Screening of mungbean germplasm for resistance/tolerance against yellow mosaic disease

Absence of resistance/tolerance against diseases and insect pests in mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] varieties, is one of the main reasons for their low yield in Pakistan. During the summer (Kharif) season, yellow mosaic epidemic damages the crop in most of the mungbean growing areas of Pakistan. For the purpose of identifying resistance/tolerance in mungbean germplasm, a disease screening nursery, comprising of 108 test entries, was developed. Screening was done under natural environmental conditions in 2007 at University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan against yellow mosaic disease (YMD). All the test entries showed a highly susceptible response. Despite being highly susceptible, some test entries produced good yield and showed tolerance to YMD. Tolerance against YMD is a considerable factor to be included in breeding program to develop high yielding varieties of V. radiata.