Question

Small seeded late maturing type of blackgram

• A. Vigna mungo var. niger
• B. Vigna mungo var. viridis
• C. Both 1 and 2
• D. Vigna aconitifolia

Hint:

- Vigna mungo var. niger \(\rightarrow\) Niger (Black) \(\rightarrow\) Small, black, late-maturing.
- Vigna mungo var. viridis \(\rightarrow\) Viridis (Greenish) \(\rightarrow\) Large, greenish-black, early-maturing.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Blackgram (Vigna mungo), commonly known as urdbean, is an important pulse crop.
Botanists classify blackgram into two distinct botanical varieties based on seed size, seed coat color, and crop maturity duration.
Detailed Explanation:
Let us compare the two primary varieties of Vigna mungo:
- Vigna mungo var. niger: This variety produces small, dark black seeds.
It is characterized by a longer vegetative phase and a late-maturing growth habit.
This matches the question's definition.
- Vigna mungo var. viridis: This variety produces larger, dull-greenish or grayish-black seeds.
It is characterized by rapid early growth and an early-maturing habit.
- Vigna aconitifolia: This is a separate pulse species commonly known as moth bean, which is highly drought-resistant and has distinct deeply-lobed leaves.

Step 2: Final Answer:
The small-seeded, late-maturing type of blackgram is classified as Vigna mungo var. niger.