Comparative Study on Pulse Production with Different Practices: A Case Study of Mungbean and Black Gram

抄録

Pulses play a vital role in contributing to food security and enhancing soil fertility. In Myanmar, pulses are the second most important crop after rice, and have a high potential for export. Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) and black gram (Vigna mungo L.) are the major species of pulses that are widely grown throughout the country. The actual yield obtained at the farm level is still lower than the potential yield and pulse farmers are facing various problems and constraints. Considerable improvements of crop management practices are needed in pulse cultivation. Field experiments were conducted at Thongwa Township (lower Myanmar) and Pyinmana Township (middle Myanmar) from November 2017 to March 2018 to investigate the effect of crop management practices on yield and suitability of mungbean and black gram varieties grown in the study areas. Each experimental area was laid out in a split-plot design with four replications. Two crop management practices (Recommended practice and Farmers’ actual practice) were assigned to each main plot and four varieties of mungbean (Yezin-1, Yezin-9, Yezin-11 and Yezin-14) were planted at the Thongwa Township sites and black gram (Yezin-2, Yezin-5, Yezin-6 and Yezin-7) at the Pyinmana Township site, being assigned to sub plots. The results reveal that more yield and yield components were obtained in mungbean varieties grown following recommended practices than by farmers’ practices. However, the yield and yield components of black gram varieties are not significantly different between the two crop management practices. All mungbean varieties tested, except Yezin-11, are suitable for cultivation in Thongwa Township. Of the black gram varieties tested in Pyinmana Township, only Yezin-7 is unsuitable. Therefore, it is necessary to further investigate and possibly amend the recommended practices for these particular areas to improve the production of mungbean and black gram in these areas. In addition, demonstration plots that make use of these recommended practices should be organized to improve the awareness of farmers of the advantages of these techniques.