Genetic Association and Assessment of Genetic Variability of Urdbean [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] Genotypes based on Morphological Traits

The present investigation was undertaken to examine the genetic variability and association between morphological traits among the 22 advanced lines including 3 checks of urdbean diverse collections. Genetic variability and association studies play an important role in developing a new genotype. The urdbean productivity remains low in India because of the low genetic base for yield improvement, limited amount of variability for yield traits, poor ideotype of urdbean plant, inadequate management of the crop, weed infestation and susceptibility to abiotic and biotic stresses. Genetic variability is the most important factor in the success of any crop improvement programme.

An experiment was laid out in a completely randomized block design with three replications at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh in high productive black cotton soils during Kharif 2014 on 22 advance lines including 3 checks. Each plot comprised 6 rows of 4 meter length with 30 cm distance between rows and 10 cm between plants.

The study found that the mean amounts of squares due to the genotype were very significant for all morphological characteristics except 100 seed weight. High estimates of heritability and genetic advance were recorded for seed yield, days to maturity and plant height indicating the role of additive gene effects with little environmental influence in determining these traits and simple phenotypic selection can be effective. The results also indicated improvement through direct selection for these traits can increase directly the grain yield in Urdbean.