Comparative assessment and genetic variability studies for yield and various yield contributing traits in broad bean (Vicia faba L.)

The present investigation was planned to evaluate seventy broad bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes for various yield and yield contributing traits. The experiment was carried out in the experimental field of Division of Vegetable Science during the year Rabi 2021-2022 and Rabi 2022-2023 in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, consisting of three rows of each genotypes in each replication at a spacing of 45cm×30cm. Observations were recorded on traits viz., days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, leaflet size, number of branches per plant, number of flowers per cluster, number of pods per cluster, plant height, number of pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod, average pod weight, 100-seed weight , seed yield and pod yield per plant. The analysis of variance revealed mean sum of squares due to genotypes was significant for all the traits that were studied, indicating the presence of sufficient variability among the genotypes. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits studied, indicating the role of environment in the expression of traits under observation. The overall mean performance depicted sufficient amount of variation in the available germplasm. Based on the mean performance of all the genotypes for various traits studied, genotypes viz., L. Selection, SK-BB-2, 225620, SK-B-4, SK-BB-3, SK-BB-7, NBPGR-909 and KD-4 were found superior in terms of pod yield per plant andshould be used infurther breeding programmes.