Genetic variability in black gram (Vigna munga (L.) Hepper)

A study was conducted involving 39 genotypes of black gram for genetic variability of seed yield and its components traits. The estimates of PCV values were higher than GCV. High GCV estimates were observed for single plant yield, number of clusters pod^-1, plant height, number of branches plant^-1, hundred seed weight, number of seeds pod^-1 and pod length. All the nine quantitative characters studied had high heritability indicating lesser environmental influence. Among the characters, number of clusters plant^-1, number of pods plant^-1, hundred seed weight and single plant yield recorded high heritability with high genetic advance, suggesting these characters are governed by additive genetic effect to a great extent and improvement of these characters would be effective through phenotypic selection.