Evaluation of genetic variability and heritability in blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) genotypes

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to estimate the extent of genetic variability and heritability in blackgram with the use ofthirty-six genotypes available at Department of Genetics and Plant breeding, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture Science and Technology, Allahabad. The genotypes were tested during Kharif, 2015 under irrigation condition in randomized block design with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences for 13 characters studied among the genotypes. High phenotypic coefficient of variation was recorded for clusters/plant while medium values were found in plant height and primary branches per plant. Medium genotypic coefficient of variation was reported in plant height and clusters/plant. High heritability was showed by traits like seed index (0.90), seed yield per plant (0.89), biological yield per plant (0.89), pods per plant (0.67) and harvest index (0.61). The expected genetic advance and genetic advance as % of mean of blackgram genotypes ranges between 0.12 for seeds per pod to 11.24 plant height and 2.02 for days to maturity to 17.10 for seed yield per plant, respectively. Thus, traits showing variability both at genotypic and phenotypic levels and heritability coupled with moderate to high genetic advance need to be paid attention while formulating breeding strategies for improvement of grain yield of blackgram.