Study of genetic diversity in lablab bean (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet) for yield and yield related components

Abstract

A genetic diversity study of 25 lablab bean genotypes and one check variety using Mahalanobis D² analysis grouped them into six clusters. The highest inter-cluster divergence was between Clusters V and VI (1294.10), while Cluster III showed the highest intra-cluster distance (304.10), making it the most diverse. Key contributors to divergence were seed yield per plant (13.50%), protein content (9.87%), and harvest index (8.50%). Cluster III genotypes excelled in seed yield, protein content, and test weight, while Cluster VI genotypes were superior in plant height, iron, potassium, and ascorbic acid content. Promising genotypes identified were in Cluster III (high yield and protein content) with genotypes such as- DPLW-22-4, Pavata and Cluster VI (nutritional traits) with genotypes such as – DPLW-22-10. These findings highlight the potential for inter-cluster hybridization, especially between V and VI, to develop high-performing lablab bean varieties.