Black gram (urdbean) will be black in colour usually. But black gram in green colour has been invented by C.S.Azad University of Agriculture and Technology of Kanpur. The new variety Shekhar 1 (KU 301) from C.S.Azad University of Agriculture and Technology is green in colour which resembles green gram. Weight of 1000 grains is 44 grams.
According to Assistant Director of Seed Certification, Agriculture department, Thanjavur, the new variety can be tried by farmers of Cauvery delta districts in place of T9 variety of black gram which has become more susceptible to yellow mosaic disease.
The suitable season for sowing Shekar one is after March 20. It is moderately resistant to powdery mildew disease and also highly resistant to yellow mosaic disease.
Last year, the variety was raised both in Margazhi (December-January) and Chithirai (April -May) pattams under seed form condition and it performed well, the assistant director of seed certification said in a press release issued here on Monday.
Interested farmers can contact Joint Director of Agriculgture or Assistant Director of Seed Certification, Thanjavur. They can contact over phone 04362-231066.
