Abstract

                                The black gram genotype VBG 55 is a hybrid derivative of CO 4 x PDU 102. It matures in 75-80 days. It has recorded an average seed yield of 782, 737 and 793 kg/ha during kharif, rabi and summer seasons respectively. It is an increased seed yield of 52.4, 67.8, 73.8 per cent over Vamban 1, 50.5, 34.3, 45.7 per cent over Vamban 2, 19.3, 20.2, 21.2 over Vamban 3, 78.6, 27.1, 43.8 over CO 5 and 31.4, 28.5, 28.7 over ADT 5 during kharif, rabi and summer seasons respectively. The culture VBG 55 has resistance to yellow mosaic virus disease and moderate resistance to powdery mildew. It is suited for sowing in all seasons and all districts of Tamil Nadu. Hence, the culture VBG 55 was accepted by State Variety Release Committee as VBN (Bg) 4 blackgram for commercial cultivation in Tamil Nadu during 2003.

Key words : VBN (Bg) 4, black gram, yellow mosaic virus resistance