Variability, Heritability, Correlation and Genetic Divergence Studies in Dolichos Bean ( Lablab purpureus L.)

Variability, heritability, correlation and genetic divergence were studied in 30 strains of dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus L.) for various growth and yield attributing parameters. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was found in number of flowers per cluster, fresh green pod yield per plant, green pod yield per hectare, and mineral content. High heritability and expected genetic advance was found in number of flowers per cluster, vine length, weight of 10 green pods, fresh green pod yield per plant, and green pod yield per hectare. Genotypic correlation was higher than phenotypic correlation. Yield per plant was positively and significantly correlated with number of branches per plant, number of pods per cluster, number of pods per plant, weight of 10 green pods, number of clusters per plant, and number of flowers per cluster. For genetic divergence studies, the genotypes were grouped into 11 clusters on the basis of relative magnitude of D² values. Maximum intercluster distance was recorded between Clusters VII and I, indicating a wide diversity among these two clusters. Minimum intercluster distance was observed between Clusters IX and VIII, indicating their close relationship. Thus, Clusters VII and I were generally the most divergent from the other clusters. Intra-cluster value was highest for Cluster IX. Intra-cluster distance was least for Clusters VI and X. Among the genotypes, SC-5, SC-7, SC-11, SC-16 and SC-17 were the best in traits related to yield compared to the Check, PS-2.