Variability and Character Relationships in F4 Progenies for Seed Yield in Black Gram Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper

Black gram is a vital pulse crop, used for its high protein content and nutritional value. It plays a crucial role in diverse culinary traditions and contributes significantly to food security. The objective of this research was to assess the variability resulting from hybridisation for F4 generation by employing multiple parameters, comprising variability, correlation and path analysis. In this study, 100 F4 progenies resulting from the cross between NUK-15-02 and NUK-15-07 were assessed using Augmented Block Design, alongside four standard check varieties. High GCV and PCV values observed for traits such as branches per plant, clusters per plant, pods per plant, and seed yield per plant (g). High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for branches per plant, clusters per plant, pods per plant, pod length (cm), 100 seed weight (g), days to maturity, harvest index (%) and seed yield per plant (g). Seed yield per plant (g) exhibited strong positive associations with plant height (cm), pod length (cm), seeds per pod, clusters per plant, pods per plant, and harvest index (%). Path analysis highlighted that the highest positive direct effects on seed yield per plant were attributed to pods per plant, followed by clusters per plant and seeds per pod. The study highlights significant variability among black gram progenies, which can guide breeding programs to enhance yield and traits through targeted selection.