Genetic diversity in yield and yield component in Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L) Hepper]

Abstract

34 genotypes collected from various sources were grouped into six clusters following Mahalanobis D2 statistics. Cluster III was the largest (12 genotypes) followed by clusters II (eight), VI (Six) and VI (four). The maximum intra-cluster distance was observed in cluster III, II and V suggesting that genotypes are having diverse genetic architecture. The inter-cluster distance was high between clusters V and VI there by indicating wide range of variation among the clusters. The per cent contribution towards genetic diversity was high in 100 seed weight (59.00%), days to 50 % flowering (15.15%) and days to maturity (11.94%), Selection pressure on these traits may lead to an overall increase in grain yield per plant. The inter-cluster representatives of distant clusters would be more useful for choosing the parents in hybridization programme.