Genetic Divergence for Yield and its Components in Green Gram

Genetic divergence using Mahalanobis's D² technique was studied for yield and its components, viz., number of pods, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, pod length, seed weight, diameter of stem, number of viable seeds per pod and days from sowing to flowering in 36 strains of green gram (Phaseolus aureus Roxb.) obtained from different states of India with varying parentage.

The varieties differed significantly for the nine characters considered collectively. Seed weight and pod length contributed maximum towards the total divergence. The 36 strains were grouped in 10 clusters depending on similarities of their D² values. The clustering pattern of the strains usually did not follow the geographical distribution. The parentage had definite effect on clustering pattern. It was suggested that locally adapted diverse parents may be exploited more successfully through hybridization.