Generation mean analysis in yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt) for vegetative and yield characters

Abstract

Generation mean analysis in yard long bean was undertaken to estimate to estimate gene action operating in the inheritance of vegetative and yield characters. Six basic generations, viz., P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2 of the cross VS 50 (Kakkamoola Local) x VS 34 (Githika) was studied. Significance of scaling test revealed the presence of epistasis for characters under investigation. The type of gene action involved in the expression of a trait is helpful in deciding the appropriate breeding procedures to be used for the improvement of the trait. Earliest flowering was observed in F1 in the cross (50.00 days) while P1 (53.50) was late. Yield plant-1 was highest for F1 (1210.51 g) and lowest was recorded by P2 (642.61 g) in the cross. The predominance of dominance component for the characters under study indicates the improvement of traits through heterosis breeding.