A DWARF DETERMINATE PLANT TYPE FOR ACHIEVING HIGHER AND STABLE YIELD IN BLACKGRAM (VIGNA MUNGO L. HEPPER)

Abstract

In the present study a dwarf determinate type of urdbean was used along with two traditional varieties and two elite lines to test their performance at higher plant density and nitrogen fertilizer levels. Genotype differ significantly for all the traits studied, spacing showed significant difference for total number of pods per plant, harvest index and plot yield while nitrogen levels showed significant difference for total number of pods per plant, 100 seed weight, dry weight of stem, husk, biological yield and harvest index. Closer spacing enhanced seed yield by 36.5 percent, harvest index by 29.9 percent and plot yield by 47.9 percent while higher nitrogen level enhanced dry weight of stem, husk and biological yield by 26.7, 34.1 and 17.5 percent respectively but reduced harvest index by 18.1 percent. The dwarf determinate line (V.K.6) recorded lower values of pods per plant, dry weight of stem, leaves, husk and biological yield but higher number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, seed yield per plant and seed yield per plot. Mean performance and stability parameter for grain yield and its component traits revealed that the genotype V.K.6 exhibited the highest seed yield per plant (2.87 g) and plot yield (60.53 g) _-over six environments. The dwarf determinate type showed wider adaptability and higher stable yield over environments and therefore can be recommended for cultivation by the farmers.