Current Advances in Sustainable Cultivation, Climate Resilience, Crop Protection and Post-Harvest Management of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)
Author : Sreelatha Thallapally
Abstract :
Black gram (Vigna mungo L.), commonly known as urd bean or urad dhal, is an important pulse crop of the Indian subcontinent and a valuable source of dietary protein, carbohydrates, minerals and other nutrients. It is cultivated under diverse agro-climatic conditions and contributes to food security, soil fertility and sustainable cropping systems. However, irregular rainfall, drought, high temperatures, soil constraints, insect pests, diseases, and post-harvest losses affect production. This review summarises current advances in the sustainable cultivation and management of black gram, with emphasis on climate resilience, agronomic practices, crop protection and post-harvest management. It discusses sustainable cultivation practices such as suitable sowing time, optimum plant spacing, efficient water management, organic amendments, crop rotation, intercropping, and weed management. The review also highlights the role of black gram in climate-resilient agriculture because of its relatively short duration, adaptability and ability to utilise residual soil moisture. Major insect pests and diseases, including aphids, pod borers, pod bugs, tobacco caterpillars, yellow mosaic disease, powdery mildew, leaf blight and anthracnose, are discussed along with integrated pest and disease management approaches. Particular attention is given to botanical pesticides, biological control agents and environmentally friendly management practices. Post-harvest operations, including harvesting, drying, threshing, seed storage and management of storage pests such as pulse beetles, are also reviewed. Finally, the review identifies major challenges and future opportunities for improving productivity, quality and sustainability of black gram production under changing climatic conditions.
Keywords :
Black gram, Vigna mungo, sustainable cultivation, climate resilience, pulse crop, integrated pest management, plant diseases, biological control, botanical pesticides, post-harvest management, storage pests, sustainable agriculture.
