Genetic Variability and Divergence of Morphological and Seed Quality Traits of Greengram (Vigna radiata L.) Genotypes

Forty greengram genotypes were evaluated for their morphological traits and to find the extent of genetic variability. Analysis of variance revealed that the genotypes were highly significant for all the characters studied, indicating the existence of considerable magnitude of variability. High (>20%) phenotypic co-efficient of variation and high genotypic co-efficient of variation for seed yield (kg/4.05 m2) in the present investigation was noticed and indicating the minimal influence of environment and presence of high genetic variability for the trait in the experimental material. Hence, selection based on phenotype in these genotypes can also be effective for improvement of seed yield. High heritability to plant height (cm), days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, pod length, 100 seed weight, protein estimation and medium heritability to seed yield (kg/4.05 m2). High GAM to plant height and seed yield demonstrates the presence of additive gene effect indicating effectiveness of selection for improvement of these traits. Mahalanobis D2 analysis suggested the maximum contribution of seed yield (74.87%) towards genetic diversity followed by Plant height (8.08%), Days to Maturity (7.69%), Pod length (4.36%), Days to 50% flowering (3.59%), Seedling Dry Weight (0.64%), Protein Estimation (0.64%), 100 seed weight (0.13%). All 40 genotypes were grouped into 12 clusters. The clustering pattern revealed that genetic diversity was associated with geographical diversity in the present research. Based on mean performances, the genotypes PUSA-9072, MLGG-21-2, IC-436557, MLGG-21-6, RMP-21-11, Gouri, MLGG-21-3, MGG-512, MGG-519 from these clusters can be directly used as parents in the hybridization programme. The output of this study is characterization of greengram genotypes for DUS characters and other traits. This study helps in identification of genotypes with suitable traits, helps in registration of lines with PPV and FRA and the material can be used in breeding programmes.