Genetic divergence and realised heterosis based on dry matter components in mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)

Utilizing generalised distance and canonical analysis, the divergence in 8 genotypes of mungbean and their15 hybrids were assessed for root weight, stem weight, petiole weight, leaf weight, pod weight, total dry matter production (TDMP),seed yield and harvest index. The 23 genotypes fell into five clusters. The clustering pattern did not conform to geographical distribution. Genotypes ML 65 and K 851 included in cluster II were the most divergent from the genotypes in cluster V, i.e. Co 4 and LM 222. The canonical analysis confirmed to a large extent, the clustering pattern obtained by multivariate analysis. Both measures of divergence identified the same characters, petiole weight, stem weight, root weight as the major sources of divergence. Canonical analysis identified harvest index as another source of divergence in the second vector. In general, there was fairly good correspondence between divergence between parents measured by generalised distance and the extent of superiority of F₁ over midparent in respect of pod weight and seed yield.