Genetic diversity for yield, yield components and nutritional traits in greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]

Abstract

The research work was undertaken to assess the genetic diversity among forty-five greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) genotypes using Mahalanobis’ D² statistics. The experiment was laid out in an Alpha Lattice Design with three replications, evaluating ten quantitative and four nutritional traits. Based on multivariate analysis, the genotypes were grouped into five distinct clusters, with cluster I comprising 37 genotypes, cluster II with five genotypes and clusters III, IV, and V were solitary with one genotype in each cluster. Maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between Clusters IV and V (1328.76), indicating wide genetic divergence and high potential for heterotic combinations. Cluster mean analysis revealed Clusters III and V were superior for several yield and nutritional traits. Seed yield per plant, Pods per plant, Test weight, Iron content, Pod length and Branches per plant contributed significantly to total genetic divergence, together accounting for 59.36% of the total variability. The study underscores the importance of these traits in selection and hybridization programs and identifies genetically diverse parents for the development of high-yielding, nutrient-rich greengram cultivars.