Greengram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) is a short-duration pulse crop widely cultivated in Asia, contributing significantly to dietary protein security. The present investigation was conducted to assess variability, heritability, genetic advance, association among traits, and path coefficient analysis of yield component characters in advanced greengram lines, with the objective of identifying effective selection criteria for grain yield improvement. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was noticed for number of clusters per plant and number of pods per cluster and grain yield per plant, indicating the effectiveness of direct phenotypic selection for improvement of these traits. The study of genetic parameters such as variability, heritability, and genetic advance in greengram provides valuable information on the extent of genetic diversity and the potential response to selection. Among the traits studied number of pods per cluster and number of pods per plant had recorded significant and positive correlation with grain yield per plant, further number of pods per plant had high positive direct effect coupled with significant and positive correlation with grain yield per plant and hence, are identified as effective selection criterion for grain yield improvement. Correlation analysis helps in understanding the degree of association among yield components, while path analysis partitions these correlations into direct and indirect effects, thereby revealing the traits exerting the most influence on grain yield. Together, these tools enable the identification of effective selection criteria, facilitating the development of high-yielding and stable greengram varieties.

Correlation Analysis, Greengram, Genetic Advance, Heritability, Path Analysis and Yield Attributes

The present study revealed considerable variability among the genotypes for most of the yield and yield-contributing traits, indicating ample scope for selection in blackgram improvement. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean observed for number of clusters per plant, number of pods per cluster, and seed yield per hectare suggests that these traits are predominantly governed by additive gene action and can be effectively improved through simple selection. The strong positive association of seed yield with number of pods per cluster and number of pods per plant, further supported by their favorable direct effects in path analysis, highlights these traits as key yield determinants. Hence, simultaneous improvement of pod bearing capacity and pod number should be prioritized in breeding programs to achieve substantial gains in greengram productivity.

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