Extent of genetic variability for quantitative traits in Indian clusterbean germplasm [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) taub]

Clusterbean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] (2n=2×=14) is an under exploited legume belonging to the family Fabaceae. Clusterbean is a versatile legume crop cultivated mostly as vegetable, for the extraction of guar gum, animal feed cover crop. Clusterbean is a drought tolerant, hardy, deep rooted annual legume. To assess the nature and magnitude for genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for seed yield and component characters that are useful for an effective selection programme, the present study was under taken.

A set of 40 clusterbean genotypes were evaluated during Kharif 2019 in in randomized complete block design with four replications at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, India.

The highest estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for the number of branches per plant followed by seed yield per plant, days to flowering and number of clusters per plant indicating the presence of wide genetic variability for these characters. High estimates of heritability coupled with high genetic advance were observed for number of branches per plant, seed yield per plant and days to flowering indicating the presence of additive genes and less environmental influence on the characters and existence of sufficient heritable variation and wider scope for effective selection.