sown at a depth of 2-3 cm in the soil and should be spaced 6-8 cm apart.
The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds should be watered regularly until they germinate. Germination usually occurs within 5-7 days after sowing.
After germination, the seedlings should be thinned to one seedling per pot. The plants should be kept in a bright and warm location and watered regularly.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation is another method of propagating Phaseolus mungo. Cuttings of 6-8 cm in length are taken from healthy plants during the growing season.
These cuttings are planted in the soil and should be watered immediately after planting. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be watered regularly until they establish roots.
The cuttings usually establish roots within 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Phaseolus mungo L.
Phaseolus mungo L., commonly known as black gram or urad bean, is a popular legume grown for its edible beans in various parts of Asia including India, Pakistan, and Thailand. Like any other crop, black gram is vulnerable to several diseases and pests that can significantly reduce yields.
Common Diseases of Phaseolus mungo L.
The following are some common fungal and viral diseases that can affect Phaseolus mungo L.:
Leaf spot disease
Leaf spot disease is a common fungal disease that affects black gram leaves, causing yellow or brown spots on the leaves. The disease can be controlled by spraying fungicides such as carbendazim, propiconazole, or mancozeb.
Rust disease
Rust disease is another fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing small rust-colored spots on the leaves. The disease can be controlled by spraying fungicides such as copper oxychloride, carbendazim, or azoxystrobin.
Mosaic virus
Mosaic virus is a viral disease that causes yellow mosaic-like patterns on the leaves of the plant. The disease can be controlled by removing and destroying infected plants, as there is currently no known cure for the virus.
Common Pests of Phaseolus mungo L.
The following are some common pests that can affect black gram:
Pod borer
Pod borer is a common insect pest that attacks the flowers and pods of the plant, causing damage to the developing beans. The pest can be controlled by spraying insecticides such as cypermethrin, quinalphos, or acephate.
Whitefly
Whitefly is another common pest that attacks the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and eventually fall off. The pest can be controlled by spraying insecticides such as neem oil, pyrethroids, or diafenthiuron.
Aphids
Aphids are small green or black insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and deformities in the leaves and stems. The pest can be controlled by spraying insecticides such as imidacloprid, acetamiprid, or thiamethoxam.
In conclusion, effective disease and pest management is crucial for maximizing yields of Phaseolus mungo L. Regular scouting of the crop, cultural practices such as crop rotation, and proactive use of chemicals can all help to control the spread of diseases and pests.
