Studies on variability, heritability and genetic advance for quantitative traits in black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]

The present investigation was carried out with 57 genotypes including 42 F₁ hybrids and their 17 parents (14 lines and 3 testers) for 14 quantitative characters at Hayathnagar Research Farm, CRIDA Hyderabad during Rabi 2013 to assess the variability, heritability and genetic advance in black gram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper). The analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences for all the 14 characters indicating presence of genetic variability among lines, testers and hybrids. The highest GCV and PCV were recorded for pod weight followed by pods per plant, seeds per plant, seed yield and plant height. The high heritability along with high genetic advance recorded for plant height, pod weight, seed yield and total biomass. The above traits can be used as selection criteria in black gram breeding programme to improve yield in blackgram.