GENETIC DIVERSITY OF BLACKGRAM (Vigna mungo L.)

Abstract

An experiment was carried out during the Rabi season of 2015-16 at the research field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka to assess the correlation, path coefficient and genetic diversity in 20 morphologically diverse accessions of Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L) Hepper]. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences among the genotype for all the traits studied suggesting prevalence of wide range of genetic variability and scope of selection for these traits, except days to 50% flowering. High PCV and GCV were observed for branches per plant, seed yield per plant, pods per plant and plant height. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for seed yield per plant, branches per plant and plant height indicating preponderance of additive gene action in the inheritance of these traits and selection would be effective. Seed yield per plant exhibited significant and positive correlation with pods per plant and hundred seed weight and insignificant positive correlation with branches per plant, pod length and seeds per pod at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Through path analysis the direct effects were found to be positive and high for plant height, days to first flowering, pod length and pods per plant. Twenty genotypes were grouped into five clusters. Highest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster I and III followed by cluster I and V. There was sufficient genetic variability among the genotypes for all the traits under study. Hence selection of these characters simultaneously would bring improvement in yield.