Genetic variability and character association studies in mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)

The investigation titled “Genetic Variability and Character Association studies in Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)” was conducted during Kharif 2024 at Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, evaluating 35 genotypes including a standard check using a randomized block design with two replications. Ten traits were assessed, and analysis of variance revealed significant genetic differences across all genotypes. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) exceeded genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for every trait, with the greatest variability seen in seed yield per plant, followed by pods per plant, pod length, primary branches per plant, 100‑seed weight, plant height, seeds per pod, days to flowering, protein content, and days to maturity. Traits showing both high heritability and genetic advance as a percent of the mean included seed yield, pod length, pods per plant, primary branches, 100‑seed weight, protein content, plant height, seeds per pod, days to maturity, and flowering. Seed yield per plant was significantly and positively correlated with pods per plant, 100‑seed weight, seeds per pod, pod length, primary branches, and plant height, while non-significant correlations were observed with protein content and phenological traits. Path coefficient analysis confirmed strong direct effects of these yield components, emphasizing their importance in selection indices for breeding. Among the genotypes, GMU‑2020‑19, GMU‑2020‑11, GMU‑2020‑8, and GMU‑2020‑24 surpassed the check variety PKV‑Green Gold in seed yield and yield-related traits, making them promising candidates for future mungbean varietal improvement programs.