New variety horsegram ( Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.) ' CRIDALATA' (CRHG-04)released for South India.

Abstract

Cridalata (CRHG-04) is a new promising [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.] black seeded variety of horsegram developed by mutation breeding ( rays irradiation) and released for south India in 2010. It matures in 85-95 days and yields in the range of 700 to 1100 kg/ha, has high pod number as well as synchronized brisk podding behaviour. The normal sowing period is August second fortnight to September end. However, with North East monsoon rains it can be sown even in October. This variety responds to fertilizer up to 20 N+40 P2O5 per ha and has 27.1 % protein content. The variety is black seeded and pods do not shatter, an important parameter which saves/conserves seed yield, when harvesting is delayed. It is tolerant to yellow mosaic virus, powdery mildew and mites. It recorded mean grain yield, of 785 kg/ha in farmers’ fields, which is 34% higher over the local varieties. It’s unique feature is that it can be grown purely under rainfed conditions with no inputs and ideal for small and marginal farmers especially confer household nutritional security. Apart from being a normal and late kharif / rabi dryland variety, it is also an excellent contingent crop and can serve as green cover when sown in early kharif which could be used for fodder along with being a cover crop for soil and water conservation in watersheds.