Elucidation of genetic variability and Intra and Inter association analysis in advanced lines of blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]

Abstract

Rice fallow pulses, cultivating pulses in rice fallow lands areas left uncultivated after the monsoon (kharif) rice crop is a common agricultural practice. These lands typically remain unused during the winter (rabi) season. Pulses are suitable for such systems due to their ability to germinate through surface seeding and compatibility with relay cropping following rice harvest. Among these, black gram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) is a valuable legume with a high protein content of 24-26%. However, its productivity is often limited by various abiotic and biotic stresses. The present study was undertaken to assess genetic variability and trait correlations in 22 black gram genotypes at the Agricultural Research Station, Ragolu, during the rabi season of 2021-22. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications to evaluate genetic traits and their interrelationships. Traits such as days to 50% flowering, plant height, branches per plant, test weight and seed yield per hectare exhibited high heritability. Notably, the number of branches per plant showed a strong positive direct effect on yield, with a correlation value closely matching its direct influence, indicating a strong association. As a result, this trait can serve as a reliable selection criterion in breeding programs aimed at enhancing black gram yield.