Genetic variation in black gram and guar for phenology, physiology, growth, and yield under irrigated and rainfed conditions of Northern Great Plains
Abstract
Field trials were conducted in 2022 and 2023 to evaluate the feasibility of growing black gram (Vigna mungo) and guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) and to identify superior accessions for semiarid conditions of Northern Great Plains, U.S. Significant genetic variability was observed among 21 black gram and 18 guar accessions under rainfed and irrigated conditions. Black gram accession PI425187 yielded the highest grain per plant (8.6 g) under rainfed conditions, while PI377397 and PI377406 performed best under irrigated (6.5 g). Number of pod per plant and seeds per pod were highly correlated with yield per plant. The highest guar yield per plant obtained were (8.1 g) in rainfed and (6.6 g) in irrigated conditions. These guar yields were, however, significantly below the yield reported in the southern great plains, U.S. The study demonstrates the feasibility of cultivating black gram in NGP conditions. More multi-location trials are recommended to identify superior accessions.