Variability and association analyses of powdery mildew disease scores, seed yield and component traits in blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]

Abstract

The present study was focused on evaluating the F3 population of VBN 11 x LBG 17 based on 10 yield components and the per cent disease index (PDI) for powdery mildew. Variability, correlation, and path analyses were performed to examine the data. The F3 population exhibited a wide range of variation for both yield components and PDI. Notably, the number of branches per plant, PDI, and seed yield per plant (g) showed high phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation. Furthermore, PDI alone displayed high heritability along with a high genetic advance as a percentage of mean. Moderate heritability and high genetic advance as a percentage of mean were observed for plant height (cm), number of branches per plant, total number of pods per plant, and seed yield per plant (g). These findings suggest that these traits are influenced by additive gene action and are suitable for effective selection. Correlation analysis revealed that all traits, except PDI and 100-seed weight, were significantly associated with seed yield per plant (g). Path analysis indicated that the total number of pods per plant had a substantial direct effect. Consequently, the total number of pods per plant can serve as a selection index for yield improvement programs. Notably, PDI exhibited no association with seed yield per plant (g), suggesting that resistant genotypes can be developed without any adverse correlation among yield components.

Keywords

• blackgram
• correlation
• path analysis
• powdery mildew
• variability