Combining Ability Analysis in Greengram ( Vigna Radiata (L.)wilczek)

Abstract

A line x tester analysis involving 12 lines and 3 testers were carried out for 13 quantitative characters in Green gram (Vigna radiata L.Wilczek). Analysis of variance revealed substantial amount of variability for all the characters, indicating wide spectrum of variation among the genotypes. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance for plant height, branches per plant, clusters per plant, pods per cluster, pods per plant, seeds per pod, pod length, biological yield per plant, 100- seed weight, seed yield per plant and harvest index showing the influence of additive gene action on these traits hence, may be useful for effective selection. Higher magnitude of phenotypic correlations than the corresponding genotypic, indicating the environmental influence among the various traits. Seed yield was found to be positive and significantly correlated with pods per plant, harvest index, pod length, branches per plant, 1 00- seed weight, plant height andbiological yield per plant. Thus any selection based on these characters will enhance performance and improvement in green gram. Path coefficient analysis exhibited that harvest index,pods per plant, seeds per pod,pod length, biological yield per plant, 100- seed weight, pods per cluster, plant height, clusters per plant and branches per plant were the most important traits, controlling directly to seed yield. Among the lines Pusa 109-32 and IPM052-8 were appeared as best general combiner for most of the yield contributing characters. Whereas among the testerHUM 12 was good general combiners for most of the yield contributing traits.Specific combining ability effect estimates showed a very wide range of variation for most of the characters. Maximum SCA effect in desirable direction for seed yield, branches per plant, pods per plant and seeds per pod by the crosses MH 427 x HUM 12, WGG 37 x Pusa 6, MH 565 x Pusa 6, IPM05-2 x HUM 12 and RMG 975 x HUM16 respectively. The crosses MH 427 x HUM 16,Pusa 109-32 x HUM 16, IM2K14-5 x HUM 16 and Pusa 109-32 x Pusa 6 expressed maximum heterobeltiosis and relative heterosis in desirable direction for seed yield. For most of the major traits including seed yield both additive and non additive gene action were of prime importance.