Genetic divergence analysis in black gram (Vigna mungo L.)

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to study the extent of genetic divergence among seven black gram (Vigna mungo L.) genotypes, namely AKU-15, PDKV Black Gold AKV, Phule Vasu, PU0609-43, BDU-1, Urdbean Tapu-4, and Phule Rajan. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with three replications during Kharif 2024 at the experimental farm of [Your Institute]. Data were recorded on ten quantitative traits. Genetic divergence was estimated using Mahalanobis’ D² statistics. The genotypes were grouped into three clusters, indicating the presence of considerable genetic variability. Cluster II contained the maximum genotypes (3), followed by Cluster I (2) and Cluster III (2). Maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between Cluster I and Cluster III, suggesting that hybridization between genotypes belonging to these clusters may yield promising segregants. Traits contributing maximum divergence were pods per plant, seed yield per plant, and 100-seed weight. These findings suggest that Urdbean Tapu-4 and Phule Vasu may be used as potential parents in hybridization programs to develop high-yielding varieties.