Archives of Current Research International

Genetic improvement of blackgram under rice fallow conditions depends on understanding the extent of genetic variability in germplasm. Since yield is a complex trait influenced by multiple characters and environmental factors so direct selection is often inefficient. Therefore, estimation of genetic parameters such as variability, heritability and genetic advance helps in improving selection efficiency.  In the present study 23 blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) genotypes were evaluated under paddy fallow conditions for various quantitative traits to determine the relationship among seed yield and its contributing traits using the direct and indirect selection parameters. The results indicated that PCV was higher than GCV for all traits, suggesting environmental influence. High heritability was observed for days to maturity (84.36%), plant height (63.64%), days to 50% flowering (56.14%) and 100-seed weight (53.05%). Plant height and 100-seed weight showed moderate genetic advance, indicating additive gene action. Correlation analysis revealed a positive association of seed yield with number of clusters per plant (0.54) and number of pods per plant (0.84) while it was negatively associated with days to flowering (0.69), days to maturity (0.03) and plant height (0.75). Path analysis showed strong positive direct effects of number of clusters per plant (0.94) and 100-seed weight (0.73) on seed yield. Hence, selection based on number of clusters per plant and 100 seed weight would be most effective for improving yield in blackgram under paddy fallow conditions.