Divergence studies of blackgram (Vigna mungo L) for selection of drought tolerant genotypes under rainfed conditions of North Western Himalayas in J & K, India

The present investigation was aimed at ascertaining the nature and magnitude of genetic diversity among a set of twenty five blackgram genotypes through Mahalanobis D² method. Field experiments were conducted continuously during Kharif 2016 and 2017 to examine the selection indices and genetic divergence among twenty five black gram genotypes under rainfed conditions. This study assessed the drought response of twenty five genotypes of blackgram grown in a randomized block design (R.B.D.) during Kharif 2016 and 2017. The genotypes under study fall into six clusters. The cluster-V contained the highest number of genotypes (06) followed by cluster-VI (05) and Cluster-III (05) and cluster II^nd and IV^th each contained 04 genotypes. It is suggested that the recombinant should be made between genotypes of cluster V, III and VI for enhancing the seed yield potential of crop as well as improving important economic traits to develop a high yielding variety or cultivar for rainfed areas in future breeding programme. On the basis of selection indices scores, genotypes are arranged in the order of merit and top 05 or 10% of total used genotypes may be selected for further breeding programmes. The genotype Uttara (262.31) gained maximum selection indices score followed by genotypes NP 16 (255.37), PU 99 (251.90), UH86-4(251.09) and No. 13/11(246.86) and these genotypes shall also be utilized for future breeding programme.