Genetic variability for morpho-metric traits in Dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet) germplasm

An investigation was carried out to assess the variability among 644 germplasm accessions of dolichos bean which included540Indian,24Kenyanand80accessions ofunknown origin at University of agricultural sciences (UAS), Bangalore for 20 quantitative traits and three qualitative traits. The germplasm accessions along with four check entries were sown in augmented design in 10 compact blocks during Kharif 2012 at the experimental plots of UAS, Bangalore. Substantial variability among the accessions for quantitative traits and polymorphism for qualitative traits were documented. The germplasm accessions could be grouped into six clusters following model-based K-means clustering approach. The quantitative trait means and variances differed significantly among the clusters. Some of the germplasm accessions were superior than the check HA-4. The accessions contrasting for individual and multiple traits were identified. These results are discussed in relation to suitable strategies to be adopted for breeding Dolichos bean for improved productivity.