Identification of resistant sources and population dynamics of whitefly transmitting yellow mosaic disease in blackgram

Abstract

< Blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) is one of India’s most important legume crops, cultivated during both kharif and summer seasons. Yellow Mosaic Disease (YMD) caused by Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV), is one of the major biotic constraints to successful production of blackgram. The disease is transmitted by the hemipteran whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, in a persistent circulative manner. Among 119 germplasm lines screened for YMD under field condition, two blackgram germplasm lines i.e., IC 584696 and IC 614830 were found to be moderately resistant, while nine lines were identified as moderately susceptible, fifty-seven lines were susceptible and fifty-one lines were showed highly susceptible reaction. The whitefly population was highest during the 41st and 42nd Standard Meteorological Weeks (SMWs), with mean values of 69.3 and 64.9, respectively and was lowest during the 36th SMW, with a mean value of 12.9. The whitefly population varied at different crop stages. The population buildup showed a strong significant positive correlation with maximum temperature and a significant negative correlation with rainfall. There was a non-significant positive correlation with minimum temperature and sunshine duration and a non-significant negative correlation with morning relative humidity and evening relative humidity.