Genetic Diversity for Grain Yield and Its Attributed Traits in Blackgram Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper

Grain legumes are a wonderful gift from nature and serve as a significant complement to a diet primarily along with cereals. In India, blackgram Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper is a significant legume crop that is widely cultivated. It is one of the most abundant sources of protein, minerals and vitamins. An essential aspect for this crop's genetic improvement is the study of genetic diversity. The present study explores about genetic diversity for grain Yield and its attributed Traits in Blackgram Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper. The investigation was conducted during kharif-2024 in the Field Experimentation Centre of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding to examine 21 blackgram genotypes. The objective was to assess the direct and indirect contributions of different variables on blackgram seed yield, as well as genetic variability and character associations. The experiment was laid out in an randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. High genetic diversity was demonstrated by the significant differences found between genotypes for every variable. High genetic progress and high heritability were seen in biological yield, harvest index, seed yield per plant, and number of major branches, suggesting that direct selection may improve these traits and that additive gene action largely controls them. At both the genotypic and phenotypic levels, correlation analysis showed a strong positive relationship between seed yield per plant and harvest index, seed index, pod length, number of major branches, and number of pods per plant. Seed index and harvest index had the most positive direct influence on seed yield, followed by pod length and number of primary branches, according to path coefficient analysis. According to the study, these characteristics are essential selection criteria for enhancing blackgram breeding programs' seed yield. Top-performing genotypes were identified as IC-330861, IC-330885, IC-426495, IC-385718, and SHEKAR-2, which had a high potential for seed yield with desired yield-contributing features. These genotypes are recommended for future hybridization projects that aim to combine advantageous traits to produce stable and high-yielding blackgram cultivars. All things considered, the study provides a precise genetic basis for wise parent choice and effective selection strategies in programs aimed at improving blackgram.