Genetic variability, character association and genetic divergence for seed quality traits in mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]

The present investigation was conductedon thirty genotypes of mungbean to evaluategenetic variability, character association and genetic divergence for eleven seed quality traits for the identification of most diverse and promising genotypes. The genotypes differed significantly for all characters under study. Higher genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for electrical conductivity test, germination after accelerating ageing (96 hr), seedling vigour index II and seedling dry weight. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for seedling dry weight, seedling vigour index I, seedling vigour index II, electrical conductivity, germination after accelerating ageing (48 hr), germination after accelerating ageing (72 hr), germination after accelerating ageing (96 hr). Association analysis indicated that standard germination showed a significant and positive correlation with shoot length, root length, seedling length, seedling dry weight, seedling vigour index I, seedling vigour index II and germination after accelerating ageing (48, 72 and 96 hr). D² analysis grouped 30 genotypes into 6 clusters. Cluster pattern revealed that cluster I and V were the largest ones with eight genotypes, followed by cluster III and VI with four genotypes and cluster II and IV with three genotypes each. The highest contribution toward the total genetic divergence was recorded for vigour index I, electrical conductivity, shoot length, root length and seedling dry weight. Selection index (I) aimed at selection on several characters simultaneously indicated that genotypes, LGG-460, MH-805, Pusa-0672, IPM-06-5, TBM-11, EC-581523, KM-2241, GP-69, RMG-991 and MH-934 had performed better and were important for further breeding programme aimed at improvement of yield.