Studies on Genetic Variability in Dolichos Bean (Lablab purpureus L.)

Fifty seven pole-type vegetable dolichos bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet] germplasm lines were evaluated for genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance at the experimental farm of Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, during 2010-12. GCV was comparatively high in days to 50% flowering, days to pod maturity, pod length, pod weight, number of pods per cluster, number of pods per plant, pod yield per plant and pod width. High heritability estimates were observed for number of pods per plant, pod yield per plant, pod weight, days to 50% flowering, pod length, days to pod maturity, pod width and number of pods per cluster. High genetic advance, along with relatively high heritability percent, was observed for number of pods per cluster and pod width. Existence of wide variation along with high heritability and genetic advance for number of pods per cluster, pod length, pod width and pod yield per plant indicate that selection would be effective for these traits. Among the accessions studied, IIHR 177 was early for 50% flowering (43 days) and pod maturity (65 days). IIHR 6 and IIHR 11 had maximum pod length (16.5cm) and pod width (4.1cm), respectively. Ten-pod weight was highest in IIHR 7(122g), while the number of pods per plant was high in IIHR 159 (91.0). Maximum pod yield was seen in IIHR 150 (576.9g per plant). These accessions having green, purple or creamy-white pods can be used in future breeding programmes.