GENETIC DIVERSITY ANALYSIS IN MUNGREAN (Vigna radiata (L.) WILCZEK)

Abstract

Forty niungbean genotypes was evaluated during February. 2008 to May, 2008 at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University farm to identify genotypes to be utilized in mungbean breeding for the improvement of economic traits. I-Ugh variance was observed for days to maturity, branches per plant, pods per plant. seeds per pod. seed yield per plant, biological yield per plant and harvest index. Seed yield per plant showed significantly positive correlation with branches per plant. pods per plant, biological yield per plant and harvest index. Negative association of biological yield with harvest index showed physiological inefficiency for appropriate partitioning of total dry matter towards economic yield, consequently the accessions with low grain yield attained low harvest index. The gcrmplasm accessions were grouped into six clusters on average linkage basis. First three principal components (PCs) with eigen values > I contributed 71.47% of the variability amongst the accessions. The populations with greater PC1 values were high yielding, late maturing and were characterized by high number of branches with more pods. The second component was strongly associated with earliness. more number of seeds and high harvest index. Green seed coat color and shiny seed luster proved their importance in selection for improving most of the yield contributing traits.