Recent Research on Improved Management Technologies for Blackgram: A Review

Abstract

Blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) is an important pulse crop whose productivity is influenced by genotype, sowing environment, crop geometry, weed pressure, nutrient supply, and biotic and abiotic stresses. This review synthesises recent management findings reported for blackgram production under diverse growing conditions. Evidence reviewed in the manuscript indicates that genotype performance varies with environment and that suitable sowing time and plant spacing are important determinants of growth and yield. Weed management using pre- and post-emergence herbicides, together with intercultural practices, can reduce weed competition, while intercropping may contribute to system productivity and soil fertility under appropriate crop arrangements. Nutrient management studies show responses to balanced fertilisation, organic manures, biofertilisers, potassium, sulphur, and foliar nutrient application, with benefits depending on local production conditions. The reviewed studies also demonstrate the importance of timely management of insect pests, including sucking pests and borers, and diseases such as yellow mosaic and dry root rot. Integrated approaches combining seed treatment, need-based foliar application, and other crop-management practices were generally associated with improved crop performance in the studies reviewed. Overall, the evidence supports the use of location-specific combinations of suitable genotypes and agronomic, nutrient, weed, insect, and disease-management practices. Wider field validation across seasons and production environments remains important before broad recommendations are made.