Genetic Analysis and Trait Association Studies for Yield Enhancement in Mungbean Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

Background: Genetic variability forms the cornerstone of any crop improvement program, providing the raw material for selection and hybridisation. Estimation of genetic parameters such as variability, heritability, and genetic advance enables breeders to understand the extent of genetic diversity present within the population and the potential for selection-driven improvement. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the genetic variability, heritability estimates, and inter-relationships among important yield and yield-contributing traits in mungbean. This information will aid in identifying promising genotypes and understanding the genetic architecture of traits, thereby facilitating the development of high-yielding, stable, and resilient mungbean varieties through effective selection strategies. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) comprising three replications. Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was carried out at the experimental plot of the Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station (RRTTS), Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Keonjhar, situated under the North Central Plateau Zone (NCPZ) of Odisha. Methodology: The research materials consisted of a total of 14 entries, which included four advanced breeding lines (F5 generation), five parental lines and five check varieties. Results: The present investigation revealed substantial genetic variability among the studied mungbean genotypes for key agronomic traits, providing ample opportunities for crop improvement through selection and breeding. The elite breeding line OKGG-12 (F5) emerged as a particularly promising genotype, exhibiting superior performance in critical yield-contributing traits such as the number of pods per plant (80.33), seeds per pod (13), and the highest seed yield (1313 kg/ha), surpassing even the best-performing check LGG-460, whereas lowest yield was recorded in OKGG-9 (1116 kg/ha) among the advanced breeding lines. High heritability coupled with substantial genetic advance was observed for traits such as plant height, pod length, and 100-seed weight, indicating the predominance of additive gene action and the feasibility of improving these traits through direct selection. Conclusion: The strong association among branching traits, number of clusters, and pod production emphasises the significance of plant architecture in mungbean yield improvement. Furthermore, early-flowering genotypes like OKGG-12 (F5) and OKGG-9 (F5) demonstrated suitability for short-duration cropping systems, expanding their adaptability. Overall, the study underscores the potential of specific genotypes and key yield attributes in mungbean improvement programs.