Genetic divergence studies in black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Genetic divergence studies in black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]” was conducted at the College Farm, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat with fifty black gram genotypes to assess the extent of genetic diversity by D2 analysis in a randomized block design during late kharif 2018. Observations were recorded on thirteen characters contributing to yield in black gram which included days to 50% flowering, plant height, branches per plant, clusters per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod, pod length, 100-seed weight, seed yield per plant, days to maturity, straw yield, harvest index, and protein (%). Based on D2 values, clustering of fifty genotypes by Tocher’s method into six clusters is an indicative of wide diversity. Among thirteen characters studied protein (%), straw yield, plant height, days to maturity, 100-seed weight, harvest index, pod length, days to 50% flowering, pods per plant, clusters per plant, branches per plant and seed yield per plant contributed towards genetic divergence. Cluster means results clearly indicated appreciable difference among cluster means for most of the characters. As far as cluster means are concerned, a greater range of mean values among the clusters was recorded for different traits. From the cluster mean results, it could be concluded that cluster II, III and VI has high amount of variation within population. Hence it can be used for population improvement for further crop improvement.